Edwards supporters: Why don't you want him to drop?

[origin1286]

I want a little straight talk.

I think most of you supporters can agree that Edwards is a very long shot for the presidency. He's not totally out, but he's close. He claims to be an agent of change. He always talks about how desperately the country needs change and how it's deeply personal for him.

If Edwards stays in, Clinton is very likely our nominee. Edwards calls Hillary the status quo. No change. I doubt Edwards would be included in a Clinton administration. He'd be shut out. No opportunity to make change.

If Edwards drops, Obama is very likely our nominee (I'd bet his supporters break for Obama at a rate of 9:1). Obama is an agent of change. Not only that, if Edwards and Obama can make a backroom deal where if Edwards drops he becomes Obama's VP, he'll be in a very powerful position and have the ability to help bring about change.

So I'm curious, Edwards people:

If Obama calls Edwards and guarantees him the VP spot if Edwards drops, do you think Edwards should take it?

Is it more important for Edwards to stay in til the end and risk getting shut out of the white house altogether, or play for the most powerful position he can get?

If my candidate was coming in a distant third and it wasn't looking any better, I'd much rather have him get a powerful position such as VP than nothing at all.

Thanks for humoring me

[Mythsaje]

1. He's dragging the dialogue to the left...

ALL the candidates are sounding more like real Dems now and I attribute a LOT of it to Edwards.

[AX10]

2. Edwards can stay in if he wants.

People will decide who to vote for for themselves.

Besides, his presence is allowing us to move to the left of center on many important issues.

[Jane Austin]

5. Of course he can!

But his being in or out WILL help determine the outcome.

[AX10]

16. I've seen it all now. Hillary should drop out.

Richardson should drop out, and now Edwards should drop out, but Obama should stay in.
What CRAP that is! Are the Obama supporters afraid of a challenge or something?

[Jane Austin]

46. I'm afraid of a Clinton nomination and

a Republican president.

[penguin7]

43. Heaven forbid Edwards be VP candidate

Do we really want more Republican presidents?

[Jane Austin]

3. I also am afraid that if Edwards stays in

Clinton will be the nominee.

I just don't see how Edwards can win.

[still_one]

10. The same thing can be said in reverse about Obama. If this goes to the convention

anyone can win, including someone not even in the race now

[Jane Austin]

47. The difference is that Obama

has plenty of money, while Ewards' expenditures are capped, and Obama seems to have much more support than Edwards does, at least so far.

[rusty quoin]

19. My biggest fear is McCain.

I think he is the one who could win against a Democrat. My favorite, Edwards, will not win the primary, but my favorite has never won. But McCain can bring in independents.

[AshevilleGuy]

4. I want a candidate who can WIN in November!!

If Edwards stays in, we will get one of two who can do that. The Supreme Court is at stake this time - we HAVE TO win!

[Fresh_Start]

6. How about because we'd like him to win the whole shooting match

and he can't win if he doesn't stay to fight.

Tell you what, why doesn't Obama drop out...
I'd guess that Edwards would pickup the majority Obamas vote.
That might preclude another Clinton White House, as well.

[still_one]

7. I haven't made my mind up yet between Edwards or Obama, but why should they?

It is their candidate. Only two states have voted, and it would be inane for anyone in double digits to drop out now. After super Tuesday, then it is a different story

This whole process could be decided at the Convention where anything can happen

[Jersey Devil]

8. First off, why do you assume Edwards voters would go for Obama?

Where the hell does it say that if I don't support Edwards I must support Obama?

I like Edwards because he walks the walk - he is for universal health care, he is against the corporatism that is Washington, etc., etc. Obama talks the talk just fine but when you read the fine print I think he is no where near as progressive as Edwards, or Hillary for that matter.

[goldcanyonaz]

15. I just posted almost the same thing. I think they think that DU reflects the real world.

And, it doesn't.

[Egnever]

26. Probably because Edwards see's himself as more in line with Obama

I am not saying his support would actually shake out that way, just that thats where people are probably getting it from.

[Jersey Devil]

33. I haven't heard him say that at all

You are talking about strategy. I am talking about substantive policy statements.

[krabigirl]

45. Good point. I wouldn't.

[Armstead]

9. Edwards would not accept VP again......Attorney general, maybe

I can't imagine Edwards would settle for being the Number Two again, especially to a relatively new arrival on the national scene.

But maybe if Obama offered him a plum job like AG.

In any case, I believe that Edwards' message is urgent and vitally important to keep alive in the noiminating process, and beyond.

Whatever he decides to do is okay by me -- as long as it keeps that out there, so we don;t end up with anotehr V-Chip election.

[ursi]

14. OMG! He'd be a great AG!!

That is a great idea!!

[midlife_mo_Jo]

17. I think Edwards would make a great VP

He could devote the majority of his time to healthcare reform!

[goldcanyonaz]

11. Most Obama supporters here assume that Edwards supporters would move towards him.

It's an even split, even if it's not the case on this forum.

[jackson_dem]

12. Why doesn't Obama drop?

If he didn't decide to run at the last moment it would be Edwards vs. Hillary.

[AX10]

13. TRUE!

[origin1286]

27. I asked for straight talk

I guess DU is the wrong place.

Saying "No, Obama should drop" doesn't make sense. Obama won a state and barely lost another. Edwards came in 2nd and got doubled up by 2nd place in New Hampshire.

Edwards doesn't have much of a shot. I think you supporters know that it is a long shot. So you're keeping Edwards in to spite everyone and Hillary is going to end up our nominee.

Hillary will not win the general election. Independents will all go for Mccain (assuming he is the nominee). She will bring in 0 republicans. She will get slaughtered.

Edwards and Obama are our best shots at winning the GE. And right now, Obama has a much better chance at getting the nomination than Edwards.

If the roles were reversed, I'd be asking the same about Obama. I like Obama. If it was becoming clear Obama needed a miracle to win, I'd hope he smarted up and took a backroom deal to be in some position of power.

[Uncle Sinister]

18. Edwards really does represent the democratic wing

of the democratic party. That being said, the answer to your question is yes. If Barak offered him the VP slot, he should take it.

[Egnever]

20. You are taking for granted that hillary wouldnt accept him as VP

I would place big money both camps are contemplating this prospect ver hard right now. Either one of them could likely swing this election by offering him the slot.

Edwards could be the most powerfull man in the race right now.

[RoadRage]

21. Doesn't look like an Edward Drop would = Obama Support..

I'm an Obama Supporter... but I started a Poll to see where the support on this board is really at, and Hillary actually takes a bit of the lead if Edwards drops out.

We just have to be careful what we wish for....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4005201&mesg_id=4005201

[Jim Sagle]

22. This thread ain't nuthin' but a crock of "inevitablility" shit.

[ecstatic]

23. I hate to be mean on election night, but the guy is selfish

That's why he has always been my third choice. He's not going to leave the race.

[FrenchieCat]

24. He'd have to drop and endorse.......

He's not gonna do it.

Plus Obama may need Edwards in SC.

Edwards pulls more from Clinton than Obama there....

as well in Nevada.

Edwards is probably better for Obama if he stays in.

Many don't realize that Edwards is as progressive as he has become due to how he ran both in 1998 and in 2004.

[madrchsod]

25. i think hillary should drop out

so we can decide who is more progressive and can do a better job in rebuilding this country, obama or edwards.

[FlyingSquirrel]

28. It's called STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN.

Sorry, we've compromised enough Democratic principles over the last 27 years. Enough is enough. No more. If we don't stand for something it's all over. Regardless of whether or not it might mean Hillary Clinton wins the nomination, it's time to stop playing not to lose. Time to stop playing their game.

[saracat]

29. Because John can win? Because I disagree that Barak is an "agent of change"? Barak is a candidate

of "appeasement" not "change" He said it tonight. "We can disagree without being disagreeable."The fuck we can.We need a fighter.Edwards is the fighter.When Barak reaches across the aisle, they'll bite his hand off.And he has no concept how to fight the corporations.He wants to negotiate.He isn't even aware of the Chamber of Commerce position piece they issued today.If he was, he would no, there is NO negotiation possible.They are going to have to be beaten back with a stick.I support John Edwards.
If Edwards should lose, and it has only been two states so far, it doesn't really matter to me anymore whether it is Hillary or Obama as they are fundamentally the same in philosophy.Both want to work within a broken system.Nothing will change.

[rusty quoin]

41. I actually think we might be in trouble. Edwards will not win at this point,

unless something surprising happens, and I think that McCain could win, which will bring in independents. So, you have Obama or Clinton against McCain. One Democrat is a Senator with little experience, and the other, a lot hate just for the sake of hating. I hope I am wrong.

[fuzzy otter pop]

30. becuse he is a great guy with a great mesage and he

will make a spectacular president. and win
or loose every person in this nation should here what he has to
say
over and over

his campaign is about values that are key to the fate of the republic
and we all need to take heed

[origin1286]

31. He can still talk

If he drops out of the race and endorses/campaigns with Obama.

[saracat]

44. But Obama doesn't represent the values of Edwards. He takes money from the Big Pharma and Insurance

Companies. That is an anathema to the Edwards message.It would be difficult for Edwards to endorse Obama or Hillary. I couldn't.

[LSK]

50. he will get a 15 minute press conference and dissappear indefinately

[SLadd]

32. Edwards should never drop

If Edwards drops out, the truth drops out. No other candidate is even coming close to telling the full truth about the corporate takeover of America, not even Dennis Kucinich. Edwards is not just running as a liberal, or even as a progressive. He's running for the truth. He should stay in until the very end. Without him, this race for president would die in lies. And most importantly, Edwards is compelled to speak the truth out of compassion, which is the greatest passion of all. He isn't a cerebral candidate who dwells in the land of ideals, like Obama, or calculates the odds before committing, like Hillary. He is in a truth-rush, and God help him stay in it all the way to the convention.

[Elidor]

34. Oh, you want those votes very badly, don't you?

NO. NOT YOURS. :D

[NastyRiffraff]

35. Two states, small states, have voted so far

Saying that x-candidate should drop out at this point is silly, and even undemocratic. What about people who haven't had a chance to vote yet? What if some of them...maybe a LOT of them, want to vote for Edwards? They should be denied the chance, and given only choices that someone else (you, the media, etc. etc.) decided on?

No, I don't think Edwards would take VP...I may be wrong, but he didn't seem to like the experience last time, from what he's said about it since then.

[sojourner]

36. Because these were just the first 2 states. There's plenty of time for him to build some more steam.

And it's not a "distant 3rd" yet. I want Edwards. Edwards wants it and is a fighter. He'll go the long haul. He is the one who beats every Republican in national matchups, and does so handily. He's smart, seasoned, and isn't part of the machine. In a three-way race there's still plenty of time for us to choose a candidate without folding.

Comes the general, we'll ALL support the nominee. And that will be that.

[grantcart]

37. His impact on the discussion is much greater than the polls

[Maximus Invictus]

38. Edwards CNN Larry King Live! NOW!

GO EDWARDS GO!

Cheers!

[ncliberal]

39. Thanks! Just tuned in. n/t

[Yael]

40. His message

which is apparently strong enough for both sides of the aisle to copy word for word.

[kurth]

42. The only true voice for the average working American

[The Traveler]

48. Because the crucial issue is creeping corporatism

Corporatism. In Iraq, corporatism is served by transferring wealth from the public coffers to the private sector (e.g. Halliburton and Blackwater) while simultaneously serving as the fuel for the construction of significant paramilitary forces controlled by said private sector. If you are not afraid, you should be. I say this as a former "defense contractor" from the 1980s. Wake up.

Corporatism demanding an ever smaller valuation of human life. Edwards speaks to us of specific examples to drive the matter home. That girl could have been my daughter. I got the message.

Corporatism seeking to gain economic control of food supplies through the introduction of the genetically modified crops and manipulation of intellectual property laws.

Corporatism spending millions of dollars to deny human activity as a cause of global warming and hence climate change.

I could go on ... but you get the drift. Capitalism is a tool, not a holy purpose. Too much power lies in the corporatist hands. The crucial issue is restoration of an effective and more humane balance. Edwards gets that at a visceral level, and I am not convinced that either Clinton or Obama does.

At some point, corporatism must be confronted ... if not now, then when?

[LSK]

49. because he speaks for me

His message is my message. Give us healthcare. Save our jobs. Help the middle class.

Its not about him, its about what hes saying.

[Nutmegger]

53. And he speaks for me.

He will not drop out, nor will I defect to the other teams just because they have a chance at winning.

I'm standing with Edwards!

[Hekate]

51. 48 states have not yet spoken. Why shouldn't Edwards go on? He has valuable things to say. nt

[piesRsquare]

52. What the hell is this shit?!

TWO PRIMARIES! That's it--TWO! And we're talking about Edwards DROPPING?!

People who believe Iowa and New Hampshire are the whole shebang when it comes to selecting candidates can go fuck themselves!

I noticed you just joined DU yesterday--you a right winger? Scared of Edwards?

Edwards has a shitload of support. Unions, economists--you name it!

Get lost!

[Eurobabe]

54. Why should he drop out, it's TWO freaking contests?

Jeezuz. :banghead:

[Seabiscuit]

55. Why don't you want to just drop out?

John Edwards is by far our best candidate on the issues. Thanks to the MSM blackout on Edwards, much of the country doesn't know much about him.

If and when they learn about him, they'll see he's the best and they'll vote for him.

[MagickMuffin]

56. Why should he drop out?

He has a message and it's not just about the voting it's about the delegates

Obama 25, Clinton 24, Edwards 18

So, you tell me why he should drop out after two contests. There are several more to go. With each process each candidate picks up delegates.

You do understand that the more delegates you have the more weight you garner down the road to the convention.

Go Edwards:applause:

[JDPriestly]

57. If Edwards stays in, it most likely will be a brokered convention.

together, Obama and Edwards way beat Hillary. Why should Edwards drop out?

Edwards sets the agenda for the rest of the candidates.

When Bhutto was assassinated, Edwards called Musharraf. Elizabeth Edwards was videoed and in the video she pointed out that while the other candidates ran for a microphone, Edwards ran for the phone. That is leadership she said.

A few days later, Obama decided to call the leader of the opposition party in Kenya where there is so much violence. That was his way of showing he is as good as Edwards.

And think about Hillary's crying jag. What were her word: "This is personal to me." Where have you heard those words before: from Edwards. Hillary stole those words right out of Edwards' mouth. He says that and has been saying that for quite some time. He means it. He said it in the debate the other night in New Hampshire.

Where would Obama and Hillary get their ideas, images and language if it weren't for Edwards.

Edwards' use of language is actually far more compelling than Obama's. Obama talks in the abstract about somebody he met who didn't have health insurance. Edwards can tell you the name of that person and all the details of that person's life. Edwards really cares about that person and takes that person into his heart. You can feel that. There is no faking that. Obama over intellectualizes. Edwards tells the immediate story in simple, compelling language. Deep down, Obama is not about people. He is about the idea of people.

Don't even begin to compare Hillary in terms of the images she evokes in her speeches and language. She is a boring policy wonk. Deep down, she is not about people. She is about Hillary.

Edwards is really about people, about really helping real people. Edwards is the real deal. I want Edwards to stay in this campaign to the finish, no matter what. He is setting the tone for the whole campaign. He is keeping all the candidates focused and on track to the extent that the others are focused and on track.