Edwards told us why

[zalinda]

How many times have we seen video of Edwards speaking? Does he ever use written text? I can only recall once in the all the video I have seen of him. Why?

There was something off about him today. It seemed like resignation. His body language was different. And his speech was different. And the words spoken were different.

If you listened to his words, he told you what happened. "The Democratic party is going to make history." That was it. The dems told him in no uncertain terms that he was to be black balled. His super-delegates had already started to peel away. Endorsements from liberals like Feingold, didn't happen. In fact Feingold anti-endorsed him. Ted Kennedy which who he had worked, endorsed Obama, Kennedy the mighty liberal turned to someone who was not as liberal as Edwards. And one, by one the other Kennedys not only endorsed Obama, but filmed ads for him. Even though Edwards was championing a cause that was dear to Bobbie Kennedy, they turned their backs on him. He was not going to get the backing of the dem party, no matter if he did get the nomination, and they were intent on preventing him from doing just that. They would make history, and damn the voters.

He said he almost changed his mind in MO when talking to the people there. And when he said that, look at his face, it lite up for a second. This was not something he wanted, but something he had to do. He did it for us. Because even if, by some miracle he would gotten elected, they would have blocked ever thing he would have tried to do for us.

I'm sad today. I'm sad for the millions of people who will still be invisible in the next election and the one after that. Because while the dems give us hope that they will see us, they never do. And, so for us, who are invisible it actually doesn't matter who gets into office, we will always be the beasts of burden, whether dem or repub in the White House.

Today, I am quitting politics. I will be joining the countless other people who don't give a damn if there is an election or not. Maybe then I will stay sane. Because in the end, it doesn't matter we still will be invisible.

zalinda

[HopeforChange]

1. I think Kennedy convinced him it was the right thing to do

[DemReadingDU]

2. Maybe Elizabeth is sicker than we really know

Something happened in the past couple of days though. It is very strange for Edwards to bow out.

[MBS]

9. that's what I think, too

The timing was so sudden. .

[OzarkDem]

17. Stop it

He said that wasn't the case and they've been honest and open about her illness from day one.

[avaistheone1]

22. When did he say that she was well?

[OzarkDem]

29. In his speech today n/t

[hyphenate]

55. This is what my SIL

and I thought to. If that is the case, I hope that she gets better quickly. Both John and Elizabeth deserve our greatest consideration, and that comes over and above all election campaign ones.

[vanboggie]

3. I feel exactly the same, zalinda

I've notified close friends and family that I'm done with politics. They don't believe me, but today was the end of the road.

[tekisui]

4. It came suddenly.

His campaign was talking about the $3-4 million raised this month. I thought for sure he'd be around through BigTues.

I felt like someone made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

[KaryninMiami]

5. Well- how about instead of not giving a damn, you (and the rest of us who are upset),

take that energy and volunteer to build houses for homeless people, or take the money you would have sent to John Edwards and send it to NOLA or donate it to help stop poverty or use the wisdom and inspiration we all felt from the Edwards' to go out and DO SOMETHING to make a difference? We can all learn from this and remember that what made him different was what resonated inside of us. John and Elizabeth appealed to our humanity and to our compassion and reminded us that WE CAN DO BETTER. So, -- let's do better. Put politics aside for now (but you still need to vote- but for now- put it aside - it's ok)-- and let's all make a commitment to follow his lead and GET OUT THERE.

How about it?

[zalinda]

33. For your information

I have 2 knees that need to be replaced, and probably both hips. I made a little too much money last year and so they not only took away my medicaid, but I have to pay $5,000 back to them. Thank God I didn't get my knees replaced, I can't imagine how I'd pay that back. As for money, what money? I donated grocery money to Edwards, not something I can give all the time. I live in the inner city, for pete's sake, in a house that cost $23,000 in 2001. I don't have anything. And, before our wonderful dem party gives us health care, I will be stuck in my house, not being able to do anything, because it is already very painful to walk, and I certainly can't afford a wheelchair, even if I could use it in my house. Oh, and I'm going deaf too, isn't that too wonderful.

You tell me how wonderful the dem party is when you get in my position. I have been a loyal supporter, and I've even dragged my son to the voting booth every election. Why? So the dems can make history? No, thank you.

zalinda

[Samantha]

49. I think you are correct

Despite the repeated calls here for the sake of party unity, one should vote for the nominee regardless of who that is, one should NEVER vote against one's best interests. In days of old when civics classes were taught, the act of not voting, abstaining, was taught as a right one can exercise as a protest. Today's horserace politicians never review that as a Constitutional right, the act of abstaining, but instead attempt to lay a guilt trip on a voter who sees no clear reason to support the party candidate. Because so many people are brainwashed into voting for the party candidate regardless of who that might be, year after year we see the party elite make that decision for us, knowing that the masses will fall in line when it's time to step up. Rather than blame the voter for abstaining, look at the party elite who repeatedly give us the Establishment's choice. That pattern is the reason so many say today there's very little difference between the Republicans and the Democrats. Often that's very true. It happens because the base allows it to happen. The solution is simply do not vote against your best interests. If the chosen one has positions with which you disagree, abstain. When you are criticized for not being a "team player" throw the blame back at the Establishment which only presented you with unacceptable choices.

As long as you continue to exercise your Independent Thinking on who does and who does not deserve your vote, you cannot go wrong.

[tired_old_fireman]

58. First of all, sorry for your situation.

I wish there was something I could do to help. I supported John Edwards so people in your situation could finally have the health care that every American deserves. I'm feeling really disillusioned.

[zalinda]

61. Getting old is not for sissies n/t

[sellitman]

73. Better than the alternatives though. n/t

[Kolesar]

37. That's the spirit!

:hi:

[AndyA]

6. Well, one thing's for sure. If a Dem gets elected, and then doesn't do better

than the sorry lot of Dems we have in Congress right now, come 2010 there will be a huge tossing out of Dems in both houses. And come 2012, we'll be looking at the Republicans to take back the White House.

[judaspriestess]

7. I am heart broken Zalinda

and I don't know what the hell I'm going to do but I will say I am pretty damned turned off to politics and I am sick and fucking tired of the msm media telling me who I should vote for.

[saracat]

8. Amen zalinda. I think you are right and have eloquently stated what I feel.

Your powers of obsevation are great. I , too , felt something was wrong.The line about "stepping aside for the Party to make history , troubled me. His campaign was always about the 'issues' and he made it clear it was not to be about race or gender. They were going to have a black man or a woman, preferably a black man no matter what the consequences.They wanted him out of the way.He won more counties in Florida that Obama. He peeled the white male vote away from Hillary.He was gathring steam inArizona where he went from 9 to 16 in 3 days.Money was flowing in.He had just started another fundraiser.Something happened.And I suspect it wasn't pretty! You may have nailed it.

[Midwest Progressive]

13. "he went from 9 to 16 in 3 days"

16?

Folks, that is the problem. No grand conspiracy. People just weren't voting for him.

[yodermon]

15. um, he only needs 15% to be a kingmaker @ the convention n/t

[Midwest Progressive]

19. How can you make a king from two shit candidates?

That's what many Edwards people feel Clinton and Obama are.

[saracat]

18. STFU. You have no idea what I am talking about.That was an example of momentum

in a state where Hillary is enourmous. Where he has not campaigned and has no office. I have never insulted a poster on DU but you almost made me make an exception!

[Midwest Progressive]

25. My post wasn't that striking, was it?

The man couldn't finish above third. Folks are floating talk about him being pressured out, etc. It was simply the results.

[avaistheone1]

65. He was second in Iowa. The first race.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

21. Another "concerned" newbie. Welcome and all that.

[pat_k]

40. And he would have a shot at going from 9 to 25% in 3 if he. . .

. . . http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4296135&mesg_id=4296135">got back in the race as a champion for impeachment

If he had the moral clarity and the guts to do it, I wouldn't be surprised to see Clinton and Obama lose 5-10% to him overnight.

[K Gardner]

10. Thanks for your viewpoint, well said. I imagine I'll cast a primary vote for Obama then

sit the rest of it out with you.

[mzmolly]

11. I'm not interested in politics for

ME and neither is John Edwards.

[Skidmore]

12. I heard that too, and what came to mind was

a ticket with both Obama and Clinton on it with Edwards as AG. My best hope would be an Obama/Edwards ticket though.

[OzarkDem]

16. Edwards won't be part of anyone's administration

Why would he when those candidates and our own party are the antithesis of everything he worked for? Why would he work to enable a corporate controlled candidate or, if Dems are lucky, president? He would only be endorsing something he opposes. It seems very unlikely and I would respect him if he refused such an offer.

[Skidmore]

30. Wow! Glad to see you are inside of John Edwards brain and know

his thoughts so well.

[OzarkDem]

35. Skidmore, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out

the guy has spent most of his career battling corporations in court as a trial attorney. Why would he want a job where his every move would be scrutinized and directed by them?

[Kolesar]

36. Dennis is in trouble. I heard that Cimperman entered the race with $250,000

The GOPee Dee endorsed Cimperman although the paper said Cimperman was not really prepared for Congress.

That is what I am thinking about today. We gotta make sure the Kucinich voters come out for the primary.

[OzarkDem]

41. This is where I'm focusing my money and energy next

Screw the presidential campaign, its a lost cause.

You know Sam Miller and the rest are going to give Cimperman a lot of money to run. Dennis will do fine, though. He's a far better campaigner than Cimperman.

[Skidmore]

39. I would venture to say that not one person on this board

really knows what this man has in mind beyond what he has publicly stated. And the one thing he HAS said is that whatever he is doing now has unity of the Democratic Party as its goal. I'd reserve judgment.

[Turn CO Blue]

14. Just for clarity, three Kennedys did not endorse Obama

, they endorsed Clinton... but I wish they all would have endorsed the more progressive candidate - EDWARDS!

From CNN:
"Members of the Kennedy clan are split in the race. Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend issued a statement Sunday stating her support for Clinton.

"I respect Caroline and Teddy's decision, but I have made a different choice," she said. "While I admire Sen. Obama greatly, I have known Hillary Clinton for over 25 years and have seen firsthand how she gets results. As a woman, leader and person of deep convictions, I believe Hillary Clinton would make the best possible choice for president."

She added that her brother Bobby and sister Kerry are also backing Clinton.

[Exultant Democracy]

23. I guess you didn't see Patrick up there with his dad and BO, but 2 plus one is 3

[Turn CO Blue]

32. Not sure I understand your post

Gov. Kathleen, plus Kerry Kennedy plus Bobby, Jr. = 3 Kennedys currently not endorsing Senator Obama
Right?

My point was that the Kennedys are divided, and Caroline even said that they had all argued over it a few times over the dinner table (or something). My point is that they're divided just like this board.

No matter to me, I've got no dog in this fight anymore.

[Exultant Democracy]

38. Patrick Kennedy is also a Kennedy,

With his dad and his cousin that makes 3. And 3 far more high profile Kennedy's at that.

[Turn CO Blue]

42. So what? "higher profile"

I am not engaging in any hero worship of a family name. The OP said that one by one the Kennedys all endorsed Barack. You're listing 3 or 4 that went to Barack. I'm pointing out that not ALL the Kennedys did - some went to Clinton - at least three (Kathleen, Kerry and Bobby Kennedy Jr.,

but my MAJOR point is that the Kennedys are DIVIDED. Just like this baord.

Please don't misunderstand me. I supported and still support Edwards - I think all the Kennedys should avhe stuck to their better progressive values and endorsed him early on.

on edit: for clarity and my better angels

[Exultant Democracy]

44. i was just responding to your post where you only listed 2 kennedys in Obama's camp

While saying it was Hill with 3, just trying to keep things accurite. As for being more high profile it affects news coverage, Teddy gets attention and as Edwards doomed run show you want to take up as much air as you can and uncle Teddy takes almost all of the Kennedy air out of the room.

[Turn CO Blue]

47. Okay, we're on the same page now **hugs** on a rough day

:hug:

[Ninga]

20. zalinda....you nailed it. You really got it down right. This is exactly what happened and

no one will be able to tell me otherwise.

damn it.

You really are smart and intuitive.

Edwards was "taken to task" by the party elders (whoever the fuck they are) and he was given chapter and verse about how to play nice and history and bull shit like that.


One person alone, can not fight the party insiders.


John Edwards only had one trump card to lay down on the table, and that was either winning one or coming in second.


Fuck Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. They are the ones that bought the media hype and ended this.

[DaLittle Kitty]

71. FUCK HISTORY! The FUCKING HISTORY That Will Inevitably Follow This "Manufactured Debacle Will Be...

DEVASTATING... The Loss that will surely ensue in 2008 MUST DESTROY THE DLC AND THE Democratic Party "leadership" that has MISLEAD the koolaide drinkers at the DIRECTION of Corporate America... How can anyone who supported John Edwards abrogate their principles and vote for OUR CORPORATE CANDIDATE..whichever one that turns out to be????????:eyes:

[Beausoir]

24. Your post is poignant and an interesting read. Thank you.

[snagglepuss]

26. I think your analysis is spot on. I hope the hell I'm wrong but I think

this gives the repukes a serious edge in the GE:(

[Exultant Democracy]

27. He did it today to stop Clinton from getting any ill gotten gains in the MSM for her Florida bait

Snd switch. He made sure the story got changed right away. It doesn't matter much what people here on DU say his votes will be going to BO, according to the polls Obama will get well over 45% of Edwards supporter while Clinton will get somewhere in 20% of his votes. Edwards knew what he was doing. The only factor that might change that is union endorsments, if Clinton picks up his unions then she might be able to walk away with the W.

[Yuugal]

46. 45+20=65

So I gather 1/3 of Edwards supporters just gave up on politics or will vote McBain or 3rd party? That sounds about right.

[Exultant Democracy]

51. those are old numbers and I assume the other third was undecided

It is safe to assume that Edwards has far more detailed internal polls including trends so that he knows where that other third will go even if we don't, but since he threw an elbow at Clinton like a champ today I would guess that Obama will do even better with his (edwards) supporters then the numbers out now show.

[redqueen]

28. "Because in the end, it doesn't matter we still will be invisible."

Sometimes it seems like Nader is right.

[zalinda]

34. Yeah, I know

and I was in the Fuck Nader crowd. Sigh!

zalinda

[nadinbrzezinski]

31. Vote, MAKE THEM STEAL YOUR VOTE!

Not duty, not because it matters, MAKE THEM STEAL YOUR VOTE

[Kashka-Kat]

43. very perceptive post, it breaks my heart too but pls vote anyway- even tho corporatists there will

still be some changes from Repub into Dem - not much but some. Maybe some addressing of global climate change. Slightly less insane foreign policy. Definitely worth an hour or 2 of your time to go down to the polling station.

Besides - there is no "leader" that can ride in on a white horse and save us. Even if Edwrds had won we'd still have to get up off our couches (away from the computer?) and fight for what we want. We will need to do this no matter what. Dems in power ain't gonna do anything unless we demand it. Its more like WE lead THEM.

[zalinda]

70. Yup, just like they listened to us

about the war and impeachment.

zalinda

[Kashka-Kat]

74. Nope they don't generally pay much attention to email petitions &the occasional march in the streets

Iwas talking about a really big noise that could not be ignored. Doubt if I'll see that kind of energy rising up in this country again in my lifetime -it gets dangerous you know, people can get killed... or "disappeared," or spirited away to one of our shiny new Gulags. But you never know...

[2rth2pwr]

45. Well the good news is now you know not to believe everything he says

It could have been something else.

[zalinda]

50. Yup, like Rezko or Bill's pants............grow up!

[2rth2pwr]

52. Wtf!!??! Your guy lies about going all the way to the convention

and you wanna take it out on me?

Screw that.

[zalinda]

53. He didn't lie, he was forced out

but he didn't whine about it, like the other two when they "perceive" they have been slighted. You have been dogging Edwards supporters for months, shitting on the Edwards threads. And, even now when he's not running, you come and shit on the thread. Yes, grow up!

zalinda

[2rth2pwr]

59. Look, all I have been saying is that you can't trust him.

He's proven that today, you're upset about it, fine.

But stop this effort at blaming some conspiracy theory that he was "forced" out. He could have stayed through the convention and picked up more delegates, he chose not to and has not sent any signals that he was threatened, pressured, or forced out in any way.

[zalinda]

62. They go find some other thread to shit on

Don't you have a shrill white woman or an empty suit black man's supporters to harass? Go, make yourself important. No one here cares what you think.

zalinda

[haroldgiowa]

63. People, people, people

Everybody needs to learn the difference between a lie and being wrong. Edwards intent was to go all the way to the convention. He fell short of that goal, he was wrong that doesn't mean he was lying. Big difference.

[2rth2pwr]

66. I'm sure his intent was to take on the corporations and give voice

to the voiceless, blah,blah, blah. And when he got in office it would have been the same story- he fell short of the goal.

Over and over he led people on with promises, and commitments that he was in all the way.
_____________________________

Edwards remains committed to going all the way to the Democratic Convention January 23, 2008 8:35 AM http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=12710&pst=675999&archival=&posts=1

"I just finished talking with John -- and he's committed to going all the way to the Democratic Convention..."


"Can you do it again for John and for our campaign? Can you give us another contribution and help keep us competitive to the convention? John is committed to this fight -- together, we can win!" http://liberalcommonsense.blogspot.com/2008/01/john-edwards-going-all-way.html


WASHINGTON (CNN) — Democrat John Edwards said Sunday he will stay in the presidential race through the party's convention in late August, even if he fails to win any of the early presidential primary states.

"This is the call of my life, and I have no intention of stopping," Edwards said on ABC's This Week. "I'm in this through the convention and to the White House."

Asked specifically if he'd remain a candidate even if he failed to garner a win over the next month, Edwards said, "Absolutely." http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/06/edwards-vows-to-stay-in-race-to-convention/

[1corona4u]

67. Jesus Christ...

give it a fucking rest, will ya. Allow the Edwards supporters to mourn in peace.

God....the cut-throat mentality is just breathtaking.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

48. I chose Edwards not because of the color of his skin nor

for what equipment he has in his pants, but by the content of his character. I will not choose either candidate because they are a woman or african american. History is not something I'm interested in making unless, it's historical change in the direction of my country. Whomever convinces me that they are the person for THAT kind of history, will earn my vote.

[hyphenate]

54. Resignation

is in my soul. I've never felt so lost, without an oar and without someone to believe in. There is no independent thought left in the election for me, and the Democratic candidate has already been chosen by conglomerate machinations, the so-called "liberal" media, and the pukes working behind the curtain.

If I have to, I will hold my nose when the GE comes, but all that we believe of the Democratic party is really gone, and the independence we were once proud of in our party is over and done with.

[2hip]

56. That makes perfect sense

Making "history" for the record books was the deciding factor and "we the people" just weren't part of the equation. Our so-called democracy really is a sham, isn't it? I feel like such a pawn but imagine how John must feel! "History" be damned!

[lastliberalintexas]

57. I can't speak to what you saw in his press conference

I haven't yet watched it, though I doubt I really care to.

All I can ask is that you do vote, and vote for someone you believe in. Write in Donald Duck if you must, but don't stay home. The powers that be may not fully understand your protest vote but it will at least register- unlike your non-vote.

[still_one]

60. Maybe the party establishment didn't back him, but he couldn't get the votes from the regular people

either, and that is where it counted. That does not detract from his message, or even the fact that his ideas might have been the best ones, but the actual voters went a different direction

The people knew who the candidates were, and he didn't get the votes

Kucinich was the best of all the Democratic nominees on the issues, and he didn't get the votes either

The bottom line they didn't have the support of the people

[ChiciB1]

64. AND, He Was "Reading" His Speech!! He Never Does That...

I too am quitting today! I've said it all day long. I KNOW I won't be missed, and I'm NOT looking for ANY sympathy. It's just what it is!

I don't think I've ever seen a more biased campaign in my whole life, and I campaigned for McGovern!! I don't think I like what I see, and I surely don't think what will be is going to be good in the end.

Good Luck, I'll be peeking in... but I see that ALREADY... most here have "moved on" and the threads are turning into only Clinton & Obama! Since I'm not voting for either... I can't comment much.

[balantz]

68. Sadness

They have stolen all from us.

For the last time in a generation?

And now they reign supreme.

Long live Democracy! in some far off and future time, in some distant land, here no longer even a whisper, it sighs away into the night amidst the choking fumes and chattering clowns and idol worshipping fools.

[pleah]

69. K&R I am so glad someone besides me saw and heard this.

[BrklynLiberal]

72. I am also heartbroken. I think we have been betrayed by those that betrayed him.