HuffPo: Its Still Edwards

[Yael]

Susan Madrak:

One of my readers asked who I'd vote for, now that Edwards has left the race.

If I were going to cast a ballot Tuesday, I'd still be voting for John Edwards. Why?

Because I don't trust either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton to carry the banner of progressive causes. The only power we have is in our votes, and if one of them walks off with enough delegates to pin down the nomination Tuesday, they have no incentive whatsoever to keep their word to Edwards. They will immediately start moving to the right and currying the conservative vote.

We're supposed to take it on faith that both of these candidates are a lot more liberal than they appear. Well, it's going to take more than a few speeches to convince me.

What would convince me? A candidate who takes a strong, uncompromising position on something that would benefit us instead of industry. Neither of their health care plans does it for me, although I'd give Hillary's the edge. Obama lost points with his various comments about how universal health care isn't possible. (Or practical, or whatever.)

Hillary is a triangulator and a corporatist; I think we're all familiar with her liabilities. Obama is someone who came up in Illinois statehouse politics - a place that's hardly a bastion of ethics. He showed exceedingly poor judgment in allowing his friend - someone who was then already under a cloud - to cut him a deal on the land next to his house. (Didn't I just hear him say today that it was just as important to be right on the first day as it was to be ready?)

And finally, I'd like to note that I do have exceedingly sound instincts. (Go back and read my posts from the past six years.) Although I was a big Dean supporter and someone who didn't think John Kerry had what it took to win (or govern effectively), it didn't make me sick to my stomach to vote for him.

I feel sick now. I don't believe Hillary will back down from the unitary executive trend if elected, and I don't believe she's strong enough to prevent another war. If anything, I think she's raring to prove herself "strong enough" to be commander-in-chief.

And I don't believe Obama is either strong or ruthless enough to root out the right-wing extremists with whom Bush has populated the government.

I hope I'm wrong. I pray I'm wrong. But I fear for our country. I don't think either of them will do what needs to be done. Yes, there will be some improvements. But as to the future direction of our country, I don't know where they want to lead.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-madrak/its-still-edwards_b_84774.html

[waiting for hope]

1. This is the part that gets me:

"But as to the future direction of our country, I don't know where they want to lead."

Just looking at all the posts lately in GDP, I want to get sick. The bickering back and forth is relentless - could it be that they do not know either? It's really getting out of control, and it has brought out qualities of pettiness that is beyond the pale.

Thanks, I needed that! :)

[ClericJohnPreston]

6. In a word

This whole process is a JOKE.

I said we were in deep trouble and I stand by that remark and post.

I have no horse in today's contests, except to see if Edwards can pick up some delegates. The man was silenced. Enough said.

I'll watch as two status quo candidates go at each other. No matter what their partisans argue, they are merely two different flavors of the same corporate candidate. The system won't allow for REAL change. Unfortunately, that will only come with a major upheaval.


VOTE EDWARDS !!

[IsItJustMe]

17. I share your sentiment. I voted for John today.

[nadinbrzezinski]

25. We did as well, I know of three people who voted Edwards today

I voted my conscience and come November, I will hold my nose, perhaps a clothespin, with logos of all major networks

[UpInArms]

2. k&r

I'm voting for Edwards today :)

[redwitch]

4. me too.

sigh.

[crazylikafox]

3. Kick for a Progressive voice

[Thrill]

5. Oh Please......Like Edwards would of done so much fighting

We've been waiting on him to do something for North Carolina for over 10 yrs

[waiting for hope]

12. Read this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=805559

I live here too - and Edwards was far more effective in his one term than Liddy Dole or Burr for that matter - I'm beginning to wonder if you really live here.

[Divine Discontent]

39. I'm beginning to wonder if they're even

a liberal, forget living there. To say Edwards didn't do anything in his term, when 1st term senators usually don't do a whole lot is a joke. It's been documented on here over and over, and like you said, John was more effective in 6 years than Dole ever was!

People! They're jealous their candidate isn't talking about the things us DU'ers are disgusted by with the bfee.

[Orangepeel]

7. great. Vote for a candidate who is no longer running because Obama isn't "ruthless" enough

Whatever.

Sooner or later, either Clinton or Obama is going to win the nomination. Personally, I want it to be sooner.

[Catchawave]

8. Suspended, not ended n/t

[Orangepeel]

10. That doesn't mean anything to me.

If John Edwards has some sort of secret plan to resume his campaign, why in the world would he "step aside" in the first place? He was getting too much press coverage while he was running and wanted to lay low for a while? That would be the worst political strategy ever (worst than Guilliani's!)

[Catchawave]

20. Well there are a few conspiracy theories.....

I'm strongly supporting him until he endorses someone else, as it will be for the right reason.

I've also heard rumors of a Draft Edwards movement. I'll get on board for that :D

[lastliberalintexas]

28. For some people, there isn't enough of a difference

between Obama and Clinton to care which one wins the nomination. That is why plenty of people are still voting for Edwards, Kucinich, Gravel and caucusing for uncommitted. Hopefully enough for a brokered convention, but I doubt it.

[Orangepeel]

47. and if that's your reason for not choosing between Obama and Clinton, fine

but a reason given in the linked editorial is that Obama isn't "ruthless" enough. "Ruthless" is one of the last words I'd use to describe John Edwards.

[flyarm]

57. how about voting for someone who isn't crooked!!..eom

[mzmolly]

9. Does anyone know what states Edwards is still on the ballot in?

:shrug:

[waiting for hope]

11. All of them - up until April I think.

[mzmolly]

13. Good to know.

Thanks.

[avaistheone1]

21. He is definitely on the Califonria ballot.

[SammyWinstonJack]

14. Good then I can vote for him, early voting here starts on Feb 19th, I think.

:woohoo:

[judaspriestess]

15. I proudly support any and all Edwards supporters who are still voting for him

I unfortunately was out of town the day of the Nevada caucus. Not that it matters it was a freakin joke anyway. Edwards only got 4% which is bullshit but whatever.

Rock On!!!

[Cleita]

16. I voted for Ewards before he quit but I don't regret my vote for this

very reason stated in the OP:

"The only power we have is in our votes, and if one of them walks off with enough delegates to pin down the nomination Tuesday, they have no incentive whatsoever to keep their word to Edwards. They will immediately start moving to the right and currying the conservative vote."

[IsItJustMe]

18. K&R

Will continue to dream.

Go Edwards

[Kurovski]

19. K&R. (nt)

[Patchuli]

22. My spouse and I both voted for JE today

It's the primary; we can vote our hearts. We'll hold our noses and vote for the Dem nominee in the GE, but today, John Edwards was/is our choice!

[chimpymustgo]

23. Voting my heart next week. Looking forward to it. Something to feel good about

finally.

[FirstLight]

24. I voted for him today in CA

...and I am hoping that what I read elsewhere here at DU that they will just tke my vote and lump it in with whoever's winning here...
is this true? Will John even see our support if this happens? dies he still get any delegates? I thought suspension would allow for that..?

does anyone here know the answer?

[hay rick]

26. voted for JE today

in NJ

[AmBlue]

27. Hear, hear!!! n/t

[Catchawave]

29. Gotta kick it....

:kick:

[PsN2Wind]

30. Still on the ballot in Arizona and got my vote today

Because I think the major change that Hillary or Obama would bring about would be the name on the door.

[Lugnut]

31. K&R n/t

[FedUp_Queer]

32. I thought it was just me...

For some reason, I can't commit myself to Obama or Clinton. I voted for J/E today (I live in NY). I have to confess a year or so ago when all these people announced that they were running, I was like..."Wow, we really have a whole slew of good candidates." The more I've gotten to know and see them, the more "status-quo-ish" it seems, notwithstanding the fact that we are going to nominate a Black man or a woman as the nominee. But change comes from what people say and believe, not from who they are. Issues of poverty and anti-corporatism resonate with me, which is why I like Edwards so much. And, frankly, I'm just sick of voting for the D because..."well, he/she is better than the R."

There are things I like about Obama...he is committed to repealing DOMA, which is very big for me. He has real a grassroots background. Hillary is committed to health care, I think, but there's a reason she receives so much money from big pharma and other healthcare industry PACs. The fact that Edwards' message didn't resonate leads me to think that my view of where America should be headed, caring for and talking about the poor and not sweeping the issue of poverty "under the rug" and out of sight makes me incompatible with what it now means to be an American. I have to wonder if I am always going to be at the fringes and "out of the mainstream." I wonder if we've gotten to the point where anyone who dares criticize this country and say that everything is not hunky dory is deemed not worth listening to, almost unpatriotic. Increasingly, I just don't feel compatible with the United States any more.

[Liz7]

33. same here

and I have a conservative friend who likes to say if there's so much to complain about here, then move. But WE are the United States too.

[FedUp_Queer]

35. I love it when

people say crap like that. And you know, I've tried to move. However, it isn't easy. Emigrating is nearly impossible...even to Canada. Perhaps, that's the option...or just to make lots of money, live with my circle of friends and my partner of over 7 years and keep to myself.

[OnionPatch]

55. Well, just remember to shoot that right back at them

when they're complaining about all the "horrible" things our Democratic president will do.

Or better yet, ask them why they didn't move out of the country back when Bill Clinton was president. I'm guessing they were complaining non-stop back then, just like all the other conservatives were.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

34. Just heard on the radio in California

Obama is getting the white and African-American vote, and Latinos are breaking for Clinton with only about 20% of the vote in. Isn't that a fine kettle of fish.

Voted for John Edwards absentee before he dropped out. Still glad I did. Here we go again with the M$M calling Missouri for Clinton before they called it for Obama.

[colorado_ufo]

36. I also voted for John today.

[desertflamingo]

38. je all the way!!

i also voted and WILL vote for him in the ge. what can i say? i'm stubborn and don't like to be told what to do.

[ccinamon]

41. I will also

vote JE in primary and general election!

btw, I LOVE your name....I have deep fondness for pink flamingos!! :)

[diane in sf]

37. I just voted for Edwards--he was still listed on the CA ballot for Dems.

I don't want triangulation and let's all get along. I want prosecution of criminals, peace and populist economics.

If you don't want the continuous eruptions of psychopathology that we've seen from the Repugs/Neocons (primarily) you have to have harsh punishments and humiliation for bad behavior. Psychopaths have no conscience and little fear.

[Der Blaue Engel]

40. Voted for Edwards in California

:patriot:

[mac56]

42. I voted for Edwards.

I was the only one wearing an Edwards t-shirt, and there was only one vote cast for him. So much for secret ballots!

I don't care. Hillary and Obama need to earn my vote.

[BrklynLiberal]

43. K & R...with a great sense of sadness at where we are headed...

Edwards was silenced.

I would have thought that RFK's kids would have endorsed Edwards. He, above the others seemed to represent the ideals of their father.
The same goes for Caroline and Ted Kennedy, if they had been truly looking toward someone to carry on the ideals of the "Kennedy promise".
Perhaps if they had done so, he would still be in the race. So very sad.

[bdamomma]

44. I have a question, just playing Devils advocate here.

do any of us know if John will come back??? So we vote for him in the primary, and then what? what happens if the candidate for president is someone who we feel is the status quo and won't bring that vital change that we need in the country, and we end up holding our noses and vote for someone who we do not feel comfortable with. Aren't we screwing ourselves?

[halobeam]

45. doesn't matter

who is doing the screwing anymore. We are just screwed. Sorry, I'm not giving up at all, but I have no hope. That is now something that has to be earned back, just like trust does. It doesn't rest in one person, not even Al Gore as president. It rests in the American people. The way ppl voted for McCain last night and Huckabee... proves to me, we are no way near rock bottom yet. Oh and it's gonna REALLY hurt when we land.

We are going to have to hit rock bottom, in order for the right changes to occur.

[bdamomma]

46. we may have to hit rock bottom but does mean the rest of world

have to hit rock bottom too, our country is intertwined with other countries in so many respects.

[earth mom]

51. I think Gore would have made a helluva difference.

Edwards too.

And that scares the powers that be very very very much.

[peacock]

48. Results from Oklahoma

Okay, can someone explain this? I took OK as an example because Edwards won 10% of the total votes - Edwards got 15% or more votes in 34 counties http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/county/#OKDEM . Why doesn´t Edwards get one single delegate from OK (OK is a proportional state)?

[Catchawave]

49. How nice to see this on the Home Page !

:hi:

[Fox Mulder]

50. I voted for John Edwards in the Minnesota caucus yesterday.

And I'm damn proud of it.

[krabigirl]

52. Great posting...thanks for that!

[pjt7]

53. Democrats feeling good about living a life as a martyr

it's sad.

[OnionPatch]

54. And I'm voting for SpongeBob Squarepants.

He's not running either, so why not?

[King Coal]

56. I feel the same way. Maybe Bill can lead the way. It's better than nothing, but still bad.