Dean to endorse Edwards?

[Dob Bole]

from http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/grind /

An Idaho conspiracy?

"John Kerry surrounds himself today with union leaders, many of whom differ with him on big issues like NAFTA but hate President Bush more than any one trade agreement.

Still, a more fascinating mating dance is taking place off-camera between John Edwards and Howard Dean, who seldom shades his disdain for his fellow New Englander and, sources say, has made overtures to Edwards since he decided to leave the '04 Dem primary last weekend.

Few things would upend this race more than Dean's decision to back Edwards, who without it remains a decided longshot today. Most importantly for Edwards: The senator badly needs money to make a solid showing on Super Tuesday, and Dean, if he endorses, would presumably transfer a vast network of donors capable of raising large sums within hours."

[DaisyUCSB]

1. I would certainly enjoy that

obviously

[LuminousX]

2. I hope he doesn't.

[onebigbadwulf]

3. Edwards / Dean 2004

Edwards would be stupid to pass up the free deligates and juggernaut of money collection

[Sean Reynolds]

4. Na.

Dean has asked his supporters to vote for him in upcoming elections, why would he then turn around and endorse a candidate?

[sweetcee]

Good point.

However, Dean and Edwards have been talking daily. Dean could hold onto his delegates until the convention, hoping Kerry doesn't go over the top. Then, he could throw them to Edwards with some enforceable promises from Edwards. I just don't see Kerry beating Bush.

[Sean Reynolds]

12. Maybe something like that.

But he won't endorse until WAY late and by then Edwards probably will be out.

[sweetcee]

5. I certainly hope he does.

When one realizes the country is approximately 1/3 dem, 1/3 ind and 1/3 repub; and that so many inds and a few repubs are going for Edwards but will NOT go for Kerry, I believe this might be the only way we can beat Bush.

Edwards' stand against NAFTA is finally resonating with people in all 3 groups as the unemployment problem worsens. I read Bush has to revise his statement made just a couple of days ago about jobs and that can help only Edwards.

Please, Dr. Dean, for the country, endorse and urge all your supporters to vote for Edwards.

[katieforeman]

7. So true.

[DaisyUCSB]

15. more like 2/5ths dem, 1/5th independant, and 2/5ths repub

however the electoral college is about 1/3 worth of the electoral votes in safe dem states, 1/3 in safe republican states, and 1/3 up for grabs

[katieforeman]

6. Please let it be true.

Dean wants Bush out of office more than anybody (except mayby Al Gore)and he has already said Edwards is more electable than Kerry.

[kerryistheanswer]

8. Wouldn't the campaign finance law prohibit Dean funding?

Isn't there a cap on how much Edwards can spend?

[sweetcee]

9. Funding or not,

the excitement Dean stirred up would be of great benefit to Edwards.

[mohc]

11. Funding cant be transfered

Only the donors. Although one has to asked themselves how readily Dean donors will be to back Edwards. He might be able to convince his large donation type donors to help out though.

[ShaneGR]

30. Yes, but he's no where near that cap. And no, Dean can solicit for Edwards

There is a cap, but Edwards is no where near it (He can still choose to opt out of the GE public system. Dean cannot transfer money, but he can let Edwards use his lists/send out emails on his behalf... etc.

[GreenArrow]

10. why was it that Dean supporters liked Dean again?

And what is it about Edwards that resmbles it?

[dansolo]

24. He's not Kerry. (n/t)

[denverbill]

13. That's a mighty big assumption.

"Dean, if he endorses, would presumably transfer a vast network of donors capable of raising large sums within hours."

I gave my money to elect a straight-talking, common-sense, budget-balancing 5 term chief executive and former doctor, not a smooth-talking, 1/2 term Senator and former trial lawyer.

I may transfer my vote, but it's a long-shot that I'd transfer my money.

[Dob Bole]

20. True...

Typical CNN political pundit statement I guess.

[GreenArrow]

27. thats the kind of answer

I was looking for in my post above.

[revcarol]

14. God, no.

And if Dean wouldn't give out his campaign list to the Dem party, why should he give it to Edwards?

And what do they have in common? Dean supporters, do you really LIKE this? A pro-war enabler of Bush's policies?

[RafterMan]

17. revcarol, please edit

I think you still have to say "Dean supporters" or your post will get zapped.

Good questions, though.

[revcarol]

19. Done, thanks.

I keep forgetting that even though I may think a nickname is OK that nicknames are forbidden and some might be offended.Apologies to Dean supporters hereby offered.

[liberalnurse]

16. Fair whether union leaders......

don't necessary speak for the voting behavior of the members. They do serve a purpose; such money, man-power for grassroots and some are delegates.......

[madfloridian]

18. That is probably just a rumor.

Roy Neel said there were rumors, but it would not happen. Not sure which article I read it in, though.

I don't think so, as he is still on the primary ballots.

[AlFrankenFan]

21. If Dean endorses Edwards...

That may give Edwards a boost in the polls.

[retyred]

22. dean supporting a pro war IWR voter that believes he did the right thing?

Classic dean!

" Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others." – Groucho Marx



retyred in fla
“Good-Night Paul, Wherever You Are”
So I read this book

[Meldread]

23. I think Dean should do it.

For the main reason that I think Edwards has a better chance against Bush. For another reason it will give Dean some inside contact. He could use Edwards as President to help change the Democratic Party and help shape the policy of an Edwards administration. Seeing as how he was a successful Governor I have little doubt that if he supports Edwards that he can some how get close to him and influence policy. The organization Dean is building will also greatly benefit.

If Dean can't win, hopefully, he can at least thwart Kerry's efforts at winning. (Seeing as how Kerry helped thwart Dean in Iowa and New Hampshire with that Osama Ad and Push Polling. I guess you can call it a bit of interventionist Karma.)

[Samantha]

25. Dean could negotiate with Edwards from two positions

in exchange for the second spot on the ticket.

Dean could throw his big donors Edwards' way (he's already talked to his "advisors" so he must be aware of their willingness or unwillingness to back Edwards).

Looking ahead at Super Tuesday, assume Dean's supporters hold fast and vote for him in states where his name is on the ballot. Consider whether Pat Buchanan is correct and Edwards might now have the momentum. If these two things come together March 2, Edwards wins an unexpected amount of delegates (but not enough to threaten Kerry) and Dean supporters hold fast in New York and California by voting for him (Dean), Dean could use the delegates he has, plus those he will gain, and bargain for the number 2 spot on the ticket.

True, it would not be politically wonderful for Dean to bargain with Edwards, considering Edwards' position on the war; however, in his quest to take back the Democratic party and ultimately the White House, and with his delegates as bargaining chips, Dean must choose between two yes votes on the Iraq resolution. Inasmuch as he has publicly stated he prefers Edwards to Kerry, my guess is that he would indeed reach out to Edwards. And if Dean has the minimum of what it would take to help Edwards overtake Kerry, Edwards will deal. Afterall, he already bought his house in D.C. and he's not running for the Senatorial seat from North Carolina this time.

Yep, I can see Dean kicking Cheney out of Al Gore's house.

[Rooktoven]

29. you mean helping kick BUSH

out of Al Gore's house....

(Lest we forget...)

[Samantha]

32. Oh I was referring to the chanting protestors during the recount

you are referring to the rightful winner of the election, and of course, you are correct.

[andym]

26. I don't think Dean should do this, unless at a minimum

I don't think Dean should do this, unless at a minimum, he gets Edwards to clearly state what a big mistake Iraq was and is.

[robsul82]

28. I just don't see how Edwards and Dean together can lose.

We can NOT get Dukasised in November, if only we stand TOGETHER.

Endorse, Howard!

Later.

RJS

[Rooktoven]

31. I heartily agree.

and while I agree with the Dr. on the war, pushing for an apology accomplishes little.