Fom CNN Debate Focus Group: Edwards wins debate but they won't vote for him

[MessiahRp]

Did anyone catch this at the end of CNN's debate coverage last night? They announced that the undecided voters proclaimed that Edwards won the debate but that "if they were to use their heads not their hearts they would vote for Obama because he has a better chance to win."

That to me proves that the media has succeeded in choosing our candidates. The media has been so concerned about pushing Clinton and Obama as the only legitimate candidates on the Democratic side that potential voters now believe that even though this race is far from over they have to settle for a candidate they don't like as much because their first choice candidate has been declared DOA by the media.

What annoys me is that Edwards is one of the final three and should have as much of a national audience as Clinton or Obama and his message has been largely ignored so they can push the horse race between the "rock stars".

Makes me sad and makes me wonder how quickly the media would have moved to bury Russ Feingold had he run.

Rp

-edited spelling errors

[niceypoo]

1. The bizarre state of corporate politics

[gateley]

2. I agree wholeheartedly.

I experienced the same hair-pulling frustration when Biden was in the race. "I like Joe, but he doesn't have a chance." The media eliminates the candidates they don't think will bring in the ratings.

I feel you pain, and I think it's horrible.

[Justice Is Comin]

3. This is tailor made

for Rod Serling.

I know that lobster looks good but I don't want any. I'll just have this saltine cracker.

Lewis Black could do an entire act on this mind blowing psychotic disassociation from any kind of logic.

[Skittles]

4. they've succeeded in telling a lot of DUers who to vote for

that is for DAMN sure

[aquart]

8. A lot of DUers have made and are still making electability arguments.

They're ridiculous. The Democrat will win. Corporate donors know that. The Republicans know that. Electability is a worthless argument this year.

[Skittles]

10. sorry I cannot agree

I truly hope I am wrong but the media is repuke and it would appear they count the votes too

[cali]

16. Yes, of course. people on DU support someone you don't and that

must mean that they're being dictated to by the MSM. Baloney. Speaking only for myself, I don't have TV, I don't tune into the MSM, and I get my information from and eclectic group of sources. I made up my own mind- as did most DUers.

[depakid]

5. Exactly the sort of bullshit one expects from CNN

Which is yet another reason why the Dems ought not to be have their debates on their "network."

[JDPriestly]

6. Thanks for this post.

You are so right. Please recommend and kick this post. This is worth reading.

[aquart]

7. That sucks.

Is Feingold Jewish? He would have been the first Jewish president? He would NEVER have run this year.

[countmyvote4real]

9. lol about another first.

Russ would be my dream POTUS, but I'd rather have him (and more like him) in the Senate.

[MADem]

14. He goes through wives like crap through a goose. Fuggedabout him.

Great guy, brilliant politician...but not in this decade. Too many challenges.

[laststeamtrain]

11. Bill Schneider (CNN): "John Edwards got himself back in it--..."

"John Edwards got himself back in it — he showcased his style and his key issues, and is clearly back in the game. He showed he continues to deserve to share a debate stage with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and voters here will likely give him another look after tonight."--http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

[KharmaTrain]

12. People Want To Back A Winner

An observation...

Who can claim who "wins" a debate? Each of us is listening for something different...unless you've already picked a favorite and then no matter how he/she performs, they always "win". If they don't, then obviously the media is out to get them or the rest of us "just don't get it".

From what I've been seeing so far, the media is being rejected in this election. They predict and pontificated one thing in Iowa and the opposite happened...then again in New Hampshire. With so many of us disgusted with their spinning and antics, I see having the media on your side as a negative, not a positive. Look how well it's done for Rudeee.

Edwards problem is he's been "third on a match"...he's not the "story" the other candidates are...and he's never been able to break through on the national level...but that's not what wins elections...organizations do. The problem is that people want to back winners...Edwards just hasn't shown he's able to pull that off. Had he won in Iowa, then we'd have a different picture here. Sadly he underestimated Obama's organization and the Iowa gamble didn't pay off...he's been playing catch-up ever since and falling farther behind.

I'm glad Senator Feingold decided not to run...he's far more valuable in the Senate where we've got some serious heavy lifting ahead and his leadership will be vital. Also, I don't think Senator Feingold is the biggest Edwards fan.

[MessiahRp]

15. "Also, I don't think Senator Feingold is the biggest Edwards fan."

No he's not but he did make one telling remark when he made the statement about Edwards. He said Edwards was running on his platform. Which is why I completely convinced the media would have circled the wagons and tried to marginalize him, maybe even faster than they did with Edwards.

After all it's the agenda the media and rich pundits are working to destroy just as much as it is the candidate.

Rp

[tom_paine]

13. Totalitarianism by other means: advertising, marketing, and psyhcology

allow our Bushies to "sell" whichever candidate they will perform best against.

It may have been imperfect before it "came out of the closet" like a "Kinder and Gentler Hitler" after 2000, but now it is nearly foolproof.

Yes, our candidates are chosen for us. Yes, any undesireables like Kicnich, Edwards or Dodd can be edited out in this fashion.

Yes, the Bushies, through the brilliant progress of advertising, marketing and psychology, now exercise near-totalitarian control over our electoral process without actually standing behind people with loaded guns.

And yes, in 2008 it is already clear (Royal Bushies like to know the fix is in as early as possible) that we will nominate a candidate that it is impossible to give us a big enough margin to protect us from Bushie vote-stuffing and blocking.