The Rovian tactics need to be stopped now -- I'm working for Edwards

[sjdnb]

I had read something about some NE trash before and thought it had been dismissed (as it well should have). And, as I was holding out for Gore to jump in, I didn't pay much more attention to it.

But, low and behold, as Edwards poll numbers begin to go up .... the tabloid trash resurfaces. My first thought was that it was far too convenient timing, for the other candidates ... so, I investigated a little further.

Execs at the parent co. that owns the National Enquirer are Obama donors and Clinton donors/friends/associates (one was in the Clinton Admin til he had to resign due to scandal). Between this and the whole Obama/Clinton bash-a-thon/celebrity fest, any respect I had for either of them has vanished.

Some run for office out of ambition and it makes them and their supporters do terrible things. Then, there are those who run out of an obligation of duty and concern for the people of the country and the world.

Especially, after this latest display of Bush-league politics, the only person I believe is running for the latter is John Edwards. So, where do I sign up? (rhetorical)

[MadBadger]

1. Ive heard the rumors that they are clinton supporters, but not that they are also Obama donors

Do you have any evidence to back that up?

[sjdnb]

3. The list of Evercore donors so far ....

ALTMAN, ROGER
NEW YORK,NY 10128
EVERCORE PARTNERS INCORPORATED
10/13/2004
$2,000
Clinton, Hillary Rodham
10/13/2004
$2,000
Clinton, Hillary Rodham
NOTE: who DIDN'T he give to??? John Edwards

Adam B. Frankel, Evercore
Senior Managing Director
Adam B. Frankel is a Senior Managing Director and the firm’s General Counsel.
FRANKEL, ADAM B
OLD GREENWICH, CT 06870
EVERCORE PARTNERS/GENERAL COUNSEL
OBAMA, BARACK
VIA OBAMA FOR AMERICA
06/08/2007 2000.00
NOTE: who DIDN'T he give to??? John Edwards

Eduardo Mestre, Evercore
Vice Chairman (gave a grand to Lieberman in 1999, a grand to Bush in 2000, and $500 to Clinton in 2000, as well as the various Dems/Reps, and Barack Obama $2300 2007)
NOTE: who DIDN'T he give to??? John Edwards

[K Gardner]

9. Very, very interesting... good work. I was kind of wondering why

Nader (ok, no love lost but still)on Hardball said Edwards was the only one of the top 3 who hadn't been bought off by corporate interests. That's a big thing in Nader's book, and he supposedly keeps up with such things.

[maximusveritas]

22. So you're telling me

the Chairman, Senior Managing Director and Vice Chairman of an investment firm conspired to push this story about Edwards in a tabloid magazine which is published by American Media which their firm has a 20% stake in. If you believe that, I've got some stories about JFK, 9/11, and the moon landing to tell you about.

When this story was just about the Chairman, it was semi-plausible, but this conspiracy you're concocting just doesn't pass the smell test.

[sjdnb]

28. The owner/Chief Exec was a Clinton cabinet member

until he had to leave because of an accounting scandal.

Fact.

Draw your own conclusions.

If you can't follow an entire thread to get the conversation in context, perhaps message boards are not the best venue for you to participate in.

[MadBadger]

2. Do you have an issue with candidates trotting out celebrities to campaign for them?

[sjdnb]

5. Yeah, I make my decision based on the credentials and beliefs ...

not on Oprah, Magic, or Kevin Bacon 'paloozas'.

[MadBadger]

6. Well thank you for including Edwards in that, because that was going to be my point

They are all guilty of using celebrity endorsements.

[sjdnb]

10. And, Kevin Bacon is NOT why I've chosen to support him

Nor, is this latest round of mud-slinging.

Without Gore or Feingold running, the only other person I could support in good conscience, is Edwards.

[MadBadger]

14. I'm not saying he was

But It seems like during the whole Oprah thing, there were some Edwards Supporters here and in the papers who hated the whole thing, forgetting that he's had Bonnie Rait and Jackson Browne campaigning for him and now Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon.

[sjdnb]

19. Don't tell me you're comparing the 1/2 hour coverage

of Bacon, Raitt, et al to the 24/7 three plus days of Oprapalooza we were all treated to?

If so, your hype-o-meter may need calibrating.

[MadBadger]

21. Its still the same kind of politics. The only difference is that Oprah has a lot more star power

[sjdnb]

24. And money/corporate power... ya think that might

have something to do with my point?

[Horse with no Name]

30. There is ONE big difference

and that is that Oprah has NEVER been political before while Jackson Browne, Tim Robbins, Bonnie Raitt, Kevin Bacon, et al have been grassroots political activists in their own right for quite some time. THAT means something.
Oprah has star power and that might be appealing to some. However, the fact that POLITICAL ACTIVISTS that I have respected FOR BEING POLITICAL ACTIVISTS support a candidate because they like HIS politics...carries a lot of weight.

[MadBadger]

31. Please, they are actors and musicians first. They had to get a start somewhere

Maybe this is Oprah's start.

[Horse with no Name]

33. Of course they did

and, I hope it is. I have always liked Oprah. I'm not one of her haters here and if you don't believe me...just do a search.
However, there is a difference in star power and political power.
When Oprah steps up...she brings her fan base simply because they love Oprah.
However, when these other activists step up...their fan base usually includes built-in activists.
There is a difference however.

[mirrera]

35. Bingo! Bonnie Raite has fought for so many things I believe in.

I know exactly what you mean.

But even Oprah, they are people that are bringing to the table what they can offer best. Money and crowds. I don't begrudge any of the candidates doing this. Better than lobbyists for the people they will HAVE to fight to fight for us. Edwards is the only one besides Kucinich talking the talk. Will he walk the walk? He may have to stay out of small planes...

His best protection is Kucinich or Obama for VP.

[annie1]

4. you should work for Ted Olson and go research the clinton body count...

if you insist on being a paranoid victim of conspiracy theory.

[sjdnb]

7. Robert Altman, Executive, Evercore, Parent Co. of the NE

Roger Altman is an investment banker and former United States Deputy Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton.

In 1993 Mr Altman returned to Washington DC to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the US Treasury, before resigning in 1994 because of a record-keeping scandal.
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Altman

Donations via Huffington Post:
http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/neighbors.php?type=name&lname=Altman

[annie1]

8. they do it to everyone....

It's the enquirer, get a hold of yourself

[sjdnb]

11. It's not that they do it, it's who they CHOSE to do it to

and when.

[annie1]

13. they do it to Bill and Hillary all the time. geez. it's the enquirer...

they wrote that hillary was a lesbian while she was running for the senate.

[VolcanoJen]

12. Didn't they also report that Laura and George were getting divorced?

Thank you.

[sjdnb]

18. Your point?

with David (Batshit Crazy) Perel as the editor the NE has a circulation of over 1 million. Some folks obviously think this B$ is worth $2+ an issue.

BTW - Only USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and NY Times have circulation #'s over NEs although it is weekly, but I don't care enough to examine the stats any further.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/06/business/media/06adco.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Fact is, for some reason their editor/execs chose, at this particular time, to rehash an already discredited story. I don't give a rat's rear who they slimed before - it's all about how corporations hedge their bets and politicians are far too willing to work with slime balls - as long as they donation/support.

And, as I was NOT leaning Clinton or Obama, preferring Edwards message and ideas over theirs, the last few weeks of mudslinging and celebrity trotting (and, then this) made any benefit of the doubt I gave either one evaporate.

[annie1]

25. maybe they chose now to rehash it so they could.. *gasp*...

sell more papers! wow.

[sjdnb]

27. Bottom line, for me, when candidates are more about

celebrity endorsement-0-ramas and mudslinging, any interest I have in their campaigns goes POOF!

Between Bills foot-in-mouth disease, Hillary's Lieberman-like performance in the Senate, Obama's embrace of "Headlining Performer" Donnie McClurkin (AKA "The abnormal use of my sexuality continued until I came to realize that I was broken and that homosexuality was not God's intention... for my masculinity. ... homosexuality is a curse and gays "are trying to kill our children".) and what seems like an abandonment of the Progressive principles he held in the Illinois Senate since being elected to the US Senate, the choice is clear.

And, it is definitely not Clinton or Obama.

[VolcanoJen]

26. Totally not attacking you.

Just pointing out that Drudge and the Enquirer are a 50-50 gamble. Already, from reading the Enquirer article we know the story was about an Edwards staffer, not Edwards himsself.

The salacious, misleading, sexed-up tabloid headline is bullshit. Calling it as such, is all.

[sjdnb]

29. Ironic, you find so little credence in the potential for there to be some

quid pro quo going on when it comes from just another average citizen. Hmmm, where'd I here vast somethin-somethin conspiracy before?

BTW, IMO - Questioning/investigating/discussing/airing the circumstances and people involved in any significant campaign issue is a thoughtful course of action. It's not as if I were the first person to wonder about this 'connection'. Anyone involved for more than a couple of years knew the history.

And, were it not for the wider range of issues I have with both candidates as to their votes, statements, associations, and positions, it would not have become my 'last straw'.

Given the direction, tone, and tenor this campaign has taken, as well as Clinton/Obama's records/ideas/statements, and, with neither Gore nor Feingold running ... Edwards it is.

[CoffeeCat]

15. If Edwards...

...or any other candidate, is attacked with lies and perverted gossip--I hope
to God these candidates fight back and set the record straight.

We all saw what happened to John Kerry. A false report came out about Kerry having
an affair. I don't recall him attacking that gossip. The story played out for a long
time, and Kerry should have stepped in and declared it bs.

Whoever is doing this nonsense, is assuming that lies and gossip will do damage to
a candidate and that the candidate will not answer the charges. The victim of
this negative messaging--needs to take control, take a stand and speak the truth.
The victim should also take control of the message by positioning the purveyors
of these tactics as amoral liars.

You don't have to name names or have concrete evidence that identifies the perps.
Just attack back, as if your life depends on it. Everyone will know who the
perps are. Just attack back and defend your honor.

No one looks presidential, when they remain silent as someone drags your
name, your dignity and your family through the mud.

[MadBadger]

16. He made a simple statement I believe denying what was said

If this was a legitimate news source like the WaPo or the Times, than this would be a whole other game. BUt it was the inquirer, which nobody should take seriously.

[snowbear]

17. Edwards will be a guest on Big Eddie's radio show tomorrow..

Russ Feingold, Chris Dodd, and Elizabeth Edwards were all on there today!

Tomorrow is Senator Edward's turn! ~~~

[asdjrocky]

20. Thanks for the heads-up! n/t

[Nutmegger]

23. Thanks larissa!

Tomorrow Begins Today!

:hi:

[Inspired]

34. That is a great picture of Edwards and the First Lady of Iowa! n/t

[LaPera]

32. Republicans are so afraid of Edwards...they want to face either a......

woman or an African-American.....they are going to use the same old republican tactics against Edwards, smear, distort & discredit Edwards with lies and Swiftboat tactics......It's already started. Edwards is a fighter and so should we....John Edwards will win!

[sjdnb]

36. More Enquirer Execs/Evercore contributions exposed

NOTE: Whose name does NOT appear??? John Edwards.

And, Roger Altman an official in the first Clinton administration and college buddy of Bill Clinton's is the founder of the investment 'group' that owns the National Enquirer.

Michael Price
INVESTMENT BANKER
EVERCORE PARTNERS
Q3/2007
Mitt Romney
$2,300
2008 450 E 83RD ST
New York NY

Austin Beutner
President
Evercore Partners
Q1/2007
Hillary Clinton
$2,300
2008 100 WILSHIRE BLVD
Santa Monica CA

Austin Beutner
Investments
Evercore Partners
Q2/2007
Barack Obama
$2,300
2008 1525 SORRENTO DR
Pacific Palisades CA

Eduardo Mestre
Investment Banker
Evercore Partners
Q3/2007
Barack Obama
$2,300
2008 47 E 91ST ST
New York NY

Austin Beutner
PRESIDENT & C.E.O.
EVERCORE PARTNERS
Q1/2007
Rudy Giuliani
$2,100
2008 100 WILSHIRE BLVD
Santa Monica CA

Roger Altman
Chairman
Evercore Partners
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008 15 E 92ND ST
New York NY

Adam Frankel
Information Requested
Evercore Partners
Q2/2007
Barack Obama
$2,000
2008 69 HARDING RD
Old Greenwich CT

Jane Sadowsky
Banker
Evercore Partners
Q1/2007
Barack Obama
$1,000
2008 440 W END AVE
New York NY

William Repko
BANKER
EVERCORE PARTNERS
Q3/2007
Rudy Giuliani
$1,000
2008 709 W RD
New Canaan CT

Gus Christensen
Investment Banker
Evercore Partners
Q1/2007
Hillary Clinton
$750
2008 21 E 10TH ST
New York NY

Scott Newman
Information Requested
Evercore Partners
Q2/2007
Hillary Clinton
$400
2008 201 E 17TH ST
New York NY

Scott Newman
Investment Banker
Evercore Partners
Q1/2007
Hillary Clinton
$250
2008 55 E 9TH ST
New York NY

sources:

HuffPo http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com/neighbors.php?search=1&type=emp&employer=Evercore+Partners
Politico http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1007/The_Clintonite_who_owns_National_Enquirer.html
Young Americans http://patdollard.com/2007/10/12/friend-of-hillary-owns-paper-that-claimed-edwards-had-affair/

I tried to find an exec on Evercore's board/staff that contributed to John Edwards. I've looked for three days and can't find one. And, conversely, find execs who HAVE NOT contributed to another challenger.

I've tried to learn who this supposed source/friend was. When a publication, with circulation over 1+ million, interjects such scandalous information that can have such an impact on the primary process, shouldn't someone have to be held accountable for their statements?

While this story may be just another piece of tabloid trash, it is, for me, the epitome of what politics/government is becoming in America -- Power to anyone BUT the people.

And, while there may turn out to be no direct involvement by any other candidates/candidate supporters, the fact is that these private interests, knowing how much power and profit will be gained by assuring 'their horse(s)' wins the race, are much more likely to do things that will assure their own personal gain. In any event, it is still, indirectly, a result of a corrupt process that some still support.

If you have 'access', either as a media player or a wealthy individual/corporation w/campaign dollars to donate/donated, you can manipulate the political process to your advantage.

Until people who have the power to undermine democracy, whether through tampering with voting machines, planting lies about their opponents, using the judiciary to steal an election, lying to promote their agendas and make billions for their corrupt and fraudulent corporate friends, are stopped dead in their tracks by people who are mad as hell and won't take it anymore, they will continue to pillage and plunder the Constitution and the Country.