Why Edwards didn't endorse...

[AGirl]

But now two months have passed since Edwards dropped out—tempus fugit!—and still no endorsement. Why? According to a Democratic strategist unaligned with any campaign but with knowledge of the situation gleaned from all three camps, the answer is simple: Obama blew it. Speaking to Edwards on the day he exited the race, Obama came across as glib and aloof. His response to Edwards’s imprecations that he make poverty a central part of his agenda was shallow, perfunctory, pat. Clinton, by contrast, engaged Edwards in a lengthy policy discussion. Her affect was solicitous and respectful. When Clinton met Edwards face-to-face in North Carolina ten days later, her approach continued to impress; she even made headway with Elizabeth. Whereas in his Edwards sit-down, Obama dug himself in deeper, getting into a fight with Elizabeth about health care, insisting that his plan is universal (a position she considers a crock), high-handedly criticizing Clinton’s plan (and by extension Edwards’s) for its insurance mandate.

http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/45604/

[Skittles]

1. no good choice? n/t

[MannyGoldstein]

2. Perhaps A Lack Of A Cash Payoff?

Things are probably not going well at the Fortress hedge fund - a fella's gotta make a living, you know.

[PurityOfEssence]

9. Maybe he just doesn't like opportunistic corporatist messiahs

Meanness begets meanness.

The air of privilege around this campaign is overwhelming, and the cocksure hubris doesn't bode well for the rest of us peons.

[KittyWampus]

27. I'd say Edwards is the opportunistic corporate candidate. LOL! God his supporters are blind.

with a capital "O".

[JoFerret]

44. "Our time"?

Exactly who is in that "our" and who is not?

[JI7]

3. the talk for months has been that he will endorse Hillary Clinton

so the question should be why he hasn't endorsed her yet.

as i said before, Obama got his endorsement that he wanted with Richardson.

[Maribelle]

8. For months? Say honest.

[Abacus]

11. Seems like the rumors change every two weeks

about who he will endorse.

[greguganus]

35. Pretty boy is holding his endorsement for the best deal he can get.

Which candidate will give him the best job in their cabinet, and if anyone believes he wouldn't endorse Corporate Clinton if she promised him a job, they are fooling themselves. He would toss his "anti-corporation/I'm for the little guy" spiel out the window in a New York minute.
I don't see how an endorsement from him would matter much anyway. He's a has-been and an also-ran.
I wish edwards would just fade away into the sunset. Why doesn't he go back to SC anyway? Hasn't he done enough damage here in NC after pretending to be our senator? There's no future here for him in local or state politics, after he used us as a stepping stone to try to become president. Surely the taxes on his fortress would be cheaper in SC. Maybe the haircuts are cheaper here? He's a joke here and should move some place where he's not played out.

[Inspired]

58. Are you a closet Republican? You talk like a freeper. n/t

[greguganus]

64. Nope...just a North Carolinian who is still pissed at him

for spending more time campaigning than spending his time in NC, and then after he loses TWICE he still stays in the state. I voted for him I can talk shit about him all I want. And fu with your freeper crap.

[Inspired]

67. Get over yourself. Most US Senators spend their time in DC, not their home state anyway.

Why does that piss you off? Did you expect dinner plans or something? How lame.

[question everything]

4. Thank you. This is why this former Edwards supporter switched to Hillary

Because Clinton's policies are deep and knowledgeable and real. Certainly not pat or shallow.

(and if she had better campaign managers instead of the one she has, she may have clinched the nomination long time ago).

[AllentownJake]

6. Judgement

I hate that fucking talking point. Go to his website. His policies are clear and articulate. I'm sorry he is charismatic and does good speeches and inspires people and doesn't talk detail policy in his stump speeches. Wait I'm not because that is why he's winning.

Anyway the judgement issue comes up so much.

The Oval Office is bigger than the President. Its the advisors and cabinet. If she can't find good people to run her campaign what makes you think she is going to find good people to run her administration. She sucks as an exectuive and that is what the President is...sorry.

[Maribelle]

10. Yes, judgement to select his cabinet - Rezko 'I didn't know' Wright 'I didn't know'

[AllentownJake]

12. Give me a break here

How many people who have donated to Bill and Hillary over the year are in jail.

You guys have no room to stand on there.

BTW your losing...did you notice that you are losing ha ha ha ha ha

[Maribelle]

16. Minimizing Obama's relationships with Rezko and Wright is foolish.

[anonymous171]

24. Of course, Hillary and her husband have NEVER associated with shady characters.

:sarcasm: And Rezko really isn't even an issue anymore. Seriously, drop it.

[cali]

36. Minimizing the number of crooked Clinton associates is foolish

Hsu,Giustra,Gupta, Paul and so many more. Don't think the pukes would have had a field day? Please. Don't be a fool.

[knixphan]

37. as is throwing stones in glass houses.

[JoFerret]

46. Minimizing his mealy-mouthed

health coverage proposal is even more so.

[gabeana]

26. How about Rubin and greenspan

"Her nomination of Rubin and Greenspan scarcely encourages confidence in Mrs C's oft-proclaimed capacity to hit the ground running in times of crisis. Rubin was the arch deregulator in Bill Clinton's second term. It was Rubin who successfully pushed for repeal in 1999 of the Glass Steagall Act which, amidst financial collapse in early 1933 (when Roosevelt closed down the banking system altogether) placed regulatory barriers between commercial and investment banking.

As fed chairman in the Clinton and early Bush years Greenspan deliberately encouraged the growth of speculative bubbles. He chose in 1996 not to set margin requirements on stock market speculators and in later years fiercely advocated the deregulation of the financial system. His fingerprints are all over the sub-prime disaster."

counterpunch.org

[question everything]

17. Yes, its the advisers. Which is why we had Reagan and Bush Jr. as pretty faces

sitting in the Oval Office while PNAC and other powers behind the scene really ran the country.

And we know that the powers that be in the Democratic party have selected Obama to run against Hillary, whom, and Bill, they loathed since day one.

As posted on another thread

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/3/29/134039/323

Mrs. Clinton is a strong candidate for many reasons. She was part of the Clinton administration and had a front-row seat for the power decisions that were made in her husband's presidency. She's been an effective senator for more than a full term, and she's passed bi-partisan legislation that helped real people. She's genuinely nice and people she works with like her. Much of the best talent from her husband's administration admired her intelligence, passion, focus and stamina, and most endorsed her. She's friends with retired military officers and diplomats, and she has close connections to serving military. She's liked and respected by professionals and experts and in turn she's able to appreciate their talents and intelligence. She knows many world leaders and she's well versed in the language of diplomacy and international relations. She started her run earlier than he and she has detailed her plans for the reforms and changes that are her priorities. She was considered the front-runner even before anyone voted, as she was qualified, prepared, funded and had a rational and appealing platform. She could speak on any issue, with intelligence, thoughtfulness and detail, and debate with accuracy and acumen. She is a formidable obstacle to Mr. Obama's ambition.

She also has vulnerabilities. The media mainly disliked her and many in the media had tried to sabotage her candidacy, starting when she was still first lady, when some rightly suspected she might go into politics once her husband's political career had ended. There were those in the Senate who didn't want her to succeed for personal reasons, they felt disrespected by her husband's administration and didn't want him back in any position. One example is John Kerry, who invited Mr. Obama to give the keynote speech at the 2004 convention, and who kept Mrs. Clinton from having any formal role in the convention, while allowing his wife a long and self-serving speech. Additionally, Mrs. Clinton, as the first woman to make a credible run for the presidency, receives the `envy' any `outsider' trying to break forbidden ground encounters. As to the extent her sex would be an advantage, Obama also runs as `an outsider,' but still a man.

[usrbs]

21. Running a good campaign does not promise a thing

Or do you think that our idiot-in-chief is a better president Than Kerry or Gore, because, after all, he outmaneuvered both in the 2 campaigns.

[AllentownJake]

30. You can't be President if you don't win eom

[cali]

38. Alll you do is make it clear that you're wholly unfamiliar with

Obama's policy proposals. And sorry,it's not just her campaign advisors, it's the candidate herself, and how she presents herself.

[JoFerret]

47. Universal health coverage?

What's not to like?

[cali]

49. Evidently you don't realize

how similar the healthcare plans from Edwards, Clinton and Obama, are. Or what the roots of those plans are.

[JoFerret]

51. Actually

Yes I do.
And my own preference is for a single payer system. Sigh!

Yours?

[krawhitham]

42. So appalled was Edwards at Clinton’s gaudy corporatism

[JoFerret]

45. The POLICIES

yes indeed. It's the policies. Plus the actual thought they could be enacted.

I made a similar switch.

[samdogmom]

5. Thanks for the update...as a former Edwards supporter...I'm glad I moved on!

Can I have my money back, please????

He disappoints me tremendously if this is still about "him" and "his ideas" and not about what is right for our country!

[MindMatter]

13. Bingo

Our future does not depend on the small differences between the Obama and Clinton health plans. Neither of those plans will be enacted as presented. The issues we face are so much more monumental that this story trivializes it.

I admire Edwards, and truly hope that this story is not true. Or at least that he has a sense of the momentous nature of the Obama candidacy, such that he will not endorse against it.

He has already lost half of his Iowa delegates. As time passes, his endorsement is becoming irrelevant. At this point, the only way he can have a significant impact is to endorse Obama, which would help bring this divisiveness to an end.

He will not endorse Clinton. If he were going to do that, it would have happened a month ago. There is no point jumping on that train as it is leaving the tracks. His endorsement would not put the train back on the tracks.

So John, for the hundreds of thousands of us who supported you and still respect you, please do the right thing. NOW!

[anamandujano]

33. If Obama couldn't persuade him, what makes you think you can?

Obama probably used the same haughty preachy tone that you just did. Apparently it doesn't work with Mr. Edwards.

[my3boyz]

7. Well, I'm glad Obama

did not kiss his butt just to get an endorsement. He stated what he believes and he stuck by it. He did not try to change his whole focus to kiss up to John and Elizabeth (as Hillary did..she only did it to hopefully get his supporters...it is about the bottom line for her). Anyway, I really do like John. I would prefer to have him as the one that was up against Obama now. Then I would not be so sick at the thought of Obama not winning. Mainly because I know Edwards would also be good for the country. Even though Edwards was strong in his beliefs about how to improve this country, he knew how to disagree without being nasty (as the Clintons are). Somehow when he pointed differences out I did not get angry. He disagreed in a respectful way. I also have no doubt that he would put the party before his own political ambitions. He demonstrated that when he dropped out earlier.

[SwampG8r]

14. lets not go hillary on edwards

hes a decent guy with good ideas and we need to be mindful that we are not the "hes dead to me now " bunch.
i look at him as one of many good advisors obama will need as time passes

[blonndee]

15. Yes, this criticizes Obama but ALSO tells us why he didn't endorse Hillary:

Here's the paragraph that precedes the one you posted:

In the days after John Edwards’s withdrawal from the Democratic race, the political world expected his endorsement of Barack Obama would be forthcoming tout de suite. The neo-populist and the hopemonger had spent months tag-teaming Hillary Clinton, pillorying her as a creature of the status quo, not a champion of the kind of “big change” they both deem essential. So appalled was Edwards at Clinton’s gaudy corporatism—her defense of the role of lobbyists, her suckling at the teats of the pharmaceutical and defense industries—that he’d essentially called her corrupt. And then, not least, there were the sentiments of his wife. “Elizabeth hasn’t always been crazy about Mrs. Clinton” is how an Edwards insider puts it; a less delicate member of HRC’s circle says, “Elizabeth hates her guts.”

http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/45604/

Perhaps Edwards will eventually endorse Hillary, or maybe not. But since the thread is "Why Edwards Didn't Endorse," this provides a little proper balance. The article, by the way, is titled "Who’ll Stop the Pain?" and answers itself, "Gore and Edwards may have the most party clout. But there’s only one person Hillary will finally listen to. Her name isn’t Bill."

[Tatiana]

18. Discussed here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5311451

[Life Long Dem]

19. Oh gawd... Obama blew it is as far as I read. Alienating both Hill and O is why n/t

[GoldieAZ49]

20. Good for the Edwards!

I am glad they held to their principals!

The arrogance of Obama really is a turn off, I wouldn't want to associated with his campaign either.

[Johnny__Motown]

22. So, he can't endorse Barrack because his wife won't let him??

[Pawel K]

25. What a stupid thing to say.

[Garbo 2004]

23. previous thread on same article:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5311451&mesg_id=5311451

[bigbrother05]

28. If Obama was such a turn off, what's this say about Clinton?

So John & Elizabeth couldn't bring themselves to back Obama after their meetings. Fair enough, it's their endorsement to give or not.

Without questioning the source, Clinton made all the right noises and still couldn't get Edwards' endorsement. How badly must they disagree with her being the party candidate.

[Orangepeel]

29. so who is this strategist with "knowledge gleaned"? why should I believe him/her?

over the other unidentified sources who claimed that Edwards liked Obama but thought he wasn't enough of a fighter?

As someone with admiration for both John and Elizabeth, I am disinclined to believe that he didn't endorse because he felt personally insulted by a candidate. He didn't endorse because he didn't see that picking one over the other would do more to further his agenda, which I believe is helping him fulfill his goals of working to end poverty.

[JI7]

31. that sucks even more that Hillary didn't get it then

so she isn't even under consideration or what ?

i'm wondering if this is Clinton supporters way to deal with what they hoped would be an endorsement for her. how it was talked up Edwards will endorse her including on Leno and then it didn't happen.

[bhikkhu]

32. Sounds plausible...but enough with anonymous insiders

Hannity could have planted the whole thing just to screw with us.

Until someone talks on record, its a non-story.

[cornermouse]

34. My fear about Obama all along has been that he is

a democratic version of George Bush.

[JoFerret]

50. Enough with the born-again presidental candidates

Yes - I know that is a VERY intolerant view.
But put it down as a personal prejudice. it will not stop me voting for the democrat.
I just wish we could stop all the religiosity that infects us.

(Jimmy Carter is a born-again I can live with.)

Obama as the democrat W? Aaaaargh!
There are similarities but I can't go that far.

[cornermouse]

53. The born-again isn't what I've been worried about.

It's the appearance of superficiality that has bothered and worried me. If true that would preclude the born-again aspect much as it has for Bush.

[JoFerret]

62. That's very true

...and a better way to put it and better expression of the concern.

When shallowness and deep religious conviction coincide however....

[LTR]

39. I don't buy it

Many of these democratic strategists don't know what they're talking about. There's some that claim that Gore will sweep in and take the nomination.

My guess all along is that Edwards is giving himself some clout by holding off on an endorsement. Keep in mind there are people that feel the same way about Edwards as he and his wife allegedly feel about Obama. Russ Feingold himself all but said Edwards is a fraud, though I don't believe that (I initially supported Edwards).

[2rth2pwr]

40. Obama's famed unity skillz on display once more.

[Blue-Jay]

48. Is 'z' easier to type than 's'?

Juzt azking...

[2rth2pwr]

66. n00b

skillz



1. describing someone's above average proficency at a given activity

2. in l337, the "z" implies something not quite legit, so the activity described may be illegal or against the rules.

1. Michael is the best basketball player in town. He has mad skillz.

2. Tina hacked into the school's computer system to change her grades using her hacking skillz.
by Lipstick Nov 1, 2004 email it
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=skillz

skillz



slang for "skills", a set of competencies that enable one to be well versed and very proficient at accomplishing a goal

Beastie Boys lyric: I got the skillz to pay the bills


skillz



'Skillz' was once used mainly by l33t-speakers, rappers, and their admirers, to describe being extra-skilled. It is now mainly used sarcastically, especially by those with tendancies towards being a geek or hipster.

1. Having 'skillz' or 'mad skillz' can be used to describe being extra successful at something computer-related that you've embraced. In this case, it's intended to acknowledge or satirize the silliness of l33t (either to highlight your contempt for sincere l33t-speakers, or because you enjoy l33t including its silliness).

2. It can be used to describe being good at something that you don't actually want to be good at, such as something embarassing.

3. Also you can use it to draw attention to your lack of actual skill, implying that your clumsiness stems from membership in a particular demographic that isn't associated with skill in that area (especially if members of your demographic rarely say 'skillz' with any sincerity).

1. "pwnz0r3d, n00b!!1! f3@r my l33t skillz!!!one!"

2. "I've got mad nose-picking skillz."

3. (after missing an easy shot) "Well, we all know that little Jewish girls like me have all the basketball skillz." (after missing another one) "Mad skillz, even."

[krawhitham]

41. Would you rather endorse a person that says what you want to hear or one that stands by what they...

believe


But he will end up endorsing whoever claims to give him the better position if they win

I never did trust Edwards once an ambulance chaser always an ambulance chaser

Edwards is a lawyer turned one term senator (he quit because he could not win re-election) who has made a career out of being Kerry's VP pick and thought he could ride this wife's illness all the way to the White House

[joshcryer]

43. He'll endorse Hillary before NC.

Bank on it.

[still_one]

52. no way, he would have endorsed her by now if he was going to do it

incidently, I would like to remind you that in 2004 Kerry did not win NC, and Edwards was his VP

[greguganus]

65. I agree! 100 percent! n/t

[susankh4]

54. K&R!

Thanks!!

I think he is waiting to endorse anyone..... til Al gets drafted and John is his VP choice.

:headbang:

[cleveramerican]

55. His window of oppurtunity has closed

if you hold your cards too long you end up just sitting there.

[yy4me]

56. 'Suppose he knows something we don't? That maybe.....,

just maybe, there is some truth in the talk of a different ticket?

GORE/EDWARDS

Someone has to save the country from itself. I truly believe Al Gore and John Edwards would do the job. We, the people, cannot afford to make or allow another mistake.

[Orsino]

57. Rumor. I doubt that Edwards is that petty.

His endorsement will carry significant weight, and I presume that he will use it craftily.

[OzarkDem]

61. Arguing w/ Elizabeth about universal health care isn't petty

Obama's plan is not universal and will, in fact, set the effort to get universal care back by several years.

Like it or not, getting real health care reform in the next few years is absolutely essential for US health and our economy.

Edwards needs to make his opinions public about problems with Obama's health care reform plans. The issue is far too critical to not voice his opinion.

[EffieBlack]

59. He may have waited too long . . .

Edwards is in a difficult spot now. Had he endorsed right before or right after Super Tuesday, he may have had some real impact. But now, he's in a bit of a bind.

His choices:

Endorse Clinton BEFORE the North Carolina primary - if she wins the state, he's in good shape. But right now, she's so far behind and he's so unpopular there that it is unlikely that his endorsement will help her much there. If he were to endorse and she doesn't carry the state, his inability to help a candidate in his own home state will make him appear very weak and could well bury any chance he has in the future of being an important political player.

Endorse Clinton AFTER the North Carolina primary - if Clinton loses North Carolina and THEN he endorses her, it may be too little too late - not to mention the fact that Clinton and her supporters might be unhappy that he waited rather than getting behind her in the state when he might have helped her there.

Endorse Obama BEFORE the North Carolina primary - if these press reports are correct, that seems like the last thing he wants to do.

Endorse Obama AFTER the North Carolina primary - this would make sense only if Obama wins the primary. But if he endorses at that point, he'll look spineless and appear to be jumping on the bandwagon after the fact

None of these options seem to work well for Edwards at this point.

I think he waited to long for an endorsement to be meaningful.

[OzarkDem]

60. So why doesn't he endorse Hillary, it sounds as though he should

and thanks very much for the insight about Obama. Its exactly as I suspected.

[ronnykmarshall]

63. Under the bus for Edwards!

How DARE he!