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DEL.ICIO.USCompeting for the Edwards vote: The Big Guy says Obama people have been ringing, but he’s sitting tight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Associated Press report was barely a hum on the wire when the competition for John Edwards votes began.
Given the tight races between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the South, Edwards’ supporters — who generally are white and more conservative Democrats — could make the difference in several states, including Georgia.
In essence, Ewdards supporters could become the brokers that their candidate never will be at this summer’s Denver convention.
Clinton’s web site has already posted an ode to Edwards. Obama supporters have been particularly busy in Georgia.
Mark Taylor, the former lieutenant governor, was one of Edwards’ biggest supporters in Georgia. “The Obama people are ringing my phone, but I’m just going to sit back and take it all in,” he said.
Now, if you know Taylor, you know he’s never been satisfied with playing the spectator. And it sounded like he was still angling for a trophy for his candidate.
“I’d like to see [Edwards] as attorney general. He could right a lot of the wrongs in the Bush administration,” Taylor said. “We need an aggressive attorney general.”
Happy, or at least mollified, Democrats are essential for a race that could be closer than many think, the lieutenant governor said — especially if Republicans nominate John McCain.
“He hates Lockheed, he hates the peanut program,” Taylor said, meaning that rural Georgia and parts of suburban could be up for grabs.
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Comments
By John B Sheffield
January 30, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
People are starting to see the real Billy & Hilary the negative campaigning and lies. I HOPE John Edwards will go on to endorse BARACK OBAMA, only Barack can deliver what America needs so badly CHANGE & HOPE and a then a UNITED States of America!
By 57.9 % to 38.2%
January 30, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Who cares what he thinks… obviously he did not hold enough sway with Dem voters in 06 to make anything happen…
By Eric Russ
January 30, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
I think it is a testament to John Edwards support that he was able to do as well as he did in an election year that had two clear primetime candidates. As Obama expressed in the last debate, it was a race “between a woman, a black man… and John.” In spite of his limited prospects at winning the nomination, he managed to run a very successful campaign. His support is very important in an election where it seems many people like him, but are going to vote for the first woman or black candidate.
By Julie in Sacramento
January 30, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Barack’s message has always been about positive change for the future of this country. My husband and I have canvassed hundreds of Democratic homes talking to Edwards supporters. The message that resonates is that corporate America needs to be taken out of the political equation. John Edwards knows that Hillary has taken more $$ from corporate America, including the drug companies than any other Dem candidate. I can’t see how he could throw his support to her at this time if he wants a legacy from his campaign.
I also believe that John Edwards ran an honorable campaign - which is what Senator Obama has tried to do from day one. It took Ted and Caroline Kennedy to rebuke Bill and Hillary to get them to publicly play nice. Who knows what they are still doing behind the scenes! Check out the outright lies that were disseminated against Barack Obama in New Hampshire over his pro choice stance and in Nevada over his Yucca Mountain position and remarks about Ronald Reagan.
By Dan Campbell
January 30, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
If Edwards supporters really care about the ‘issues’, like real Universal Health Care and improvements to the economy, they’ll support Clinton. If they like to ‘feel good’ about nobel speeches, they will line up behind Obama.
By kreedham
January 30, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
I know things weren’t looking good but John Edwards let me down. Just a week ago Saturday he said he was in this until the end.
By GeezGuys
January 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Obama is a politician like any other. While Hillary was taking money from drug companies, he was taking money from Tony Rezco. He maintained a 17 year relationship with this slumlord. During the debate he tried to make it sound like his only association was five or so billable hours as a law associate. Typical denial and backpedaling that you see every day in Washington.
Obama is only feel good if you suspend all common sense. Seems like there’s more than a few people who’d rather do that than tax their brains considering real issues.
By Trudy Taylor
January 30, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
To Julie in Sacramento, in 2007 Hillary Clinton accepted $2.7 million in donations from the health care industry. Barack Obama accepted $2.2 million. Are you looking at actual facts and data or are you simply buying the Obama hype and blindly accepting his latest campaign slogan ? I suggest you do some digging to find out just how different your candidate really is (or isn’t).
By Col[retd] A M Khajawall
January 30, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
It my firm believe and assessment that on Senator Barrack Obama will restore our credibility and standing in world if he is our next President.
He will transend all the known bearers in the world and World will it happens only in America. We do not have to talk about freedom and democracy. By ellecting OBAMA our president the world will get the message and work on all their problem.
By Col[retd] A M Khajawall
January 30, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
It my firm believe and assessment that on Senator Barrack Obama will restore our credibility and standing in world if he is our next President.
He will transend all the known bearers in the world and World will it happens only in America. We do not have to talk about freedom and democracy. By ellecting OBAMA our president the world will get the message and work on all their problem.
By kreedham
January 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
And to think I almost went and voted early yesterday. Had I done so I’d really be p**.
By Eddie
January 30, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Both Clinton and Obama drink deeply at Wall Street’s trough. Obama has backing from the coal industry (hardly the most wonderful people in the world); Clinton has backing from other coporate special interests that aren’t looking out for anyone but themselves. Don’t fool yourself into believing that this candidate or that one has transcended the political game. We need everyone (Dems and Repubs) to talk about the issues, as well as the sorts of people they will appoint to cabinet and other key positions if and when they make it to the White House. I’m tired of the “change” mantra. Who will be a good manager? Who will inspire but also be willing to make the tough—and, yes, unpopular—decisions? “Change”? Of course, everything’s going to change no matter who gets into office. Change is a basic condition of the world in which we live. Let’s move on.
By negemail53
January 30, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Dont know how many others are as incensed as I am about these chain emails being sent to religious groups and others that question Sen. Barack Obamas patriotism and religious beliefs. (See press link to last weeks open letter from Jewish groups being bombarded with these emails: http://www.adl.org/internet/Letter_obama.asp)
The use of the Internet to spread false information about a political candidate—- and thus to affect the outcome of an election—- is particularly abhorrent to me.
We cannot regress to old-style dirty tricks. In the public interest, we need to get behind these emails—-and identify who originated them.
If you have received such an email, please forward it to me.
negemail53@gmail.com
By James
January 30, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
While Edwards was about “real change”, Obama’s real strength is actually less about change than fostering unity, because you can’t have real change without that.
He’s also a better organizer than either Edwards or Hillary, an indispensible quality for an effective president. He delegates responsibility more intelligently than Hillary does, she never delegating so much as ceding control, especfially to the likes of Bill who is increasingly turning into an irrascible old has-been who’s lost touch along with his marbles.
Obama is also young, dynamic and go ahead. He morever conveys a befittingly presidential, even regal, air that all of the other candidates unfortunately lack.
He has what it takes then to get the job done.
By davide
January 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama burst onto the national political scene with a memorable speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. Anybody that watched this speech realized Barack Obama is a very gifted young man and talented orator. Obama is a Christian from a bi- racial family. His mother is white his father was black. His dad left when he was very young.
We all realize that it takes more than being an intelligent person that is able to inspire people through speeches to be an effective President. Why is it time to elect Barack Obama ?
Barack Obama will unify our country and be a very effective agent for change. He has the ability to garner support from all factions of the American political process. Our country is in the midst of a very critical period. The last thing we need is more political deadlock based on partisan politics. I respect Hillary Clinton as a great American that has accomplished much in her life. The facts are that Hilary Clinton is despised by many Americans and crucified on daily talk shows. They love to point out her personal and political baggage. It is feared that many, formerly apathetic, Republican voters will be motivated to counter her bid. Very frequently, Barack Obama is receiving meaningful endorsements and gleaning support from Republican and Democratic leaders alike.
Many people bring up the ” experience” question. They believe that Barack Obama will be President one day but lacks the experience at this time. This is a fallacy. The President of the United States has access to the best minds in the country; experts in every field possible available .It is obvious that, with all their experience, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden, didn`t fare well in early primaries. They were the most experienced candidates on the stage. The President needs to be able to absorb all the information that he can and make decisions. Judgment is a much more critical attribute. Barack Obama illustrated his judgment when he opposed the war in Iraq. He is not anti -war, he is “anti-dumb war ” . Iraq has cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars. We have accomplished nothing and we are struggling and consuming more American assets just to reach a pre war level of peace.
Barack Obama graduated from Columbia University, where he majored in political science and specialized in international relations. He then attended Harvard Law School where he was elected President of Harvard Law Review and graduated magna (inappropriate term) laude. He later became a professor of law. Barack Obama will respect the Constitution of the United States. He will not ignore it when it seems convenient.
The current administration has cost our country valuable credibility with allies and non-allies around the world. Credibility is the key to our National Security. We need the trust, respect and cooperation, of other nations in order to prevail against the radical Jihadists .Barack Obama has promised to reach out mend strained relations and read “the riot act” to would be aggressors.
Why Barack Obama ? No other candidate has the ability to communicate and mediate critical discussion between opposing parties. No other candidate has the support of a massive and diverse coalition of people from all faiths, races, genders, political parties or orientation. He does not appeal to the radical elements of any group, he appeals to the centrists among them. Why Barack Obama ? Because its time for GENUINE change! There are rumors that John Edwards will endorse Barack Obama and Barack Obama will name John Edwards as the Attorney General of the United States. I like the sound of this rumor !
By Copyleft
January 30, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
NegE-mail: Of COURSE they’re lying about Obama and trying to stir up racist and jingoistic paranoia. It’s all they have to work with!
By GeezGuys
January 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Newsflash, Negemial53: Unsubstantiated rumors and B.S. have been part of the political scene for an eternity. Hillary has put up with such foolishness for years. If you were so about change, you would have been asking people to stop this sort of behavior long before Obama decided to run.
What makes St. Obama so special? You’re suddenly outraged because he’s getting smeared, like every other candidate? What leftover ‘60’s hippie rock have you been living under?
By BlackFemale
January 30, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Obama is confusing Black Americans. (He just wants your vote.) When will we learn to identify the issues and understand that change is more than a word. Obama is against division and old politics but is picking up the endorsements from the biggest insiders - old politicians. THIS IS A REPUBLICAN CONSPIRACY! Barack is not ready. He is not poised or wise enough to be our president.
As far as Kennedy, he has little credibiity as his brothers were great leaders…but look at Ted’s character. He is a chronic DWI and we know he has gotten away with murder. PS. If he has no loyalty to his old friends…can you imagine what Obama promised him…KENNEDY IS A CUT-THROAT!
By BlackFemale
January 30, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Obama is confusing Black Americans. (He just wants your vote.) When will we learn to identify the issues and understand that change is more than a word. Obama is against division and old politics but is picking up the endorsements from the biggest insiders - old politicians. THIS IS A REPUBLICAN CONSPIRACY! Barack is not ready. He is not poised or wise enough to be our president.
As far as Kennedy, he has little credibiity as his brothers were great leaders…but look at Ted’s character. He is a chronic DWI and we know he has gotten away with murder. PS. If he has no loyalty to his old friends…can you imagine what Obama promised him…KENNEDY IS A CUT-THROAT!
By BlackFemale
January 30, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Obama is confusing Black Americans. (He just wants your vote.) When will we learn to identify the issues and understand that change is more than a word. Obama is against division and old politics but is picking up the endorsements from the biggest insiders - old politicians. THIS IS A REPUBLICAN CONSPIRACY! Barack is not ready. He is not poised or wise enough to be our president.
As far as Kennedy, he has little credibiity as his brothers were great leaders…but look at Ted’s character. He is a chronic DWI and we know he has gotten away with murder. PS. If he has no loyalty to his old friends…can you imagine what Obama promised him…KENNEDY IS A CUT-THROAT!
By Matt Young
January 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama is not even capable of remaining true to his own pledge. Less than one week ago, Senator Clinton and Obama agreed to put aside petty name calling and talk about the issues. Yet again, Barack is back-biting and name-calling. We are in desparate need of a President capable of keeping his word and not just speaking in rhetoric.
By Will Jones
January 30, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Our Republic is in peril. The “Augean Stables” of Politics in America today has only one “Hercules” with the power and grace to wash it out: the unified, and sovereign, American People. Obama’s birth, upbringing, domestic tranquility and obvious grace is proof that he is well and humbly conditioned as a genuine man of the People.
Obama is the man who can inspire and lead us for Truth and Righteousness’ sake that Justice be established once more in the Land.
We know for an absolute G-d-given fact that Hillary is a liar and a beard with sleaze and scandal abiding with her well into her late middle age…”the curse comes not causeless.” Should we “settle” for one who can only wish to be redeemed when Obama’s manner and stature assure us of his present worth and proven integrity?
Obama, even if the best-case scenario makes him “only” a dreamer and a Constitutional Scholar building on the sound foundation of a mother and grandmother who loved and nurtured him and raised him, with the help of good teachers in a caring community, to be a gifted, articulate, humble man, decent husband and father, now permitting himself to be made Elect by the American People…for Our Own Good, to realize the Big American Dream for all Americans, and he stays steady, and doesn’t become corrupt, working to heal the evil visited upon Our Country and the world by the Bush faction of the Anti-Christ: that will be good enough.
We don’t need lying perverts guiding our Ship of State, no matter bank account size, party, or pals. All we need is a healing spirit, proven integrity, restored economy, and justice. We need it now, and the time is now for Obama.
By Monica
January 30, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
For once, Hillary cannot buy herself a government seat. If Ted Kennedy is corrupt, he would be jumping on the Clinton train. But he’s catching a ride on the Hope O’Train. So am I!!
By Me!
January 30, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
@blackfemale
Question: why do you feel “Obama is confusing Black Americans”? I, as a black woman is voting for Obama. Not because I am black but because I have done my research and feel he is the best candidate for the job. Does that make me confused? No, I don’t think so. All it means is that I see things differently than you.
For you to say, “when will we learn to identify the issues and understand that change is more than a word” does a great disservice to our people. It implies that we cannot think for ourselves and are being led like cattle to slaughter. In the future please, please choose your words more carefully because we have a hard enough time trying to fight these misconceptions as it is w/o you adding to them. It’s one thing to disagree w/ Mr. Obama but do not depict my ppl as idiots who cannot make informed decisions.
By adnora
January 30, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
@blackfemale Obama is the most intelligent, most straightforward, most experienced when it comes to organizing and uniting real people; black brown, white, or whatever their color. Hillary is for Hillary. She is a political hack who will say whatever to/about whomever as long as it furthers her power agenda. I think she was once idealistic but now she seems to have sunk to the level of the power hungry politician. I too am a black female and I support Obama with great love and pride.
By blassis
January 30, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
What research has anyone done on Obama?
Read past issues of the Chicago Tribune!
I think people in Chicago know Obama like people in NY know Giuliani.
The Rezko deal. It stinks. Rezko approached, promoted, was the force behind Obama’s career. Rezko looked him up while Barack was in law school. Obama was helped not only by Rezko but also by Rezko’s friends and associates. This is America’s hope? Now that the Media and those who are brainwashed by TV personalities and pundits got rid of Edwards, what have we got?…… Sad day for America!
By sue
January 30, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t say Edwards is “clean” and Obama is not. Based on the research I have done, Obama has fewer skeletons in his closet than any candidate on either side. And he was honest about the Rezko situation without backpeddling and lying. This site does a good (unbiased) job of laying out the facts behind each skelaton on all the candidates.
www.realchange.org
This election is about the leader that can bring the country and the world together after a very trying eight years. Obama is that leader!
By Al
January 30, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
People in glass houses should not throw stones. How dare Hillary talk about Obama with a slumlord, when she has her own slumlord in Norman Hsu. Watch out, Hillary, some of us see the glass in your house breaking.
By Jay
January 30, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
I think Caroline’s endorsement means a bit more than Ted’s - cos Ted has a bit of baggage. But it is something for an elder Democratic to believe Obama has the stuff to lead.
The current Clinton tactic is go to positive (on the surface at least) and try and co-opt some of Obama’s message as their own. The latest is Bill talking to people in southern IL, saying his wife stand for moving past partisan politics and listening to the voice of the people to create change (spitting coffee across the room here) - which is pretty much opposite to where she stood last week - one wonders where she will stand next week.
The Clinton tactics really are based on the assumption that Americans are dumb aren’t they? I guess they are partly right, they seem to get the lions share of the un-educated vote.
Anyhow, Obama is currently reveling in the support he is getting and they are all in ‘the Clinton’s are scum mode’, and also now McCain is the front runner, he is doing some work to say he would be the candidate better positioned to go up against McCain (Hillary would motivate Republicans to vote against her). However, Obama needs to move on from there now - in particular because the Clinton’s are playing the positive tack at the moment - he doesn’t want to risk that blowing back on him if he tarries on attacks too long.
His next goal should be to capitalize on the Clinton ‘detail’ campaigning, by clearly saying where his policies are the same, then where he differs, pulling out some cons from the Hillary policies and explaining how his differences alleviate those cons. Then he needs, just prior to Super Tuesday, a HUGE event where he goes back to his positive message - not just the stump stuff - but hit it out of the ballpark - aired nationwide - something that will put the tears in the eyes and pride into the heart of all Americans. If he does that, he will sew it up.
Now there is also the Edwards withdrawal to consider. Who will he side with? He is partisan AND anti-corporation/lobbyists. The first puts him at odds with Obama, the latter with Clinton. However, now that Clinton is also singing the ‘move past partisan politics’ of Obama, that only leaves one clear choice to side with - Obama. There are whispers of Edwards taking an AG role, but I would rather see someone with Edwards values placed in that role and have him in the VP slot to Obama, cos if something happens to Obama we need someone to stand in who has that same core value of changing the way campaigns are financed.
Then there are the Edwards voters. Where they go depends on what motivated them to back Edwards. Anti Corporation/lobby influence? They go to Obama. Anti-black people? They go to Hillary. Anti-female? They go to Obama. Anti Clintons? - They go to Obama. Hardcore partisan? They go to Hillary.
So - I think it will divide, but it is a matter of how it divides. However, putting Edwards as VP to Obama might help to shift the majority to Obama.
By Ken
February 1, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
Hillary Clinton’s connection to oil companies makes me think I’ll never see energy independence in my lifetime, unless we get a real patriot like Barack Obama in the White House.
By Sue
February 1, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I’m a 56 year old lady and I’ve always voted Republican. I voted for Bush twice and I’m starting to feel sick about it. We need to end the dynasties of Bush and Clinton and get a fresh start with a strong leader. Obama has proved to me that he knows what he is talking about and his plans for the country are more realistic then Clintons. I for one will vote for Obama and I’m sure others like me will to.