Daily Democrat: a positive discussion of John Edwards

[Skinner]

In an effort to provide for some enlightening discussion, rather than partisan flaming, the administrators have decided to post regular threads about the candidates for the Democratic nomination which are reserved for positive discussion only. These threads will be called the "Daily Democrat".

Currently, we intend to post two Daily Democrat discussion threads per day. If a particular thread becomes too long, then the moderators will open additional threads as necessary. These discussion threads will be allowed to stay open until the next two Daily Democrat threads are opened at some point the following day.

THE RULES

The rules for these Daily Democrat candidate threads are as follows. (For the purposes of these rules, the candidate who is the subject of the thread is referred to as the "Daily Democrat".)

1. You are welcome to post anything positive about the Daily Democrat. You can explain why you support that person. You can dispel myths about that candidate. You can discuss that person's positions on various issues. Whatever.

2. You are allowed to favorably compare the Daily Democrat to other candidates, provided that you are not unnecessarily inflammatory or antagonistic to the other candidates.

3. You may not post attacks of any kind against the Daily Democrat. Furthermore, you cannot post criticism and try to pass it off as a compliment ("I enthusiastically support candidate X because he ruined his state's economy!")

4. You may not discuss the supporters of any candidate (that goes for the the Daily Democrat, or any other candidate).

5. Undecided voters are encouraged to ask questions about the Daily Democrat in order to better inform their choice. Note that criticism disguised as a question will not be allowed.

6. You may not start another discussion thread for the purposes of responding to comments made in the "Daily Democrat" thread. Sorry -- you just have to suck it up and let the positive discussion continue uninterrupted.

7. I will not babysit the Daily Democrat thread, because I believe it will not be necessary. It is the responsibility of every member to know and follow the rules. Deliberate disruption of the Daily Democrat thread, or efforts by opponents to influence the Daily Democrat thread, will result in the banning of the individual(s) responsible.

8. I reserve the right to change the rules as necessary to make this work.

TIMING

We will discuss two Daily Democrats per day, and cycle through the list of presidential candidates in modified alphabetical order.

12/04 - Wesley Clark ...... and ... Dennis Kucinich
12/05 - Howard Dean ....... and ... Joe Lieberman
12/06 - John Edwards ...... and ... Carol Moseley Braun
12/07 - Dick Gephardt ..... and ... Al Sharpton
12/08 - John Kerry ........ and ... Wesley Clark
12/09 - Dennis Kucinich ... and ... Howard Dean
12/10 - Joe Lieberman ..... and ... John Edwards
12/11 - Carol Moseley Braun and ... Dick Gephardt
12/12 - Al Sharpton ....... and ... John Kerry
12/13 - Wesley Clark ...... and ... Dennis Kucinich
12/14 - Etc...

LET'S GET STARTED

Here's your chance for some positive discussion of John Edwards! Who wants to start it off?

[VermontDem2004]

1. I feel that Edwards has the best education plan out of all of the

candidates.

[AP]

22. Too true.

It is good to take out a loan today to make sure your future is brighter. However, too many students today have too much debt. Edwards's plan targets debt reduction. His plan will reduce the amount of tuition you have to finance by at least 25%, and possible more, if you use the money you earn working to get that first year free to reduce the principle of your student loans.

It's EXACTLY what students need, and what America needs to stop shifting wealth to Wall St investors who make guaranteed profits on those student loans, and start shifting wealth to PEOPLE.

[DjTj]

26. ...and the fact that he went to a state school...

...and a state law school from a working class family really gives credibility to his ideas.

He really seems to understand better what people need because he's been there and had to do everything himself.

[AP]

27. He had to drop out of a private college because he didn't have the cash...

...and he had to pass on going to Duke Law School because he couldn't afford to take on the debt risk.

Not only is Edwards's TALK exactly right, but his WALK has matched his talk from the beginning.

No candidate has better fit between message and biography.

[BigMcLargehuge]

2. I happened to attend on of his recent town meetings here in NH

and he clearly demonstrated his passion and conviction for changing the health care system in the USA. He has a wonderful rapport with the audience and happily answers even the strangest questions from the same guys we see on Public Access TV railing for half an hour at the town council about a $.50 raise in dog licences and how that is the first step towards a fascist takeover. Edwards dealt with these guys with genuine compassion and interest in their problems.

He also made himself available to talk with people off-line and offer legal advice or referrals in some cases. I thought that was very nice indeed. I figure if you are going to approach a presidential candidate with a personal or medical problem it has to be pretty bad, and he not only reassured these folks that help could be had, he offered to help them personally.

[Maeve]

5. Health care seems to be a very big issue this year

And I'm pleased to see that in so many of these threads. I like the ability to deal with the little guy...most of us ARE "little guys"!

I can't follow the Daily Democrat today as I have the past two days (duties outside the house) but I still see a need to find what draws folks to each of the candidates--that's important info for next November!

[liberalmuse]

3. He's a hottie!

A gorgeous, young, principled Senator/ex-attorney with some solid ideas. He's risen very quickly within the Dem party, and for good reason. I read some articles on him and his family early on and was very impressed.

On edit: Sorry, I know this is shallow, but it's early, I'm battling a nasty cold and I can't muster anything more than this out of my brain this morning.

[curse10]

12. LoL

Edwards is very good looking- but he's got a gret brain behind that pretty face :-)

[demnan]

4. I always admire someone who came from humble beginnings

and is smart, compassionate and committed and that describes Edwards. He also has the ability to laugh at himself. He was on Bill Maher's program and fielded the jokes about his hair really well.

Edwards is very forceful in describing what went wrong with the Patriot Act.

Also his candidacy targeted southern women early on. I got information from him before I got anything from anyone else. I just thought Dean had a better stance on the Iraq war.

If Edwards wins the nomination I will support him whole-heartedly. One really good thing about Edwards is that he is relatively young, so he will continue to have a role to play in the future of the Democratic Party.

[pistoff democrat]

6. A bit on John Edwards:

1. On creating jobs, Edwards reports: "Jobs are not just about paychecks. They are about respect and dignity. It is time for leaders to honor working Americans again…Instead of giving tax breaks to companies that move their headquarters overseas, we should offer tax incentives for companies to manufacture here in America. We should be exporting American products, not American jobs."

2. On corporate responsibility, Edwards has proposed a Worker and Shareholder Bill of Rights to:
- Take on insiders to restore honest accounting.
- Rein in outrageous CEO pay.
- Empower owners to hold managers accountable for results.
- Restore pension parity to help regular workers.
- Shut down tax gimmicks.

3. On higher education, Edwards believes in College for Everyone:
"Providing a free year of college tuition will eliminate the sticker shock that scares off so many kids. It will simplify a financial aid process now so complex that getting a student loan can be tougher than getting a small business loan. After students get through that first year, which is the toughest, they'll know financial aid is available, they'll know education is an investment worth making, and they'll have access to people who can help them pursue both. Maybe more important, if they work hard, they'll know they can succeed in college."

Others have spoken highly of his healthcare proposals, which have also impressed me.

He appears to be a genuinely decent man. Clearly intelligent, quick wit, good looks, appealing to the public. I like him!

[Jim Sagle]

7. Did you know he's the son of a mill worker?

[pistoff democrat]

10. Well, now that I didn't know;

smartie pants! :P

[chimpymustgo]

14. Not a Yalie, Park Ave, Kennebunkport, prep school kind of guy.

I really admire and respect that. It gives his judgement and policies another dimension.

[PurityOfEssence]

20. Grant us but this one minute of joy, will you?

When Skinner initiated this series--a truly wonderful idea--it was with the specific proviso that we would be respectful of others and allow the voices of positiveness to have safe harbor. These threads have been a gentle and unsullied refuge and have been a true joy to read.

I presume you weren't aware of this condition, so if you partake in others, please try to be respectful of this.

One can also learn something, too, which isn't an excruciating thing. As we factionalize and demonize our rivals, we often completely miss the points of appeal these candidates have. There are reasons why each of these people is running, and why many support them. Skinner's intent was twofold: to give us a haven amid the gale, and to gather hard data on what the relative strengths of the individuals are. The important thing shouldn't be that "our guy/gal" wins, thus validating us as individuals, but that the one with the combination of policy and viability is discovered and fostered.

'Nuff said.

[LWolf]

8. He's cute.

Oops. Something substantial; I like the way he presents himself. I think he did well in the debate last night. I like his plan for revitalizing rural America.

[berner59]

9. Man of conviction....

...and he's cute too!! (sorry but it DOES help...) I like Edwards alot - he's always ready with informative answers - he really seems passionate and he's been the one hammering the special interests and the selling of the White House. He's a great debater too and would wipe Bush off the floor...

[Skinner]

11. kick (nt)

[chimpymustgo]

13. Smart, handsome, warm, compassionate, appealing, great life story,

passionate fighter for justice, understands race and class viscerally, FANTASTIC wife, Elizabeth, beautiful family (those little kids!), overcame tragedy of son's death, has been fighting corporations - little guy vs. big guy.

And all of this is reflected in his detailed policies, which will help America turn around, and help all the people of this nation.

And he's got a GREAT, hearty laugh.

[Moderator]

15. kick

[onecitizen]

16. I like Sen. Edwards alot..........

I think he'd have made a great VP under Gore. Oh how I wish it would have been Edwards and NOT Lieberman in 2000.

He's smart,passionate and from a small town (sorry I couldn't pass it up). I would be proud to have him as my President. If he's the nominee, I'll work hard for him.

[chimpymustgo]

17. Shame Gore exercised such bad judgement (ahem!) & didn't pick Edwards.

Could have made all the difference in the world. Literally.

[onecitizen]

19. I think you are right! nt

nt

[PurityOfEssence]

18. He embodies the warmth and inclusion inherent in the American spirit

We have a checkered past as a nation, and with our great strengths are also the attendant weaknesses. Prizing individuality, we have fostered innovation, but also nurtured selfishness. Protecting religious freedom, we have also sowed the seeds for its undue influence. Exporting our ideals has spread pluralism, but also supported tyranny and made us imperialists.

The good that is typified in the bright side of the American character is inclusiveness, hard work, responsibility for one's actions and a true commitment to the shared enterprise of society. The covenant of cosmopolitanism is deeply rooted within our national psyche, and although constantly at odds with the dark side of individuality, in our better moments, it has brought us much deserved love from the world.

Edwards believes that the basic system is correct and good: incentive capitalism with thorough and vigorous safety nets and market substitutions. I agree. Many Americans will also agree, since he is in essence telling us that we are good, due to our core principles, but that the country has been hijacked by sinister forces of privilege.

His greatest strength is himself in person: he is engaging, endearing and reassuring. Although EXTREMELY intelligent--a major impediment in American politics--he is so in a very unthreatening and truly humble way. He is secure in his intelligence, and is thus willing to admit his limits and not need to dominate every moment. He is in service to his country and world, and he is the voice and heart that can unite us and reintroduce us into the world community that the current administration seeks to subjugate.

I paint this in filmic and mythic terms, because he has, more than anyone else on the scene today, the combinations of talents and traits to truly be a statesman for the ages. Imagine what this man can do when he becomes an ex-President at the age of 59. We can reclaim the oft-deferred mantle of American goodness, and he can beat the living snot out of the Republican Party, with coattails like you've never seen. His only real problem is winning the nomination, and that's sadly quite silly, since his domestic policies are quite to the left and more to the liking of the base, and those people are usually the ones with the edge in the primary.

Vote your heart.

[chimpymustgo]

29. Purity, your eloquent support is a huge plus for this wonderful man.

Are you sending him any of your stuff? You REALLY should.

[Lefta Dissenter]

21. I have been impressed with him at the debates and the few other times

that I have seen him on tv. No, he doesn't come close to overtaking Clark in my eyes, but I think he belongs in one of the top few spots in a Clark administration. If he would happen to get the nomination (better not! :) ), then I would be delighted to work for him - that's a lot more than I can say for a couple of the other candidates, for whom I would vote, but with a sick feeling in my stomach..

One thing that I have liked at the debates is that he tries to be a uniter, not a divider. That is a MAJOR factor in my eyes, and something I am insisting on in my candidate of choice. Just look at how the current administration is tearing this country apart and governing by threats, bribes and coercion. I'd certainly let Edwards wear the "Plays Well with Others" t-shirt.

I also saw him at one of the C-Span Road to the White House shows; he looked comfortable speaking, he can THINK (another darned good attribute!), and he can relate to regular people. He can get fired up without coming off as a lunatic, and he is cute! :)

Good Luck to you Edwards supporters! I think you're backing a good, decent guy, who is worth a pot of gold, in my book.

[DjTj]

23. He's the only real outsider...

I think he said that at the debate last night.

His campaign has a "clean up Washington" plank that doesn't really get much air time when the usual topics are Iraq, taxes, and health care. He has only spent 6 years in politics and has managed to make it without ever taking money from PAC's. He hasn't spent his career having to cozy up to any special interests. He made his money by working for it and there's almost a "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" feel to the whole thing. I have more confidence in Edwards than anyone else to have a squeaky clean record.

[JohnKleeb]

24. Hes on my consider it list for VP or AG

I like him, I also unlike some dont mind the millworker son thing, I can tell you all about how my daddy was a waiter too :), now on that why I do like it is because it gives him a human story and makes him very human in my eyes, oh I like his anti corporate work as an attorney, and I like him for saying I am fighting for the people I grew up with. So I wouldnt mind Edwards as president if that had to be, but ideally for me, he would be my AG.

[Anaxamander]

25. In listening to Edwards speak,

I truly believe he's commited to the cause of civil rights. He spoke about a special responsibility us Southerners have with regards to advancing this cause, and I've never heard it worded better. Mr. Edwards would be a wonderful President.

[DjTj]

28. JOHN EDWARDS on Crossfire NOW!

[DjTj]

30. John Edwards just saved Paul Begala's life...

...I don't know if anybody watched Crossfire, but Paul started to slip on some ice and John Edwards grabbed his arm. It was classic!

If it weren't for John Edwards, Tucker and his bowtie would be the only guy left on Crossfire.

[AP]

31. and, in describing Tucker as a "guy", you use the term loosely

[chimpymustgo]

37. Edwards was looking cool. Tucker and Paul looked COLD.

And yes, Edward smoothly kept Paul upright on the ice.

[sandnsea]

32. He really hates corporations

I really think that is true, he hates their power and influence as much as Dennis Kucinich does. I think he tried to run a very uplifting and positive campaign, but people really don't want that, no matter how much they say they do. If he turns the heat up on some of the specific damages that corporations are causing in this country and around the world, he could change everything very quickly. But he has to get more specific, give people something to think about. He's just been too broad so far.

[QC]

33. I like seeing a candidate who comes from the working class

and is proud of it.

Being forced to choose between two aristocrats gets old.

[chimpymustgo]

35. I hit the button twice. So I'll edit, and say something else nice.

Visit his website:

www.johnedwards2004.com

Continue on.

[chimpymustgo]

36. His pride about his background is laudable.

Very good point. Part of what makes him so likeable. He's very comfortable with who he is, where he came from, what he's done with his life.

[Iverson]

34. my best shot

I don't know a whole lot about Edwards, but I heard him on the radio within the last month, probably on Diane Rehm, and he impressed me as intelligent and cool-headed. I could gladly have an in-depth discussion with him.