Does a Vote for John Edwards = Political Capital for John Edwards?

[DCKit]

Does a candidate have the power to dictate where their votes are directed at the convention?

Pardon my ignorance, but my voting choices of the past 25 years were severely restricted, and don't believe I'm the only one. Since Regan, I've always voted Republic in the primaries to do my bit in derailing the RNC machine, then voting Dem in the GE. This is the first time I feel my primary vote as a Democrat would actually matter (and I just got my new voter registration card yesterday - six weeks after applying to change and one week before the primary).

I still believe in J.E. and I not only trust him to throw his weight around responsibly, but that he would turn that capital to OUR advantage to become VP or AG in either a Clinton or Obama administration by agreeing to support one or the other. In either case, his knowledge of the law would be incredibly valuable in returning U.S. to the rule of law, the restoration of the Constitution and the curtailment of corporate fascism.

[2rth2pwr]

1. How many delegates did Edwards pick up today?

How much capital does he have? What weight does he have to throw around?

[DCKit]

2. He was averaging about 8% in several states.

It wasn't much, but H&O are running close, and it might mean something at the convention.

I'm asking for myself, but I think there are others in the same (ignorant) boat.

[tritsofme]

5. There is a 15% threshold in order to receive delegates

from a caucus or primary.

[DCKit]

7. Thank you.

Whoever wins, it's probably going to be a landslide. I was just hoping a vote for Edwards wouldn't be wasted and you have confirmed that, yes, it would. There's no way in hell a wealthy, southern white guy is going to get anywhere near 15% in DC.

[TexasObserver]

3. No, a vote for Edwards = a vote for Hillary

Unfortunately, that's how it is playing out. People who take their vote out by voting for Edwards are helping Hillary win. It's very similar to the way people who voted for Nader helped Bush over Gore.

I supported John a long time, and if he really meant any of the things he said, he can't allow Hillary to be the party nominee. She's bought and sold by the very people he has so valiantly opposed.

[DCKit]

6. This was not intended to be a "Hillary vs. Obama" thread.

However, since you went there....

I see little difference between Hillary's and Obama's platforms, so I don't really care which of them gets the nomination. I only want to know if there may be a place for John Edwards in either administration, whether he is invited or is able to leverage his way in.

It's a simple question. Really.

[TexasObserver]

8. Oh, he'll be invited to join either administration

Probably.

He'd make a great AG or SC justice. I prefer the SC justice spot for him, since it's lifetime, and not merely another briefcase carrier for the president.

[Bongo Prophet]

4. It could mean leverage, but that depends on several factors

I have a headache and memory may not serve me well, but IIRC, delegates are free after first ballot. If it is close enough to go more than one, as seems increasingly likely, they could go wherever.

The second important point then is how effective John is at rallying those delegates to be cohesive enough to move as a group one way or the other. That will take more communication from Edwards' camp, and I have seen no indicators yet of how they will address this.

I respect whatever decisions people make in this regard - I respect the personal choices of voters, and democratic process itself more than any candidate - it will be interesting. I also agree that John would be a wonderful asset in any admin.