Edwards' supporters in the HOUSE!? Check in!

[chimpymustgo]

I got back from a week at the beach this afternoon, and was pleasantly surprised to see lots of very positive Edwards posts.

I know he had a great week. I watched the town hall Monday night - FABULOUS. He got a lot of press this week - Slate, NYT, Wash Post. He's making his move.

Edwards is the candidate who can take it to * head on - and appeal to left, center, and some righties. He puts the South in play. He's got the message, the charismas, the smarts, the looks, the "wife and kids", the "life story".

We really should get behind him. He is a WINNER.

[PurityOfEssence]

1. Well...me, but you knew that.

Yes, great meeting.

Exciting week all around. Nice to see more people entertaining him.

Perhaps the ridiculously foreshortened primary season isn't so terrible; what's happening is a de facto earlier start. Who knows.

Sorry, but right now I'm just giddy with unfettered schadenfreude at the silly twisting and dodging of the megaguilty administration.

[tjdee]

2. There aren't many of us.

There are about 5-10 of us at DU who are vocal about it.

And someone's going to ask why Edwards hasn't made a bigger statement on the LYING. I'm sure someone will ask him this weekend, I think he has a town hall in NH again.

Though, he's on the intelligence committee, so there's that. It's not like he can blast away like some others. He is in a unique position here and with the Frist/law thing. He should be more visible in the days to come.

He better do his job unless he wants to lose this thing.

[ShaneGR]

3. I'm an Edwards guy, and I agree he needs to ramp up the volume

He needs to demand a full and open investigation into the matter. BTW, he did have a good week.

[chimpymustgo]

4. Oh, he's ready with the comeback.

Edwards Says Urgent Challenge Is Securing The Peace In Iraq




KNOXVILLE, TN - Senator John Edwards made the following statement today about Iraq and the inaccurate statements included in the president's State of the Union address:
"This is troubling. And it's the latest in a series of troubling questions about intelligence provided to the Congress and the American people before the war that we need to get to the bottom of. We have started to do that on the Intelligence Committee. It's important that we complete that process and that the findings of this investigation be made public.

"But the urgent challenge before us is literally a matter of life and death. American lives and Iraqi lives.

"And unfortunately, this failure has been a long time coming. Long before the war began I warned the Administration that planning for the reconstruction of Iraq was as important as winning the war. They failed to learn that lesson in Afghanistan and they are failing again in Iraq.

"This should not be complicated; we just need to commit to finishing the job we set out to do."


www.johnedwards20004.com

[sandnsea]

5. Do you have any links to his statements before the war?

I read Kerry's today and found a few things that I didn't know which eased my mind on his position. I need to see what Edwards actually said, preferably on the floor, to see his position.

I guess it's kind of hard for him to be very vocal about intelligence when he's on the committee that's investigating it. On the other hand, it also means he's got a heck of alot of responsibility in getting to the truth.

I loved his New Hampshire meeting. He was wonderful. I particularly liked when someone asked if he would sign the International Criminal Court treaty. Yes.

Can't see alot of bull coming from him. I just hope he understands the whole world needs relief from corporations, just like we do.

[tjdee]

7. Here's his floor statement...

It starts with the usual b.s., but he makes a strong case for international action through the UN--but it's clear, IMO, that he thought even if we couldn't get that we could get the big guns as in Kosovo.

He also talks briefly about examining our 'overall engagement' in the Middle East, which I found interesting.

Also, keep in mind he's on the intelligence committee, and who knows what lies the administration was shoveling through at that point.

http://edwards.senate.gov/statements/20020912_iraq.html

Not his best moment, IMO. I hope he gets it together.

[sandnsea]

12. Thanks, it is a bit unnerving

I'm not very pleased with his gung ho, take out Saddam, attitude. Kerry was much more concise in his statement, “I am voting to give this authority to the President for one reason and one reason only: to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction if we cannot accomplish that objective through new tough weapons inspections... Every nation has the right to act preemptively if it faces an imminent and grave threat. But the threat we face, today, with Iraq fails the test.” I guess I had hoped Edwards was a bit wiser about the situation in Iraq, but I guess not. He may have to come out and just say he was wrong.

The rest of his comments were very good though, he has been concerned about the reconstruction from the beginning and remains concerned about Afghanistan. Have to see what he does about this whole mess I suppose.

[tjdee]

15. I agree.

I am not in any way pleased with his Iraq stance, but I can respect that he has been consistent about it and seems to honestly feel that was the thing to do--in light of the evidence presented to him (who knows how accurate that was?). Also, he has been pretty vocal about the fact that the Bushies have completely fucked up in regard to the international community because of Iraq, and that the 'after war' period is going terribly. I think he expected it to go cleaner.

That is the one vote that makes me crazy about him--I keep hoping he's going to say he was wrong, he was lied to, and that Bush is the one who did it. Not holding my breath, though. I think he is taking a measured approach so he doesn't come off as a)a jackass, and b)wrong when he says so (as in, they 'find' WMD next week, or as happened today, someone admits fault who ISN'T Bush).

[tjdee]

8. I think he did.

I can't remember exactly, but during the town meeting (before the sh** hit it), someone asked him about WMD, and he said that they ARE investigating, and that he thinks the hearings should be open. I absolutely remember him saying the hearings should be open to Americans, he got applause for it.

[tjdee]

9. OH--and read this:

Edwards spent the first half of the year fundraising so that he could spend the second half campaigning. It's his strategery, LOL, but still makes me a bit nervous.

"We spent most of the first six months raising money so that we had the resources to run a serious presidential campaign," he said. "... The fund raising will become a less significant part of what we're doing."
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/6254624.htm

[fishnfla]

6. i'm leaning his way

did you see the photo in the current issue of Esquire? Him and the family, cute kids. All the candidates were in there, except DK. Dean came across as a putz. Refused to be photo'd with his family like the other candidates, he was surrounded by a bunch of campaign workers who didn't look old enough to vote. The camera guy asked him to look serious, "this is serious" another smirker.

[Doctor_J]

10. For VP

with Wesley Clark at the head. Clark seems to me to be untouchable by the Rove Media Machine, and he's turned the country around, JE will be ready to take over.

[fishnfla]

11. You need to read Esquire too

they have a feature article on him. I heard he's angeling for VP-I'd go for that in a heartbeat!

[tjdee]

17. Which Esquire is it?

Who's on the cover?

[bicentennial_baby]

27. J-Lo cover

August issue...Great article on Wesley

[tjdee]

43. Thank you! n/t

[Sophree]

20. Edwards/Clark

Is a freakin Rove nightmare. With Clark, you allay the fears of no military experience with Edwards, which is his only real weakness.

OK, this is my dream ticket. It could be the red wine talking, but I think I have to declare my support for Edwards and I've done enough fence-sitting.

He is our best chance. The Cabal fears him most. He speaks eloquently and has great ideas. That's all we really need to know.

Edwards/Clark 2004

There, I did it.

:dem:

[chimpymustgo]

21. Edwards/Clark - killer ticket.

Okay, I took a little nap (tough week at the beach). I am so loving the new Edwards support on the board. I truly feel that as he is seen and heard more, Dems will realize he is THE lethal weapon against *. It's been a good week. Let's keep the momentum going!

[Imajika]

13. Here, here!

"We really should get behind him. He is a WINNER."

He is my first choice.

I sort of have the feeling that Kerry is going to win the nomination, but I think Edwards would really be the better candidate against Bush.

Edwards is the candidate who can take it to * head on - and appeal to left, center, and some righties. He puts the South in play. He's got the message, the charismas, the smarts, the looks, the 'wife and kids', the 'life story'.

Agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed and agreed.

I am here in Northern Virginia. If there are any Edwards supporters reading this in my neck of the woods, perhaps we could consider arranging some sort of get-together/meetup kind of thing sometime going forward? Virginia is a state that a candidate like Edwards might really have a shot at taking away from the GOP.

Imajika

[Liberal_Andy]

14. I saw a brief clip of him today,

saying we needed to get to the bottom of this Niger thing, (about time, John, I wrote you about it 3 months ago!!)

I still think he comes off best of the group in a head to head compare and contrast with Chimpy.

He's the Anti-Bush!

[tjdee]

16. Really? What did he say?

I'm interested in what he has to say--

But, LOL, I guess he said we have to get to the bottom of this Niger thing, LOL!

[Liberal_Andy]

18. It was a very brief clip!

n/t

[Dob Bole]

19. yo

Edwards needs to start posting here. He could learn from us...

[elsiesummers]

22. Go Edwards!

Edwards/Clark, Edwards/Graham, or Edwards/Gephardt.

All would be winning tickets.

Sgr2 is dead on that he really needs to "ramp up the volume."

He needs to make news.

It's really make or break time, because I notice that many articles are mentioning Dean, Kerry and Gephardt as the top tier - and putting Edwards down with Lieberman - little to no mention.

Not Good.

He needs some press - he needs to start getting out in front of news stories as they happen, rather than weighing in as the fifth candidate opinion.

His economic message is brilliant - but if he doesn't get some press for saying something, anything, his economic message won't be heard.

He is going to have to say or do something controversial - or voice the first opinion on a news cycle story - something out in front of the rest of the pack.

I think that he can account for his war vote - remaining strong (not waffling) but dissappate any negativity - by pointing out that he represented his Southern State constituency accurately - that he voted in line with the views of the N. Carolinians he represtents.

[chimpymustgo]

23. He's moving into high gear now.

NYT had a front page story (which I posted) about Edwards vs. Frist in the Senate (lawyer vs doctor on medical malpractice caps).

The Slate piece was excellent (also posted here).

His town hall on C-SPAN was just perfect.

He has more of them coming up, and I feel certain that as soon as people see and hear him they will get on board. Edwards is the one who can bring * down!

[Sophree]

24. Here's a Slate mini-bio

http://slate.msn.com/id/2083793/

Note his campaign song is "Small Town" by John Mellencamp.

And I believe it was Salon who endorsed Edwards yesterday- someone posted the article comparing Dean and Edwards and I did a search, but could not find it. I'm going to keep looking because it sums up my positions perfectly.

On edit: I was thinking of the Slate piece, not Salon. Here it is:

http://slate.msn.com/id/2085343/

***snip**

There are numerous themes in this message, and Edwards will probably spend the rest of his campaign unpacking them. At the Concord event, two caught my eye. One is the sense of honor on which the free market relies. As Edwards put it, "This is about a real belief in capitalism. It's a belief that our markets can do well, but in order for them to do well, we need honesty, we need truth, we need responsibility." The other is the work ethic, which Edwards reinforced as he proposed college subsidies for students who work 10 hours per week. "The work won't hurt 'em. It won't hurt 'em a bit," he argued as the audience laughed. "This will make them appreciate their college education."

Edwards closed his presentation by framing the election this way:

Do we believe in an America where the family you're born into controls your destiny? Our ancestors left a place of princes and paupers and masters and servants. This is not our America. What we believe wherever you live and whoever your family is, and whatever the color of your skin is, if you're willing to work hard, if you're willing to take responsibility, you ought to be able to go as far as your God-given talents and hard work will take you.

****snip***

[Sophree]

26. The "Belt Buckle" line was great

I don't know how much press it got, but it needs to be repeated over and over:

From http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/6041141.htm

***snip**

In his opening remarks, Edwards painted Bush as a wealthy elitist while emphasizing his own humble beginnings as the son of a textile plant manager.

"The fact that you walk around on a big old ranch you've just bought down in Texas, with your big belt buckle, does not mean you understand rural America," Edwards said.

At the end of the event, the crowd sang happy birthday to Edwards and state AARP President Von Valletta presented him with a huge membership card to the seniors' organization.

****

Ha! LOL! The last paragraph refers to the fact that Edwards turned 50.

He's almost certainly going to win the SC primary.

[blm]

25. I want Edwards to have a strong showing...

because I believe he is a really good person with great potential and value for the Democratic party. He will go farther than many can see right now.

I support his candidacy, even while supporting Kerry and Kucinich.

[OKNancy]

28. I'm such a slut

I go back and forth. I like Kerry, but Edwards just has something. After I saw Edwards in the townhall meeting, I threw poor Kerry overboard and now Edwards is my man.

If Kerry has a good speech, I might change again. :-)

If it wasn't for that war vote the man would be a classified a raging class-war leftie...I love it.

[Sophree]

29. You whore!

;-)

I've been wavering between Edwards and Kerry, too.

Edwards is definitely better than Kerry in the PR department and the fact that he would force the GOP to spend more money in the South (and that he could WIN quite a few of the Southern states) pretty much clinched it for me.

Kerry's politics are a little closer to mine, but Edwards is by far the most impressive and viable candidate. He stood out among all the candidates in the first debates and that is what caught my eye at first.

I guess that makes me a slut, too. :o

[chimpymustgo]

31. Sluts for Edwards? LOL

Not! You are thinking people, carefully weighing the candidates. But I could see that on a t-shirt. Hehe.

[Sophree]

32. Gracias!

I revel in my slutty-ness.

But seriously, I really am trying to be logical in deciding who is our strongest candidate.

I am reserving my passion this time around for the issues where I personally can actually make a difference. (Spreading the word about the RAVE Act and trying to get it repealed, etc., stopping the Radical Prohibition crusade being carried out by * and Asscroft.)

I can't really do much at all about any of this with * in the White House. So, even though I'd love to see Kucinich in the White House, I know it's not going to happen. But I'll work my butt off promoting his (and my) important issues.

[southernfried]

30. in these early days, Edwards is the guy

Dean is taking many risks by trying to come out strong and it's likely to backfire on him. Edwards is smart to lay back till a more appropriate time to start spending money.

Everything is subject to change but John is the leader till prooven otherwise.

[chimpymustgo]

33. Edwards has a very smart strategy. Making his move now.

Will start to peak in the fall when people are actually paying attention.

[southernfried]

37. bingo

Dean had to jump or get lost in the shuffle. It is good to let Kerry out the gate first to see what he had to offer. Also to watch public reation. Until the public reacts to anything there is little point in moving. People are on vacation and could care less right now.

[Lex]

34. I like Edwards, Dean, and Clark about equally.

I found a recent article about Edwards basically feeling like the bombardment of television ads is critical in winning. Because that's the way the game is played most effectively. That's why he was been relatively quiet (raising the bucks right now) but then will open up the turbo at the precise right time.

I'll try to find the article and post a link to it.

[Lex]

35. Article on Edwards' strategy is worth a read.

From the article, linked below:

"One reason Edwards is not too worried, despite growing chatter about his inability to break out of the pack of presidential hopefuls, is that his last -- and only -- campaign taught him one important lesson that he's hoping will stand him in good stead come 2004: Television matters. A lot. Especially in places such as South Carolina, whose Democratic Party members are not accustomed to the grass-roots style common in Iowa and New Hampshire. And especially in the other 14 states that will hold caucuses and primaries between Feb. 3 and the day the Super Tuesday states vote: March 2, 2004.

When Edwards ran for Senate in North Carolina in 1998, he was, according to one poll, 10 points behind his opponent, hog farmer and incumbent Republican Sen. Lauch Faircloth, with just six weeks to go before the election and under bitter attack from a series of nasty TV ads. Edwards was a "slick-talking personal-injury lawyer," "Clinton clone" and "tobacco-taxing liberal," said the ads; one showed Edwards' nose "growing like Pinocchio's," according to The Charlotte Observer. Edwards poured millions into television and successfully fought off the attempt to smear him in terms just like those President Bush would likely use were Edwards to get the Democratic nomination. Edwards went on to win the general election 51 percent to 47 percent. The seven-person Democratic primary contest that year was won on similar terms: Edwards beat his nearest rival by outspending him 4-to-1 in a final two-month, $3.2 million advertising blitz while his opponent focused on a ground campaign and could afford only two weeks on TV. Edwards won 50 percent to 29 percent.

Now he's got plans to start the next TV campaign early, by running ads in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina by early fall, say aides. "We don't expect we're going to move in the polls until we're on TV," said one Edwards aide. "The first two quarters our primary aim was fundraising." "

for the complete article:
http://www.prospect.org/print/V14/7/franke-ruta-g.html

[chimpymustgo]

36. Thanks for the link, lex - and the info.

eom

[Lex]

38. I can't wait to see how things play out once

it gets closer to primary season and the tv ads and the debates and the interviews and news stories on the candidates really get cranked up.

Really, it's true that the only people are paying much attention right now are the party activists. It'll be interesting to see who really captures the hearts and minds of the majority of the Dems who'll vote in the primaries.

[tjdee]

42. Thanks for the article, and here's another:

I posted this further up, but in case you missed it. Edwards himself repeats that first half year fundraising idea:

"We spent most of the first six months raising money so that we had the resources to run a serious presidential campaign," he said. "... The fund raising will become a less significant part of what we're doing."
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/6254624.htm

[corarose]

39. I'm an Edwards supporter

:dem:

[osaMABUSh]

40. I like Edwards & Dean; but Dean is getting the Press

Nothing against Edwards but the lawyer gig will be used against him. I like his ideas and the fact that he is from the South. Dean is more outspoken and is picking up more press that the rest. I really think we are looking at Dean as the nominee and Graham as the VP (since he from FLA and has the Intelligence experience)

[tjdee]

41. Picking up more press *right now*. ARGH! LAWYER!

LOL.
The lawyer thing will be used against him to no result. 25 or 26 of our presidents have been lawyers/held law degrees, and he was a lawyer when he ran for the senate, they used it, it failed.

Dean was very smart to kick it up right before the end of Q2, and he was very lucky to engage the DLC in a tit-for-tat deal, which got him more press.

I think all the other candidates are pleased that Dean jumped the gun and are waiting for him to burn out. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but that's what I think they're thinking about.

Edwards has said that he spent the first half of the year fundraising so that he could concentrate on campaigning in the second half.