My impressions of Edwards, from a town hall meeting in Iowa City

[More Than A Feeling]

He's most anxious to let us know he's telling the truth when he's about to say something that he is worried we might not like.

He doesn't give the impression of partisanship, without throwing it in your face that he isn't being partisan. He mentioned the names of the parties only once.

His prepared remarks were all about Iraq, being against escalation, and about Maliki's Shias bringing Sunnis back into a meaningful position. He did mention the militias and foreign fighters crossing the border.

The first question was about Israel-Palestine, and his answer, stated more succintly than he did, was that the solution was empowering moderate Palestinians.

He's not anti-death penalty, but he did mention he supported (supports?) a moratorium in North Carolina until the problems with the death penalty are addressed. He also paid proper respect to people who hold the anti-penalty position.

What I liked best about him was that he talked with great feeling about America trying to be the very best country that it can be. He also, without anyone asking him, talked about the need for public financing (one of my top concerns/interests).

Overall, I liked most of what he had to say, and I didn't feel like he said anything that would make me put my foot down and say "I will not support you". I'm waiting to hear what Obama has to say for himself, and I'll give the other candidates at least one listen each as well. Everyday I wonder whether this will be the day that Wes Clark jumps in. I don't think Gore will run.

[Adelante]

1. I don't expect Clark to jump in any day now

I think we're talking weeks rather than days.

[YDogg]

2. has there been any real indication that Wes Clark will enter the race?

and does anyone think he has a realistic chance of winning, or at least become a veep candidate? I'm not against him, but nobody I ever talk politics with even remembers him as a 2004 candidate. Actually, his name rarely comes up.

[jen4clark]

3. The people Corporate Press

ignores are the ones we should be watching, imo.

If Clark wasn't going to run, he would say so. He knows very well the mistakes he made the last time and won't make them again.

[YDogg]

4. I'd like to see him run

I just wonder whether he'd have any more of an impact than Dodd, Kucinich, Richardson (whom I particularly like), or Biden. There doesn't seem to be any groundswell of support for Clark, even on DU, compared to the enthusiasm for others. Again, I'd like to see him run, but for many peeps, he's outta sight, outta mind. Isn't he on Fox? Who the heck among Fox viewers would vote for him, and Dem voters just might dismiss him because to them, he's invisible.

[Jai4WKC08]

8. A poll of Fox viewers

Said 20-something percent of 'em call themselves Democrats. But I sorta doubt it registers on most of 'em that the nice-looking and oh-so-intelligent general they see on Fox is someone who might be running for president. Most probably don't even remember his name. Where his Fox time will come in handy is further down the road, when people learn about him from other sources and say, "Oh yeah, I know that guy. He's ok."

Clark has also been doing a lot more than appearing on Fox. He just doesn't get much media coverage for it. If/when he decides to run, he's gonna have to spend a lot of time in Iowa and the other early states, reaching people with old-fashion retail politickin'. When people hear him, they'll like him. And they'll tell their friends. I think when his poll numbers go up, maybe he'll start to get some media coverage. Unlike with Obama, it's not gonna happen the other way around.

[pocoloco]

7. He won Okla and we can't wait for him to come back again!!

[venable]

5. thanks for the great report

appreciated.

[NC_Nurse]

6. I agree.

I'm waiting to see the other candidates speak more about their positions. I like Edwards, he's charismatic and I think his heart's in the right place. I can't say I'm totally sold on him though.
He voted for IWR, even though he regrets it, it bothers me.