John Edwards is getting rave reviews for his appearance on Hardball last night. At one point, Chris Matthews even admitted during a commercial break that he (Matthews) was getting his butt kicked.
Now I am still agnostic on 2008. But Edwards has apologized for his Iraq vote unlike some "other" candidates. He speaks about the real divide in this country passionately: the growing gap between rich and poor. He realizes that an increased emphasis on organized labor is the way to go for Democrats, morally and politically, as union members vote Democratic 60-65% of the time. Meanwhile, with other white men, it's less than 50% (and in the South...don't even get me started).
He can make the GOP have to fight for North Carolina and might even be able to carry it, and he could perhaps put us over the top in Florida and Virginia, not to mention West Virginia, Ohio and Iowa with his economic populism.
He is likeable. And folks, if you don't think this matters just look at who won the last four presidential elections (and both in the 80s) and compare them to the opposition. It is what it is, right or wrong.
So endorsement? No. But Edwards is definitely on my short list...way ahead of some "other" frontrunners with big names...(I guess I am not completely agnostic after all :)
posted by Cliff Schecter @ 9:25 AM
11 comments
11 Comments:
I like Edwards a lot. I think he's smart, and he does look out for the little guy and his moral values seem to be right on. I wish I can put my finger on why I am uneasy with him as our candidate. I think what bothered me the most is that he just didn't have it in him to fight in the last election. Politics and running for office can be a dirty business and if you aren't willing to go out and defend yourself against attacks, you aren't going to win.
He was trying to take the high road when he was Kerry's partner. As a vice presidential candidate, he should have been defending Kerry against the Swift boaters with more than a tsk, tsk. He just doesn't seem strong enough for a tough battle. If Kerry felt that he didn't want to be thrown off message by taking the time to fight the swift boaters, Edwards should have. IMO, he didn't do his job.
Oh...and I forgot to add this. His unwillingness to defend himself or defend Kerry again showed through in this interview. Who is the one who stuck up for Kerry? His wife...while he sat there looking sheepish. Sorry, but sheepish doesn't win elections.
You make a good point Mary Ellen. Thanks for bringing that up!
What Mary Ellen said. He is likable but squishy. I'm not so keen on squishy in these dark times. I want a combo of Cliff and Mr.Rogers.
Well thank you addy. I will take that as a compliment!
addy said: "I want a combo of Cliff and Mr.Rogers."
Your wish is my command. Here is a song, sung to the tune of "Everybody's Fancy" by Fred Rogers
CLIFF'S BLOG IS FANCY
Blogs are fancy on the outside.
Blog's are fancy on the inside.
Cliff's blog is fancy.
Cliff's blog is fine.
Cliff's blog is fancy, DeLay's is just a crime.
Dems are smarter from the beginning.
Repugs are stupid right from the start.
Cliff's blog is fancy.
Cliff's blog is fine.
Cliff's blog is fancy, Hannity's blog is slime.
Dems grow up to be the good guys.
Repugs grow up to be the scum
Cliff's blog is fancy
Cliff's blog is fine
Cliff's blog is smarter
than Limbaugh's anytime!
I think Dems are special people
Unless they're like Joe Lieberman
Lieberman ain't fancy
Lieberman ain't fine.
Lieberman's a Republican
He's already crossed the line.
Ok..I'm stopping there before I'm banned from this blog. :-D
Ya see, this is what happens when you become a "stay at home mom"? Too many hours watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Sesame Street. It's taken over my brain.
This is going to happen to you someday, Cliff. If you're smart, you'll keep away from the children's shows...they'll warp your mind.
Wow, Mary Ellen I am awarding you a Greg of the Wiggles plushy for best lyrics ever by a stay at home mom! Being one myself I believe I know the cutest Wiggle when I see him. ( Captain Feathersword running a close second).
You're welcome Cliff, it is meant as a compliment.
I'm with the Squishinators. And I don't think he was the best debater in the last election, either.
I agree with the "good points" list, but without the appearance of toughness and strength, he seems to be just a nice guy with good ideas. With so many people unwilling to do the reading and work it takes to really know their candidates, that's simply not enough.
Unfortunately, it's mostly style over substance these days. But when a candidate has both, it's a winning combo.
Regarding the comment that Edwards should have been defending Kerry more against the Swift Boats: Edwards wanted to go after them. But Kerry's campaign handlers, who called all of the shots told Edwards to ignore them and that the Swift Boaters would go away. Obviously, they didn't.
Thank goodness the Swift Boaters have to pay a huge fine to the FEC for all of their unlawful crap.
But it is totally unrealistic for anyone to think the VP has much say in the matter and can speak on his/her own. Edwards made that very clear last night that he had very little freedom to say what he wanted which is why it was not a great experience. Matthews put it correctly: they kept Edwards on a short leash.
However, I think it is admirable of Edwards not to trash his former running mate. Wins no one over and it can burn unneccessarily bridges.
I've heard that Cheddar John wanted to go after the Swift Boat d-bags too, but was talked down by Team Kerry.
I've also heard that there was an element that wanted to keep Edwards somewhat under wraps for fear that his charisma might overshadow the main man.
In any event, I'm still making up my mind about 2008 since my initial choice decided not to run, but being from the South, I have to admit it would be nice to have a nominee that talks like I do.
"I've also heard that there was an element that wanted to keep Edwards somewhat under wraps for fear that his charisma might overshadow the main man."
I've heard Kerry's team felt that way about Edwards...that Kerry would be overshadowed Edwards' charisma and energy. Edwards was put out to pastures, not to be seen by the MSM, and Kerry's handlers wrote off the South, which is why Kerry did not carry one southern state. Edwards always gets blamed for not carrying NC, but since he was not allowed to campaign there but a couple of times as VP, he was invisible.
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