John Edwards For President

I am announcing my endorsement of John Edwards for President of the United States.  I began this journey supporting three very good candidates:  Barack Obama, Bill Richardson and John Edwards.  After Edwards came out with substantial positions on issues like global warming, health care and economic justice I eliminated Obama who has yet to take any comprehensive policy position on these issues.  All three men are against the war in Iraq and Richardson leads the way on that issue.  His extensive experience, resume and actions aiding in Darfur and North Korea along with his leadership on GLBT issues kept him at the top of my list.

My trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico last Christmas impressed me with Richardson.  I saw first hand many of the initiatives he's implemented as Governor.  I have been disappointed in his recent television performances however, on Meet the Press and then the recent debate.  I'm not sure he has the staff behind him to win.  They impressed me in December when a one called after finding out I'd be in Santa Fe and offered a private tour of the state capital building.  That impressed me but I haven't heard a peep from them since a recent email from their state organizer.  Six months with no contact.  They knew I was a supporter and leaning their way but did nothing to ask for my support.

The Edwards campaign did.  They reached out last week and the great staff work I watched behind the scenes at ACORN tells me has not only is the candidate to win and lead this country but he has hard working professionals helping.  I can't stress how important that part of the equation is.  Without a good, professional staff no candidate can win.  I'm impressed with the Edwards organization.  Combining that with his natural charisma, his stance on critical issues and the way he stood up to the likes of Ann Coulter impressed the heck out of me. 

We need a candidate who refuses to be bullied by the right wing fanatics.  No more toadies willing to be swift boated.  I've seen Edwards in person twice now and have come away impressed.  I've watched him grow as presidential timber the past four years.  In 2004 he was my second choice after Howard Dean and I've been on his email list since.

Therefore today I announce my support and endorsement for Senator Edwards.  I hope all of you will join me in this campaign.

Comments

[Robin]

I'll take your endorsement under advisement. I am a huge Hillary Clinton fan...but fear that a vote for Hillary is a vote for the Republican opposition since America is not ready for a woman...or more importantly, this woman. Lately I have been disturbed to find her waffling a lot...way too much Slick Willy like waffling. She is much better when she is decisive and her own person. I suspect the campaign strategists told her to turn down the volume a bit. Now Bill was a very smart man...and knew the law. Hillary likewise. But I have this nagging feeling that she now tells you what you want to hear and then will do as she pleases which will diminish her leadership and ability to rally support around her.

I like Barack Obama VERY much...but he lacks breadth, experience and ultimately is or would be, a young general. There's a reason the military likes OLD generals and that reason is testosterone. When you consider his lack of substantive platform, who knows what he is or is not capable of?

I think I'll look at Edwards a bit more closely.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

While I'd vote for Hillary if she is the Democratic nominee, she is far from my first choice. A big strike against her is the hiring of Mark Penn. He's a know union buster. Why would Hillary hire Penn for a high profile position in her campaign? Does she think unions won't pay attention to that? Is she playing the establishment candidate because she thinks she can get away with it?

[John Morgan]

Hillary has steadfastly supported Bush on Iraq. She accepts more health insurance industry money than anyone else in the Senate, and her chief strategist is a pollster.

You're right, she changes her positions based on polls, not character or conviction. For these reasons I never even considered her.

I think the country is ready for a woman president, I certainly hope so. They just aren't ready for THIS woman. Clinton's negatives are 50% (meaning half the country won't vote for her). That makes her electibility zero.

[Melissa]

I would not vote for Hillary Clinton or her lip service. If she ends up being the Democratic candidate, I'll take my vote elsewhere....

[John Morgan]

Mark Penn is also the pollster I referred to who advises her based on public opinion.

[dl]

The bottom line is: WE NEED TO WIN. Therefore, only John Edwards fits the bill. I'm sorry, but I do not think America has progressed enough to elect a woman or anyone of mixed race. This is my impression of THEM not my personal beliefs. I LOVE Obama, but, he will not get elected.

I am glad you are offering your support and I know you will continue to educate us on all canadidates and the issues. I know Dave Miller will be happy to have you.

Edwards would like his supporters to "do community service." I've told Dave I'd help, but any ideas of projects by anyone are more than welcome. There will be a table at Sunday's Reading event.

Obama is an asset to the presidential race, the Democratic party, and I hope he has a bright future.

[John Morgan]

I've already been drafted to help at the table Sunday. I was also on a national press conference call this afternoon about next week's Tour (that was my source for the information).

[Dave Miller]

WOW! It's great to have you on board John! (It's about time)! Lol Seriously I know you will be a great asset to the campaign. I really have felt all along that he is not only the best candidate, but the most electable also. As dl said "we need to win". i have felt all along that Edwards and Richardson are the only two Dems that could win a general election. Remember the only two Dem presidents since the civil rights movement were southerners. Most importantly though John has been the leader throughout this campaign. He not only has very detailed plans on health care, global warming, reducing poverty and expanding the middle class, lifting up rural America and getting us out of Iraq, but he was the first to give his ideas. Obama has basically copied his health care plan and his only covers all children, John's covers everyone. Hillary and Obama also didn't show much leadership on their Iraq funding vote the other week. They both wouldn't say how they were going to vote and they were two of the last to vote after they saw how other people were voting. In closing I do truly believe that the country is ready for a woman president-just not this one. As pointed out 50% of voters won't vote for her in the general. Also I really think Obama has a bright future ahead of him. He needs to at least finish out his senate term and go from there. The Repubs will tear him up on his inexperience, especially after 9/11. I do think America will vote for a minority president but he's just not ready yet. Lets face it Hill or Obama would not win a single southern state in the general. I think I got a bit long winded. Sorry. I am enthusiastic for the Edwards campaign. I guess all can tell!

[John Morgan]

My decision came down to whom I thought could win. After Richardson collapsed in those two TV appearances I got serious doubts about his electability.

I spoke with Harold yesterday before publishing the article and said I'd help at the table Sunday.