Something I just posted in GD:P

[Nutmegger]

I’m really disappointed by the results of the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, but I’m still not giving up on John Edwards.

Here’s why:

John Edwards is the only person out of the “top tier” who excites me. He causes me to get excited about politics again. He motives me. He speaks for me. For all those reasons and more, I have been an Edwards supporter since the end of the summer after carefully deciding which candidate to support. I did not choose a candidate in the beginning of the year, when it was popular to do so, but instead I waited for someone to inspire me, to talk to me; and after watching all of the candidates for months, John Edwards kept standing out among the pack. It will break my heart if Edwards is not successful and I cannot muster up enthusiasm about any of the other candidates.

But I have to look ahead, and be pragmatic. I would have liked to see Edwards win Iowa and he did not. I would have liked to see him come in at least in second place in New Hampshire or finish a strong third and he did not, and not having a huge war chest is a considerable handicap when he’s up against two fully funded candidates. He needs a win to spark his campaign, and I was badly hoping that Iowa would provide that but now we have to look elsewhere for that spark. (Nevada?) This is not to say that things are over; I’m just stating what I see now. Things will change and we’ll see how it turns out for Edwards. The data coming out of Nevada looks good, but who the hell knows how that's going to turn out.

Nevertheless I’m still going to proudly vote for John Edwards on Tsunami Tuesday because barring a successful run to secure the Democratic nomination, the next best thing all of us John Edwards supporters can do is to send John Edwards delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

John Edwards delegates will be able to relay the platform that John Edwards is running on: To stand up against these horrendous corporations and their greed; to fight back and never back down; his dedication to rooting out poverty in this country; and his strong stance on alternative energy, just to name a few.

The more delegates we send to Denver imbued with the message of John Edwards, the better chance we have to directly influence party platform; and the more delegates we have, our chances of influencing the party platform only increases.

If you are a John Edwards supporter and thinking about changing candidates because you are not satisfied with the results from Iowa and New Hampshire, I ask that you keep this information in mind. Delegates shape and mold party platform, and if you believe in the platform that John Edwards is running on, I think all of us supporters can agree that it will be a much needed addition to the national Democratic party platform.

I’m with Edwards until the end. The haters will not deter me, and my passion that I have for my candidate. In fact, they only solidify my support. I fully intend to continue to help the John Edwards campaign in whatever capacity and will continue to donate what meager dollars I can. No one is going to tell me to stop supporting my candidate to support theirs just because two states have voted. That's insulting to all of us who have worked so hard for the Edwards campaign.

One thing is certain in my mind: This race is far from over. John Edwards said it best: “Two races down 48 states to go.”

I'm finally voting for someone I believe in. I'm voting for a candidate rather than voting against another.

No matter what happens, I will feel like a genuine winner on Super Tuesday.

Edwards 2008!!!


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4076169

[NastyRiffraff]

1. Beautiful post!

I completely agree. I'm with John all the way...hopefully to the White House, but if not, certainly to the convention.

I haven't given up on his winning it all though...stranger things have happened, and lots of people haven't had their say yet.

[Lugnut]

2. And that's the point.

A lot of people haven't yet had their say including me. I'm in it for the long haul.

[Virginian]

3. I don't get to vote for him until Feb 12.

I voted for him in the primary four years ago, thinking it would be my only chance.
I will vote for him in this primary hoping that it is not my last chance because America needs him.