Write A Caption: John Edwards

Someone seems rather happy to be booked.

John Edwards Mentioned As VP Candidate

I was a big supporter of John Edwards. I'm glad he is open to being Vice-President.

Edwards told ABC News: "I'd take anything he asks me to think about seriously, but obviously this is something that I've done and it's not a job I'm seeking."

The comments of the anti-poverty crusader appeared to leave open some wiggle room, after he had told Spanish newspaper Vanguardia earlier this month that "the vice presidency is not a position that I desire."

Translation: Edwards would take the job. VP candidates don't come out and say they should be on the ticket. Hillary Clinton did that and her chances of becoming Vice-President are zero.

Obama Letter to Supporters on Edwards Endorsement

The Obama campaign released the news to supporter in the evening. My guess is they had to get ahead of the leaks.

Here is the letter Obama's people sent out to supporters.

***

I have some very exciting news.

My good friend John Edwards is endorsing our campaign and joining our movement for change.

We're here in Grand Rapids, Michigan -- and if you receive this message in time, you can probably turn on your TV and be part of the moment.

I'm deeply honored by John's support. He is a true leader who dedicated his career to improving the lives of ordinary Americans.

John ran a strong, principled campaign for president, focusing on a number of important issues where we share common ground -- universal health care, bringing our troops home from Iraq, and eliminating poverty in America.

The way he ran his campaign was also important. He ran in a way that reflected our shared conviction that we need to fundamentally change politics.

Like our campaign, John's campaign never accepted donations from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs.

Let's welcome John Edwards to the campaign with an outpouring of the kind of grassroots support that is bringing our political process back to the people.

Make a donation of whatever you can afford now, and if you choose, include your own note to Senator Edwards. I'll make sure he gets them:

https://donate.barackobama.com/fbedwards

Thank you for all that you're doing,

Barack

John Edwards to Endorse Barack Obama

I expect Democratic bigwigs will line up behind Barack Obama. Now that John Edwards is set to give his official endorsement. Obama's campaign staff have been leaking the news of Edwards support to the media. Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki publicly confirmed the endorsement.

Blogger Taegan Goddard thinks that Edwards would be a good running mate. The move makes sense on many levels. Edwards is popular with the progressives that views Obama as too moderate. White working class voters respond to the "Two Americas" message. Edwards is charismatic and a battle-tested as a VP candidate.

Todd J. Gillman of the Dallas Morning New correctly pointed out that Edwards couldn't hide his disdain for Hillary Clinton, during the debates. In this clip, Bill Richardson joked, "Ive been in hostage negotiations that are a lot more civil than this."



I wonder how long will it take for the Clinton campaign to send the attack dogs on Edwards. How I love hearing the sweet musical whines of Paul Begala and James Carville.

Quote of the Day

"Elizabeth Edwards has a bushelful of chutzpah chastising the mainstream campaign press for its 'shallow news coverage' after the mainstream campaign press cut her and her husband** a huge break on one of the great shallow stories of 2008--the mysterious Edwards Campaign Love Child."

Mickey Kaus, going off the deep end by running a National Enquirer article against John Edwards.

It is hard to believe that Kaus used to once be an editor at Newsweek. Even Fox News has the sense to avoid a fantasy piece from a tabloid rag. Someone is always having a love child in the pages of The Enquirer. We might read about Ann Coulter having Kaus's love child. Although, I would rather not think about the possibility.

Hat tip to Kathy G.

John Edwards Drops Out

John Edwards gives his withdrawal speech in New Orleans.

This journey of ours began right here in New Orleans. It was a December morning in the Lower Ninth Ward when people went to work, not just me, but lots of others went to work with shovels and hammers to help restore a house that had been destroyed by the storm.

We joined together in a city that had been abandoned by our government and had been forgotten, but not by us. We knew that they still mourned the dead, that they were still stunned by the destruction, and that they wondered when all those cement steps in all those vacant lots would once again lead to a door, to a home, and to a dream.

We came here to the Lower Ninth Ward to rebuild. And we're going to rebuild today and work today, and we will continue to come back. We will never forget the heartache and we'll always be here to bring them hope, so that someday, one day, the trumpets will sound in Musicians' Village, where we are today, play loud across Lake Ponchartrain, so that working people can come marching in and those steps once again can lead to a family living out the dream in America.

Edwards used his farewell address to remind America how shamefully Katrina was handled. His campaign shined a spotlight on many people that were forgotten by both parties. Edwards message was not Obama's feel good mantra or Hillary's focus group driven drivel.

Edwards become the Howard Dean of 2008: the consious of the Democratic Party. Edwards was honest in admitting his Iraq vote was wrong. Politicians would rather walk on glass than admit a mistake.

Hillary and Obama took time out from getting special interest money are tripping over each other to fawn over Edwards.

John Edwards Against FISA Bill

John Edwards has come out publicly against the FISA bill.

In Washington today, telecom lobbyists have launched a full-court press to win retroactive immunity for their illegal eavesdropping on American citizens. Granting retroactive immunity will let corporate law-breakers off the hook and hamstring efforts to learn the truth about Bush's illegal spying program.

"It's time for Senate Democrats to show a little backbone and stand up to George W. Bush and the corporate lobbyists. They should do everything in their power -- including joining Senator Dodd's efforts to filibuster this legislation -- to stop retroactive immunity. The Constitution should not be for sale at any price."

I received an Edwards campaign asking Floridians to voice their disapproval of the Bush administration-backed FISA bill to Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez.

Mel Martinez, (R): (202) 224-3041
Bill Nelson, (D): (202) 224-5274

Edwards has come out against the bill. Are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama going to show leadership and use their pulpits to sway colleagues. Their silence have spoke volumes about their political courage.

The lobbying power of the telecommunication companies can not be underestimated. The telecom industry has contributed $2,834,423 this election cycle. The Senate voted 76 to 10 to vote on the bill. The bill would have easily passed if not for Christopher Dodd placing a hold on the bill.

The issue is that the bill violates the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court secretly presides over federal requests for wiretaps. The FISA court rarely turns down requests. The first appeal was filed by the Bush administration. Judge James Robinson resigned in protest. The Justice Department incompetently improperly filed 75 applications. FISA historically rubber stamps wire tap requests. The Bush administration went beyond the court's legal tolerance. The Bushies decided they would still wiretap.

The White House refused to allow Congress to see documents pertaining to the warrantless wiretapping program. The administration relented, to convince Congress to grant retroactive immunity to telecom companies. Which begs the question: if the program is legal then why is legal immunity needed.

John Edwards on Letterman

John Edwards makes a stellar appearance on Letterman. Hotline on Call has the transcript.

The Merits of John Edwards vs Barack Obama

Tampa Bay Blue endorses John Edwards. I have stated repeatly that I like Edwards because of his wonkishness.

John Cole touched upon the same nagging feeling I have about Barack Obama. The majority of America wants change from George W. Bush's failed policies. Obama has failed on the stump to explain what kind of change he wants. Obama's web site has (some very bad) policies proposals. Obama the candidate has to provide concrete details besides repeating the word change. Bill Clinton never had difficulty discussing policy proposals. With Obama, I am increasingly getting the felling there is no there there.

Edwards has detailed his health care propsal to death. He isn't afraid to call Blackwater contractors mercenaries. Edwards repeatly talked about abolishing corporate tax loopholes. Edwards has made it quite clear where he stands.

Senator John Kerry endorsed Barack Obama. I don't think a Kerry endorsement means much. A political consultant emailed Andrew Sullivan about what a Kerry endorsement means to Obama.

Maybe Kerry himself isn't that helpful, but I know one thing the Obama people are thrilled with today: the voter file. Obama now has access to the largest, most recent presidential campaign voter file. The millions of email addresses, phone numbers, addresses and invaluable as Obama starts to go national. I imagine the information Kerry has from 2004 could easily double the size of Obama's voter file in states like South Carolina and Nevada and maybe even triple the size in states like California and New York. Also, Obama now has access to activists and supports of Clinton who - in all likelihood - where in Kerry's general election voter file. So while the man himself probably won't give him that big of a boost, the fact that Kerry just pinned his email list is pretty significant in terms of data and list building.

I remember how candidate Kerry desperately wanted Howard Dean's email list. Dean's list was important because no candidate had ever generated that kind of internet support. Dean practically invented the netroots.

Obama is the most telegenic candidate since Clinton. Edwards has similar attributes. In 2004, the knock on Edwards was he was too flashy. Now Edwards is too wonkish and angry. Obama's sunny message during two wars, civil liberties in shamble, and a tanking economy reminds me of Kevin Bacon, in Animal House, telling everyone to remain calm.

John Edwards In New Hampshire

John Edwards gave a great speech at a townhall meeting in New Hampshire.

"...I hear from other candidates, I hear them say, 'Well, here is what I wanna do. I wanna sit at the table with the stakeholders, and negotiate with the drug companies, the oil companies, the insurance companies and somehow they'll voluntarily give their power away. (laugh) In whose world?

"I mean this a complete and total fantasy. It will never happen. I know it. I've been battling these people my whole life. You can't nice them to death."

Edwards delivered his populist message clearly and with humor. Why I prefer Edwards over Barack Obama is there has been substance in his talks about change. Edwards has released wonkish policy proposals. Edwards was the first Democratic candidate to release a health care proposal.

Edwards needs to win a primary or the Nevada caucas before Florida. South Carolina, which Edwards won in 2004, is not a lock. The Rasmussen poll shows Obama at 42 percent, Hillary Clinton at 30 percent and Edwards at 14 percent. Edwards needs a win and soon. Nevada is Edwards best hope with union backing.

Iowa Caucus

To continue the back and forth that goes on between Pushing Rope and Creative Loafing, I break down the importantance of the Iowa caucas. Wayne Garcia is suffering caucas and Florida Gators burn-out.

Seriously, several of these candiadates are fucked if they don’t finish in second place. Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel and Duncan Hunter are dead men walking. Alan Keyes isn’t on the ballot and we probably won’t see him again. (You should run his campaign, Wayne.) Obama and Edwards will end up as the first and second caucas choices. Huckabee and Romney for the Republicans. Iowan just don’t feel Fred Thompson’s sex appeal and straight male Washington pundits.

Thompson and Giuliani are good as gone. The former was banking on South Carolina and Florida and the latter Florida, then carry their (laugh) momentum into Super Tuesday. Their campaigns are train wrecks. Shaggate killed Giuliani and Thompson is the laziest and dumbest presidential candidate of my lifetime. Athur Branch refuses to campaign when a Tennessee game is on. (Side note: how about them Gators!)

McCain might pull off New Hampshire.Huckabee are Romeny wins changes New Hampshire. John Kerry was polling in fourth in New Hampshire and Iowa saved him. The Swift Boated One won NH.

Iowa does matter. Say it with feeling, Wayne.

Clinton, Obama and Edwards will be battling each other after Super Tuesday. Edwards money will get thin, but he is in better shape than the Republicans. Ron Paul can run to the very end. He had the best GOP fundraising quarter and runs a bare-bones campaign.

Side note: Biden and Kucinich are telling their caucas voters to go with Obama as their second choice.

John Edwards Gets His Wonk On

What I love about John Edwards is he is running such a wonkish campaign. That probably won't make a great deal of difference to the voters. But it is refreshing to see a presidential candidate make clear policy proposals.

Edwards stated why NAFTA has been a disaster.

He focused his day on an aggressively un-flashy subject, the 14th anniversary of the passage of NAFTA, condemning the deal as a "particularly clear example of... big corporate powers getting exactly what they want in Washington, at the cost of over a million American jobs and incredible damage to the middle class in this country."

I'm more sympathic to free trade. One reason is so developing countries can lift themselves out of poverty. Longtime NAFTA proponent Brad DeLong notes that the agreement has not helped many Mexicans out of poverty. Wages have not kept pace with the nation's productivity.



Edwards outlined his College for Everyone plan.

Creating a National "College for Everyone" Initiative: Edwards will create a national initiative – based on the Greene County program – to pay one year of public-college tuition, fees, and books for more than 2 million students. In return, students will be required to work part-time in college, take a college-prep curriculum in high school, and stay out of trouble.

Overhauling the Student Loan Program: Edwards will let all students borrow directly from the Department of Education. By eliminating bank subsidies on student loans, he will free up billions of dollars to make college more affordable.

Simplifying Financial Aid: Edwards would dramatically simplify the application process by using information the federal government already has, eliminating two-thirds of the questions.

Giving Students the Tools They Need to Apply for College and Aid: Edwards will help every low-income high school eligible for Title I hire a new college counselor, helping students choose college-track courses and navigate the admissions and financial aid process.

Financial aid has become a corrupt system that enriches universities and lending companies at the expense of students. Conservatives make the argument that the market takes care of itself. This kind of conservative told Hebert Hoover not to do anything during the stock crash.

The 'leave-it-alone liquidationists' headed by Secretary of the Treasury Mellonfelt that government must keep its hands off and let the slump liquidate itself. Mr. Mellon had only one formula: 'Liquidate labor, liquidate stocks, liquidate the farmers, liquidate real estate'.He held that even panic was not altogether a bad thing. He said: 'It will purge the rottenness out of the system. High costs of living and high living will come down. People will work harder, live a more moral life. Values will be adjusted, and enterprising people will pick up the wrecks from less competent people'

Regulation is needed because human nature involves people lying, cheating and stealing from others. Lending companies don't care if students get an education. They are concerned about profit. As a society, America should be concerned it will produce a workforce that can maintain it's status as a leading industry nation.

Plan For Opportunity For All Americans is a plan to increase education spebding for prodominetly black schools and provide health care for the African American community. Edwards wants to reform criminal sentencing guidelines for non-violent offenders. The Left and libertarians will agree will that. Conservatives will frame Edwards as soft on crime.

A proposal I love is Edwards wanting to restore voting rights for felons. It's nice to know Edwards has been paying attention to what is going on in places like Florida.

Edwards believes we should allow voters to register on Election Day, ending the fiasco of purge lists, provisional ballots and voter registration intimidation, and he opposes voter photo identification legislation, which disproportionately disenfranchises racial and ethnic minorities.

Stuff like this is why I haven't jumped on the Obama bandwagon. I can't stand Obama's Social Security rhetoric. The Obama campaign is now attacking Paul Krugman for pointing out that his health care proposal won't work if everyone doesn't pay into it.

And it’s not just a matter of principle. As a practical matter, letting people opt out if they don’t feel like buying insurance would make insurance substantially more expensive for everyone else.

Krugman gives Edwards props for making people require to show proof of health insurance when they go to the doctor.

Well, John Edwards has just called Mr. Obama’s bluff, by proposing that individuals be required to show proof of insurance when filing income taxes or receiving health care. If they don’t have insurance, they won’t be penalized — they’ll be automatically enrolled in an insurance plan.

That’s actually a terrific idea — not only would it prevent people from gaming the system, it would have the side benefit of enrolling people who qualify for S-chip and other government programs, but don’t know it.

Obama is proposal a shiny happy people version of universal heath care. Americans can have health care and not having to pay for it. The only problem with Obama's plan is reality.

Quote of the Night

"Senator Clinton's road to the middle class takes a major detour right through the deep canyon of corporate lobbyists and the hidden bidding of K Street in Washington. he And history tells us that when that bus stops there, it is the middle class that loses."

John Edwards, on Senator Hillary Clinton's relationship with lobbyists.

Nevada Democratic Presidential Poll

There is always a warning not to pay attention to polling data. That doesn't mean that Democratic campaign staffers shouldn't try to land a job with Hillary Clinton's campaign ASAP. She is running away with Nevada in the American Research Group poll.

Clinton - 51%

Edwards - 14%

Obama - 11%

There is 13 percent still undecided. There was 15 percent in July. The poll shows Clinton's support has increased since Dec. 2006. Obama and Edwards support has shrinked since July. At the rate Hillary will trample the compettion by 60 percent by the time of the caucas. Several of these candidates need to get out. John Kerry is polling better than Biden, Richardson, Gravel and Kucinich.

Al Gore is the only candidate that could split the Clintonites and raise the cash. Gore is not running. All Hillary has to do is not screw up. Which she hasn't. That has surprised me.

DNC Smackdown Continues

Obama Barack and John Edwards have pledged to the Democratic National Committee not to campaign in Florida before the January 29th primary.

Edwards: "Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina need to be first because in these states ideas count, not just money. These are places where voters get to look the candidate in the eye and measure their policies, ideas, and integrity."

Obama campaign: “Because states that violate DNC rules will not be allowed to contribute to the delegate tally, we urge all states to ensure their compliance with DNC rules so they can participate in our Democratic nominating process. Our campaign will work within the rules established by the DNC to earn the support of Democrats across Americaand run a grassroots campaign to unite Americans around Senator Obama’s commitment to challenging the conventional thinking in Washington.”

As usual, Hillary Clinton is officially on the fence.

Clinton campaign: "We've received the letter and we are reviewing it. Sen. Clinton is 100% committed to campaigning in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina. She believes that these four states have a unique and special role in the process. There are other states that are going through a process now and we are going to let that process play out. But no matter what happens with those states, that will not affect our committment to these four states and we will compete in those states no matter what day those primaries or caucuses are held."

The only other candidates whom haven't signed the pledge is Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel. Those two guys couldn't be picked out of a lineup by registered Democrats.

Florida progressive bloggers have been lambasting Howard Dean for punishing Floridians. The Jon Ausman email clearly details how the Florida Democratic Party ignored the DNC's warnings and pushing to move the primary up. Florida Democrats underestimated how much sway Dean has in the party and that the DNC isn't counting on Florida turning blue in 2008.

Florida Democrats don't understand how much the party hates them for the 2000 election. Nationally, Florida is considered Texas-Lite. They aren't in a position to tell the DNC to fuck off and then make demands. The thing about poker is a better player can call the other's bluff. Bill Nelson or Karen Thurman are getting smoked by a cardshark. It never occurred to them that Dean would get the candidates on his side. Pathetic.

John Edwards Coming to Orlando

John Edwards will be in Orlando at Friday's Front Row Grill on August 28, 2007. Tickets are 15 dollars.

What: "Small Change for Big Change" grassroots fundraiser with John Edwards
Where: TGI Friday's Front Row Sports Grill, 8126 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. (407) 363-1414
When: Tuesday, August 28 at 8:00 PM.

You can reserve a ticket on his campaign website.

Visible Vote 08

The Visible Vote 08 Presidential Forum starts in a few minutes. The event is sponsored by the pro-gay groups HRC and LOGO.You can watch it at visiblevote08.logoonline.com. I will be liveblogging the event. Pam Spalding will be hosting a chat on her site.

And we are starting. I can't see the candidates.

The candidates are being introduced one at a time. Barack Obama is first.

Obama states he is for a "strong version of civil unions." He does not believe churchs should be forced to recognize civil union. Short version: separation of church and state.

Obama wants civil unions to have the same legal rights has marriage. He mentions Loving v. Virginia.

The moderator Margaret Carlson points out many will view civil unions as less than marriage.

Melissa Etheridge is a panelist. She says she humbled to be there as a privileged rock star. She tells Obama that he is a great orator.

Obama gets a laugh by calling himself a "hopemonger." It is a good pun.

Etheridge tells Obama don't be afraid to make change.

Pam Spalding takes Obama to task.

Margaret Carlson again presses on the fact that marriage is not just a matter of semantics. Obama feels that civil unions can be enforced as equal to marriage (he still cannot define why marriage has to be separate).

Obama addresses the need of the black community needs to get over it's fear of homosexuality. Obama stresses that homophobia keeps the black community from being properly getting educated on HIV. I would say sex education, as a whole, needs to be addressed.

Obama's time is running out. Each candidate gets 15 minutes.

Good! Obama endorses condom distribution.

John Edwards: come on down.

Edwards does a lot of handshaking.

Melissa Etheridge asks Edwards if he understands that gay and lesbian couples can't depend on their spouses health coverage because they are not legal spouses. Edwards goes into a horrifying story about young gay men and women kicked out of their homes because they come out of the closet.

Etheridge asks if public schools should teach LGBT. Edwards answers yes and endorses gay adoption. Both will be a hard sell in the red states. Republican operatives will see red meat.

Jonathan Capehart asks why the gay community should trust him. Edweards was silent in 2004 on the gay marriage amendment.

Edwards talks about Elizabeth taking on Ann Coulter. Edwards compares Coulter to the racism he saw in the South growing up.

Susan Stanton is in the house.

Joe Solmonese ask Edwards about his religious views against gay marriage. Edwards says would not impose his faith on LGBT issues.

Solmonese isn't satified with Edwards answer. Edwards states he hasn't changed on same sex marriage. He is against don't ask don't tell.

Edwards comes out in support of hate crimes in his closing statement.

Good God! Dennis Kucinich is up next.

This is a mutual lovefest between Kucinich and the panelists. Group hug everyone.

Etheridge tells Kucinich tells him she was warned not to fawn over him.

Pam has a more up-to-date post at Americablog.

Kucinich stresses sex education and funding.

Kucinich uses 1 + 1 = 2 as a metaphor. Feel pounding headache coming on.

Jucinich tells the crowd he loves them all. He is being cheered like a rock star.

Mike Gravel, Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton are up next. All other candidates turned down the event.

Gravel is up. Please don't talk about the flat tax.

Etheridge points out that Gravel is unusual for his generation for supporting same sex marriage.

Gravel teases Joe Solmonese for not wanting him at Visible Vote.

Gravel attacks Clinton, Obama and Edwards for not supporting same sex marriage. He accuses them of playing it safe.

Gravel calls the label civil unions demeaning to gays.

Gravel comes out in favor of legalizing marijuana and hard drugs. I'm against this. America is not New Amsterdam.

Bill Richardson is up.

Richardson comes out couragously for civil unions because it is achievable. Short answer: don't expect Richardson to spend political capital on LGBT issues.

Jonathan Capehart asks Richardson about an Imus Show appearance where Richardson jokingly called an Imus staffer faggot in Hispanic. Richardson admits he made a boo boo.

Richardson is putting the crowd to sleep.

Richard is asked if the New Mexico legislature gave him a same sex marriage bill would he sign it. Richardson is ducking the question. Joe Solmonese repeats the question. Richarson says his heart isn't there yet.

Hillary Clinton is up. She is boring me and I am getting tired.

Hillary says she views being against gay marriage as strongly being for civil unions. She's joking. The crowd laughs.

Hillary uses the states right issue against supporting gay marriage. George Wallace used that same argument.

Etheridge tells Hillary that the Clinton administration threw the LGBT community under the bus.

Susan Stanton is being interviewed post-debate.

Pam sums up Richardson's performance.

Summary: He talks about Melissa's battle against breast cancer and her Oscar for the song for An Inconvenient Truth. [Oh boy, he's really blown this.]

AFL-CIO Democratic Forum

Crooks and Liars has highlights from the AFL-CIO Democratic Forum

Sparks Finally Fly - Hillary Gets Booed

Emotional Question From Audience Member On Health Care

Digging down to China

Yearly Kos Presidential Debate Videos

Quote of the Day

"There is no question in my mind that intolerance is a direct cause of one of our greatest and most threatening problems: the growing disparity between rich and poor, between haves and have nots, between working people and all those powerful forces who do not have their best interests in mind.

"Because guess what? The people that are usually the targets of intolerance and bigotry are too often the same people who suffer from lack of opportunity, the same people who are left behind. And as long as intolerance pervades our culture, it's far too easy for politicians in Washington to ignore the big changes we need to make in order to end poverty once and for all."

John Edwards