John Edwards On Countdown: I Will Support The Democratic Nominee For President
By Logan Murphy Tuesday Jan 22, 2008 8:31pm
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Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has been getting some much needed media attention lately, appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman last night and appeared on Countdown today and talked with Keith about the ongoing skirmish between the Obama and Clinton campaigns, Bill O'Reilly's ongoing homeless veteran nonsense and plans for his own campaign going forward.
Edwards admits he is the underdog, but believes he can pull in a good number of the undecided voters and that his populist message is resonating with a good number of Americans. Hillary Clinton said today that she believes when the Democratic nominee is finally chosen the party will unite and rally behind that candidate. Keith asks Edwards if he will make that pledge:
Olbermann: "...Are we at the state where it would help every candidate right now, all three of you in here at the top by saying you will support and you will encourage your supporters to support the Democratic nominee, no matter who it is, and that Senators Clinton and Obama should join you in saying so, maybe even before this vote is taken on Saturday?
Edwards:"Absolutely, I say that right now. You know, I intend to be the nominee so I'll hope to get the support of Senator Obama and Senator Clinton's supporters, but we should absolutely support the nominee."
Updated: (Nicole) It's a shame--and generally, I'm a fan of Olbermann--that Edwards is once again reduced to being boxed into the media framing of the horse race. Here was a golden opportunity for Edwards to once again push his populist focus--or FISA-- and force Obama and Hillary to follow his lead and instead, he's left to pledge that he'll support whomever the nominee will be.
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unless its kucinich or edwards i will not!
It's a pity that he is the underdog, when he's showing the other candiates how to behave like adults.
From the look of things, many Democrats will not (Hillary's belief to the contrary notwithstanding) line up behind the nominee.... if it's Hillary. There seems to be enough widespread disgust to make this a real problem And that, in turn, makes it an even greater shame that Edwards is so far behind. He is needed; his voice on poverty and corporatism should not go unheard.
"Media framing of the horse race" -- or maybe the electorate's framing of the horse race considering Edwards best finish thus far was 2nd place by the slimmest of margins.
Glad to see the media is starting to read my weekly letters?!? About how I'm not watching them, even after the election because of their disgraceful blackout of the Edwards candidacy. About how I am also not buying any of the products of their advertisers, either, and how that will continue after the election? I think they are getting millions of letters like mine. You cannot have a democracy without a free press. This election really showcases for me how right now in America we don't have a free press and I consider it to be a form of treason. The upside is I am watching less tv and saving money!
Wal-Mart Also Seeks to "Unite" the Democrats!
Fair point, Nicole. But while I'd have liked Edwards to have had the chance to push a progressive agenda on Olbermann, I'd also like to hear Clinton, Obama, and their supporters say that they too will support the nominee. I've no illusions that the nominee will have to be pushed away from the corporate teat and to do anything remotely progressive. No kidding. But Clinton is not the same as McCain nor is Obama the same as Romney.
Or, the electorate accepting the way the media framed the horse race? And, the electorate producing the finishers in the order the media ordained them? Can't we say it's still early in this horse race?
Keith did a great job, as usual, but I think there were missed opportunities for questions that could and should be asked publicly right now:
And, if Edwards could quickly summarize:
Edwards is the only candidate who appears to really believe what he says and to care about the average American people.
I can't support Hillary or Obama.
www.pafundi.com
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Number of Operations Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom casualties
as confirmed by U.S. Central Command: 4390
Nice bit their by Edwards, its freaky the the MSM give him so little time when he obviously appears to be so very capable.
"... You know, I intend to be the nominee so I’ll hope to get the support of Senator Obama and Senator Clinton’s supporters,"
He intends to be the nominee but he said but he also said the opposite. I heard it as positive for him. Shame on Keith for spinning it for the media celebrity candidates.
I saw Keith Olbermann's show tonight and before they interviewed Edwards, they showed a clip of Obama saying that if he won the candidacy, Cilinton voters would for for him in the nationals, but that he believed that if she made the candidacy, his voters would not vote for her. WHAT KIND OF UNITY IS THAT? Of course, he's not a true Democrat!
John Edwards did not mention the clip, but he AS A TRUE DEMOCRAT THAT HE IS, did say he'd support the winner of the primary, more reason why I love him.
Clinton also alluded to unity in Philadephia, she said that our goal ws to put a Democrat in the White House and she will work hard for that whatever the outcome, also spoken LIKE A TRUE DEMOCRAT.
I'd love to see either an Edwards/Clinton or a Clinton/Edwards ballot. With a few exceptions, they have similar plans and goals, most of all, the EXPERIENCE to take the US where it needs to go.
bystander @ 8:
If your belief was true, then Obama would have won in NH.
Here's what I say: Who the hell cares if Hillary has found her goddamn voice? What about the voices of all the HAVE NOTS????? I'm voting for Edwards.
Olberman: " So Mr. Edwards are we to assume since you've lost the candidacy that you are going to support the real winner, whether it be Hillary or Obama? Um. Mr Edwards? Are you there sir? I could have sworn we had a white male in this race that we were to interview. Guess not. On another note................."
SM @ 13:
What experience do they have that other Democratic candidates don't have?
Obama just mentioned what is obvious, Hillary is more polarizing than he is and Obama has a greater ability to get Independents and Republicans to vote for him than Hillary does at this point.
I thought, in all honesty, this was a very weak interview by Olbermann. Half of it was taken up by b.s. bickering among the Clinton and Obama camps, and then Olbermann plugs his fued with O'Reilly over vet homelessness (a serious issue, but for Olbermann a baldly promotional one). And then, a couple of lame, non-issue follow-ups.
Nothing on FISA. Nothing on Pakistan. Nothing on campaign finance. Nothing on Osama. Nothing on education, global warming, or the economic stimulus.
All in all, a lame effort by Keith.
Quit reading your reviews, Olbermann.
Edwards answering that question just proves he's the person for the job.Unity.......Edwards 08!
hillary will be the greatest president of our lifetimes
help make history
Edwards could make considerable hay by shaming Obama and Clinton into standing with Dodd, or pointing out how supporting the telcos on FISA is the exact opposite of "change."
It's great John Edwards is getting airtime. But he doesn't lack attention on C&L.
How about some coverage of whether the Clintons really are sliming up the race or, as President Clinton claimed tonight, that he's a victim of the Media's malicious drive to question his tactics and his accuracy? I'm getting to the point I'm actually considering staying home in November if the best choice is Hillary. I'm willing to be talked out of it if I'm unreasonably discouraged, but it's a fairly serious question.
Best wishes to John Edwards in the meantime, I suppose.
hillary rocks my world @ 20:
he he yeah right!!!!!!!!
Dan @ 22:
I'm with Dan
I think Keith was helping Edwards point out what should be obvious -- especially at points in history like this one, you support the damn nominee unless there's a VERY good reason not to. President McCain, anyone?
We've all seen it happen before. We watched Kerry get torn down on progressive blogs before he got the nod, and then people, whether they liked it or not, supported him. I did. He wasn't my first pick, but hey, Obama's my personal 3rd pick and I'll work my ass off for him if he gets nominated.
Obama's comments about not knowing if his supporters would vote for Clinton smacked of extreme hubris.
Edwards is currently the only candidate without his head up his ass...or someone elses.
Olbermann: “…Are we at the state where it would help every candidate right now, all three of you in here at the top by saying you will support and you will encourage your supporters to support the Democratic nominee, no matter who it is, and that Senators Clinton and Obama should join you in saying so, maybe even before this vote is taken on Saturday?
Edwards:”Absolutely, I say that right now. You know, I intend to be the nominee so I’ll hope to get the support of Senator Obama and Senator Clinton’s supporters, but we should absolutely support the nominee.”
why the fk does Olberman then say "Amen" ??? whats up Keith never heard of the separation of church and state ? :twisted:
Dan @ 22:
Here's the thing, Dan. We never make everyone happy. When we were focusing on campaign tactics, we got people complaining that we were ignoring Edwards just like the MSM. Now we give Edwards the airtime we pushed for and you're complaining that we need to cover tactics.
We don't pretend to be the end all and be all of blogs. We're going to miss some stories. I do think that we're doing pretty well bring a mix of substantive and more lighthearted posts. Since we really gave the MSM a drubbing for ignoring Edwards, I think it behooves us to make sure that when he gets on the air that we show it.
tyree @ 1:
I'm sorry old friend but I think again we may have to bit the bullet and hold our noses and vote for the lesser of two evils. I too would like to see Kucinich or Edwards win but I will vote for any Dem now running over any PUG running!
As if Keith is going to disrupt the status quo. He sold out when he failed to critique his network for censoring Kucinich from their debate.
The democrats are effictively worthless.
Andrew @ 17:
You clearly don't understand, Obama is basically giving an order with that claim to his supporters, to not support Hillary if she wins.
The good sport thing to do for the PARTY is to support whoever wins. Clinton stated that, Edwards stated that.
Being the whiny cry-baby he is, Obama did not say that, you know why? Because Obama doesn't care to put a Democrat in the White House, he cares ONLY TO PUT HIMSELF in the White House. He doesn't care about Democratic ideals or principl;es of the party, nor is interested in them. It's the party of the PEOPLE, not the party of OBAMA.
Nicole Belle @ 28:
Nicole, I have noticed that your coverage has evened out more, thank you! You can still remain hot on the controversy, but the balance is appreciated!
carpe deim, go get'em John & fuck billary
Some of us think John missed a golden opportunity to seize the Katrina/New Orleans issue as his own (since Obama and Clinton never mention it)--and though that certainly didn't "doom" his candidacy, failing to capitalize on an obvious point of weakness that exposes not only (a) a specific failing of the Bush administration, but also (b) a fallacy of the Republican worldview.
While I respect John, I feel let down that he has basically ignored this issue for months.
So, if Obama doesn't get the nomination, he's instructing his supporters to just vote "present'?
SM @ 31:
Ummm . . . I think it is you who has the mis-understanding. Individuals will vote for whoever they choose, not for who they are told to vote for. Further, he didn't give an "order." I think you are reading more into what you believe his comment to be than is actually there.
Finally, you cannot seriously be stating that Hillary cares more about the people, or the party, than she does about her own power. Look at how she has managed her campaign thus far and look how Bill is begging the press to reflect more favorably upon his wife. It is not because he, or she, "cares more" about the party. It is because they care about their personal legacy.
The media moguls up on high have already decreed who the new darling of the party is, and unfortunately, it seem that they are doing to Edwards what the so shamelessly did to Howard Dean - they are giving him the royal shaft. If Edwards is not the nominee, sensible people of this country should be plenty mad. One can only imagine where we would have been today with either a Gore or Dean presidency - Kerry even (ummm...maybe Kerry). To have another Bush-type corporate-bought fossil foisted upon us by the few, would be very sad indeed.
I would'nt be surprised to see Edwards win. The media , TV and radio blast Hillary ALL DAY LONG. They won't stop. It's suppose to be a campaign going on, and the reporters won't do anything but stir up and I think, make up , nothing but crap ,to get everybody riled up. Why in hell don't they leave them alone to do their jobs. MSNBC is just obsessed with it. Nora O'donell was freakin' out today when she had a Hillary supporter on and she could'nt accept that they were running an election campaign. Nora's face became totally contorted, and that's pretty hard to do ,as she is a beautiful woman.Morning Joe was so awful this AM and they were laughing at Mitt Romney for being a nerd......this was coming from Willie, Shuster and Joe......Now they are NERDS. What a shameful 3 hours. All the staff at MSNBC HATE Hillary and want Obama to win and I personlly think, that we should'nt know that, if they were being REAL reporters.
lafin gas @ 29:
no offence laughin gas but im not setteling for any more garbage to vote for , this is my last election if i make it that long, im not buying corporate run politicians like hillary or obama , if the american people cant see these two are just more of the same then they can suffer under them ! edwards or kucinich are the only two that offer any chance to return to what little democracy we owned !!!!!!!!
Why don't we just let Mississippi vote first in the primaries followed by say, Alabama?
The system we have now is just as absurd.
SM @ 32:
Actually, I'll take all the Edwards I can get, thankyouverymuch. MSM isn't covering him to any real degree, so when he shows up on C&L or pretty much anywhere else, I'm there. It's kind of like watching the West Wing on DVD now...it's not real, but I can dream.
Keep covering Edwards, please!
IdiotShrub wrote: If Edwards is not the nominee, sensible people of this country should be plenty mad.
That's precisely where my thoughts keep leading, with not a little annoyance. Hey, we have a very real chance to nominate either a woman or a man of color. To make history. Great! ...But just maybe, this time, considering the very real "issues" and the baggage the frontrunners carry, the best candidate is the pasty white guy.
Speaking as a female who despises bigots, my choice has been Edwards from the beginning of this. (But I would be happier if he'd go ahead and step up to the plate on FISA right now -- he's got nothing to lose and everything to gain.)
Enough of this Clinton bashing. Why don't you all leave that to the republicans in as much as that what they do best.
I have never witnessed such a double standard in my life.
If Hillary cries she's too soft, when she fights back she is a shrew, when she sends her spouce out to campaign on her behalf she is riding his coat tails. The woman can't win in the eyes of the media or her critics. Every candidate uses their spouce to whatever advantage that he or she might bring to the campaign. Obama and Edwards are no exception.
Hillary is married to a former president and that for some reason precludes him from helping out in whatever way he and she see fit? Sorry folks get over it.
She was not and is not my choice for the nomination, but
the way she fights and works for the nomination has certainly earned my respect. No candidate has had to put up with such scrutiny and blatently biased media attacks as she has. When Obama or Edwards begin to recieve the same type of unrelenting critisism I want to see them handle it with the same composure and the same nerve.
The republicans all say that they can't wait to run against Hillary, what they don't say is that the type of attacks that worked so well against John Kerry won't work so well against Hillary Clinton.
As for Obama's claim that his supporters might not back
another nominee if that person is Hillary Clinton, that smacks of a little boy taking his ball and going home, which might lead one to suspect that he may not be ready for prime time.
Hey Nicolle, I think Joe Scarborough is getting a little out of control. Time for him to get a little taste of what he's been dishing out to everyone else. Getting a little too big for his britches ??? Telling Tweety what a great guy he is , and all.
tyree @ 39:
I think there are a lot of DEMs in your camp. While I do not share my support for both of your candidates, I will never vote for Hillary. I am simply to old and tired to sell out. I would however, defect for Bloomberg if Hillary is the nominee. He has many progressive tolerable views that I could support. If it's Hillary and no Bloomberg, I guess I will sit this one out with a few million other DEMs.
jace @ 43:
If I was Obama, I too would be pissed if both my opponent and my opponent's husband were purposely distorting and twisting my words. Neither Obama's or Edward's wives behave this way. Plus, they aren't former President's. It's not a true comparison.
Obama and Edwards got here on their own. Hillary got here based on who she married.
Thanks Senator Edwards for being the only Adult in the race, however, stupid Democrats keeping putting forth Hillary and Obama as the top 2 candidates when you are clearly the best. Well, unfortunately, I cannot follow you on this one, Senator Edwards. If Hillary or Obama receive the nomination, I stay home and not vote for either one.Until then, I am 100% behind you.
P.S.I can tell Olberamn wants John Edwards to be the Democratic nominee. He gives Edwards the most air time and praises Senator Edwards during his show.
jace @ 43:
"Taking is ball and going home." Isn't that exactly what Hillary is doing by choosing not to campaign in SC this week? Give me a break.
I've been supporting Edwards from the get-go. But it's difficult to see the best person get ignored. Most of all I'm disgusted to see Obama and his supporters as a bunch of whiners who give lip service to unity (like Bush -- I'm a uniter), while doing everything in their power to divide the party.
jace @ 43:
Hillary is built out of kevlar, teflon, industrial diamonds and titanium. SHE IS TOUGH and can face anything they throw at her. It's sad how people have demonized her, being a smart woman who knows what she is doing is EVIL in America. What does that say about us as a people? Look at Germany, Argentina, Israel, Nicaragua, Great Britain, Panama, the Phillipnes amongst other nations, have all had female heads of state. It's embarassing. She's already been swift-boated so many times I can't even count and she is still here and if it didn't kill her then, it's because it makes her stronger. Let the Republicans have at it. They are SCARED TO DEATH OF HER because there is no ammo left to hit her with.
I could never imagine Clinton or Edwards saying such a divisive and detrimental thing. I mean what a spoiled, self-entitled brat he is! Of course he's not ready for prime time. He's feeding off his over-inflated ego and when he sees that people don't see him as perfect as he sees himself, he goes ballistic. BUT THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT CLINTON WANTS. Let him keep talking, because he is destroying his faux messge of "HOPE & UNITY."
I was uninspired by the Kerry/Edwards Presidential ticket in 2004. I just couldn't connect with Kerry, and was so disappointed with him that it tarnished my perception of Edwards. I gave him no consideration as a potential Presidential candidate. This led to me pretty much dismissing Edwards in the early debates this political cycle. His message was coming across to me as a good bit of pandering and Politics.
I started warming up to him a bit, though, and then the Iowa caucus happened. The speech that John Edwards gave after the Iowa caucus was fiery, optimistic, and honest. He really blew away the (incorrect) preconceived notions that I had about him. I started looking at Edwards in a different light, and I've now got a lot more faith in him and his convictions. Of the declared candidates, Edwards could well be the best possible choice.
I wonder if Al Gore would come back for a couple of more terms as VP?
George @ 48:
Not at all. She's smart to know that 50% of the electorate in SC will vote for Obama, she conceded SC way back.
SM @ 52:
Exactly. "I can't win, I'm going home." How disrespectful is that to the voters of SC? Is this her version of the Guiliani compaign? I thought she was "tough" and could "take anything." Apparently not.
I saw Matthews talking about Edwards Letterman appearance. Edwards made some substantive points during the interview, but what did Matthews focus on? The hair. A brief throwaway moment at the end of the segment.
Terry Cunningham @ 51:
GORE!!! I LOVE GORE! I would have loved it if he ran again, I mean, it would blow everybody out of the water. Gosh, I hate to say but coming back to do the same job he did for 8 years? He's not going to do it.
Obama is like the 2008 Nader in my view. All those jerks that voted for him, and I apologize if I have offended anyone, but ALL THOSE JERKS that voted for him broke the party apart. And we have had to live with this for 8 years. I don't want to live another Republican administration again - back to back - because some neo-cult freaks believe eveything that Obama says.
George @ 53:
No, I don't see that way. It's working much better in her favor to be away from SC after the debate. Apart from the 50%, she's giving Obama the floor, letting him spin out defensively which is imploding his campaign. The HOPE & UNITY pedastal is crumbling fast. I think it's a very good move for her.
I'm glad to see so many are waking up. I sent this message to John and Eliza beth for the last two days and I hope many of you will jusy copy and paste the same message or send your own. johnedwards.com.
O.T. I sent this to Elizabeth earlier.
Elizabeth, again the media almost totally ignores John. In all of the debates it is like he is a halogram, he’s there then he’s not. The media is keeping him from reaching the people and delivering his message. I sent this message to John the other day and I want to make sure he gets it.
I think you need to go to the progresiive radio advertising. The regular MSM is not going to cover you and financing that kind of advertising will use up your campaign funds. As the Rueters article pointed out, they are afraid of you John. On progressive radio, Ed Schultz, Thom Hartmann and others have given you more airtime than any of the MSM. I think you will benefit much more by reaching more of the progressive voter without the negative and dismissive attitude the MSM has given you.
We love your ideas John and the corporate media does not.
SM @ 56:
Of course you do, you are not objective in your views.
SM @ 55:
Really makes you wonder why anyone would want to leave such an inclusive, positivist party.
If you say it's Edwards or nobody, Edwards or Kucinich or forget it, you're doing the Republicans' work for them.
Step back and look at the larger picture. Who's your least-favorite Democratic candidate? OK, how much better would that candidate be than McCain, Romney, Huckabee, Giuliani or, God forbid, Ron Paul? That is the operative question.
Edwards is my No. 1 choice, but I said months ago that I will support whoever gets the nomination as if that person had been my No. 1 choice all along. Politics isn't just a popularity contest and usually doesn't work as a free-for-all. It's more like a discipline, which means there are times when you have to settle for next best, or the best you can get — and that you will act to prevent the worst outcome.
That's what Edwards is about, the sensible, adult thing to do. You'd best honor him by following his lead, if he doesn't become the nominee.
SM @ 56:
Don't you wish. Fortunately, you're not the Decider, the voters are. And what do you propose to replace hope and unity with---your cynicism and doubt? Haven't we had enough of that the last eight years? Or do you confuse "Realism" with cynicism? If so---it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
Disrespectful?? No, its called good time-management. See, there's all these states and only so much time...nvm, if you can't see that for yourself I guess there is no sense trying to explain it.
And as for supporting you party's nominee, well if you can't see the sense in that, I don't know why you bother identifying yourself with a party in the first place.
I like John Edwards a lot, but he isn't going to get the nomination. He isn't going to get it because not enough people voted for him.
I'll vote for Obama if he is the nominee. I'll vote for Clinton if she is the nominee.
I'll vote in November, and I'll vote democrat because I don't want a Republican appointing anymore members to the Supreme Court.
If you can't say the same, then stop calling yourself a democrat. Go register with the Green party or something.
I must agree the KO's given Kucinich and Edwards the booty end of the stick.
And I see tyree's point, but I'll have to support whoever the dem nominee is. Who wants President Romn-? blaarrgghhhhg..i just threw up.
cdo @ 62:
with obama or clinton youve got a republican !!!!!!!!!enjoy!
xargaw @ 45:
I hope you appreciate that you've played directly into the hands of the Democrats' political opponents. But what truly makes me cross is that I'm sure you'll both bitch and moan about the state of the US even after ignoring your patriotic duty and making your voice heard.
My wife caught me with the credit card...and doubled my contribution.
Hang tough, John!
Edwards/Dean '08 ('cause Dean would make a good "Hit Man" VP)
29 laughinggas, did you say that this is your last erection? So sad.
John Edwards once again is sincere, smart, and passionate. Meanwhile we have Obama and President Clinton deciding who wants to lead in their tango (I am sure glad that Clinton didn't bring up the difference in their dancing abilities) and Hillary is at home trying to figure out how Reagan was so able to transcend politics that he "mind controlled" Democrats to get their votes as he took away their unions and spent all of the US tax dollars on weapons. The two superstars have created a soap opera reminiscent of a cross between The Manchurian Candidate, Dance Fever, and Lost Horizon. How will hope and holding hands and joining hearts put food on the tables of poor families or bring jobs back to America? Obama's platform is more like a birthday wish or the tale of the little engine that could. He will huff, and puff, and make those bad old health insurance CEO's see the light and give up their millions in bonuses. Hillary will just outmean everybody because she is as tough as nails and the old gray mare combined. The debates look like a Monty Python movie. Wake up America! Listen to what Edwards is saying before we make a terrible mistake.
Shawnmeat @ 65:
no not really i wont have to bitch or moan because im not going to be the guy who voted for two loosers like clinton or obama , neither ones going to be president , and even if they were both take take lobbiest money both give the nod to attacking iran, bothe are owned by the corporations who feed them wheres the difference in them and a republican? have you heard them say they will give you back everything bush stoled from us ? have you? i havent heard a peep from them on habias corpus , both said troops stay in iraq to guard thoes bases and the embasy ,is that going to end bushes war ? is it? you vote for shrillay or obama and youll be the one bitching if they win and show thier true colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!