Edwards to endorse Hillary? From Bartcop........

[springhill]

http://www.bartcop.com/

Mark Halperin of TIME

The Managing Editor of TIME Whore Magazine told Chris the Screamer
that his reporter Mark Halperin was sitting on the scoop that John Edwards
was waiting for the right time to announce his endorsement of Hillary.

[shenmue]

1. I'm glad.

:applause:

That'll really put a hitch in the get-along of the DU hate-everybody-but-Obama brigade.

[oviedodem]

2. Edwards was my second choice but to endorse Hillary as she represents

everything he is against is really really sad. His choice is his choice and I don't begrudge him for it, unless it is for some political gain.

We will have to wait to see if it is true.

[Jai4WKC08]

29. That's what you people just don't get

Hillary does NOT "represent everything he is against." That's just the Hillary-hate of the DU/dKos echo chamber talking. You people need to get out more.

Hillary is a good descent liberal who has always stood for progressive ideals. I may not agree with everything she has said or done, and she has probably done things she doesn't really agree with but thought she needed to, or was able to rationalize, for political reasons. But overall she has accomplished more for the poor and working poor than most other Democrats, including Obama.

[Tarheel_Dem]

31. Uh huh...and the Iraq war was necessary, right?

[me b zola]

33. Cluster bombs must be progressive, too. (n/t)

[Tarheel_Dem]

36. i didn't get that memo, but the things that pass for progressive around

here these days, it wouldn't surprise me at all. If Edwards does this, he has lost any credibility he ever had, and I want a damned refund.

[me b zola]

44. I was referencing Hillary's vote *against* banning cluster bombs

I feel the same. If Edwards does throw his support to Hillary I will feel that I was duped.

[Tarheel_Dem]

50. me b zola....we are definitely kindred spirits,

John may as well shoot an arrow straight through my heart, if he does this.

[MediaBabe]

56. If you were duped it was not by John Edwards

But by the people who want you to hate Hillary Clinton. If you trusted Edwards then why would you not trust him now?

There is no end to the lies and distortions cast about the Clintons this year. Sorry you were taken in by it but you weren't alone.

[me b zola]

58. First off, I'll wait to hear from Edwards on whom he is going to support

Secondly, my opinions on Senator Clinton are based on actions/positions that she has taken, not what anybody else wants me to think about her--including you.

[Jai4WKC08]

55. They're no worse than any other anti-personnel weapon

Actually a lot better than most.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/03/13/a_military_earmarks_ties_to_th.html

Obama disclosed the 2006 request on a long list of earmark requests his campaign made public today. The $8 million was for something called a "High Explosive Air Burst Technology Program." The request led to $1.3 million in funding for the program.

[me b zola]

61. I didn't see you on this thread...

FLDem5 (1000+ posts) Mon Mar-17-08 10:40 AM
Original message

Obama Rapid Response is ON IT! Response to Clinton attack today:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5122543

[Jai4WKC08]

64. So?

I don't see anything there about either cluster bombs or Obama's High Explosive earmark. I'm really not willing to spend the time to read it all, or any of the replies.

There's no requirement to read or respond to every thread at DU.

I actually haven't been around DU much lately, because I don't care for the tone of the bloggers here. But I owed a friend an answer on a different issue, so I was browsing thru the threads. This one caught my interest for rather obvious reasons. Guess we'll just have to wait to see if there's any truth to it. But it amazes me the anti-military types who were for Edwards, since he was always about as hawkish as any Democrat in the Senate.

[me b zola]

67. "Anti-military types"?

Who the fuck do you think you are speaking to? Where were you at the beginning of the Invasion of Iraq? I was a reservist in Guam in the hold of a ship (115 degrees, thank-you).

I am anti-abuse of the military. I am anti-illegal war. I am anti idiotic foreign policy that not only hurts other citizens of the world, but our military as well.

There is no requirement at DU to respond to anybody. There is, however in my mind, a requirement to have a clue as to what you are talking about.

[Jai4WKC08]

71. Ok, so you're not anti-military

You fooled me, what with being a "kindred spirit" with someone wanting to outlaw cluster bombs, not to mention the opinions expressed on that other thread. I apologize for my mischaracterization.

But if you were a naval reservist, I suggest you know nothing about ground warfare.

I'm retired Army. I'm also against all those things you claim to be against. But I know that Hillary is as well. In fact, she has done a helluva lot to solve the problems of veterans and military families. More than Edwards ever did when he was in the Senate. As far as I'm concerned, Edwards is just another chickenhawk and I have no use for him.

[Jai4WKC08]

54. Lots of good liberals voted for the war

Obama continues to vote to fund it, and with no strings attached, no conditions. A blank check. Why do you think that is?

If Chicago had been hit on 9/11 and Obama had been in the Senate, he'd have voted for it too. Makes NO difference that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. The voters didn't care back then. They wanted blood.

You might recall that Edwards voted for the war too. His apology comes a little too late for the 4000 Americans and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have died.

[themaguffin]

39. Wrong.

From onset, I was troubled by her candidacy - for those reasons and sadly additional reasons. That's exactly what "you people" just don't get.

[EFerrari]

53. She did a lot for the poor while she was sitting on that Walmart board.

She's a descent liberal all right. She's descended all the way to the sewer.

[helderheid]

57. :

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xd8toeUkVzc

Cue to 7:28

[Eurobabe]

70. Just because we don't like Hillary and disagree with her

we need to get out more? IMHO, Wes Clark needs to get out more. I am very disappointed at his suck up to Hillary.

[Jai4WKC08]

72. Out more, yes. But not for those reasons

Of course you can disagree with her. I'm sure we all disagree with her on some things. And with each other.

But it's one thing to disagree with her, and another thing to dislike her. I'm betting you don't know her personally, so if you dislike her, you're basing it only on information you received thru the media's filter. Or nothing at all. But you know, that's still your perogative.

Hell, I don't even take issue with you for favoring Obama over her. We can all still choose who we support and vote for.

But any of those things is ENTIRELY different from thinking she is someone who "represents everything (Edwards) is against" (and assuming you think Edwards stands for progressive principles). If you really think that, then are either ignorant of or choosing to discount everything she has accomplished over a very long political life. Either way, you need to get out more.

And when you call Clark's endorsement a "suck up," well... I am amazed how anyone who was once a Clarkie can show so little respect for the man (altho I must say to expect no better from the Hillary-haters).

The fact is, Wes Clark knows Hillary personally. He has ALWAYS maintained he likes her very much as a person. I recall his calling her "dear Hillary" on his blog back while Kerry was still running for president. And you know no one did more for Kerry's campaign than Clark did.

He also respects her abilities and work ethic. Most people who know her do, even those who oppose her on almost everything.

The main thing is, Clark believes she is the person most likely to turn our country around, and get our troops out of Iraq safely with as little damage to the region as possible. He's not alone in this, as evidenced by her having been endorsed by many senior military officers and state dept officials.

You are of course free to disagree with him too.

But I am equally free to think you're blowing smoke out of your ass. When you've accomplished the things that Clark has, then you can talk to me about judging world events and who is best qualified to shape them.

[Johnny__Motown]

81. Explain her funding from Lobbyists and PACs, yes she does represent everything Edwards was against

[BattyDem]

3. So after running a campaign against the status quo, he endorses the status quo

That doesn't make any sense. :shrug:

[me b zola]

34. It doesn't make any sense.

I'm with Shraby (the post below yours), I'll believe it when I see it.

[ronnykmarshall]

35. Shall I get the bus ready for you throw him under?

[shraby]

4. I'll only believe it when it happens, and not a minute

before. They don't stand for the same things.

[knowledgeispwr]

5. I don't see that helping in North Carolina

I speak as a North Carolinian.

Clinton is already unpopular and Edwards created some bad feelings when he ran for president in 2004.

I'm not saying Clinton couldn't win (although I doubt she will), just that an Edwards endorsement wouldn't be a deciding factor.

[RoadRage]

6. I guess after Obama shot down her VP "offer".. Hillary took the next best thing..

to get her votes, and hopefully get her a few Edwards delegates. Anything to get ahead. I'll be shocked if this endorsement doesn't come with a VP nomination as well..

[2rth2pwr]

69. Obama probably should have taken the offer

[Botany]

7. The chances of this happening are between zero and none.

Edwards ran against all the special interests that support Hillary.

[Hieronymus]

11. That's the way I see it, too. Strange speculation that he'd endorse Hillary.

[myrna minx]

75. It is speculation. All of these rumors come from Mark Halperin.

Why would Edwards give an exclusive to a man who put words in Senator Edwards' mouth in the past and had to issue an apology for it?

This link is an interesting read, analyzing the challenges of Edwards endorsing either candidate:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-weigant/edwards-endorsement-of-c_b_91980.html
Edwards' Endorsement Of Clinton Imminent?
CHRIS WEIGANT

On this week's Chris Matthews Show, Richard Stengel of Time magazine made a prediction in the "Tell me something I don't know" segment of the program:

John Edwards. Senator John Edwards -- remember him? -- who's been conspicuously silent since he dropped out of the race, will endorse a Democratic candidate probably before North Carolina, certainly before North Carolina, possible before Pennsylvania. And our own Mark Halpern on the page says it's going to be Senator Hillary Clinton.


The transcript needed some quote marks or capitalization, since Stengel was referring to "The Page" on the Time website, written by Mark Halperin. Now, some may take this with a grain of salt, since Halperin has already gotten in some trouble over characterizing what John Edwards is thinking. But for the sake of discussion, let's take Stengel at his word, and assume his (or Halperin's) prediction is accurate.

Transcript
http://www.thechrismatthewsshow.com/html/transcript/printer_friendly.php?id=103

Milquetoast apology

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/13/times-halperin-_n_86504.html

No one other than the Edwards' know if Senator Edwards is going to endorse anyone. This rampant rumor mill has been going around for some time, without anything to back it up. *sigh* Could Senator Edwards endorse Senator Clinton? Yes. Could he endorse Senator Obama? Yes. Could he choose not to endorse anyone? That's possible too, but to trust the source of Halperin is dubious.

[Hepburn]

8. The right time?

LOL...now that is pretty funny!

[GarbagemanLB]

10. The 'right' time was before Super Tuesday. It's a little late.

[WolverineDG]

46. and the next "right time" was before the Iowa conventions

this past Saturday, where half or so of his delegates went to Obama. If that & Super Tuesday weren't the "right times," when would be?

dg

[City Lights]

20. aka, a minimum impact endorsement.

;-)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

9. that would say something

[SoxFan]

21. Yes, something about Edwards

...and it ain't pretty.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

27. yeah we know anyone who doesn't genuflect to Obama is evil

[bunnies]

12. That would be odd.

We'll see if it happens.

[navarth]

13. kinda hard to believe, disappointing if true

but who knows what stuff goes on behind the scenes...

[Pirate Smile]

14. I'll be shocked because it goes against so much of what he campaigned on.

We'll see but I'm doubtful.

[MNDemNY]

15. So, that would make Edwards a racist, right?

[oviedodem]

17. No, but it does speak volumes about his "status-quo" mantra

[MNDemNY]

18. Or about Obama's empty rhetoric.

[moobu2]

19. Yes, everyone who doesn’t support Barack is a racist

[MNDemNY]

22. Damn, I thought so.

[KaryninMiami]

16. That would be very disappointing. I sure hope this is only rumor.

And if so, can I ask the Edwards Campaign for the hundreds of $$$ I donated to his campaign? That would mean I donated to a candidate who was clearly not who he said he was? I heard this same thing last night here at DU- if Elizabeth Edwards is still checking here from time to time (or if Senator Edwards is here as well)-- PLEASE - either wait until after we have a candidate and then work on party unity (which we will be needing desperately if Hillary is the nominee) or endorse Obama who in spite of all of my concerns, still represents the most hope for the change we so desperately need.

[Madam Mossfern]

62. My sentiments exactly

I donated hundreds to Edwards' campaign too. So I don't get new curtains, or have the bare sheetrock in my bedroom painted. Edwards was worth the money. I will be very disappointed as I clearly support Obama now.

[Texas Hill Country]

23. if this is true, that spells SERIOUS problems for Obama...

[Tarheel_Dem]

63. No problem for Obama....trust me

[grantcart]

24. Threre was a long thread yesterday after the Chris Matthews show

and a lot of long term Edwards watchers were very sceptical but the most telling observation was that if he were to endorse Hillary it would have made sense to do so before the county conventions on Saturday in Iowa where Edwards lost 9 delegates to Obama.

They pointed out that Edwards people at the convention were working hard to keep the delegation intact.

[Tropics_Dude83]

42. Yeah in my crazy head

I did some calculations and if I was favorable to Clinton, I got her up to like 2,018 with the support of Edward's 12 non michigan/Flrida delegates and she would then need less than half of the 14 Richardson/Biden delegates to get to 2,024. Now with Edwards having just like 6-9 delegates to throw to his lady, Hillary, he can't push her over the top anymore.

Thank you Iowa!!!!

[grantcart]

52. turns out to be a net +10 (Hillary loses one) when they go on to the next

step 6 more Edwards delegates will lose viability - Iowa is turning out to be a landslide for Obama.

[MessiahRp]

25. Halperin is not really a great source here...

He's been pretty much anti-Obama from the start and I wouldn't believe him for a nanosecond.

Rp

(edit to add more info)

And he's anti-liberal in general:
http://mediamatters.org/columns/200611060008

Not to mention Halperin said McCain should run racist attacks on Obama:
http://www.americablog.com/2008/02/times-mark-halperin-mccain-should.html

[anigbrowl]

26. I sort of doubt it - why not before or just after the March 4 voting?

Edwards understands delegate math as well as anyone. Why would he hold back his endorsement until Clinton was in an increasing tight corner in terms of delegates? She had more leverage before March 4th, and his endorsement around the time of those primaries would have probably given her a useful boost. Endorsing her in North Carolina is going to look like one of the also rans helping her limp across the finish line.

This isn't a comment on the merits of Edwards or Clinton, just the suggested timing of his endorsement.

[NJSecularist]

28. Edwards couldn't get within 10% in his home state in the 2004 general election

He doesn't have as much sway as he thinks he does.

[Metric System]

Under the bus you go John!

[tandem5]

48. brrmmmmmmm thud clunk bump brrrrmmmmmmmmmm

[MonkeyFunk]

30. well, the right time would've been about 6 weeks ago

but it'll be nice nonetheless.

[emilyg]

32. Good news.

[4_Legs_Good]

37. Too little far, far far too late

Edwards lost relevance about 4 weeks ago. He's nothing now, sad to say.

David

[DearAbby]

38. What is Edwards waiting for?

You would think he would have endorsed Clinton prior to Iowa, this past weekend where he lost a bulk of his delegates to make this announcement. It doesn't make sense. Anyway...It's too late to matter now. I respect Edwards, he was my second choice on my list. But the timing sux.

[housewolf]

40. HOW many times have we heard that Edwards is about to endorse Candidate X or Y?

So far John Edwards has kept it very much to himself anything re: an endorsement. Why would he leak anyting to Halperin?

This sounds to me like journalistic specualtion. Sort of like Brian Williams' prediction that 50 super-delegates were ready to endorse Obama just after TX & Ohio.

It might make sense for Edwards to endorse someone just prior to the N. Carolina primary, but between now & PA? Well, I'd be surprised if it happens.

[Raejeanowl]

41. Weird Timing

And generally, I'll believe it when and if I see it. But who knows-if true-what might be driving this.

[doyourealize1]

43. Simple as this...

Edwards' big issue was healthcare, especially for the urban and rural poor.
Hillary's big issue is healthcare.

Edwards' endorsement makes sense. It's past the point of no return for Clinton. I think she's done.

[NoodleyAppendage]

45. Simple as...Hillary offered him the AG position, while Obama doesn't pass out favors.

You watch. This will all come down to Edwards getting a better package from Hillary than Obama. I'm beginning to see that my initial thoughts about Edwards being principled and truly concerned about others might be wrong.

J

[doyourealize1]

49. maybe

don't jump to conclusions though. they both had meetings with him.

[julialnyc]

82. I don't think he's a total whore like that.... I hope

[amandabeech]

60. Also, Edwards was speaking to many of the same people that constitute Clinton's base.

It's also possible that Edwards likes Clinton's economic program over Obama's, or thinks that Clinton's team would be better able to clean up the economic mess that we're in.

Don't shoot me, I'm only the messenger who voted for Edwards and didn't really favor either of the two current candidates.

[doyourealize1]

65. not shooting the messenger

your post was absolutely fine

[mnhtnbb]

47. Obama is coming to NC Wednesday to campaign: Charlotte and Fayetteville

heard on radio this a.m. in Chapel Hill.

http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/2586084/

On edit: corrected date of Obama visit.

[David Zephyr]

51. Didn't I hear that 9 of Edwards' delegates from Iowa endorsed Obama this weekend?

How many delegates does Edwards even have left anymore of his original 26. Take away the nine, and you are already down to only 17. And I think others have already bailed, too.

[ORDem]

59. Already covered, still rumor, but who cares anyway? Edwards' supporters

have already mostly shown where they're leaning, toward Obama. As we saw in IA. If he's trying to be dramatic by slowly leaking this, well, I guess he misses the spotlight since dropping out.

:dem:

[Orsino]

66. Seems like the wrong choice for him.

Why would he suck up to the DLC now? Didn't he learn anything from the campaign?

I'll admit that Clinton's record looks a lot like Obama's, but now seems like waaaay past the "right time" for a Clinton endorsement. Too little, too late.

[Nutmegger]

68. Bring on the Edwards hate! Yippie!

I hope he stays out of the fray and endorse no one.

But I can respectfully disagree with him if he chooses too. I'll never forget the class and decorum he brought to the campaign, and most importantly, giving those of us who are suffering under this colossal economic mess a voice. I will never forget what he did, and I am eternally grateful for all that he has done for us. I can't throw him under the bus just because I disagree.

Thank you John Edwards.

[Ninga]

74. Nicely said.

[Dinger]

73. **Crossing My Fingers**

Hoping. . . . . :)

[Azathoth]

76. So he endorses Hillary after most of his Iowa delegates cross over to Obama?

Man, if that's his idea of political timing, I'm glad he isn't our nominee.

Assuming the story is true, of course...

[julialnyc]

79. ITA.... he seems more in tune with things to make such a move

I don't like this at all.... for his sake

[Raine]

77. Too bad for him...

cause if he does he's backing someone who won't get the nomination and if she does She'll lose in a landslide. Edwards will get nothing from this.

[annie1]

78. not a chance.

[Cha]

80. Every thread like this..I say the same thing..

I don't believe it. John Edwards has too much class and principles to go with the lying, desperate, hope killer.