The lesson in NH is for Edwards supporters.

[Blarch]

My point, is that people who voted for Bill Richardson, or Dennis Kucinich didn't face reality. Their candidate has zero chance to be the nominee, and they need to make a choice, will they 'stay the course' and sacrifice their second choice for their noble cause ?

If the NH Richardson supporters faced the reality that he can't win with the support he has there... then their second choice might have won NH

My question. At what point do the Edwards people make sure their second choice beats their third choice ?

When do they throw their support elsewhere .. SC ? ..Nevada ? ..when.

[flyarm]

1. sorry i don't trust Hillary and i don't like Obama and what i have seen him do ..

so i do not have a second choice!

I will stick with my first and only choice..Edwards!

fly

oh and i don't like others telling me what they think i need to do..or what my choices are.

and pssssss..if i remember correctly..Bill C. lost the first four states and became the nominee and President...and pssssss again..i despise the paid posters Hillary and Obama have sent to DU..or their little internet operators..so why would i want to join anyone with that kind of bullcrap going on?..it too reminds me of the paid internet operatives little lord pissy pants use to employ for the internet..no thanks..

[Murdock]

30. Say what you want..

But Edwards is now 0-2 in races he really needed to win to stay relevant. If he were leading in upcoming states I could see an argument, but instead it's really boiling down to a 2 person race. I can't see what Edwards is helping by continuing to hang on, when obviously the electorate doesn't find him as appealing.

It's time for us to rally behind our nominee and begin to end the divisiveness here at DU

[danalytical]

31. We don't have a nominee yet

And I don't see any damn reason we should all line up behind your choice. I want a guy that has fire in his eyes and that's who I'm voting for.

[Benhurst]

34. Fact check:

None of our candidates has yet won a majority of votes in a caucus or an election. So far, the "winners" have had many more votes cast against them than for them, dark victories of a sort.

Pluralities are nice; but in the final analysis only majorities count.

If the trend continues, we are headed for a brokered convention.

[shadowknows69]

43. Could be said he has a silver and a bronze

Which still gets him standing on that Olympic podium for the time being. No fuckin way I'm letting the media choose my candidate before my primary or try to dash my hopes about it. For fucks' sake shouldn't we all be still at least allowed the illusion that our vote counts? If not, I might as well go load a shotgun and suck on it because I won't live as a slave to corporate masters.

[Bonobo]

2. BLAAAAAAAARCH... Ooops excuse me. It was that breakfast burrito. nt

[asthmaticeog]

Thank you for informing us that our choices aren't actually our choices.

:eyes:

[danalytical]

3. Oh would you just zip it

Don't pretend you care about what Edwards supporters want, you only care about shoring up more support for your own candidate. Leave the Edwards people to their own decisions, there are a lot more big contests coming up very soon and there is no reason to think Edwards couldn't prove everybody wrong just like Hillary did last night.

[Blarch]

4. I don't think Edwards is out.

There is still more to come. But if he doesn't win SC, NV ..and his national numbers drop because some people flee to their second choice, what would you do ?

[terisan]

5. Stick with my principles. nt

[Blarch]

6. Thats what the Nader supporters said.

How did that work out ?

[midlife_mo_Jo]

8. Ralph Nader ran as an independent

in the general election.

BIG difference.

[Blarch]

19. same point

Kucinich and Richardson voters are also voting for someone who cannot win and they might be playing the spoiler.

Same exact point.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

29. No, it's not at all the same point

Kucinich doesn't have any delegates. Edwards has delegates, so he may have powerful influence at the convention if there is no clear winner. Or he may have more powerful influence at some point down the line before the convention, when one of the candidates realizes he has to make a deal with Edwards to drop out of the race so he can win. (Obama, most likely.)

And Edwards isn't running in the general election, so he cannot act as a spoiler. You can't blame Edwards if a republican wins.

Edwards is much more useful to the progressive cause IN the race.

[mac2]

14. Maybe the media is trying but if people knew

They'd vote for him or Kucinich. I'd prefer a Progressive myself. The corruption and direction of this country has been an issue since 2006 election (selection).

[Labors of Hercules]

15. these are Primaries. Get it? nt.

[terisan]

33. Apples and oranges. Clinton and Obama haven't tackled the corporate issue.

The longer Edwards is in, the more likely the other two will get the gumption to do so.

[mac2]

41. Globalists

[danalytical]

12. I vote on Super Tuesday here in CT

Unless Edwards either proves to me he is really a fake or drops out, then I'll be voting for him. I don't particularly care if Hillary or Obama get the nod in the end because neither is my choice, but on the other hand neither disappoint me all that much. I would say that I could be proud to have the first woman or black president. But my preference would be that either of those two cared as much as Edwards does. He may be a rich white guy (once again), but at least he is passionate about issues I relate to, and has the authentic blue collar background that will help him understand issues people like me deal with better.

[Clark2008]

25. Proves to you he's a fake?

Doesn't the fact that he did NOTHING to help the middle class when he was a senator already prove that?

Doesn't voting for the war and cheerleading it so much that his op-ed was featured on the White House's web site prove that?

Doesn't supporting the PATRIOT Act prove that?

I really don't know what other proof you need. His "apology" is too little, too late, imho.

[danalytical]

27. Oh Really?

And what exactly has Obama done in his two years in the senate? Name one thing that helped a middle class family man. Edwards at least has come around on issues. Obama just talks about "we", "change", and "hope". Hillary has been as centrist as any run of the mill DLCer. So what choice do I have but to route for the guy I agree with who is actually telling me what he wants to do.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

7. My candidate is actually picking up a substantial number of delegates

The other candidates could not.

You forget we have a party convention in a few months? You forget that we might not have a clear winner in a few months? Without delegates, the other candidates have no power to advocate for their policies. My candidate just might have that power even if he doesn't win.

[ursi]

9. I"m in Nevada and I'm switching from Edwards to Obama

I want change. I am at the younger end of the baby boomers and we have allowed this country to f*ck up. Time for change.

[mac2]

17. If you want change Obama ain't it

He's a Conservative. He voted Bush supported agency heads, etc. We in Illinois who wanted "change" with Obama we didn't get it.

Are any of the candidates going to give us our Constitution back? Is it even up for disucussion by voters in these states?

[Blarch]

39. ya we know.

you already told us Obama is a neocon and he is "trashing the constitution"

:boring:

[mac2]

40. Did you challenge him to do different?

[Labors of Hercules]

23. What change are ya going for then?

Because if you want change, keep Edwards strong in the race. Let it go to the convention with his voice being heard loud and clear. It is not helpful to jump to Obama for fear of Hillary.

[readmoreoften]

28. Edwards is 9 years older than Obama. I'm Gen X and I implore you not to vote for my generation.

My generation and the generation behind me has been severely stunted by the world engendered by Reaganomics. When Obama criticizes the boomers it is as if there is some 'old politics' that needs to be dismissed so that 'new politics' can come forth.

There is no new politics.

As a college teacher at two major universities (teaching political subject matter) I have taught hundreds and hundreds of students and even they are dismayed by their generation's apathy. They don't want to strike or march or protest--it's not their style. But they don't know what to do! They are both troubled by their own non-action and committed to it. They are cheerier than Generation X, but thoroughly hopeless. They are reformist (for example, they are attracted to the idea of 'buying green') but they also have no faith in their reformist ideas (but they readily admit that buying green won't help.)

In my opinion, they are attracted to Obama because he uses the word hope so much and they are so hopeless (and because they do want to end racial inequality) but mostly because the idea of changing the world with a simple, effortless vote is very appealing to them. Class issues do not resonate with them because they stay in school longer than any generation previous to them and they haven't hit the job market yet.

All change is not good. GW Bush was change. New and young is not always fresh and perceptive. There are radical youth out there with interesting ideas, but most of them have dropped out of the system completely and turned to anarchism and socialism (the college town I live in has more politically involved anarchists and socialists than young democrats BY FAR.) These people are creating local social justice networks and (unfortunately) consider voting a waste of time. I'd like to bring them into the party by having Democrats who speak about (and act on) labor and poverty issues. We could energize a whole new base of youth with one active labor-friendly president who challenges the Bush regime.

It's important that we have real change in policy, not symbolic change. If you think Edwards will accomplish this as I do I implore you to vote for him.

[OzarkDem]

49. Obama's cynical use of generational politics is appalling

It says a lot about him when his policies and experience aren't enough to get votes, he resorts to dividing one group of voters against another.

Politics of division is a tactic the GOP normally uses.

[readmoreoften]

10. I have no second choice. My second choice was Edwards.

If I was put to the test I'd vote Hillary over Obama. Both are corporate candidates but at least Hillary isn't a faith-based candidate who wants to give in to the bullies.

[TahitiNut]

11. "Give up! You don't have a choice!"

I'm continually amazed at the dwarf intellects that spew ethically bankrupt versions of "the ends justify the means" and seemingly cannot distinguish between forecasts and reality, or between opinion and facts.

Oh well. On with the show. :shrug:

[sinkingfeeling]

13. After the DNC convention.

[PsN2Wind]

16. How fortunate for those of us that have been here for years

that someone with almost a month of tenure has decided to tell us how to vote.
I would suggest that if you are going to lecture us, that you at least kick in a couple of bucks and get yourself a star.

[ceile]

18. I'll throw my support behind who ever receives the nom,

if it isn't my guy, not a moment sooner. I guess I'm one of those "stay the course" people you so fondly talk about.

[jpak]

20. LOL!!!11

On second thought...

LOL!!!111

:rofl:

[Clark2008]

21. I thought primaries were FOR allowing people to voice their

preference in the direction the party was headed by voting their conscious.

Then, in the general election, you vote to keep the Republican from getting in.

:shrug:

[Labors of Hercules]

24. nice nutshell!

:applause:

[Benhurst]

22. A candidate's ability to throw his or her support elsewhere

is limited to campaign groupies and true believers. From what I've seen of Edwards' supporters, most do not fall within that category. The ones I know talk openly of his past failings and base their support on his current populist positions, which, to be fair, he has only recently fully articulated, but which do have strong roots in his past service. I doubt Edwards is a position to deliver such support to another candidate.

Faced with a choice between a candidate with a long but mixed record of reform and one pushing a feel-good message with all the substance of cotton candy, Edwards' supporters have no clear alternative.

Given the danger of unintended consequences, supporters of both Clinton and Obama should be cautious in their calls for Edwards' withdrawal. They might not like what they get.

Fasten your seat-belts, we're in for a bumpy campaign.

[farmboy]

26. Edwards IS my 1st, 2nd, 3rd and only choice. I'll let others decide between Clinton and Obama.

I could care less which of them tops the other. I fear Clinton may be too safe as president, but also think she could surprise by being more progressive than others think and than Bill ever was. I fear Obama is more fluff than substance and will compromise and be much too conservative as president, but he is such an unknown as to think he could prove me wrong. Edwards is the ohly one who will definitely fight for the progressive change this country needs. And Elizabeth is the best thing going for any candidate on either side in this election. I will never abandon the Edwards as long as they are in this campaign.

[midlife_mo_Jo]

32. Sadly,

Anyone who reads my posts knows I'm for Edwards, but I don't believe that Elizabeth is purely an asset. I've talked to people who won't vote for Edwards because they think he's a creep for running when his wife has stage four breast cancer. They think he's selfish for doing so. They wonder how he will handle the presidency if she dies. It's not likely that she will live nine more years. I try to tell them that she wants him to run, and that her cancer is one reason why he will fight for healthcare change in this country.

Having had breast cancer, I also know how sometimes it's easier to immerse yourself in something besides your own self to get through it, and my prognosis was always excellent. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I had stage four cancer. I believe that John knows that Elizabeth wants to make a difference with the rest of her life. I try to explain that, but some people really don't get it.

[terisan]

35. We all die and we all have the right to live as we choose. E Edwards brings the health care issue

front and center. Sure it is uncomfortable for some. They would rather not look-but if we don;t have the courage to look how will we get the courage to change and to overcome.

I like tough candidates.

[tnlefty]

36. Wishing you continued good health, midlife_mo_Jo.

My MIL has been battling breast cancer off and on for 25 yrs., and when she was diagnosed she was given a 15% chance to survive for 5 yrs.

It angers me to no end that little consideration is given to Elizabeth and what she wants and she's made it clear to me that getting John into the White House is a big priority for her.

Hang it there! :hug:

[midlife_mo_Jo]

37. Thanks!

I'm fortunate. I'm one of those who can pretty much say I'm cured.

My risk for "another" breast cancer is greater than the average person, but I'm not going to live my life consumed by that little statistic.

[Benhurst]

38. I think her illness makes Edwards' position of throwing caution to the winds

and taking a combative populist stand against the big corporations which are robbing us blind, believable. God knows, he saw enough corporate abuse during his career as a lawyer. But standing up to our corporate rulers takes considerable courage, undoubtedly more than he was able to summon while attempting a balancing act as a senator from North Carolina.

More power to him in his stand against them.

And all my best to you and yours.

[mac2]

42. Whose illness?

[Benhurst]

46. Follow the little dotted line that attaches #38 to #36 and you'll find

Elizabeth Edwards is the subject.

Sorry if I was a bit sloppy in making my response clear.

:hi:

[LWolf]

44. I think I'm facing reality straight on, thanks.

I'll still be voting for DK in my primary.

[PA Democrat]

45. LOL! Here's a math lesson for YOU. 2025 delegates are needed to win the party's nomination.

Obama- 25 delegates or 1.23% of total needed
Clinton- 24 delegates or 1.19% of total needed
Edwards- 18 delegates or 0.89% of total needed

[OzarkDem]

47. I'm sticking with Edwards

Not just because he's the most qualified and has the best health care reform plan, but also because he's been outside of DC for a few years. He hasn't been living inside the bubble, so he's not compromised nor is his perception skewed badly by lobbyists.

[Marrah_G]

48. I'll be voting for Edwards unless he drops out- then Hillary would get my vote

[JHB]

50. Here's the real lesson:

You want Edwards supporters to shift support? What will you give them? Cough it up.

Otherwise, wait for the convention before crowning anyone.

[mac2]

52. They don't read about real history

only Biblical books?

[JHB]

54. Were you responding to my post or someone else's?

If to mine, I don't get how your question relates.

[mac2]

55. Yours on the subject of history learned

They haven't learned any history is seems

[mac2]

51. NH is a lesson that Republicans

won't vote for you as Democrats?

[Seabiscuit]

53. Another Obamazombie doing his best Tweety "Kingmaker" imitation.

:puke: