Who should this Edwards supporter vote for?

[Monty__]

2 months ago if you would have told me Edwards was dropping out I would have been crushed but immediately thrown my support behind Obama. Now I'm not sure. I'm not sold on Clinton and it's nothing she has done to make me reconsider. It's what Obama has done and what he has done in a negative light.

I admired Hillary as the First Lady and thought she'd make a great Senator. I was shocked at how "Hawkish" she was and how she went around with Newt Gingrich and how she refused to apologize for her Iraq vote. That being said, I know Hillary and knew where she stood.

Obama blew out of the gate, energized the people, and then when the going got tough he got bogged down in a virtual "race" or not "race" war with the Clintons. His comment in SC during the debate about having a "Woman, an African-American, and a John" was totally uncalled for and classless. He was playing the minority card. Not Edwards' fault he was born a white male. He has been very "angry" sounding at debates and has answered Hillary's attacks with snippy remarks and attacks of his own. Now I'm not advocating letting yourself be swiftboated like Kerry was but he has handled the past 2-3 weeks poorly in my opinion. One thing that struck me is the way he has come across as being arrogant and cocky these past 2-3 weeks, especially in the SC debate.

His campaign of "Hope"? Ummm....Edwards has used that for 5 years. Kerry used it in 2004. Nothing new there. I don't want change for the sake of change. I want something done that will help America. Something like fighting poverty, universal health care. I want a candidate who will actually push for these issues not just say things to get elected.

Again, undecided, and largely because I'm disappointed in Obama.

[no name no slogan]

1. Why not Edwards?

If he's on the ballot, vote for him.

[sellitman]

6. Are you kidding?

To what end?

I won't let others decide who wins.

JE obviously doesn't want you to do this or he would of stayed in the race.

You are wrong.

[liberalnurse]

14. There appears to be a hint of

sabotage with that recommendation they just gave you! :scared:

I have seen this "jump off the cliff" stuff several times here this AM. Continue to confront I say!

[peacetalksforall]

28. If you want Clinton, it's wrong. If you want Obama, it's wrong. If you don't

want either, it's right.

Who benefits if we vote for Edwards? Us. Me, who cannot tolerate any more killing and war hawks. Yes, yes, I know Edwards voted initially, but he was on top on the issue the way I assessed it. Because he was not for Corporate kings.

Obama, I'm not sure what is all there besides exemplary speeches and enthusiasm. He ranked second about the killing, however. Beaacuse he is much TOO VAGUE, meaning he is unpredictable. He took corporate money and there is probably plenty there from the war weapons, contracts, and pollution corporations.

So it's not wrong for me. Let Edwards retain some control for us.

[sellitman]

30. You didn't read my post or

You are replying without understanding it.

You are letting others decide. That's called not voting at all.

Edwards will not retain control of anything by voting for him. He is out. Finished. Ker-put.

Get it?

[no name no slogan]

29. Why not? If he's still on the ballot, he can still get delegates

And if he gets delegates, they will go as uncommitted-- which is a VERY good place to be in, if there is any kind of dealmaking to be made at convention time.

[Monty__]

7. I probably will vote for John

I just want to be excited about the 2008 race and with Edwards dropping out I no longer am. I was excited in '04. I volunteered much time for Kerry/Edwards. This time around I will likely just cast my vote on the general election day for whoever the Democrat is without feeling like I'm voting for anything important.

[liberalnurse]

19. Your voting for John McCain!

Oh Crap! Get out of here?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. Edwards

Write him in if you have to. Send the message loud and clear.

[1corona4u]

9. Exactly. Do it.

:-)

[Occam Bandage]

3. Whoever you decide to vote for. Give it some thought. Watch some speeches, read some policy lists,

try approaching both candidates in a completely new light. If you decide Clinton, great. If you decide Obama, great. If you decide to write in Edwards, great.

[redqueen]

4. I might still vote for Edwards.

I'm so pissed.


"Who's afraid of John Edwards?"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4285825

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4286520

:banghead:

[Windy]

5. Your decision is up to you. Review the candidates positions on your own

and make your own decision based upon facts, your head and your gut.

Don't let anyone try and influence you. No matter who they support, there will be spin involved. Be true to yourself and your values and beliefs. Decide for yourself.

[Monty__]

11. I realize it's my decision

and this thread was probably written more out of frustration. More to get these feelings off of my chest. I'm crushed now. I've looked forward to 2008 since 2004 and now I'm totally crushed and really not energized at all about November.

[maddiejoan]

8. Go with your heart

and be prepared to vote for the other one in the GE if need be.

They are both fine choices to make, and your post does well at pointing out the strengths and flaws of both.

Edwards was my #2 choice, but the reason I'm voting for Hillary is actually a very simple one.

She's running as a "public servant". So was Edwards.

Obama is running as a "leader"

[Monty__]

12. One problem

my heart still does and always will say Edwards.

[maddiejoan]

16. Last time around

I was a Clarkie.

Believe me --I understand.

[BlackVelvet04]

10. You have to decide for yourself.....

I decided months ago that I would vote for Hillary should JE drop out.

[CoffeeCat]

13. Here's my long answer....

(I posted this earlier, in response to another Edwards supporter who
asked the same question)

When the Edwards and Obama campaigns rolled through my state of Iowa, during the caucus
run-up, choosing between Edwards and Obama was a tough decision for me. I agonized over it.

In my mind, the most critical issues in this election, deal with reversing the BushCo damage and
getting this country on the right track. I believe we need a paradigm-shifting leader
and I believe that both Obama and Edwards could catalyze that kind of change---bringing
us out of this war and conducting their Presidency in ways that honor our Constitution
and our civil rights.

I attended several Edward's events when he campaigned in Iowa. I was very moved.
He was the only candidate to say the word "neocon" and I was so impressed with that.
After all, that group of warmongers is the sole reason we're in this mess today. He's
committed to poverty--when it's not politically exciting to do so, and that meant a great
deal to me.

I could not decide between Edwards and Obama. I was so torn. I would hear Obama
speak and lean Obama. I would listen to Edwards and change my mind back to Edwards.

I began to lean toward Obama more, when I read about his commitment to restoring our
Constitution and our basic civil rights. Obama talked about these things at big
events in Iowa, but they were never covered by the mainstream press. Like Edwards'
poverty issues--Habeas Corpus just isn't sexy enough for the media. Unfortunately.

Obama is a Constitutional Scholar. He taught Constitutional Law, and other law classes
for a decade at the University of Chicago. He is an expert on what our Founding Fathers
laid down, and he is hell-bent on undoing the BushCo damage. In Obama's plan for America--
he specifically states his desire to restore Habeas Corpus--our rights as Americans to
hear the "body of evidence" against us--if we are arrested for a crime. Bush and Gonzo
haphazardly decided that we didn't need "the great writ" anymore. Obama found that offensive.
He's running to restore our Constitution.

As I continued to struggle between Obama and Edwards--Obama called me. I told Obama I was leaning
Edwards. Obama listened to me. He told me, "John Edwards is a wonderful guy. I can
understand why you would support him." He had nothing put praise and admiration for the guy.
Obama didn't launch into a speech which compared himself to Edwards. He just expressed
profound respect for him.

I stared asking Obama questions. I told him that I was deeply concerned about our civil
rights being stripped. I told him that our government was not about "We The People" any more.
He told me that he was against illegal wiretaps and Bush going around the FISA courts. You
can see yesterday, that Obama echoed those feelings. I asked him how he would vote on
giving the telcos retroactive immunity--he said would vote NOT to give them a pass. As you
can see, Obama voted yesterday in exactly that way. Privacy is a legal right of all citizens,
and Obama's passion for our rights will drive his administration to undo all of this BushCo
damage that has horrified all of us.

Obama also wants to close Guantanamo. Did you see that the lawyers representing the Guantanamo
detainees, many of whom have been detained for years with no charges filed--collectively endorsed
Obama? They understand what his deep respect for the Constitution means. No more indefinite
detentions. No more torture. No more denying people a fair trial and basic rights.

I also find Obama's health care plan very innovative and a SERIOUS solution to the problem. Did you
know that Obama's plan to cover the poor is about making premiums more affordable? He plans to
subsidize premiums---cutting their cost in half or more. Many have argued that this "fails to
cover everyone." It's a REAL solution. It's a first step. Hillary says she covers everyone.
However, did you know that her plan to help the poor with insurance coverage is a mandate? She
mandates that the poor have insurance. She does NOTHING to reduce costs or make the coverage
more affordable. If they do not buy the mandated insurance, they are fined. I don't see
her healthcare plan as workable. She says it's "universal coverage", but it's a mandate.
You can mandate that all Americans have a Prius in their driveway---that doesn't mean they'll
all be able to afford one. Obama is at least TRYING to make insurance more affordable. He
could have enacted a mandate, to give him an easier soundbyte. He didn't do that. He's
offering a thoughtful solution that addresses the number one reason that the poor don't have
insurance--cost.

From a strategic point of view--I can tell you this. I'm a stay-at-home mom now, but I worked as a PR
executive for 15 years. I have NEVER witnessed a campaign like Obama ran in Iowa. The campaign
was amazingly organized and staffed with respectful, enthusiastic and inspiring volunteers. When
they called, they listened. When they heard I was undecided, they sent over a supporter to talk
with me. They invited me to an Obama house party. This was one of 1,000 Obama house parties
that happened simultaneously. Unprecedented in Iowa or any political campaign. They're a very
creative, tenacious, gracious bunch. This campaign, if extrapolated onto a national stage---will
smoke any Republican candidate. I don't care what the polls say now. America has really not met
the full force of the Obama campaign--as many of the early states did. It is powerful. It is
unbeatable, in my opinion.

Speaking of that house party I attended...The person who invited me--and who was an Obama precinct
captain--was a disenfranchised Republican who was distraught about Bush. She is just as mortified
at what Bush has done, as any of us. There were Independents there, and liberal Dems. This small
house party was a political melting pot. We talked issues and our fears about the neocons for
two hours. It gave me hope to see that a candidate had managed to galvanized centrist Republicans,
Independents, Progressives and Centrist Democrats. Obama appeals across party lines and that
is key to being elected. Especially if McCain is on the ticket. You MUST have an exciting, inspirational
candidate ate who appeals to those sought-after Independents and centrist Republicans. Obama
can do that in spades. I've seen it with my own eyes.

I know this was long, but I feel so strongly about Obama--his plans, his ideas and his electability--and
yes, his ability to inspire. I had to choose between Obama and Edwards, and I struggled. However, I
know that there is a great deal of reciprocity between the Obama and Edwards camps, and I firmly
believe that Obama can repair the "Constitutional damage" unleashed by Bush. Only with that repair
can be begin to move forward with any Democratic agenda of helping the poor, stopping tax cuts
to the most wealthy, addressing corporate corruption, giving Americans healthcare, restoring our
nation's standing in the world and ending this never-ending neocon war plan.

Good luck with your decision. I'm sorry that Edwards didn't go on to a higher level. I know this
must be a tough day for all Edwards supporters. I really hate to see him go too. I hope
that when you're ready, that you'll consider giving Obama your support.

[Justyce]

15. I'm an Edwards supporter, and I'm personally leaning towards

Clinton, mostly because I believe she stands a better chance in the GE.

[Barack_America]

17. I can't tell you who to vote for...

But if you're interested in discussing Obama's policy positions, after the shock wears off. Look me up. I'd be happy to have a conversation with you.

I'm so stunned and saddened by the news today as well.

[LiberalFighter]

18. Voters should still vote for Edwards in their primaries

Why?

It gives Edwards and the issues he supports a platform that Hillary or Obama have to consider. And that will only happen if the voters vote for Edwards and he receives delegates. If the delegate count is close Edwards becomes a factor at the convention.

[glowing]

20. I'm with you.. His policies are more centrist than Hillary.. and he

is running around cocky.. I don't like that. He over a lot of people should be talking like John.. I'm just wondering really.. how is he going to lift this shambles, called America up..

the other thing.. Hillary is huge on education... and that is so important.. she will do a lot for children.. she always has and if children have a fair, equal start, we would have more educated people making better decisions... She also might get to the white house and say screw you to the insurance ind. and give us uiversal healthcare.. she's still bitter over that from the 90's.

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. Vote for Hillary. I hate her IWR vote too, but

as she and Senator Durbin have said, they were ALL fed BOGUS Intel by the warmongers in the administration. Her vote was a HUGE mistake and she knows it. She just can't "say" that because the MEN in race will go after her for it. Obama is just spewing feel good rhetoric with no substance behind it. Hillary is a woman, running for President that has been reserved for men only. She has to play their game. I think once she's elected, you will see a "White House" Hillary again. With Obama, you have no clue what you will get because he's not telling you what you will get....other than "Hope", "bring the country together" and "Change."

Well, IMCPO, Hillary can do all of those things AND more. You should also remember how LOVED Bill Clinton is around the world. He is respected. It will be good to have him, once again, speaking for our country.

This is, of couese, JMCPO...and I'm an Edwards supporter too.:(

on edit...she will also have Wes Clark in her cabinet. NO ONE knows foreign policy like Wes Clark. Want PEACE? Vote for Hillary.

[Monty__]

22. Well....

if Howard Fineman's article is accurate and Edwards aides had been rebuffed by Obama, that will help me make a decision, if I do indeed not vote for Edwards or stay home. This just looks like more arrogance from Obama.

[rox63]

24. Take some time - See what develops over the next couple of days

I suspect that Edwards will eventually endorse someone. Would an endorsement from Edwards sway your decision at all?

[in_cog_ni_to]

26. PLEASE don't stay home, Monty. This election is too important.

I think we'll know if Obama rebuffed Edwards by who Edwards endorses. Obama is waaaaay more conservative than Hillary. I don't see Edwards endorsing him.

[Monty__]

31. I've decided

yes, I know everyone cares (sarcasm) and I've decided to vote for Edwards. Obama would have had my support but he lost it during the SC debate and really the last 2-3 weeks. That being said, I will vote for either Clinton or Obama in November.

[PassingFair]

23. ALL fed bogus intel...23 managed to vote correctly.

If Obama indicates evisceration of the DLC, I'll
vote for HIM.

I'm still undecided.

[in_cog_ni_to]

27. Were those other 23 planning to run for President in '08?

Her vote was probably a strategic move as she planned to run for Prez. Remember, at the time, the majority of people in this country were out for blood. They wanted revenge for 911. "If you don't support the war, you're not patriotic." Remember all that CRAP? Well, I'm sure that played a part in her IWR vote. She's a woman who was planning on running for President. Her vote was WRONG. It still pisses me off, but they were fed BOGUS Intel. That has to be considered too. The crap they were told was much worse than what we were told.

Obama is more conservative than Hillary is. He's not going to do ANYTHING to the DLC or their members.

[book_worm]

25. Vote for whoever you want to--it's a decision you should make alone.