How will an endorsement from Edwards be seen at this point?

[Egnever]

If it goes to Obama will it help him or make no difference? What if it goes to Clinton?

At this point I dont think it will make much difference if it goes to Obama but could help Clinton. I think if he endorses Clinton though he would take a personal hit for it.

Should he Endorse at all ? I just dont know at this point.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. Too Late

~

[Egnever]

2. Even if it goes to Clinton?

and he campaigned for her?

[Skidmore]

7. I'd see it as a sellout.

He was my second choice and I wanted to see an Obama/Edwards ticket. I think it would be a winning one.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. Too Late

He's a bright man... The odds are against Hillary...Even if he was leaning in her direction why would he cast his lot with someone who is not going to win...

And if he endorses Obama it looks like he's piling on...

[BeyondGeography]

3. His only choice now is to play party elder

And color me not impressed with how he has handled this.

[karynnj]

19. I don't see him as a party elder - Gore and Carter are party elders

As Kerry, Kennedy, and obviously, Bill Clinton, are though they are aligned with the candidates. Edwards was a one term Senator, who failed twice to win the Presidency, but who was selected as a VP nominee. He did not seem to have much support from his former peers. The ones I listed have some right to claim the position as elders.

What Edwards does have is a core of people who support him.

[BeyondGeography]

20. Hence the use of the verb "play"

We agree.

[SoFlaJet]

4. Irrelevant

and as the first person said; too late

[TwilightGardener]

5. Pointless. Edwards marginalized himself. I don't know why he dithered and wrung his hands

for so long, but I lost a lot of respect for him--I know he needs a job and doesn't want to pick the wrong horse, but Obama's message was closest to his, and he should have backed Obama just on that principle, rather than trying to play his cards right and play power-broker.

[JimGinPA]

14. I Agree Completely nt

[surfermaw]

30. I don't think he will endorse until Convention, as I have said before

I don't think Edwards cares about what you people say about him for not endorsing Obama, now you see he could have endorsed Hillary to try to help her get ahead, in fact Edwards did keep her ahead until the got out...Then Obama came up with Edwards White Men Vote...Now that sort of makes one think that the Obama supporters such as Ted Kennedy, was behind getting Edwards out of the race, could that be the reason he is holding out, however I don't think any one of you Obama people should be worrying about Edwards thoughts on the matter, remember you are going to need every vote you can get to beat McCain, I am a democrat and have been all my life, but when you post your arrogant thought against Edwards you put thoughts in my head that have never been there before, even though I was quiet impressed with Obama speech and thought oh boy you are telling the republican what I and lots of democrats would have liked to have told them 4 years ago.

[TwilightGardener]

31. My thoughts aren't "arrogant". Sorry if I think Edwards didn't use his

opportunity in time for either candidate to really benefit, or in time for his OWN benefit.

edit to add: he shouldn't have played public games of "will he won't he, who will he endorse" and sent out signals that he thought Obama was a "pussy" (in a reporter's words) but didn't like Hillary's campaign message.

[zalinda]

41. Any who in the hell said he did?

He didn't say anything, the reporters said they heard it from someone that knew the Edwards'. He has not sought out ANY publicity since he suspended.

zalinda

[zalinda]

43. He DOESN'T need a job.

He is wealthy. Yes, he earned it the old fashioned way, by hard work. He only got into politics recently, unlike Obama and Clinton.

zalinda

[Whisp]

52. It seems like that to me now.

He's jockeying a position for himself and his career more so than doing the right thing - that's the impression I get and it's not a good one of him.

but we shall see, hope he comes out and talks about this before rumours take too deep a root and go negative on him. The longer he waits, the more time there will be to 'fill in the blanks' with guessing games that may be very unflattering to him.

[marlakay]

6. I am hoping he stays out of it like the others nt

[my2sense]

9. He should stay out of it n/t

[nomorewhopper]

10. at this point it probably won't make a difference unless he has to eleiminate a deadlock

as seen from last night's election results, edwards supporters are making up their own minds, and they are choosing one candidate over the other in numbers

i think it would be very big news if he endorsed clinton, and would give her campaign some good news to run with after the 10 straight losses. i don't see that happening, because edwards won't want to back a losing candidate. he'll want to be in tight with the new adminstration and not at odds with them right off the bat in case one loses.

i personally think edwards had an opportunity to endorse, which was right after he bowed out. at the moment, the election has left him behind a bit, and people have made up their own minds.

[Egnever]

13. I agree with you

I think Hilary isnt out of it yet though and an endorsement from Edwards and him campaigning for her could save her.

[RoadRage]

11. Far to late... people have made up their minds...

If he jumps on Clinton he's on a sinking ship.. if he jumps on Obama, he's getting on the bandwagon.

He doesn't really look good by doing either, and most of his supporters have already made up their mind - so he'd really just be alianating 1/2 of his base.

No need to do so now.. stand next to Gore, look big, and endorse who ever wins the Primary.

[jaysunb]

12. His voter base has already endorsed

Obama.( see recent results ) He doesn't need to say anything at this point.

[karynnj]

24. These questions for Edwards people would answer the question

1) Are you now for one of the other two?
2) If yes to 1), if he endorsed the other, would you change? (specify which one)

This would tell the size of the as yet uncommitted Edwards block. The second question addresses whether he can impact people once for him who have committed.

[JDPriestly]

26. I am an Edwards supporter. I have not endorsed Obama or Clinton.

I think they are both weak and cannot win in November.

[ChiciB1]

37. NOT THIS ONE!! I'm Sticking With Edwards... I Find NOTHING Uplifting

about the ones that are left! My opinion, you have yours! I DON'T care, they DONE HIM DIRTY!!!

If the Clinton machine is have this much trouble fighting "the Obama movement" with a great deal of back-room help, Edwards NEVER was given a chance!!

Democrats in D.C. are in bed with so many others, it's hard to tell one from the other!!

So, of course... I can go sit in the corner all over again!! IF I'm wrong and things actually change, I'm big enough to admit it. For now, I SEE NOTHING on the horizon to make me happy! NOTHING!

[zalinda]

45. I doubt it

Edwards' base has split into 3 or 4......Obama, Clinton, and I don't care, because the 2 left won't change anything anyway, and maybe Nader was right.

zalinda

[riverwalker]

15. Why would a real deal

need to know which way the wind is blowing? I don't understand his silence.

[DangerDave921]

16. worthless

Edwards has demonstrated that he is nothing but a footnote in this election.

[Blackhatjack]

18. A totally clueless observation ... look at the issues Edwards has pushed Obama/Clinton to address

... and you would characterize Edwards a 'footnote in this election?'

[DangerDave921]

21. Yes, a footnote

He was a 3rd place finisher in just about every race. Had he stayed in, he would have continued to finish 3rd in every race. He was never a serious factor in this race, hence my use of the term footnote. In 10 years, will anyone even remember that he ran for president? "Oh yeah, he was that guy who came in 3rd a lot and bowed out pretty early."

Also, there is no indication that Edwards has pushed Obama/Clinton to address issues they otherwise would not have. Healthcare? College tuition? The war? Taxes on the middle class? These are pretty standard issues during an election cycle.

Sorry to be blunt. I know you must like Edwards, but he just never got the traction needed to be any kind of a player in this election. So his endorsement is meaningless.

[Blackhatjack]

49. You need to quit while you are behind....

Edwards will be remembered for running as Vice President with John Kerry AND WINNING before it was stolen.

Edwards will be remembered for starting and finishing his campaign in New Orleans, visiting there more often than any other candidate, raising and pushing the politically unpopular but morally important issue of poverty.

He will be remembered for putting out detailed positions on poverty, healthcare, education, environment, and pushed Obama and Clinton to do the same. He was so successful that Obama and Clinton (and even some Repubs) 'adopted' the same issues (and in many cases the same language) for their own campaigns.

Edwards stood on principle for people who are politically powerless. That is a fine legacy in anyone's book.

[DangerDave921]

51. Yes he stood on principle

While looking awfully good in that expensive haircut of his, and living in his King's mansion. Sorry, couldn't resist.

We just disagree on Edwards. He and Kerry did not win. And he was a non-factor in this race. Case closed.

[Blackhatjack]

67. Everytime you post you remove any doubt as to your ignorance and hypocrisy regarding Edwards...

At this late stage you continue to point to Edwards' home as a 'King's mansion.' You obviously know better, you are just intent on smearing Edwards.

And I guess you are lambasting Hillary as well for spending much more for her hairstyling than Edwards ever dreamed of spending, right?

YOu just need to understand that most here see right through you, even though you think you are so smart.

[karynnj]

57. You can never state or predict the full legacy of anyone

In addition to what Edwards does in the future, consider that he may have pushed many people to get involved who wouldn't otherwise to have done so - who knows whether one of these people could become a future political leader or a future activist. It may have been that he changed their lives.

Every campaign ever has put together detailed plans on key issues. Edwards started his campaign earlier so he did get his positions out faster than Obama and Clinton. (Kerry actually had detailed 2008 positions on healthcare, Iraq, national security and the environment well before Edwards.) Every campaign was going to have them. Poverty is usually covered as part of the economic plan - this is the one issue that Edwards gave far more attention to and likely caused it to get more attention than it would have otherwise.

The point is he ran a race he can be proud of and as Elizabeth said left a mark on the 2008 race.

[Occam Bandage]

17. Pointless. Just like when he was in the Senate,

Edwards didn't endorse because Edwards always refuses to take any risks that might hurt his career. He waited too long, and now he's irrelevant. While I loved his platform, I'm glad his campaign went down; I knew the same over-cautious, careerist nature that prevented him from endorsing now, that caused him to climb aboard the war and spying bandwagon, and that caused him to go silent about progressive causes whenever it counted would prevent him from being a forceful President capable of taking political risks to do the right thing.

[JDPriestly]

27. Edwards refuses to endorse because the level of politics,

the personal attacks and the sexism, ageism and racism of the Clinton and Obama campaigns are just disgusting.

Further, his issues, in particular the Constitutional issues, renegotiation of "free trade" agreements, economic justice -- those are not issues that the other two have embraced to the satisfaction of Edwards' supporters.

I grew up listening to preachers' rhetoric. Obama talks like a preacher -- all sound, no substance. Hillary is vindictive and mean. I don't like either of them. Maybe John Edwards doesn't either.

John Edwards was miles ahead of the other two in terms of love of his fellow men and women, selflessness, ideas, you name it. Obama and Hillary together don't even fit into the shadow of John Edwards. The sexism and racism and ageism that caused so many Americans to latch onto Obama or Hillary in such an emotional way turns off a lot of rational Americans. McCain is a very weak man and an unattractive candidate, but it will take a miracle for either Hillary or Obama to win against McCain.

[ChiciB1]

38. I'll Say It ONE MORE TIME... The American People Missed Their

chance, and John Edwards had SO MUCH MORE than the two the Democrats have left. American Idol... 101! That's what this Nation has been reduced to!

Anyone care to think "ROME?" I was cynical before... not I'm cynical AND BITTER!!

JMHO!! Carry on!!

[Renew Deal]

22. For Obama...

It helps him with working class types. But it can be seen as bandwagon jumping.

For Hillary, it will be too little, too late.

[stahbrett]

23. If he can guarantee how is 25-26 delegates will vote, he conceivably could play an important role nt

[my3boyz]

25. Too late....Obama already has

the support from most of his male voters. I don't think they will switch back because Edwards wants them to. I guess he might be able to bring a few more over if he campaigned for Barack in Ohio and Pennsylvania but I think Barack will win some of them over on his own as he spends some time there.

I don't see him jumping in to try to save Hillary either. She has a shot but it is a long shot. I don't think Edwards will stick his neck out if he does not believe he has a shot of turning it around for her.

[JDPriestly]

28. Actuallly, some of the older male voters plan to vote for McCain.

It's not racism. It's a reaction to the sexism, racism and ageism and emotionalism that have catapulted Hillary and Obama to the lead candidacies.

[Cha]

60. Yeah, the ones who have the

bloodthirsty death wish for the Planet.

[greguganus]

29. Pointless, and I don't see a place for him in an Obama presidency. n/t

[OhioChick]

32. I Don't Think it Will Matter.

My whole family switched from Edwards to Obama. Talked with my neighbor the other day and her whole family is going with Obama, as well.

[Johnny__Motown]

33. It would be worth one news cycle if he did it in Ohio it might help a little

But he said he was "suspending" his campaign and he had promised to "go on until the convention".

In a very technical sense, he has not yet broken this promise.


I think he should not endorse either, unless he and Biden, Gore, Richardson and others all team up to endorse at one time to try and settle this mess.

[theHandpuppet]

34. Former Edwards supporter here

When John dropped out I decided for Hillary -- just a bit of info to preface my remarks.

Any endorsement from John now will be irrelevant or worse, if he jumps aboard the Obamatrain at this late date it will simply make him look like an opportunist. Conversely, an endorsement for Hillary would give the appearance of desperation.

I have no idea why John droppped out so early in the race but in doing so he sacrificed any leverage he made have had to push for his own platform. I suspect it also damaged his credibility in the eyes of some voters (not mine).

One day we will find out the truth of just why John dropped out when he did, and I don't think it will reflect well on our party.

[ChiciB1]

40. There Are Many Rumors... But All The Ones I'm Aware Of WILL REflect

badly on the Democratic Party! Back-room dealing ALWAYS smells! Whether ANYONE here believes it or not... I feel there was extreme PRESSURE put on him! Even now, look at what is happening to the Clinton MACHINE!!

That says VOLUMES! I almost feel we have been manipulated like NEVER before! Gee, ain't Democracy WONDERFUL????

[Egnever]

48. Thanks for the perspective.

I was never an edwards supporter but I was warming up to him near the end. I do feel his leverage is fading fast. Unfortunate as his message was a good one.

[DangerDave921]

66. Excuse me

You have no idea why he dropped out??? Could it have been that he was finishing 3rd in virtually every race, including South Carolina? That he was polling in the teens in all the upcoming states? That he had zero chance of winning the nomination? There were very obvious reasons why he dropped out. It's the same reasons why anyone drops out -- he finally acknowledged he could not win because the numbers weren't there. There's no shame in it. Just a fact. Not everyone can be the winner.

[demokatgurrl]

35. as butt-kissing. n/t

[ChiciB1]

36. Neither Clinton NOR Obama Deserve His Attention IMHO!!! From What

I've seen happen lately, many say he's not important, but I say.... America MISSED it's BEST chance! Time will tell, and if my thoughts are correct I'm not sure I want to be around to SEE IT!!

Say what you will, but I see very little difference between the THREE left! Very Very Little! Flame Away... I don't care much anymore!! My optimism OR activism is GONE now!!

[zalinda]

39. Then why did you even bring this up?

If he was going to endorse, he would have done it by now. Gore has asked him not to endorse, from what I've read. I would think that he cares much more about what Gore thinks of him than you.

zalinda

[Egnever]

46. Cause I like the what ifs.

I think he could save Hilary's campaign if he endorsed her now and campaigned for her. I am unsure how it would be seen on either side if he were to endorse. This is a politics board after all.

[AtomicKitten]

42. I think Edwards waited too long.

He essentially let the air out of what would have been a powerful endorsement. Unions are throwing down and the natural migration is now in progress.

[Bullet1987]

44. If Edwards was thinking about endorsing Clinton...he may be rethinking that now

seeing how negative she has gone and her bleak prospects of getting the nomination now. Edwards won't like the idea of endorsing someone who is beginning to be viewed as a goner for good.

[Egnever]

50. interesting

You are likely right about that, it is somewhat of a catch 22 no? If he is thinking about Clinton the longer he waits the harder it is to endorse.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

47. Little impact among the electorate, IMO.

I suspect the big names will come out and endorse Obama en masse after the 4th to force a concession, if necessary.

[Egnever]

54. I am starting to believe that is the plan

Assuming Obama wins texas and tightens it up in Ohio. I think you are right we will see a wave of super delegate endorsement if Hillary doesn't concede.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

56. I think even if he loses both with narrow or moderate margins...

they'll still be coming out for Obama.

[David Zephyr]

53. Sadly, pretty hollow. It would look very calculated now.

We won't see Barack Obama flying across the United States and taking out a day of his busy campaign schedule to have an audience with John again.

I have no idea what John is up to. It certainly appears that he was holding out for a Hillary surge which did not materialize. I don't want to believe that, but it looks like it.

He can't play broker between them because Al Gore and Jimmy Carter, who would not be seeking a position in any administration as John might, would do that if it were necessary, which I now no longer believe will be required because the super delegates are pealing away to Obama now in a natural way.

The Teamsters endorsement is a big thing with weight. John's endorsement or 25 delegates no longer really is. That's sad.

John should just issue a quiet statement supporting Obama at this point. The later he does it the sillier it will look.

[Radical Activist]

61. It made Edwards look like a prima donna.

Like he has to have the two remaining candidates come to kiss his feet. Plus, because of the meetings, any endorsement will cause people to speculate whether a deal was made. That makes the endorsement worthless and might even hurt the candidate he supports.

If I were Obama I would tell Edwards to keep his opinions to himself until the party has a nominee.

[Egnever]

63. Taking another day off will not happen again to be sure

The longer John holds out now the more it apears to have been a day wasted.

I dont understand what John is up to either.

[book_worm]

55. If Edwards was not sure of Obama as a fighter I'd think the results of the last couple of weeks

should change his mind. Obama has had the Clinton machine go up against him and he has won ten in a row. I think his endorsement would be helpful to either candidate but not critical anymore. If he truly wanted to make an impact he should have endorsed just prior to Super Tuesday or just after.

[andym]

58. Edwards is the best spokesman for Edwards' platform

I'm sure he would like to get his ideas back to the forefront of this campaign.
Taking sides may not be the best way to do it.
Waiting until a nominee emerges and then campaigning with him/her would probably be the wisest course of action.

Also, I doubt Edwards want to be caught up in the attack/counterattack politics that will probably define the next few weeks of the campaign.

[Radical Activist]

59. His endorsement no longer matters and might hurt either candidate.

Most of his supporters have already picked another candidate so he doesn't have much to offer.

What will hurt is if people think the endorsement was some kind of deal, such as a promise to be Attorney General. That would hurt Obama more than it would help.

[Egnever]

64. interesting take

Thanks

[SKKY]

62. As little more than an after thought...

...Obama's already gone out and got the Edwards demographic.

[LiveLiberally]

65. As an Edwards Supporter...

I don't see questions re: endorsements as terribly relevant. What matters:

1) Edwards ran a classy, grass-roots, transformational -- albeit underdog -- campaign that mobilized voters across the country.

2) Edwards' early emphasis on substance and concrete policies set the standard & obligated both Obama and Clinton to adopt more progressive agendas.

3) Edwards remains a brilliant, highly gifted politician who has genuine credibility as someone who knows the system but who rejects D.C. "politics-as-usual". He would be a great asset to any democratic administration that is committed to transformational change.


As far as visiting Edwards is concerned, all of the above explain why both Obama and Clinton made the trip to Chapel Hill. I agree that his relevance now to the primary campaign is questionable, but his value to the democratic party is not.

[DangerDave921]

68. Corrections

1. Edwards' campaign mobilized voters across the country? OK, he mobilized around 16% of democratic primary voters.

2. On what basis do you conclude that Edwards is a brilliant, highly gifted politician? He lost as VP in 2004, and was trounced in his debates with Cheney. He had one term as a senator. He finished 3rd in most races this year (even South Carolina), and was polling in the teens in upcoming races. This is brilliant and gifted?

[Araxen]

69. Who?