Edwards Unlikely To Endorse....The Politico

[SoFlaJet]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9162.html

Edwards unlikely to endorse
By DAVID PAUL KUHN | 3/21/08 6:25 PM EST

John Edwards is unlikely to endorse either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton before the nomination is decided, according to interviews with several members of the former candidate's inner circle.

At least three individuals who have recently spoken to Edwards expect that he will choose to stay out of the fight, though they warn that no one other than his wife, Elizabeth, can be certain of his thinking.

“My gut instinct, at this point: He’s probably going to remain neutral and sort of try to play on that Al Gore status as party elder,” said a former Edwards operative who is in regular contact with the former North Carolina senator and who asked that his name be withheld.

“There is a real space for him to be an advocate for the issues that he cares about but also to play a role as a party elder,” he continued. “I think he is, at this point, probably going to take the route of 'We got two great candidates, let the people decide.'”

[C_U_L8R]

1. Elder Schmelder

Edwards and Gore aren't doing the party any favors by sitting on their butts.

[zalinda]

2. And would you think the same of them

if they endorsed someone other than YOUR candidate?

zalinda

[C_U_L8R]

6. I don't care.... I want them off their butts

they don't have to be so coy
and i think they are giving themselves way too much credit.

We'll all make up our own minds... I just want to know where these non-leading elders stand

[Inspired]

11. They are both private citizens. Why is it any of your business to know?

You seem to be the one giving them too much credit by insisting they share their thoughts. You can't have it both ways.

[The River]

5. Would You Rather

they speak up and endorse the wrong person?

[C_U_L8R]

7. there is no wrong person

they shouldn't be so timid to speak out...
that's not really what leaders do.

[rosesaylavee]

14. I don't think it has anything to do with timidity.

I am trying to find the link but its been reported in the past month or so that Gore, Dean, Pelosi and Reid have been working behind the scenes with both remaining candidates. I think we have them to thank for the relative ceasefire we enjoyed in late January and into March. If you recall, the debates took a sudden turn for pleasantness before the Feb 5 primary.

I don't think they are sitting on their butts... their neutrality gives them the ability to speak to both candidates candidly about doing what's best for the party and reminding them (I hope) that our objective is to win back the WH in the fall.

[Clear Blue Sky]

3. Easy to pick the winner when the game is already over...

[Inspired]

12. But it is the winner who we are all going to support.

So why does it matter at this point?

[joeybee12]

4. Would his endorsement make a difference at this point?

I don't think so...it's not like he stayed in the race for a long time and amassed lost of delegates. I could be wrong, but that's my gut reaction...that most of the electorate is not paying attention to him, and that his ardent followers have already made up their minds as to Hilary or BO.

[Mist]

8. I've been assuming Edwards would seek the Atty Gen'l position for whoever wins. nt

[rucky]

9. Smart move.

I hope he's our next AG, either way.

[Kukesa]

10. So do I, rucky, so do I. n/t

[Red Zelda]

13. Go away John

you are so yesterday.

[sharesunited]

15. Endorsing a primary candidate who doesn't win

the nomination harms the value of your support in the general election.

Gore and Edwards may prefer to lay out until a nominee has been chosen so that their support is preserved for the party free of any cloud that you were not my first choice.

[Inspired]

16. Yes and I think that is very wise.

Can you imagine Kerry or Kennedy being of much value to the Clinton campaign in the GE? Can you imagine Rendell or Vilsack being of much value to Obama's campaign in the GE?

Of course, Edwards first choice was himself!

[sharesunited]

17. More than his own first choice

John Edwards knows he is a brand of progressive message for whom many despirited Edwards supporters are not seeing a suitable replacement. When Edwards campaigns for the nominee, he will bring them back into the fold. This gives him great appeal as a potential running mate, though his influence will certainly be felt whether or not he is on the ticket.

[kimmerspixelated]

18. Another thing is to consider

that in some ways, nobody really wants Edwards on their team. For the his lost votes, yes! But Edwards, who was the best candidate IMHO, was/is bound and determined to bring down the demons of corporate America, and it is hard to imagine being elected with a VP like him in our country since corporations are essentially running the government-period! Corporate America hopes Hillary gets it, for this very reason!