To all Edwards supporters who are now on board with Hillary

[ruggerson]

I've read a lot of your comments and I know you put an enormous amount of thought into your decision before you made it.

I've been through the process myself of mourning the loss of someone who inspired me a great deal and then slowly, very slowly learning to recover from the disappointment.

It ain't easy, and you've done it with great dignity and class.

Basically - you guys rock. :headbang:

[AX10]

1. I'm with you.

Thank you for your support!

[theHandpuppet]

2. I'm still not over my disappointment

But I am on board with Hillary, as to me she is easily the more qualified of the remaining two candidiates.

[saracat]

3. Thank you. I have not been her biggest fan but I will not tolerate this vicious sexism

and I really dislike the concept of race and gender being used to replace issues.Hillary has been the ONLY candidate working Edwards platform into her speeches and the only one I believe might make an effort. I do not see anything in Obama to make me wish to support him and I do not find he represents me in any way. I may not agree with all Hillary has done ,but I respect the fact that she has "paid her dues" .And I do not like her valid experience being "belittled".(I am not considering the First Lady experience ) but she has much more concrete experience.She has made mistakes but she has "walked the walk" not only for herself but for other candidates as well.

[JohnBreauxDemocrat]

4. "Paid her dues".

Elaborate.

[saracat]

5. Figure it out.

[Skittles]

6. LOL saracat

hard for a FOX NEWS fan

[kerrygoddess]

14. Duh!

Someone has to ask! You go girl!

[OzarkDem]

26. Agree, saracat

I keep trying to find a reason to support Obama's candidacy and there are some. But its the divisive campaign tactics and the aversion to discussing issues that bothers me.

Not only is the divisive race/gender campaign tactic wrong, the divisive age issue is also. Very negative, very un-Democratic, very off-putting.

[Seabiscuit]

29. Saracat, I've noticed that Hillary is adopting Edwards platform or making the effort to

and that's very important because Edwards plans on various issues (healthcae, economy etc.) were the best way to go for the country all the way around. My turn off with Obama is that he doesn't get into details and I'm not sure why. I can't get past Obama's arrogance and naivete every time he opens his mouth. The sexism, agism and nasty sniping is off putting. However, I must say that in the end I will vote for the nominee because we can not have another Republican administration ruining this country even further. So in the meantime, I'll send my good wishes and vibes to Hillary hoping she pulls ahead.

[Little Star]

43. I know how seriously you took this and I hope you find

a bit of peace now that you made a decision.:hug:

[ruggerson]

44. agreed

I know how much thought you've given this.

[mtnsnake]

47. K&R for your post

:thumbsup:

[citizen snips]

48. I agree.

for some reason I just don't buy Obama's Hope and Change theme.

[robbedvoter]

7. As someone who underwent a similar thought process - welcome, and yeah, you do rock!

[UALRBSofL]

20. I've already prepared myself for a possible let down

And I will be unhappy for a while but then I'll get over it. I'm not conceding just yet, we have a good way to go. :)

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Awsi Dooger]

9. It was inevitable

Unlike '04, I knew Edwards never had a chance. About six months ago in a prediction thread on this forum I estimated Hillary 70%, Obama 30% and Edwards 0%. That was fairly accurate although the South Carolina masochism dragged Hillary below 70%.

Hillary vs. Obama is simple, in my book. I'll take my chances in a tough and polarizing 50/50 candidate in a cycle that favors our side. Too many risks when you forfeit Hispanic advantage and aren't sure if the flash and dazzle can survive one low blow after another.

[Tom Rinaldo]

23. Excellent two sentance summary of a basis for deciding n/t

[Hoof Hearted]

10. K & R! Thanks to all the JE supporters.

Healthcare has always been my issue, and I really admire the work JE has done and look forward to the work he will continue to do for all of us.

:grouphug:

[nonconformist]

11. Thanks!

That means a lot. :)

I still mourn John. I think we should all demand that he get a very powerful cabinet position, no matter who is nominated.

[jillan]

12. Great post!

Welcome Edwards supporters :hi:

[NastyRiffraff]

13. Thank you.

No it wasn't easy. I strongly supported John Edwards, and I still support his message. I said in the beginning that I would support whichever candidate moved towards that message, and Hillary has as both she and Obama had promised John Edwards, while Obama still goes on (and on) about "hope." Nothing wrong with hope, but there's no "there there" as far as explaining his policies. (Yes, I KNOW he has a web site.)

As far as experience and being able to succinctly and thoroughly explain policies and issues, it's a no brainer. And I agree with saracat about the gender/race thing. As time went on, I found myself defending Hillary, even when Edwards was still running. I didn't think I'd be saying this, but I will vote for her this Tuesday in Maryland.

[Qanisqineq]

15. I'm one of those people

I was undecided between Clinton and Obama after Edwards dropped out. Then I started leaning Clinton. I didn't want to actually support her because me supporting anyone seems to be the kiss of death (Clark, Kerry in the general election, Biden, Edwards)! Now you can count me as a supporter and I really hope I don't ruin it for her!

[RaleighNCDUer]

16. But I still don't get it.

There was a point in their mutual careers where they might have met - on opposite sides on a corporate lawsuit. She, fighting FOR the corporation, and he, fighting AGAINST it.

How do you reconcile that?

[Tom Rinaldo]

24. Almost impossible they would have met

From what I have read Hillary was involved in defending intellectual property rights - the kind of thing that is leading to our huge trade imbalence with China. John was defending indiduals who suffered grevious personal injuries and the like. Hillary Clinton was doing a whole lot of social justice Pro Bono work while whe was a professional lawyer.

[ruggerson]

27. The pro bono work she did

does not get the attention it deserves

[weeve]

17. aw Saracat ?!?

really ?!?

I'll be wearing my Edwards goodies I bought at his store (the day before he suspended) to our Washington State caucus today (dragging along my 3 boys) . I want to still stand in John's group but I fear that'd be a lost vote now. So, I'm ALL about giving it to Obama instead. Still hate his nuclear/coal stance, and the homophobic preacher guy ... but truly he is the Dems best chance for the win ( no entrenched hatred, and actually quite able to cross party lines ). And shhhhhhhh ... don't let this get out to the general public , but he DOES have the most liberal voting record. I went with my boy to his overflow rally today in Seattle ( didn't even get in ! ), and the mix of supporters (outside, even) was a rainbow of joy to behold. This bottom up grassroots movement should not be tamped down by a big money, top down, corporate friendly "inevitable" candidate, despite Hillary's always evolving "platform". If she is given the nomination by the superdelegates, the machines ( non-tamper proof caucuses have gone BIG for Obama, just sayin' ), or any other nefarious means ... well ... this will be as big a deflation in this REAL excitement and participation as RFK's sudden loss in '68. After she loses the remaining February votes, Hillary should - for the good of the party - step down. She won't though, alas.

Our guy John Edwards should solidify his VP status with Obama this week, and immediately give Barack his endorsement. Massive November victory AND coattails to follow. Yes.

[BringBigDogBack]

21. The post. Of. The thread.

[paulk]

33. there's something about a lot of the Obama supporters

that I think is actaully hurting his campaign. Maybe it's naivite. Maybe it's arrogance. But, really -

"After she loses the remaining February votes, Hillary should - for the good of the party - step down. She won't though, alas."

Anyone who follows this sort of thing knows that the remaining Feb schedule favors Obama. It's going to be his high water mark. Unfortunately for him the schedule from there on out favors Hillary.

I mean - who the FUCK are you to say that Hillary should drop out? Or that Edwards needs to endorse Obama?

Don't you understand that statements like that do nothing but piss people off? And a lot of that anger gets transfered to your candidate?

[southernleftylady]

37. I agree! nt

[saracat]

49. Sorry. I will NOT vote for Obama under any circumstances.

As both he and his wife have publicly indicated that they will not support the nominee if it is not Barack, I have no compunction about saying I will not vote for him. He has mocked John and his stance on poverty. He has interjected race and made it an issue while disregarding gender and mocking it. He has belittled the generation of the 60's and 70's and he represents nothing I can support.He has done nothing to implement the message of John Edwards.And in my red state, he will have np coattails. He will hurt our down line even more than Hillary. Republicans are voting for Hillary in my state.

[midnight]

18. Ok Edwards people tell me what was your turning point.

I have to say as a Edwawds supporter, that all the fighting between the last two candidates and their supporters is not my idea of support. I know this is emotional stuff, but what about? Who did not shake who's hand. As Edwards said, how is that going to help the family's who don't have enough money for the basics? I just need a heavy dose of real meaning, and caring for others. Not how many people gave money to the person who looks the best.

[never_get_over_it]

40. My turning point was the NH primary

this was obviously before Edwards dropped out and I did vote for him in the FL primary.

But the sexism displayed even here at DU made me for the FIRST TIME EVER defend Clinton - and if I had been in NH I probably would have voted for her simply because of it.

But the real reason I am now supporting Clinton

I don't think there is a bit of difference between them really - BUT I do very much like that Hillary has stated health care coverage has to be MANDATORY which was Edwards position and the ONLY way to get to universal coverage and actually I think it took political courage - something I have railed against her for not having

I do think she is more experienced and I do think that is important. Like it or not she spent 8 years as First Lady - where she had to have learned A LOT and met A LOT of world leaders and such and she has spent 7 years in the Senate compared to 3 for Obama - and actually I think it is fairly arrogant for him to run with only 3 years in the Senate

And finally because there is not that much difference - I'm going with identity politics and supporting my gender....

[rodeodance]

41. In Honor of Susan B. Anthony, and passage of the 19th amendment, I will cast my vote for

Forum Name General Discussion: Primaries
Topic subject In Honor of Susan B. Anthony, and passage of the 19th amendment, I will cast my vote for
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4207629#4207629
4207629, In Honor of Susan B. Anthony, and passage of the 19th amendment, I will cast my vote for
Posted by rodeodance on Sat Jan-26-08 01:36 AM


Hillary Clinton. Susan and other gals were instrumental in getting the 19th amendment passed, but she died before she could legally cast her vote. So, I will think of her as I enter my voting booth. I was for Edwards in 04 and stuck with him again now until a month or so ago (maybe I will vote for him in my state primary—).

I think what brought this to a head for me today was Clinton putting a call out for Florida and Michigan delegates to be seated. She reminded me of Anthony and her tireless work with women’s suffrage.
Anthony coined the phase “failure is impossible”, -suffrage rallying cry during that era. In relation to FL/MI, our democratic process has failed- because whatever you think of Clinton, it is voters, via their delegates, who are disenfranchised as the result of a dispute. Anthony would have been outraged and would have encouraged all work for them to be seated—that I know! I hope Edwards and Obama do what is right and join Clinton in this call for enfranchisement of all voters.

Gender is obviously a factor for me—a small one as my head keeps telling me to stick with Edwards, but my heart keeps tugging for Clinton. My gut tells me, gender will be a factor for others also. For others not.

And Blackness/race will be a factor for some in relation to Obama. To what degree I do not know.

[kurth]

19. Any Democrat who swiftboats universal health care is scum in my book

[Cameron27]

31. I'm so glad you said that.

I don't believe that JE himself can possibly endorse Obama because of the way he attacked mandates.

[Iceburg]

22. K&R /nt

[surfermaw]

25. Thank You

My decision was made on Hillary's experience and the accomplishment of the William Jefferson Clintons Administration ( Big Bill Administration)

[SammyWinstonJack]

28. Trying to decide if I vote for Edwards in Tx primary, assuming he's still on the ballot, or

if I vote for Hillary. If I vote my heart, I vote Edwards. If I vote my head, I vote Hillary. :dilemma:

[DS1]

30. I went to Obama

but I could easily get behind Hillary if she wins the nom

[Stop Cornyn]

32. I haven't decided yet, but Obama's half-assed health insurance scheme and Donnie McClurkin push me

toward Hillary while her Kyl-Lieberman vote, her opposition to fair trade, her support of tax cuts for the wealthy, and her status as "down ballot poison" in Texas push me back toward undecided.

Ideologically, I might give Hillary the slight nod, but electability seems to slightly favor Obama (at least in Texas).

I mourn that we narrowed the field to the two most centrist candidates most eager to promote the illusion of bipartisanship.

[paulk]

38. a couple of points that may help you decide -

While I do agree that she made the wrong vote on Kyl-Lieberman, I don't think your view of her other positions is correct.

She wants to rescind the Bush tax cuts on the wealthy, for instance -

http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Hillary_Clinton_Tax_Reform.htm

She is not opposed to fair trade, that I know of. She voted against CAFTA and has expressed the opinion that NAFTA is flawed and needs to be fixed. That may not be going far enough for you, but it's a step in the right direction and no different from Obama on the issue.

As far as the "down ticket" argument - well, I don't live in Texas, but I do know that a north eastern liberal like Kerry (and I think when can agree that NE liberals have some tough sledding out her in the west) didn't affect down ticket races the in Colorado in 2004. WE picked up both a Senate and House Seat, the Governor's office, and added to our gains from 2002 on the State Legislature.

Maybe Texas is different, I don't know - but I think the argument can be made that her being on the ticket won't have any difference from Obama being on the ticket as far as down ticket races go.

[Stop Cornyn]

42. She voted against fair taxation of capital gains and dividends as recently as 2005 and 2006. Do you

suppose those tax cuts are benefiting the poor and the struggling middle class?

Hillary has defended the outsourcing of US jobs to India, supported MFN for China, and supported free trade agreements with Vietnam, Singapore, Chile, and Oman.

I'm familiar with Hillary's record, and I'm not impressed.

[paulk]

45. as part of defense appropriation bills?

give me a break. She's been very clear that as President she would raise capital gains taxes. And on votes that aren't part of some other bill her record is clear.

Votes against the Bush tax cuts -
5/26/2001: NO on Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act
5/23/2003: NO on Jobs and Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act
11/17/2005: YES on raising capital gains taxes on wealthy individuals
2/13/2006: YES on allowing capital gains tax cuts to expire

And please don't forget that her husband's administration rescinded that Reagan tax breaks for the wealthy in '92. Without a single Republican vote, I might add.


---------------------

[rodeodance]

39. You are one of few who admit that Obama is centrist. Thank you--and since

I have my biases--i hope you choose Hilary.

As an aside--I have a brother who is gay--has a partner for years and he is outraged by Obama and his tolerance of Donnie McClurkin

[PresidentObama]

34. It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I made the decision to jump on board with Hillary.

She's my girl :)

[southernleftylady]

35. thank you nt

[rodeodance]

36. Thanx--

[citizen snips]

46. I am offically in the Hillary camp.

Although it was not easy decision.