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Johnny "Come Lately" Edwards To Endorse Democratic Nominee

Started by baratunde aka jack turner · 11 months ago

cross-posted to goodCRIMETHINK

While Politico, TIME and others. are running headlines that say “Edwards Endorses Obama,” I think mine is better.

My initial reaction was:

about friggin time dude. where you waiting for hillary to come out in blackface and campaign for mccain?
There’s nothing particularly impressive ... Continue reading »

59 comments

  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    It's all about timing, JT.


    This changes the subject. Mr. White Male Populist endorses Obama.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    After Obama is trounced in West VA.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    1 year ago

    thanks Jack. You got a great post here.


    I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have more respect for Bill Richardson than Edwards, but I do.
    reply
  • Jack Turner

    1 year ago

    I hear you craig. and I'm not mad. just not that impressed. but it IS a good thing


    anything that helps kill this white vote narrative is a good thing.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    Everything happens for a reason.


    I think this was the best time this endorsement could come.



    Know hope.
    reply
  • Against Race Politics

    1 year ago

    I feel ya, Jack. I guess I still apppreciate the endorsement but I still feel like he was a coward. It's funny Rik mentioned Bill Richards. I was just telling my sister that I wish it was Bill that I liked in the beginning as much as John Edwards. In fact, I told her I just wouldn't admit it to anyone that I didn't. I guess I will have to take that back now. Anyway, If he just COULD NOT endorse sooner b/c of his issues with BHO's health plan I can respect although some how I doubt it. I wonder if Elizabeth played a part in him waiting so long also as it was obvious HRC was her candidate.
    reply
  • Anonymous

    1 year ago

    I tell you the Democratic party is full of great leaders. My favorite two: Bill "Judas" Richardson who endorsed to candidate most likely to win after the Texas primary and John "jello spine" Edwards, who endorses the candidate three before the whole thing is over.


    "punk ass punks" is the only way to describe the Dems now.



    I can't wait unit this thing is over so I can change my political party to Independent.
    reply
  • andyfrombrooklyn

    1 year ago

    lets just be grateful that he withstood his bout of envy fever and did not endorse hillary a month ago. also i agree good to keep the conversation moving past w.va. ...starting to worry about the hilbots forcing obama to take her as v.p.
    reply
  • Anonymous

    1 year ago

    Actually, there is one hugely significant aspect to this endorsement and that is that Obama gets all of Edwards delegates. That means that he has just that many fewer delegates to go to get to the magic number.


    If you want to see an exercise in leadership, you should go ask the sole holdout "Young Democrats" superdelegate what the hell he is waiting for. When basically college students are pro-Obama at the same rate as us black folk that is a true exercise in courage for him to remain uncommitted at this point.



    Some people stand there at the bus stop and watch their bus stop, everyone else get on and then just let it go on by. I guess they figure that they will wait for the next one. Democrats are fools.
    reply
  • smoothie

    1 year ago

    if it means anything,


    Moments after John Edwards broke, another Super, WI State Senator Lena Taylor endorsed Barack..
    reply
  • Against Race Politics

    1 year ago

    Anon,


    I am feeling you about changing to Independent. This has been ridiculous! Although I must admit I have more respect for Bill b/c they went hard on him and he did not back down.



    Another thing about Edwards I also wondered if he was just plain tired of being on a losing team- if maybe since he lost his initial bid then lost as VP then again as Pres. hopeful..maybe he thought his career would be over if he sided with the losing team this time although there is now way he could sleep at night had he endorsed HRC!
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    Richardson's endorsement came after Rev. Wright I and promptly changed the subject.


    I don't dispute that Democratic leadership is an oxymoron, but in that context, these two endorsements happened right on time.



    Know hope.
    reply
  • Against Race Politics

    1 year ago

    Smoothie,


    Somehow I think that was planned. Pretty "smoothe" I think.
    reply
  • Against Race Politics

    1 year ago

    Anon,


    "Punk ass punks" I read that again. It is pretty funnt and unfortunately pretty true!
    reply
  • rikyrah

    1 year ago

    Richardson, though I would have liked his endorsement, BEFORE Texas, the truth of the matter is,
    it came at just the right time.

    And, it was Richardson's actual endorsement, was terrific. It was so sincere.



    And now, rolling out Edwards, today, hilarious. Go Obama, great strategy.



    Now, when does Al Gore come?
    reply
  • rikyrah

    1 year ago

    Ed Schultz is hilarious. I wish Obama had 10 of these on the talking heads shows.
    reply
  • Against Race Politics

    1 year ago

    Craig,


    I think you are right. No wonder he has moved on to the general election! I hope this does not mean we will see more of DESPARATE Clinton antics! I'm sure I can't take any more!!!
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    against race politics, I predicted the timing of this endorsement last week.


    If Edwards encourage the delegates pledged to vote for him in Denver to pledge for Obama, he will receive 18 or 19 more delegates. He already got 7 of Edwards' delegates in Iowa.
    reply
  • smoothie

    1 year ago

    craig and race against politics,


    the question then becomes who will be the next 6? (assuming the 19 go to barack)



    With the lead secured, it opens the door for the Pelosi club.



    My question to Craig,Rykah or anyone who can answer it, What are the odds that Barack, hits that number before next tuesday?
    reply
  • Pamela

    1 year ago

    I feel like this was a strategic decision by Obama to save Edward's endorsement (which we all know he was going to give based on interviews) until after WV where he knew he would lose. Hillary got the overnight and early news cycle to celebrate, but right at prime time the focus is shifted back to Obama. This, along with the other 4 Superdelegates from today will be the news of the evening.
    reply
  • Jack Turner

    1 year ago

    pamela and craig, thanks for schooling me on the art of strategic timing.


    i'm thinking edwards passed a certain window of endorsement after a few months. having waited so long (for whatever reason), BHO may have said, hold off till W VA.



    yall are right about this jamming up Hillbot's news cycle. whatever screws with her is good.



    thanks for the added perspective
    reply
  • Kat

    1 year ago

    While I wish Edwards had endorsed before PA, having him come out the night after WV (and having the timing step all over Hillary's interview on CNN tonight) is kind of brilliant.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    1 year ago

    smoothie,


    he can't hit it before Tuesday. Edwards' delegates are so important because they are PLEDGED delegates.



    I believe the number for 50%+1 of the pledged delegates is 1627.



    Obama currently has 1559.5



    Edwards has 19.



    Let's not be greedy. Only give Obams 12.



    That would mean 1611.5



    That would mean, between Kentucky and Oregon on the 20th, he would have to get 16 pledged delegates to put him over the top.



    There are 51 Delegates up for grabs in Kentucky on the 20th.



    There are 52 Delegates up for grabs in Oregon on the 20th.



    I think he can do it.



    Playing with the delegate counter, in Kentucky alone, even if he only gets 35% of the vote, that would give him 18 delegates.
    reply
  • justice58

    1 year ago

    Pat Buchanan is tripping out on Hardball. He's about to lose his voice from yelling at Chris Matthews! He's even trying to slam Chris Matthews for being a supporter of Barack Obama! Why do MSNBC continue to have this Klansman on?
    reply
  • Anonymous

    1 year ago

    It was my understanding that Mrs. Edwards didn't like Obama and was leaning towards Hillary. He might not have wanted to upset his wife.
    reply
  • Against Race Politics

    1 year ago

    Anon,


    It was made clear that she will NOT be accompanying her husband to Michigan to support him in his endorsement of Obama. I am sure she played a part in this.
    reply
  • jelana

    1 year ago

    That was hilarious. Matthews called the WV voters REJECTIONISTS! Matthews had to explain to Buchanan that there is a difference between AA's voting positively And whites in WV voting in the negative.
    reply
  • Pamela

    1 year ago

    Did anyone else hear the recording of Hillary campaign volunteer who thought she was hung up on will trying solicite a donation from a West Virginian that was just played on Hardball? She (the volunteer) said "They probably thought it was a bill collector. I bet that's what it is. West Virginians are poor." Wow, Hill your campaign is really in tune with hard working white America.
    reply
  • andyfrombrooklyn

    1 year ago

    something no one has pointed out is blacks have been voting for white guy ever since they won the right to vote. so they don't have anything to prove. appalachians on the other hand...
    reply
  • andyfrombrooklyn

    1 year ago

    i am tired of the edwardses. "oh the mills, the mills..." terrible voting record in the senate. no excuse for voting for the war. the prolonged wait for the endorsement...annoying and self important. what gives them the right to be so righteous? got whipped by darth vader in the 2004 debate. so john edwards equals bad senate votes, bad debate with dick cheney, and big ego. where's the beef?
    reply
  • bpm

    1 year ago

    I agree with you, Jack. I also thought he speech was more of an endorsement of Hillary and tooting his own horn that it was of Barack. The kind of stuff he said about Hillary----all substantive----was great and if people really listened to the speech, they might realize that his so called endorsement of Barack was more of Edwards' own platform talking points and simple acknowledgment that Barack is the nominee. In short, I heard between the two Hillary should have been the nominee but since Barack won we should come together now to defeat McCain. I don't like the way Edwards reinforced the empty suit meme. However, if it is helpful and makes idiot bloggers stop asking who will Edwards endorse every week, the thanks anyway.
    reply
  • Pamela

    1 year ago

    Oh the spin...IT HURTS!!!


    http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/14/eveningnews/main4097478.shtml



    Some of my favorite delusional statements:



    Clinton: I've received nearly 17 million, Sen. Obama's received nearly 17 million; I'm slightly ahead. Those 34 million people, they will end up voting for the Democrat because there is no reason why they should want to continue the failed policies of George Bush.



    Couric: When you give those numbers you're including Florida and Michigan?



    Clinton: Of course. Because those were legitimate certified elections that were legal and valid, and people actually exercised their right to vote. The only dispute is how do they get the delegates out of those votes?



    Couric: And I've raised this with you before, Sen. Clinton, but Barack Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan.



    Clinton: Well, that was his choice. He didn't have to take his name off. There was no rule requiring that he took his name off. But he did run, along with his supporters, a very vigorous campaign to get people to vote uncommitted. So he had a presence there, even though his name wasn't on the ballot.



    and



    Couric: After your victory in Pennsylvania, you mentioned super delegates a minute ago, after your victory in Pennsylvania, Barack Obama won, so far, the commitment of 57 super delegates. You've netted 15. Aren't things trending his way in the super delegate department?



    Clinton: Well, I think we both have been picking up super delegates. I think that will continue. But I go back …



    Couric: But he's gotten 57, Senator, and you've gotten 15.



    Clinton: Well, but I go back to the basic point. The game isn't over. The elections aren't over. No buzzer has sounded. We have to get to 2,210 delegates and then we'll have a nominee. And, until we get there, we're not likely to know who that nominee will be.



    and my favorite:



    Couric: Your campaign is … $20 million in debt. With five more contests to go where will you get the money?



    Clinton: Oh, well, we're getting contributions as we speak. People have been incredibly generous. You know, I have raised more money than anyone ever running in a primary election, except for my opponent.
    reply
  • bpm

    1 year ago

    andyfrombrooklyn @4:49, I completely agree. I'm glad someone else sees through him.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    1 year ago

    People,


    How crazy WAS Pat Buchanan. I'm going around the blogosphere and people are saying he had a frigging meltdown. Was it that good?
    reply
  • Ms.Martin

    1 year ago

    Craig I agree with Jack, so what, except that it changes the conversation. He hid like a coward until it was safe


    I also agree with whoever said he constantly compliments Hillary while suggesting he going with Obama because he is the obvious nominee.



    It's time for them to ban together and run that she devil not only out of the race, but clear out of the democratic party.
    reply
  • Ms.Martin

    1 year ago

    And did I say this is f****ing RIDICULOUS.


    If Obama were in Hillary's place he would be laughed off the stage and out of the scene.
    reply
  • TruthSeeker

    1 year ago

    I'm not feeling Edwards either. I think he's self-serving. And, that speech seemed slightly dismissive of Barack....It's almost as if they want to co-opt Barack's success and popularity for the Democratic party leadership.
    reply
  • B-Serious

    1 year ago

    It's time for them to ban together and run that she devil not only out of the race, but clear out of the democratic party.


    @ ms martin,



    That's why I like the endorsement. It gets Obama one step closer to the nomination and Clinton one step closer to the exit. It closes the ranks and gives voice to the "let's move on" part of of the Democratic party.



    Obama can't let Hillary's bruised ego dictate the pace and direction of this race. The sooner this ends, the better. Obama has to rip that bandaid off right now. He can't try to peel it off. The Clintons and her supporters are not going to play nice.



    They will whine and complain. I already saw one try to play the gender card tonight (i.e., the boys ganging up on Hillary meme).



    As for the endorsement, I was talking to my sister and she was not impressed with Edwards' performance. She almost threw a shoe at the tv when he started to praise Clinton for her "strength."



    Personally, I'll judge Edwards' endorsement by how hard he campaigns for Obama. If he works his butt off then I'm cool.



    I was an "Obama/Edwards '08" kind of guy when this whole process started. I'd still be open to the idea -- but it's hard to see whether Edwards can deliver a state or demographic.



    But, I gotta admit, the mere aesthetics of an Obama/Edwards ticket are appealing. But I've got my eyes on a few other possibilities right now:



    Obama/Richardson



    Obama/Webb



    Obama/Sebelius



    Obama/Clark (Clinton olive branch)



    Obama/Baye (Clinton olive branch)



    There are a lot of possibilities. It's gonna be an interesting month.
    reply
  • B-Serious

    1 year ago

    @ craig,


    I remember your prediction. Good call!



    Now what about Gore????



    I'm thinking he might get the "magic number endorsement". . . meaning he'll be number 2025 for poetic purposes.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    if it means anything,


    Moments after John Edwards broke, another Super, WI State Senator Lena Taylor endorsed Barack.



    ::



    I went to high school with her. She was in my Latin class.



    Terrific woman.
    reply
  • Ms.Martin

    1 year ago

    BSerious


    You haven't heard? The number has been changed to 2210 - a number unattainable (w/o FL or MI) - that will give Hillary pause to take this all the way to the convention.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    I don't think Edwards is alla that, so in some sense I agree with bpm and his other detractors here.


    But I did not hear the speech as a Clinton endorsement. He simply wanted to give her her props so as not to appear that the boys were kicking the girl to the curb.



    We can get cynical as all hell around here.



    Edwards is a symbol. A true empty suit. But people like him, and like it or not, he has a national following.



    This needs to come to an end. Bill Clinton is off in Montana smearing Obama and making it appear as though he's bullying Clinton. He's lost his damn mind.



    The Democratic "leaders" have got to see what's happening and are finally moving to end this madness.
    reply
  • texas girl in l.a.

    1 year ago

    rikyrah,


    Here's......Pat Buchanan



    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVeFyV0iLrk&eurl;
    reply
  • Ms.Martin

    1 year ago

    Craig you know we love ya and respect your opinion.


    I am cynical, I'm sick of this bs. It's been long and hard and I'm mad about it.



    This really is the Dems closing ranks on Hill, but it's taking toooooo long.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    If we think about it, Obama's candidacy hurt Edwards' even more than Hillary's.


    He might have harbored more resentment than Hillary.



    But Edwards wants a national platform. This is how he gets one.



    He's practically a persona non grata in North Carolina politics, so if he wants to end poverty, he'll need to do it from the Hill.



    He licked his wounds, re-entered the national scene with his television appearances a few weeks back, and endorsed Obama today to end this madness.



    I understand the criticism. But credit where credit is due.
    reply
  • Tommy Brown

    1 year ago

    2 other strategic points:
    1. besides stealing the press from wva, he announced in michigan - a state he needs to win in... great strategic move.

    2. I never thought I'd say this, but the Obama/Edwards ticket looked good tonight and it puts a new twist on the vp conversation
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    Obama is campaigning in Kentucky with a flyer that makes him look like a Chirstian missionary.


    Woah.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    One last word about Edwards:


    He voted for Obama in the North Carolina primary.



    He won't be Obama's runningmate (I hope not!), but he's not an enemy.



    I hope this freezes whatever momentum Hillary thought she could exploit from last night.



    One of her campaign spokespeople said "It's not great news."



    Finally, a bit of truth.
    reply
  • rikyrah

    1 year ago

    craig hickman,


    I saw the entire brochure over at a conservative's site, along with this conservative's story of how it went when he went to one of Obama's Kentucky offices. This guy could see it, plain as day - Obama's going for the evangelicals. (which sorta links back to my post from a couple of days ago, doesn't it?)



    I linked off of HuffingtonPost.com, is that where you saw it too, craig?
    reply
  • Ms.Martin

    1 year ago

    I love that flyer.
    reply
  • Pamela

    1 year ago

    Craig, isn't he from South Carolina? Either way I agree with you.
    reply
  • babyming

    1 year ago

    I don't know much about John Edwards, but one possible explanation of his endorsement today is that he became disgusted with Hillary Clinton in recent weeks, as he watched her hateful racist tactics. I wouldn't be surprised if quite a few of the superdelegates are thinking exactly the same thing.
    reply
  • Craig Hickman

    1 year ago

    Edwards is from North Carolina.


    I'm watching Obama's speech after the endorsement on C-Span right now.



    I've never seen him this forceful in his delivery.



    He's feeling something.



    I got an email of the flyers. I like them too. I don't want to like them but I do. I say that because I believe in the Separation of Church and State. But the way he's been smeared and smeared and smeared, they are necessary.



    Turning lemons into lemonade.



    That was something else. Michigan will vote for Obama. I've no doubt.
    reply
  • Ms.Martin

    1 year ago

    Craig Hickman


    I've noticed the command in his voice now that he is campaigning against McCain.



    This will be a whole different ballgame.
    reply
  • bpm

    1 year ago

    Pamela, you are correct that Edwards is originally from South Carolina.


    I am not cynical. I am simply an independent thinker who has watched Edwards closely for 10 years. I also don't believe in just parroting what the talking heads and blogosphere tell me is important, not important, or that it is perfect timing because they say it is. Anyone who knows anything about Edwards, knows that had he not gotten 7 percent of the vote in WV, he would have sat at home on his estate until June. It is only because the pundits made a big deal out of that lowly 7% and inflated his importance again that he came out.



    I also don't believe Edwards actually voted for Obama. He is a liar who stayed out because he really wanted Hillary to win but since Obama has he jumped on board. Even on his media tour over the last week before the WV primaries he was basically praising Clinton and would only acknowledge Barack in insulting ways like Hillary is a fighter with a lot of experience who gets back up every time she gets knocked down would make a great president...she knows policy and how to get things done...and Barack he just came out of "NOWHERE, literally" and now he has taken it all. I listened to his WORDS show after show and wondered how these idiots could spin that as he is all for Obama. I was thinking over and over again, are you actually listening to his words or are you just STUPID.



    Edwards is the worst kind of politician who to this day has less respect than Hillary from his colleagues on the Hill precisely because he is a liar who will do and say anything and could not be trusted; to this day after all Hillary has done and this speaks volumes about the kind of person Edwards is but then millions in NC figured him out long ago and he would never have been re-elected to the senate anyway nor would his endorsement had meant anything before their primary. He was doing a get out the vote media tour for Hillary before WV and when she didn't get the 80% she needed to change the game, he jumped aboard under the cover that ALL those who ignore what he actually says and does to spin him in the best possible (and unrealistic) light. He got HIMSELF a positive news cycle but if it helps Obama, then again thanks anyway. I don't give credit to the lowest of low-life pols whose so called endorsement is only one of himself and the opponent that says nothing more than I am supporting him because he won and I need in the spotlight again.



    I think AAs are not cynical enough which is exactly why, as a people, don't have shit and won't ever get shit. The inability to be critical thinkers and strategic doers is exactly why the DNC and its pols can take those votes for granted and haven't ended this even though we all knew the math since the first of March.



    I suggest we actually watch and listen to what is said and done and stop believing the blog and TV hype but when you do actually starting critically thinking be forewarned that you might get accused of cynicism. Most people don't embrace free thinkers especially when facts threaten to get in the way of a good spin or the desired narrative.
    reply
  • bmp

    1 year ago

    Oh and Edwards most notorious opinion of Obama was when he told Halperin that Barack is a "pussy". Yeah, it was a ringing endorsement and I believe he voted for the pussy whom he can't find anything substantively good to say about. It was clear on Barack's face during the "endorsement" that he realized how it really wasn't one. I watched Obama on that stool and felt sorry for him but he has the benefit of most Americans not being smart enough to actually get what happend, so they will accept the spin, which works to Barack's benefit. Yeah, I'd say those who ever drunk and continue to drink any of Edwards' piss-infused kool-aid have bigger problems than a healthy dose of cynicism could help.
    reply
  • Ronnie B

    1 year ago

    Yeah, Edwards' endorsement is late. But if he really wants a cabinet post, he'd better get to work. His job for now is to get out and make nice with some of the Black-fearing white men and women in the South and in Appalachia.


    As a political matter, I'm a little peeved that his "endorsement" is premised wholly on which way the political winds began to blow. And, just as Barack said in their first debate, Edwards is often too late in showing leadership. He's a fine lawyer, a decent politician with a good rap, but he's not cut from the leadership mold. That said, I welcome his support.
    reply
  • Anonymous

    1 year ago

    Speak it, BPM!!!! You have written the two most insightful comments ever posted on Jack and Jill. Independent thinkers aren't valued in the country in general and in the Democratic party in particular.


    Won't you join me in switching to Independent??
    reply
  • Villager

    1 year ago

    I would have preferred Edwards' endorsement before Ohio, Pennsylvania or his home state of North Carolina. However, as it turns out he & Obama were brilliant to come out with it the day after the West Virginia results.


    Now, the proof of Edwards' moxie comes if he can round up some endorsements (like he did with the Steelworkers' Union) and uncommitted superdelegates...



    peace, Villager
    reply
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