I'm a Edwards Man

[MrScorpio]

I was raised in a union family, I'm quite familiar with predatory lending and I'm quite concerned about the tremendous unfairness in the distribution of wealth in this country.

Yes, he voted to give Bush authorization to use force in Iraq. He has repented his action and I have forgiven him.

He is what we all need to fight the good fight to save ourselves.

[MannyGoldstein]

1. He Was In A Hedge Fund That Specialized In... Predatory Lending

He also voted for the bankruptcy act.

And permanent "free" trade status for China.

I like his talk - but it's a 180 from his walk.

[LakeSamish706]

2. Unfortunately what you are describing applies to almost all of the candidates...

to one degree or another... There is no perfect candidate out there, we all have our faults and so do, all of them.

[MannyGoldstein]

5. But Are There Not Degrees Of Imperfect?

A consistant pattern of doing 180s when it just happens to differentiate him from better-recognized candidates is way too suspicious for me.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

12. MFN for China is not a 180...

It's a common misconception that "Most Favored Nation" status endows the recipient with some kind of special status when trading with the United States. This isn't true. MFN simply means that no special conditions (such as trade sanctions) apply to goods from an MFN country. In fact, the Clinton Administration renamed MFN in 1998 as "Normal Trade Relations" because that's really a more accurate title.

Edwards, while not in Congress when NAFTA was approved, has been a longtime critic and has said that he would renegotiate the agreement to include labor and environmental protections. Neither was Edwards in office at the time of the Uruguay Rounds of the World Trade Organization, but he has also said these agreements need to be reviewed.

[MannyGoldstein]

13. MFN/NTR Status Lowers Tariffs *Enormously*

"Normal Trade Relations" is a euphemism. It makes trade essentially "free".

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

15. No...

The relationship that China was granted is the same relationship that virtually every other nation has with the U.S. "Most Favored" implies that China gets preferential treatment when, in fact, it gives them nothing more than the same status enjoyed by Japan or Italy.

What's more, China has had "MFN" status since 1980 and it was renewed every year since then (until they got a "permanent waiver" in 2000). I'm pretty sure you'd find a long list of Democrats (starting with Jimmy Carter) who have supported MFN for China over the past 28 years.

Beyond that, it's a non-issue with regard to outsourcing of jobs (start with the American companies who are shipping their facilities to other countries) or with the safety of Chinese products (FTC, anyone?)

[MrScorpio]

3. He's made mistakes... No doubt about it

But, I believe him sincere in his recantations


Besides, I'm all out of stones

[youthere]

4. I like what Edwards is saying...

but unfortunately it's very different from what he's actually DONE. And I'm editing to add, this is not meant as a slam against him...it's just a reason I chose someone else. If Edwards wins the nomination I will wholeheartedly support him. I'm glad you found your candidate..good luck to them ALL, because I can't WAIT to beat some repuke ASS in November.

[MrScorpio]

6. In the black church, we have a saying: Come to Jesus

Allowing and accepting a sinner to repent his ways and finally do right.

I listen to him and see a man who needs to have his redemption accepted.

For me, It's all about what him doing what he has promised to do other than condemning him for his sins of the past.

[youthere]

11. I'm not condemning him for his bad votes...

(IWR and the like) he's apologized and I can accept that, he just has a history of doing the opposite of what he says he's going to do, and I can't trust that, and unfortunately the stakes are too high to gamble that he might do what he says.
I'm supporting a candidate that has also voted for the IWR (and apologized) and voted for bankruptcy reform (and apologized) but that has a record consistent with his campaign, on both domestic and foreign issues AND I feel the canididate that I am supporting has more experience and wisdom than John Edwards.
I have nothing against John Edwards, and should he win the nomination I will go to work for his campaign..but accepting his redemption doesn't translate automatically into trust...trust has to be earned...it's not a giveaway. There's a profound and distinct difference between forgiveness and trust. I forgive John Edwards...I have difficulty trusting him.
Again, I intend no disrespect to John Edwards, he's a fine candidate, but based on what I described he's one of my least favorite on the Dem ticket...but don't let that mislead anyone into thinking I am anti-Edwards. I just won't be caucusing for him. If he wins the nomination I would be far from disappointed.

[Sugar Smack]

7. Me too. Woman.

*pounds chest in ladylike fashion* :P

[MrScorpio]

8. Thanks for joining me, babycakes

:hug:

[Sugar Smack]

9. Oh, we're not alone, cookiemuffinsugarlips.

:bounce: :* And I'm spreading the love.

[chimpymustgo]

10. Welcome to the fold, MrScorpio. Edwards will not be beholden to corporations.

He will fight for us.

[K8-EEE]

14. I'm an Edwards gal!

I really REALLY want him to win IA....it'll change the race.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

16. I'm an Edwards hermaphrodite!

Sorry...

Thought I was in the Lounge.

[OzarkDem]

17. Another Scorpio for Edwards

We Scorpios like our leaders to have passion and commitment!

[SeattleGirl]

18. I'm an Edwards gal.

I have been in his camp for a long time, for all the reasons you state, MrS.

[Kurovski]

19. K&R.

:kick:

[eridani]

20. If Edwards is pandering, aren't you at least glad he's pandering to US for a change?

I mean instead of slamming liberal "special interests", 70s culture wars, and pandering to homophobes?

[readmoreoften]

22. What eridani said. /nt

[Nutmegger]

21. R&K!!! [n\t]