John Edwards: <i>It's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path</i>
By Nicole Belle Tuesday Jan 29, 2008 2:59pm
Download | play 
Download | play (h/t Bill)
The Edwards campaign has put the full speech up on YouTube.
I began my presidential campaign here to remind the country that we, as citizens and as a government, have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters. We must do better, if we want to live up to the great promise of this country that we all love so much.
It is appropriate that I come here today. It's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history. We will be strong, we will be unified, and with our convictions and a little backbone we will take back the White House in November and we'll create hope and opportunity for this country.
Full transcript below the fold
Thank you all very much. We're very proud to be back here.
During the spring of 2006, I had the extraordinary experience of bringing 700 college kids here to New Orleans to work. These are kids who gave up their spring break to come to New Orleans to work, to rehabilitate houses, because of their commitment as Americans, because they believed in what was possible, and because they cared about their country.
I began my presidential campaign here to remind the country that we, as citizens and as a government, have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters. We must do better, if we want to live up to the great promise of this country that we all love so much.
It is appropriate that I come here today. It's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history. We will be strong, we will be unified, and with our convictions and a little backbone we will take back the White House in November and we'll create hope and opportunity for this country.
This journey of ours began right here in New Orleans. It was a December morning in the Lower Ninth Ward when people went to work, not just me, but lots of others went to work with shovels and hammers to help restore a house that had been destroyed by the storm.
We joined together in a city that had been abandoned by our government and had been forgotten, but not by us. We knew that they still mourned the dead, that they were still stunned by the destruction, and that they wondered when all those cement steps in all those vacant lots would once again lead to a door, to a home, and to a dream.
We came here to the Lower Ninth Ward to rebuild. And we're going to rebuild today and work today, and we will continue to come back. We will never forget the heartache and we'll always be here to bring them hope, so that someday, one day, the trumpets will sound in Musicians' Village, where we are today, play loud across Lake Ponchartrain, so that working people can come marching in and those steps once again can lead to a family living out the dream in America.
We sat with poultry workers in Mississippi, janitors in Florida, nurses in California.
We listened as child after child told us about their worry about whether we would preserve the planet.
We listened to worker after worker say "the economy is tearing my family apart."
We walked the streets of Cleveland, where house after house was in foreclosure.
And we said, "We're better than this. And economic justice in America is our cause."
And we spent a day, a summer day, in Wise, Virginia, with a man named James Lowe, who told us the story of having been born with a cleft palate. He had no health care coverage. His family couldn't afford to fix it. And finally some good Samaritan came along and paid for his cleft palate to be fixed, which allowed him to speak for the first time. But they did it when he was 50 years old. His amazing story, though, gave this campaign voice: universal health care for every man, woman and child in America. That is our cause.
And we do this -- we do this for each other in America. We don't turn away from a neighbor in their time of need. Because every one of us knows that what -- but for the grace of God, there goes us. The American people have never stopped doing this, even when their government walked away, and walked away it has from hardworking people, and, yes, from the poor, those who live in poverty in this country.
For decades, we stopped focusing on those struggles. They didn't register in political polls, they didn't get us votes and so we stopped talking about it. I don't know how it started. I don't know when our party began to turn away from the cause of working people, from the fathers who were working three jobs literally just to pay the rent, mothers sending their kids to bed wrapped up in their clothes and in coats because they couldn't afford to pay for heat.
We know that our brothers and sisters have been bullied into believing that they can't organize and can't put a union in the workplace. Well, in this campaign, we didn't turn our heads. We looked them square in the eye and we said, "We see you, we hear you, and we are with you. And we will never forget you." And I have a feeling that if the leaders of our great Democratic Party continue to hear the voices of working people, a proud progressive will occupy the White House.
Now, I've spoken to both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. They have both pledged to me and more importantly through me to America, that they will make ending poverty central to their campaign for the presidency.
And more importantly, they have pledged to me that as President of the United States they will make ending poverty and economic inequality central to their Presidency. This is the cause of my life and I now have their commitment to engage in this cause.
And I want to say to everyone here, on the way here today, we passed under a bridge that carried the interstate where 100 to 200 homeless Americans sleep every night. And we stopped, we got out, we went in and spoke to them.
There was a minister there who comes every morning and feeds the homeless out of her own pocket. She said she has no money left in her bank account, she struggles to be able to do it, but she knows it's the moral, just and right thing to do. And I spoke to some of the people who were there and as I was leaving, one woman said to me, "You won't forget us, will you? Promise me you won't forget us." Well, I say to her and I say to all of those who are struggling in this country, we will never forget you. We will fight for you. We will stand up for you.
But I want to say this -- I want to say this because it's important. With all of the injustice that we've seen, I can say this, America's hour of transformation is upon us. It may be hard to believe when we have bullets flying in Baghdad and it may be hard to believe when it costs $58 to fill your car up with gas. It may be hard to believe when your school doesn't have the right books for your kids. It's hard to speak out for change when you feel like your voice is not being heard.
But I do hear it. We hear it. This Democratic Party hears you. We hear you, once again. And we will lift you up with our dream of what's possible.
One America, one America that works for everybody.
One America where struggling towns and factories come back to life because we finally transformed our economy by ending our dependence on oil.
One America where the men who work the late shift and the women who get up at dawn to drive a two-hour commute and the young person who closes the store to save for college. They will be honored for that work.
One America where no child will go to bed hungry because we will finally end the moral shame of 37 million people living in poverty.
One America where every single man, woman and child in this country has health care.
One America with one public school system that works for all of our children.
One America that finally brings this war in Iraq to an end. And brings our service members home with the hero's welcome that they have earned and that they deserve.
Today, I am suspending my campaign for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency.
But I want to say this to everyone: with Elizabeth, with my family, with my friends, with all of you and all of your support, this son of a millworker's gonna be just fine. Our job now is to make certain that America will be fine.
And I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard – all those who have volunteered, my dedicated campaign staff who have worked absolutely tirelessly in this campaign.
And I want to say a personal word to those I've seen literally in the last few days – those I saw in Oklahoma yesterday, in Missouri, last night in Minnesota – who came to me and said don't forget us. Speak for us. We need your voice. I want you to know that you almost changed my mind, because I hear your voice, I feel you, and your cause it our cause. Your country needs you – every single one of you.
All of you who have been involved in this campaign and this movement for change and this cause, we need you. It is in our hour of need that your country needs you. Don't turn away, because we have not just a city of New Orleans to rebuild. We have an American house to rebuild.
This work goes on. It goes on right here in Musicians' Village. There are homes to build here, and in neighborhoods all along the Gulf. The work goes on for the students in crumbling schools just yearning for a chance to get ahead. It goes on for day care workers, for steel workers risking their lives in cities all across this country. And the work goes on for two hundred thousand men and women who wore the uniform of the United States of America, proud veterans, who go to sleep every night under bridges, or in shelters, or on grates, just as the people we saw on the way here today. Their cause is our cause.
Their struggle is our struggle. Their dreams are our dreams.
Do not turn away from these great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us, all of us together, to make the two Americas one.
Thank you. God bless you, and let's go to work. Thank you all very much.
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But what if history meets a cross blaze?
I so wanted an Edwards/Richardson ticket and now have to settle for something much less.
Well, he has the Obama campaign buzzwords down.
I'm Sad :(.......
Hopefully, history won't blaze it's path with a McWar/Ghoulini presidency.
John Edwards our new ATTORNEY GENERAL
LET'S HOPE SO
And so the democrats can blaze a road straight to hell where the republicans still call the shots.
So long, handsome John. What ever happened to that rumor that you were gonna become a daddy by a lady other than your wife? Is that true or just a smear?
There goes our last, best, hope...
john edwards yesterdays kerry!
Damnit, John. This was a day to savor Rudy dropping out, which still gives me endless glee.
Why he gotta wait until after super tuesday to back one of the remaining candidates? I think that really sucks.
Shit.
Now there is NO ONE worth voting for.
Greatest president we never had.
This is a damned shame. The mainstream media has succeeded in setting the field for the upcoming election. Democrats will have their Primary choices of the "black guy" or the "woman". Folks, it's not about the issues anymore, it's all image. It was sad when Dodd dropped out, it's sadder now.
Personally, I still think that Edwards should have been given the nomination by default, since he was getting ready for a fight while Kerry folded his tents in the 2004 election. Oh well, life isn't about "Fair Play", is it? The Republicans just learned that faster than the rest of us.
For all those "last best hope" is gone or "I won't vote for the Dem nominee" peeps, I am wondering if you're planning to donate to John McCain online or just work for his campaign on the ground?
And once again, the primary election is all over before I got to vote. It happens every damn time.
Fuck this shit. I'm going to stop voting.
Fuck the Criminal Republicans and their SPINELESS DEMOCRAT enablers.
Biggus Diggus @ 8:
Somebody must not have gotten their Lucky Charms and happy-face pancakes this morning.
I can certainly wish John Edwards good luck. If it hadn't been for Clinton I may have had a harder time choosing Obama or Edwards.
Hopefully he supports Obama and Edwards gets a seat in the White House Staff.
Biggus Diggus, perhaps you'd do better to enroll on the right wing blogs. I know you participate here all the time-one of the reasons C and L is spiraling downward, IMHO. The calibre of commentary here is lacking. All it takes for shit to stick is the flinging by some idiot who's not afraid to stick his hands in it.
I'm voting for Captain America.
I second that call for Edwards as Attorney General.....I see potential there to be RFK material....
from an AP article
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080130/ap_on_el_pr/edwards
Why is he still getting tax payer dollars and what is he going to do with it? This isn't a slam against Edwards, I like the guy, I'm just wondering where's that money going?
Marco @ 16:
What, we *have* to take the choices we're given? What if both choices are the same? And how many Republicans feel this way, too? Will they vote for their "third choice" (or "last choice" or "non-choice") if Obama is the Democratic nominee? What if it's Clinton?
The answer isn't as simple as the question you ask, much as you might think it is.
Marco @ 16:
It doesn't make a damned bit of difference. Regardless who's president next year, that person will suck.
Neither Shillary nor O'Bama Yo Yama will get us out of Iraq. Neither will prosecute the criminality of the last several years. Neither will cut back on the undue influence of corporations and Israel on our government. Neither will stop the giveaway from our Treasury to the aristocracy.
Repub or Dem, no matter who wins, we all lose. We're fucked.
America is not ready to start living up to the tenets of the Sermon on the Mount. That's not the part of the Bible that the religious right spends any time on. Doesn't Edwards know that by now? Therefore the concept of helping the poor is not only not useful as a plank in a presidential platform, it is actually just a plank on the bow of a ship. And a short plank at that. For Edwards, that blazing path he sees ahead is unfortunately just a long walk on that short plank.
Try taking special interest money next time John or even requiring government reimbursement from the Katrina victims for the cost of the helicopters that were used to save them. You'd find you would meet with less resistance.
me @ 25:
www.johnmcain.com. Go today.
Good question. They were asking for money as recently as yesterday. Didn't they already know?
RobertD @ 24:
sorry to both of you for the above link. i meant www.johnmccain.com.
Bud @ 21:
And here's why
http://superherouniverse.com/superheroes/marvel/captainamerica/nazis.htm
me @ 17:
See, I was going to get irritated but then you totally reminded me of that "Baby I'm an Anarchist" song, so, never mind.
That was a really great speech - better than anything I've read from Obama, for all the hype (maybe it has to do with the difference between reading and hearing speeches...a truly great speech should inspire even without a great speaker/performance...it's about the substance of the words, after all).
Message to those bashing Edwards supporters:
Here's a change....be constructive. Obama supporters, Hillary supporters...
Sell us on why we should vote for each.
Oh...this precludes the delusional 'self proclaimed' progressives supporting Ron Paul, the sledgehammer is firmly stuck on the side of their heads...
Keep in mind....Edwards supporters were high on the following issues: Environment, Corporate Consolidation/Exploitation, Poverty, Education (he was one of the remaining Dem candidates to state he would scrap NCLB), Immediate withdrawal from Iraq Occupation, Energy Independence (no 'clean coal' - oxymoron Dennis Kucinich or Nuclear power), Economic recovery via green apollo program...
Oh...and keep in mind....
Edwards supporters know the stakes of the Supreme Court & 99.9% of them would never vote republican....so don't bring that up.
Brian @ 28:
he is out of this race, but he probably has campaign debts to be paid.
Marco, is this really the time or place to be advertising for McCain? Just stick to the topic at hand, if you will. (I personally have enough of the guy as my senator, thank you very much.)
Back on topic: thank you for your courage and your hard work on the campaign trail, John. I hope you and Elizabeth both stay well and healthy, and I look forward to seeing what you will do in the future.
Man. I was all set to vote for him on Tuesday, too. My first time as a voter, and now the guy I liked has left the race. Guess it's time to brainstorm about what to do now...
Marco @ 27:
If I won't give money to a piece-of-shit Democrat, I sure as hell won't give money to a piece-of-shit Republican.
They're all the same anyway. They claim they're not, but look what's happened since we voted the Dems in 15 months ago - NOTHING!!
So fuck them all.
kestral @ 35:
To use a tired, but effective cliche'....."the ball is now in their court"....lets see who reaches out to the progressive base that lined up behind Edwards
Boo John. Was just going to mark my absentee ballot for ya, guess it'll be Dennis after all...
I think they left out the one important quote that was in the letter he sent to the RNC:
"You can put the anthrax away now..."
if Clinton wins, it will be real easy to vote for a 3rd party candidate. EASY!
Edwards ran a good race and I wish him and his family the best.
I do hope most supporters will come to Obama and, if you haven't listened to his speech today, you should - Obama wants all US citizens covered with health care by the end of his first term, he laid out plans to get more kids in to college, bring back science and math, how to fight the recession and precisely how he'll beat McCain in the general.
If you want specifics, listen to Obama's speech in Denver today. ALL the specifics you could want!
I hear rumors of John Edwards coming in as Attorney General in an Obama administration. I couldn't ask for anything better, and it's ideal for Edwards. Edwards supporters should love it, too - instead of worrying about foreign policy, international relations or the rest of it, he's free to spend 100% of his time going after the corporations, pharmacies and others who abuse the poor and middle class in this country. For a populist like Edwards, Attorney General is the spot to allow him to focus on his message.
Yes, we can!
Wow, lots of bitterness out here...
kestral @ 35:
Hey, I am not the one supporting McCain. It's the "Edwards is out so I won't vote." crowd that is supporting him.
Marco @ 16:
Just a wild guess - Hillary supporter? I amazes me that HRC would have her 'bots parroting this line so soon. I would figure that even Hillary supporters would recognize that: if it is important that a Democrat beat a Republican, Hillary is the worst possible nominee.
Yet Hillary and her supporters also realize that (along with tons of corporate money) Hillary's main selling point is her claim that an ultra right wing nut-case is worse. What to do? What to do?
It's a shame, really.
bummer my favorite main stream candidate. Not that I like any of them very much.
yawn time for a nap, lost interest in setteling for a two turd sandwich!!!!!!!obama clinton ,
seems rather ironic that on the last day of my job (which was a major retail outlet that closed several stores) that john edwards drops out. still writing in edwards in november
I'm sad he's no longer in. He would make a superb Attorney General, though.
dadams
Have you seen prediction, "Attorney General Edwards?"
Unfortunately, it's a prediction by the slimeball Robert Novak, but he DID out the right person that the administration wanted him to.
I've really thought that Edwards suspended his candidacy because of Elizabeth's health. When her cancer returned recently, it was diagnosed as terminal or non-curable. Of course, that's family business, and we aren't likely to know anything about the reason he's dropped out, but if Obama HAS approached him about the AG position, I might reconsider my current decision to not vote at all in the General Election. He'd be a formidable AG.
Tom Hayden of California announces he will transfer his support to Barack Obama.
http://pdamerica.org/articles/news/2008-01-30-12-46-38-news.php
I wonder if this has anything to do with Elizabeths' health?
There is still a respectable progressive democrat in the race in Sen. Mike Gravel. Don't compromise your values!
... I guess that means I have to support Obama now. Hey, at least right wing nut will stop calling me a racist now? I guess that's something.
:sigh: I could have gone to watch Johnny-boy speak here in Missouri but said noooo, I'd save up and go to the big primaries instead.
God, I was an idiot.
So long, Edwards. You were my hero. Thanks for the hope.
Our system is a complete joke.
By the time the states with actual populations get to vote in the primaries, the field has already been whittled down to a couple of essentially identical corporate flunkies. Then the general election roles around and they're marginalized yet again with the electoral college. The Congress runs on a "majority of the majority" basis, so a handful of morons dictate what goes through there as well.
Well, the "majority of the majority" thing only applies to passing the corporate agenda, of course. Populist ideas require overwhelming majority support if they're to be given the honor of a veto by the White Houses's resident plutocrat, whoever that may be at the moment.
Anyway, get ready to lose next year, Dems. The usual facade has been built once again. You get to choose between two corporatist clowns who haven't got a shot in hell of actually winning, and won't do anything anyway even if they DO win.
Hahahahaha......sorry Mr. Edwards, I know that wasn't supposed to be funny, but
The primary process has deteriorated to the point that before the vast majority of Democrats even have a chance to caucus or vote, we're down to-- surprise!-- the two with the most money. Just two candidates to choose from. The party needs to do something about this process.
Edwards' campaign never got off the ground. Too bad.
Different Anonymous @ 38:
Dennis is also out of the race, BTW.
dadams @ 34:
The news is saying that his staff didn't know. They were planning as if he was going all the way. This sucks. Edwards/Obama or Edwards/Richardson would've been tits. I would've liked to have seen Gore/Edwards, but they both talk funny.
I liked John Edwards a great deal. I'm curious though... I read this morning that 40% of Edwards supporters are thought to have Hillary as their second choice, just 25% Obama. That makes no sense to me. I would have thoght it would be reversed and skewed even greater towards Obama. What's to consider?
That sucks. I know he wasn't doing well, but I hoped it would turn out differently. Hopefully, whoever the candidate is will see him as a good VP or other position. He seems to be the only one who understands that our government shouldn't be up for sale.
The dems had better get solidly behind one of the candidates to stave off a McCrazy Administration. That goes double for all of my fellow Edwards supporters who are oh so bummed out and would rather not vote!
Lucy @ 53:
sexist! ;-)
Allright Dems together we sing....
ABC
as simple as
123
ABC no Hillary for the nominee.
Fox Conscience @ 39:
then you don't support the democratic party unless you get YOUR WAY.
you are an example of those who would commit suicide instead of
a rational solution.
vote your choice, but please consider the consequences for a bad choice.
we are partially in this mess because of a weak third party in 2000.
Well, now the rest of the race, both Dem and Rep will be sponsored by:
Big Oil, Pharma Companies and every other corporation
Be sure to buy lots of KY Jelly in the coming months.....see the new Prez? Same as the old Prez. Oh well, guess the world will carry on.
dadams @ 65:
Actually, this is showing exactly WHAT is WRONG with the Dem Party Dadams. The party is split into "Anything but a Republican". That's a pretty damn wide field to try and please.
Well, no we have a race between a woman and a black man. What's a white man to do? Apperently I supported Edwards because I hate blacks and women.
Seriously though, it is sad that a person who made economic justice the center of his campaign is out because that will no longer be an issue discussed right up to election night.
It's not fair to start a movement and to stop it in midstream. John Edwards promised us that he would be in it through the convention. What happened? Did Daviv Gergen get to him? We want the right person for president not a historical event. John, you have let many of us down. Why?
I have not heard one name mentioned as a 3rd party candidate. Who are you deserters going to vote for? Are you going to vote for a 3rd party ghost? What if that person doesn't have your best interests as his or her platform?
To all those who're bashing those of us who pretty disappointed with the field as it is...
Please excuse us for wanting to be able to choose something better than the lesser of the two evils.
Pardon that we expected more of the socalled progressive party than 2 pro-corporationist candidates.
We're terribly sorry that we want more of the democratic candidate than just not being Bush III.
Most of all, we deeply regret that we consider some things unnegotiable - like Univseral Healthcare, Elemination of Poverty, no wars unless strictly needed and an end to the undue influence of big corporations on national (and international) politics.
Would either Obama or Clinton be better than McCain? Sure. But what I (we) look for in a president isn't being "better" for America (and the world. Y'know, that obscure rest of planet earth, where the vast majority of mankind lives?), it's being GOOD for the US and the World. And sadly, the last guy meeting that criteria just left the stage. Now all thats left is to chose where being screwed - an important choice, sure, but it doesn't change that we're being screwed!
Message to those bashing Edwards supporters:
Here’s a change….be constructive. Obama supporters, Hillary supporters…
Sell us on why we should vote for each.
OK, how about this for starters. It's why I will never EVER vote for Hillary.
As a grandmother and small business person and traveler, our foreign policy means more to me than most other issues.
1) we're at greater risk because of our foreign policy and 2)our economy has been destroyed in part because the world has the equivalent of a boycott against us -tourists no longer flock to America as they once did, affecting every small business and worker in America. Clinton is absolutely a pro war hawk with similar positions as George W. Bush. Almost guaranteeing a continuance of the situation we're in now.
Clinton cast a vile and defining vote in the Senate after the war in Lebanon. Senator Feinstein of California and the majority of Democrats -including Obama - tried to place a moratorium on the use of cluster bombs on civilian populations.
The Dems had every world humanitarian organization in support of this amendment, including the Red Cross.
Senator Hillary Clinton, this poor teary eyed mother, this shining light of 'womanhood' joined with all -ALL -of the Republicans and a few Dems - to defeat the bill.
Good luck to other women and their children if she's elected.
Fucking Nader is starting his bullshit again!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
cleo @ 69:
I feel the same way about it. I was so angry with him for abandoning us. It's childish, but, damnit, he said he'd stay in until the general! He could have at least worked to shift Obama and Hillary's messages to a more progressive tone.
I just turned 18 too. I was really excited to vote for him. This is... really disheartening, that a man campaigning for the poor has to drop out from lack of funds.
fiver @ 43:
What about that statement says "Hillary supporter"? They were pointing out that if democratic voters who were going to vote for Edwards now refuse to vote in November, they will be ensuring a victory for the republican nominee. That is just common sense. Hillary Clinton and John Edwards have both said that democrats need to support the democratic nominee, regardless of who it is, so we don't have another administration like the current one. I supported Edwards, but will support the eventual nominee, be it Clinton or Obama. I believe Edwards was the best candidate, but will also stipulate that either Obama or Clinton will be better than what Romney or McCain will bring to office.
"...so history can blaze its path"
John, WTF are you saying? You were the one who said you'd stick it out until the convention. Now I have to question your integrity. It's a shame that we're stuck with Shrillary or Nobama.
I hate this delusion that a single person can make this government. Remember what they said regarding Martin Luther King... He didn't do it alone. It was also the president, the people that decided those Africians Americans should be treated equal, and those Africian Americans that fought for that equality.
I don't think it should matter who wins the election.. it's up to the people to pick at LEAST somenoe who is reasonable and connected with us.
The problem with the people who were outed wasn't simply because of their police, but because of their hypocrisy. They disobeyed the people... and the people are what count.
My vote goes to Hillary.. not because she's the change person.. but because she knows what she's doing as a politician. Obama has his good pionts too.. and I see we have two good choices on the Democratic side.. They want to settle the most dire problems now... then we can try to fix everything else.. like this unbalance economy and this 'lobbying' thing... or how the rules are being played.
Dr. Acula @ 73:
"John Edwards, the banner of Democratic Party populism, is dropping out, and Dennis Kucinich dropped out earlier, so in terms of voters who are at least interested in having major areas of injustice, depravations, and solutions discussed in a presidential campaign, they might be interested in my exploratory effort," Nader said.
He's right. If the Dem party ever got their shit together and became an actual party instead of 10 parties in one, they would not have to fear an independant candidate. Don't blame Nader. That is bullshit. Blame the party you support for not offering a decent candidate for once. Oh they had one, but party members want more corporate buttf*&king than a real message the population will vote for.
Dr. Acula @ 73:
Good Vote Nader for Prez!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are screwed now. Royally. First Dean, now Edwards. 4 more years of nothing. Leave me alone so I can bawl my eyes out over a stiff drink.
I'm personally sick of all the illogic in politics today. Oh no.. gay people are a serious problem.. Let's make a rule regarding a rule from the church, which was interpreted many different ways, Iraq is the front line on the war against Terror, Iran as weapons and we better do something about it, Bush makes 'hard' and 'tough' decisions, the US doesn't torture.
It's this kind of bull crap I want to get away from... I don't much care 'WHO' wins.. as long as it's someone as far away from the Bush Administration as possible. The reason why I'm not voting republicians.. is because they're soaked in it. Only one person on their said admits what a horrible embarassment the war on terror is.. Everyone else is telling me it's important.. while we're ignoring trillions fo dollars are benig spent on it.
Very few people admits how the No Child Left Behind is basically to get the private sector into testing (NOT teaching) children and being paid for it..
I just want grown ups running this country... not children name calling and lying about why they'er doing what I can clearly see they're doing.
We just lost our best candidate for the general election in Nov.
Populism is obviously not an American value.
ConcernedCanuck @ 78:
Of course... the people who voted for these other people don't think they're the right person.. or that they're decent...
You can get anything you want
At Alice's Restaurant
It's a sad day to see John Edwards leave this race. I don't know who he will back himself, but here is CHRIS ROCK praising John and giving a Rousing endorsement for Obama
ConcernedCanuck @ 79:
Thereby ensuring at least 4 more years of reichwing rule. No thanks.
I'm sorry, but I'm with those who are voting for a Third Party candidate or even consider sitting out the national election if Billary is the nominee. I mean people keep saying that whether it's Barak, Edwards, or Hillary that the Democrats have solid choices but that's a lie to me.
Yes, anything is better than Bush....including Nixon. But being that Bush has to leave regardless, when given a choice, I don't want her to be our President. Her experience argument is a joke. Yes, she's been around since 1992 and only empowered the Republicans and Bush administration to destroy this country as they have so far.
Even though Barak and Billary are the same politically, they are two VERY different people. Executive Power made Bush a worse person and I think it would do the same to Billary. You have to do dirt to get things done in Washington, but I don't think Barak would be willing to go as far as Billary would go in order to compromise his ideals to fulfill political ambition and cater to special interests at the expense of the American people.
Plus Billary is the only candidate that can galvanize the Republican party. Even if she wins in November they'll spend the next 4 to 8 years opposing everything she does just for the hell of it. Fox News' ratings would be back through the roof and Limbaugh would be as strong as ever. I'm sorry, I can't take another 8 years of this partisan division but that's exactly what we'll get with Billary because she can't reach across the aisle as no one will reach back for her.
And in terms of race, I don't think for a second that anyone who would vote against their interests because of Barak being Black would vote for any Democrat. If Barak is the nominee, the Republicans will sit out the Presidential race. If it's Billary, they'll be out in full force trying to stop her. The Republican party would run Al Gore against Billary if they thought they could and knew they would win.
If Clinton wins, I'm voting Nader/Gore!
Edwards as Atty General...
would be a great idea, but I doubt that either of the two candidates would be comfortable with his seriously investigating and prosecuting the mountain of corrupt, antidemocratic, and criminal activity of the Bush Era. Such an assault wouldn't be very "bipartisan," would it?
Mister Anderson @ 88:
I don't buy that, but why not vote for Barack anyway?
Dr. Acula @ 87:
I don't get your logic....so if another candidate runs that isn't Republican and is better than the Dem candidate, you aren't interested? That is mind numbing.
..wonderful speech, now if only Billary would do the same. Otherwise it's President McCain with a generic Conservative as Veep.
.....I weep
Bob KASPRZAK hates rethuglicans and wimpocrats @ 51:
it has to do with him continually getting his arse handed to him, and its about time. he has been taking away votes from obama.
look, i like edwards, but he just cant win. and i REALLY dont want a hillary administration.
Damn, we are going to lose this election. Not because we won't have a good nominee, whomever wins, but because we're obviously too pussy to fight the Republicans. Same ole bullshit I've been reading in comments throughout the progressive blogosphere. "Hillary and McCain are the same" "Obama is an empty suit" "With Edwards gone, I am not going to vote for anyone."
I guess we're ready or 4 more years of Republican rule.
What a bunch of losers we've become.
ConcernedCanuck @ 92:
I'm not interested in any third party candidate that has ZERO chance of winning. Is that simple enough?
Wonderful Speech, somber occasion. Thank you to John and Elizabeth Edwards and everyone that was part of their campaign, in parts large or small. You all have done this nation a great service. God Bless. and here is to finding a new position some where in the Dem's administration. AG Edwards or Supreme Court Justice Edwards both have nice rings to them.
Again, and again, it can't be stressed enough, I know people are here are feeling down because of this, but when you talk of staying home, or voting Nader, or Mccain to make some kind of "point", I only have six words for you:
Supreme Court Justices are Lifetime appointees.
He said he's in it for the long haul. Opting out before the Feb 5th primaries seems like the wrong thing to do. I wanted my chance to vote for him in the CA primary. I am so mad at the DNC/DLC for finding out ways to weed out strong progressive candidates that I'm not sure what I'm going to do right now. I'll support Obama, but support of Hillary is rewarding AIPAC 5th columnists as far as I'm concerned. My friend's prediction is that this ensures that John McCain will be the next prez because he will easily greenlight the "War for Israel" military machine and "Joe 6-pack" is fine with that. It's "Midnight in America."
Plus, read this regarding what is likely to happen (according to author) if Obama gets the nod (but not Hill the Pill): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-schamus/the-race-card-in-the-wing_b_...
Marco @ 96:
Oh, please-- don't blame the coming Hillary/Obama loss on the actual liberals of the party. When they lose (and they will), it will be the fault of the self-proclaimed "moderates", aka the right wing of the party.
Accept it for once, and acknowledge that these Republican-lite candidates are not viable against actual Republicans.
Brad @ 85:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8DtpdXZi0M
Douglas @ 71:
Well said, Douglas.
Cat Atomic @ 100:
Yes, Republican lite. Cute talking point, and because I will support the party nominee I guess I am not a true liberal anymore.
Since you're a true party liberal, will you be placing a McCain bumpersticker on your car or just a sign on the lawn?
This hurts like a stomach punch....on a rainy day....after locking your keys in the car.
John Edwards is a man I wanted to vote FOR. He isn't the opponent of the guy I was voting against.
Yeah, gut punch.
Dr. Acula @ 97:
Without support, a Dem candidate has ZERO chance of winning. So is that simple enough? So you'd rather have a Bush clone, but as long as they aren't Rep you are fine with that? Like I said, American logic is astounding.
Cheers to John Edwards - I hope he continues to serve the public good in the Future. Now Barack Obama should and will be our next President.
Watching Edwards speech and his conduct just made me wish we could have a leader like that even more. Well at least we'll have a rock star president.
This decent man would have wiped the floor with McCain or Romney. What a waste.
I'm going to cry.
I'm also going to throw my support behind the candidate I believe in - not to Edwards' choice.
*
me @ 13:
Agreed. I'm so very disappointed - not in Mr Edwards, because he's done what he can - I'm disappointed in a population that doesn't recognize a Candidate who would do good for all.
Today, The Dems lost the easiest election of a lifetime! From here on in it's Republican Rule for 4 maybe 8 more years! When will the Dems ever get it!!!!!!!!!
Looks like the GOP are going with Mc Cain . Romney is so phoney that even some conservatives will catch on to his act sooner or later. Nice to see Rudy 911 implode like WTC 7.He just fell down. Hucksterbee is well, just that. Its becoming quite clearer now.
Mc Cain / Lieberman 08 This Wars For You
Marco @ 103:
Again, I call B.S. If it were truly important for you that a Dem wins the election, you would not be insulting possible supporters; instead, you would be working hard to ensure that the candidate which alienates progressives by the millions is not the nominee. Wonder which candidate that would be?
Marco @ 103:
No, I'll be voting for the nominee. But that nominee is going to lose.
When that happens, don't blame the left. That's what I'm saying. Blame the corporate wing of the party for once-- you know, the actual losers.
...and WHY was Obama talking about Edwards dropping out BEFORE Edwards had a chance to make his OWN announcement.
Obama = attention whore.
The Dems deserve the two last clowns they have running. Edwards probably said "You guys can have it!" Just like Gore, he realized what a mud fest it was going to be, and couldn't stoop that low. I have more respect for this man than ever now. I say, Let the two jerks currently running for the nomination have it! As far as I'm concerned, their selfishness has ruined it for the progressives in the Democratic Party for many, many years to come! They will probably lose in 08 and ruin it for the Democratic party, who was behind the sidelines all along, cheering them on from the get go! Good Job Hillary and Barach!
Sany -- and the press. They did just about everything possible to make sure John Edwards's voice was silenced. I've NEVER seen a campaign like this one where the press so arrogantly refused to cover the issues candidate by candidate rather than the personalities or mannerisms of the candidates. Or decided even before the primaries who the frontrunners were. At this time in American history, it was critical that America not be led astray, and for those who aren't political junkies to learn from the news media just what trouble America is in and how critically important the issues are.
I have nothing but contempt for most of the media outlets, and I don't want to hear a word of complaint from them about whoever we get in the next election and where America goes from there.
This is a shame, a travesty.
It's as though the cartoons 'Cathy' and 'Sambo' won Pulitzers, and 'An American Tragedy' and 'Catch-22' went unpublished.
We pick our presidents as we pick our noses, but with less care.
Marco @ 16:
Few Edwards supporters have said they would not support the Democratic nominee. That would be the Obamaites.
ysbaddaden @ 1:
we will be there to douse it.
I am heart broken. Once again, I have to decide between the lesser of two evils.
I am also upset. I think too much attention goes to "the first black" or "the first woman", and not enough attention went to "who is best for the little person in this country."
I will toss my support to Obama, because, in my humble opinion, he is the best of what is left. I was a Kucinich supporter...then an Edwards supporter, and now I'm hoping that Obama can get the crown.
Hillary is certainly better than anything on the repug side, but I sure would like more for my vote.
That's it. Moving to Iceland...
The only thing John Edwards did WRONG in his campaign is that he DID NOT SELL OUT and take huge Corporate lobbyist $$$$ donations like our two front runners Hillary and Barach.If he had, he would be the winner right now. This is how the so called Progressive Democratic Movement has thanked him for that! Democrats are very mixed up, and really do not know what they want! Just Don't cry Dems when Hillary or Obama don't do anyting they say they will for the Democratic Movement. They have huge loans that have to be paid back to the Corporations, who gave them the front runner status they are in. You all had a chance to stop this, and all went along for the ride!
I am extremely heartbroken and disappointed by John dropping out of the race. I have never contributed or volunteered for any type of political campaign until this year.
John Edwards gave me hope and optimism that when we are willing to stand up and speak out for the forgotten and the less fortunate, that change can happen and America can be a better place. John you may not be the next President of the United States; however YOU ARE MY PRESIDENT.
You may not have gotten all the press or media attention, but you spoke up for millions of struggling Americans all across this country. I want to say thank you for having the courage and the backbone to fight for what you believe in. You pushed the agenda for this campaign, and spoke about the hardships that people face every single day.
I also want to thank you being the voice that gave me hope for a better world. I will continue to follow you and support you. I pray for you and Elizabeth and your family. May the grace of God shine upon you and may you continue to give voice to the voiceless. I found a quote by Robert F. Kennedy and it reminded me of you. He said, "Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, and the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change". Your voice a will never be forgotten, but more importantly the voices of all those you continue to struggle and continue to work for a better tomorrow, will never be forgotten.
Thank you Mr. Edwards, you give me hope.
"The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public"- Robert F. Kennedy
anney @ 117:
On NBC News a couple of nights ago they did a whole report on a poll showing how the Dem candidates would fare against the Rep candidates in a general election. They showed how Clinton and Obama would do against McCain and Romney, and I don't recall the results because I was so anxiously awaiting the first prime-time reporting of the FACT that John Edwards was the ONLY Dem candidate who would beat all the Reps. Guess what? Neither Brian Williams nor Tim Russert even mentioned the name John Edwards. I knew at that moment that John Edwards would have no choice but to withdraw from the race. The media had decreed that we would have no choice either.
Moving to Iceland...
I WANT MY $50 BACK THAT THE EDWARDS CAMPAIGN SOLICITED FOR ON MONDAY. I contributed money on either Monday or Tuesday because of a letter from Joe Trippi stating the campaign needed more funds for Super Tuesday. I feel Robbed and disheartened at the same time Why solicit money when you know you are quitting. It was a double hit for me.
Yeah.... a path to self-destruction.
WHAT !!
Corporate dominated media = Corporate dominated government
Take back your media = Take back your government
Well first I supported Kucinich but the media ignored him.
Then I went to Edwards (sort of), and now he's gone.
Should I support Obama? Maxie Waters is supporting him, so maybe.
Hillary? NEVER. I'll go Indy first.
Oh, and DICK Morris. You make me sick. Stick to sucking toes.
We'll look at the bright side. When the shit hits the fan over the next decade because of all the BushCo/GOP fuck-ups over the last decade the Republicans won't be able to blame Edwards for it. It's not a lot to cling too I know but it's something positive.
The Republicans are going to be preparing their tar for Hillary or Obama now.
This is the 2000 election again, except this time Democrats may have their WTF moment. In 2000, Republicans screwed up and picked George over John McCain. Big, big WTF moment.
Now, if Democrats pick Hillary over Obama, it will be a WTF moment. The question now is whether Democrats have gotten over the Clintons like the rest of the country has. If they choose Hillary, McCain wins. If Obama, he beats McCain with a landslide.
I am personally sick of pro-war and/or smirking presidents so hopefully Obama gets the nomination.
Obama08 @ 89:
Do you not understand that voting for Nader will give the election to the republicans. It may make you feel better about yourself to not vote for the lesser of two evils, but how does it feel to give victory to the greater of two evils.
I feel both disheartened and ROBBED. Disheartened because I wanted John Edwards, I contributed twice (something I don't normally do), I feel robbed because on Monday or Tuesday Joe Trippi sent a form email begging for contributions to offset the expenses of SUPER TUESDAY. I sent $50 and less than 48hours later no candidate, no Super Tuesday. I think this was very wrong of Edwards to allow this. He should return any money contributed for Super Tuesday.
RichStraightWhiteAmericanMale @ 122:
Take your bathing suit. In 20 years it'll be a tropical paradise.
I was a Kucinich supporter. When he dropped out, I went to Edwards. Now I will go to Obama.
chris @ 133:
You do realize that the voting records of Hillary and Obama have been nearly identical in recent years. They are essentially one in the same. The candidates that really brought substance were Edwards and Kucinich. Obama has made a big deal about how he was against the war from the beginning, while funding it every chance he got. I still don't understand how Dennis Kucinich had no traction if so many people are "sick of pro-war" candidates.
Blame the Democratic party for this. They do this every time to Populist candidates like John Edwards, Howard Dean, and Paul Hackett. They kick the good candidates to the curb, and keep the Corporate Crony ones like Hillary and Barack. Don't blame John Edwards for this. Someone up in the Party had a talk with John and forced him out. Things would have become very, very difficult for him and his family if he had not withdrawn the race. Like the Mafia, the party elders forced him out. Had he not withdrawn, I bet they told him " All Bets are off"!! What would you have done? Risked your life and your families safety over this charade?? Nowadays, Politics is a risky, dirty business. Only the slimeballs survive!
McCain or Romney just got one step closer to the White House.
The corporate and monied interestes in this country are going to be partying tonight.
He's not necessarily out of the running. If Obama and Clinton hurl enough crap at each other in the race for the nomination they may render themselves unelectable. It would then make sense for the Democratic party kingmakers to draft someone who, in the immortal words of Monty Python," hasn't got shit all over him". Only certain delegate counts make this possible but it could happen.
Well the small red states have spoken and the Dems are down to Mr. Sunshine and Ms. "Experience" neither of whom have a real track record to back up their rhetoric. I think I'll just tune the whole mess out till November 1 (that'll leave me some time to find a nose clip).
As currently configured this process is horrible for the Democratic Party and the nation as a whole: the early and open primaries drive both parties to the right. The early states are fairly conservative to start with and anyone crossing over to vote Democratic favors the rightmost Dem and at the same time further empowers the far-right zealots in the GOP tally.
nipit @ 136:
I think you could take at least half of all the C&L posters and simply say 'ditto'. Let's just hope that it goes no further.
nipit @ 136:
im punching in none of the above , same difference!
There goes the last Democrat that even sounded like a progressive and with a promise from the corporate anointed to do something about ending poverty. R-i-g-h-t.
Obama08 @ 89:
[Deleted. Abusive. Site Monitor]
sulphurdunn @ 144:
sounded like a progressive...but is he really??
again, the problem i had with edwards is that he is a born again progressive/populist
he didnt speak this way in 04, and he certainly didnt use the populist mantra in 2000
i would like to see edwards engaging the world the way that gore has
then i would buy into his progressive/populist shtick
i do wish that he had stuck it out till super tuesday
tomorrow night's dem debate is gonna be boring without him
What would Zeus do? @ 141:
lol
no track record to back it up? i thought that was edwards most perfect aspect-- the hollow superficiality of his talk.....that you could say that about clinton or obama, is absurd, considering the stark contrast between edwards record in politics, and the flowery populism of his rhetoric......the stark contrast between edwards buckling under to bush in the senate, and his promise now to end the war with the snap of his fingers and the click of his boots
the party wasn't driven to the right-- edwards as some ultra progessive is merely an illusion, a campaign trick; he isn't as far left as the koolaid drinkers like to think....obama outflanked clinton and edwards, if measured in real terms....
the only way mccain and repubs can beat obama is if democrats walk away and don't support obama....and to do so over the loss of edwards borders on lunatic...
mccain will soil his diapers when he faces obama in the general.
Marco @ 96:
To be more precise: What a bunch of losers the dems leadeship are, DLC = AIPAC, and the rest.. What a bunch of losers froze off the ONLY candidate who could win in General. What a bunch of losers AmurrriKKAN sheeple are..
"Forget it, Lance. It's Chinatown."
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