EDWARDS Supporters - I know how you feel, and wouldn't blame you for voting for him still.

[FrenchieCat]

Although I have never been Edwards friendly at all (as some of you well know), some of You and I do share something in common; a burning political passion for a candidate that ignited a dream.

I felt exactly this way in reference to Wes Clark, back in 2004. I had a very, very hard time being able to move on after he dropped out after his Super Tuesday losses. I was heartbroken, and had a very difficult time getting on board with John Kerry; not because Kerry wasn't a good candidate, but because there was no way to me that he could even come close to measuring up to Wes Clark.

I continued to identify as a Wes Clark supporter for years after his 2004 withdrawal from the race. I became a Wes Clark Democrat. It wasn't till December of this year that I truly found, again, a candidate that I could believe in.

So please know,

I will not be trolling for your vote for Obama.....because for those of you who feel that he doesn't measure up to John Edwards, I understand and nothing that I can say will have you believe otherwise.

Plus, I truly don't believe that Obama gains most of the Edwards voters.


Last, but not least,
I wish both John Edwards and Elizabeth Edwards well. Whatever they choose to do with their lives, I do respect.

Politics is the art of the possible, and so I know that it is likely possible that we will see John Edwards in whatever Democratic administration we end up with, if we are so lucky. Whether it is as AG or some other post, I'm sure that he will be the best at what he chooses to do.

Peace to all of those who supported John Edwards. The voracity and passion exhibited by all of you was simply outstanding and impressive, and nothing less.

[flyarm]

1. in a democracy ..in primaries..vote your heart people and don't let these bullshit artists tell you

any different.

fly 2004 Dem Delegate

[FrenchieCat]

2. My point!

And I've been there.

That's why I posted what I did.

I don't begrudge anyone Edwards supporter who will still vote for Edwards in their state, even if he is no longer running. It's not in my power anyway--

Peace!

[here_is_to_hope]

3. Thanks Frenchie...

And if you really mean it, maybe you could tone down some of your rhetoric?
Because honestly, you have been one of the posters here who originally turned me off to Obama. I sometimes enjoyed what you had to say and then a few minutes later, not so much. I like your passion and all but I feel us Edwards supporters prefer a more low key, issues based discussion.
There are a few Obama supporters here who are an army hiss and spit, I have chosen to ignore them for the most part. I know what I know about Obama, its enough, he has my support.
And no, Hillary isnt even up for discussion for me.
:hi:

[FrenchieCat]

6. Well, I cannot deny my passion.....it is simply how I am wired......

and if nothing else, I have been consistent on this.

If I offended you, please know that the intent certainly wasn't that....but rather that I air my strongly viewed political thoughts.

But certainly I know that I have never been kind towards John Edwards. That is something that I wouldn't ever try to deny. I think that is why I have very much in common with a lot of Edwards supporters; we share a passion for the want of seeing this nation be changed for the best; we have just always differed on who the agent might be that would be able to enact these changes.

:hi:

[blm]

4. Appreciate your reach out to Edwards' folk, but since you brought up Clark and

Kerry - in many opinions of those who paid close attention to our nation's recent history we believe it is hard to find just about ANY politician or lawmaker who measures up to Kerry after his 35 years of bucking the establishment powerstructure and exposing government corruption.

But then, some of us have different priorities for their leaders and for their country's future.

For anti-corruption, open government Democrats Kerry IS the gold standard.

I think Edwards could have gone after corporate corruption given the chance - but DC powerstructure certainly didn't WANT that - imagine the top government corruption guy in the WH with a topnotch corporate corruption guy at his side?

Nope - Corporate wing of the Dem party did NOT want that to happen.

The documentary about Carville and gang's manipulations in South America comes to mind when I think about what happened in 2004 - you know, OUR BRAND IS CRISIS:

http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=13354


http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/coffeehouse/2006/oct/07/did_carville_tip_bush_off_to_kerry_strategy_woodward

[politicasista]

5. Good post. I think Frenchie likes Kerry though

I mean I haven't heard her say anything bad about him. :)

[FrenchieCat]

7. You are correct.....that I've never posted negatively on John Kerry......

ever, even when Clark was running against John Kerry.

Wes Clark's support of John Kerry helped me with that.

And it comes full circle, as John Kerry now supports the candidate that I support.

[blm]

8. I know - just wanted it clear that Kerry WAS the standard bearer for open govt Dems

despite the corporate pressback against him. We all have our priorities in what we want from a leader.

Many pundits said that Clark was always just a stalking horse for Clinton to keep the way clear for Hillary's run.

After the last 4yrs of sabotage from within the party ranks, I am not sure that can be ruled out anymore - as had been my proclivity in the past.

[FrenchieCat]

9. I did not post to discuss Clark vs. Kerry......

[blm]

11. I know. But Kerry always seem to get the kick in the teeth even from posts

that don't intend to do it.

That is why I replied as I did.

[FrenchieCat]

13. Understand......

My message to Edwards supporters is "I heart you, cause I've been there". Period.

I remember posting to the Kerry forum when he chose not to run this time. That was sincere as well.

[politicasista]

17. Yes it was n/t

[blm]

19. no problem....just had two cents burning a hole in my pocket....

;)

[politicasista]

10. True n/t

[kestrel91316]

12. I'm still voting for Edwards in the CA primary. He's on the ballot.

Whoever gets the Dem nomination gets my vote in the general election. I don't have a preference as I see flaws in both Clinton and Obama that make it difficult to choose.

[FrenchieCat]

14. and so my message's for you.

:hi:

[LittleClarkie]

15. Indeed. I even voted for Clark in 2004 in my primary, and it took forever to warm up to Kerry

though you can see how that turned out.

And I felt the same way when Kerry announced he wasn't going to run this time. I didn't know what the fuck I was gonna do.

I think the Edwards folks just need a bit of time to mourn before they think about what to do next. As someone suggested, even working on issues themselves is a pretty good idea, instead of a specific candidate. At least they'll be using their passion.

[avaistheone1]

16. Nice, Frenchie.

Today is a painful day. It is going to hurt for a while.
However, I don't think John Edwards is going to go away. He is young, he is passionate and he is committed to a vision. This country still needs John Edwards. Hopefully, whoever becomes a new president will be wise to utlize Edwards in some key fashion because the problems this country has are so deep, broad and immediate.

For the record, Edwards will still get my vote in the California primary.

Thank you,

[FrenchieCat]

18. You are welcome!

I have been there....

I know the feeling.

Good luck!