I supported Edwards. I supported Clark.

[Maddy McCall]

I've supported many, many candidates who didn't make it through the primary process.

After much reading, listening, and consideration, I decided to support Edwards in this primary season. Now that he's out, the burden is on me, the INFORMED VOTER, to go back to the drawing board...to read, listen, research more on the two candidates who remain.

I AM a Democrat. I will REMAIN a Democrat. I WILL vote for either Obama or Clinton in the March 11 primary in Mississippi. And next November, I'll vote for whichever Democrat emerges our nominee. I'll also vocally support that person as the big fight--the general election--nears. I'll probably donate a few bucks, too.

Anyone who wishes to sit out of the general election, or write in a candidate that isn't even running any more, is doing nothing more than playing into the Republican trap. And we used to hope that evangelicals would sit out of elections. Geez, the irony is so obvious that it's almost funny.

We should never become so wrapped up in any single candidate that we see that person as the "savior" of our party and of our nation. When that happens, one has to wonder if he or she is too deeply invested in the person. There are no "saviors." To believe so is cult-like and myopic.

I'll soon support another candidate for president. I can guarantee you that the DU banter over a snubbed handshake, or "Ray-Ray," or a husband's mention of Jesse Jackson will have NO EFFECT on my decision.

I implore other Edwards supporters to look at the candidates' stances on the issues. Ignore the DU crap. Make the decision that fits you best as a Democrat.

That's what I'm going to do. In the meantime, reading the disgusting harping on meaningless shit at DU will do nothing more than provide an amusing pastime to me. It certainly will play NO role in the weighty decision I'll be making in the next week or two.

I adore Edwards. HE IS A DEMOCRAT. Does anyone here believe that he would want ANY of you to drop your support of our party as one of the most important elections in our nation approaches? When you say that you will not vote if Edwards isn't on the ballot, well, you sound like a two year old throwing a tantrum. We need change in this nation. We need a Democrat in the White House. Even if we have to suck it up and support a candidate that isn't "perfect."

I'll be reading and researching a lot tonight. I'm going to make a decision soon, between Clinton and Obama. I hope that other Edwards supporters will join me in doing what is right for our party AND our nation.

[LostinVA]

1. NIce thoughtful post

Good luck in your decision.

[Maddy McCall]

2. Thanks.

I'm already leaning a little toward one of the candidates. I've got a lot of reading to do.

[LostinVA]

6. It's something that does take alot of -- study -- I guess you'd call it

I am dispoointed about JRE -- he was my straong second choice.

[Maddy McCall]

8. It's irresponsible to let DU affect which candidate one supports.

When I see people say that they are basing their decisions on DU, I almost want to puke.

[Jack Bone]

3. it's too early for me..

I understand your vote is on March 11th...I've got until May something 'er other...I'm gonna let this wound scab up a bit before I start the education process on other candidates..

beautiful post BTW, Rec'd

[Maddy McCall]

5. Good for you.

Yeah, this definitely hurt today. :(

[Hoof Hearted]

4. I supported Clark too. Good luck w/your decision. I was genuinely sorry to se JE drop, even though

conventional wisdom seems to be that he was taking votes from Hillary. I've never believed in that crap anyway.

I hope tomorrow nights debate doesn't devolve into total savagery with JE gone.

[Maddy McCall]

7. I'll be watching the debate very closely tomorrow night.

It'll be informative to see these two go at it...how they handle that will have at least a little effect on my decision. I hope that they'll stick to discussing the issues instead of zinging each other.

[Tatiana]

9. God do I know how you feel. n/t

[Maddy McCall]

11. Yep.

We'll survive. :) :hug:

[book_worm]

10. I supported Dean, Biden and then Edwards

I agree with everything you said.

[Maddy McCall]

13. I really adore Biden.

I WISH he were still in. Much wisdom in that man.

[redqueen]

12. I'm still voting for Edwards in the primary, to hopefully get him some more delegates.

I will vote for the nominee in the GE... to do otherwise is madness.

[Maddy McCall]

15. I need to read more on what will happen at the convention.

Is your primary on Feb. 5? If Mississippi's were, I'd probably go ahead and vote for Edwards. I'm hoping that I've made a decision before March 11.

Like you, regardless, I'll support the Democrat in the general. :D

[redqueen]

17. Nope... March 5th.

:)

[Maddy McCall]

18. I will wait to see who Edwards endorses...

and I might go with his endorsement. I might not, though. Sooo much can happen between now and March.

If I'm still undecided in March, I'll do what you're doing. :)

[lonestarnot]

21. I already voted for him on an early ballot. Poof. There went that.

LOL

[Abacus]

14. A couple resources

Clinton info:
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/
http://www.ontheissues.org/Hillary_Clinton.htm

Obama info:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

[Maddy McCall]

16. Thanks!

I'm bookmarking this thread so that I can come back and use those links. Thanks!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

19. BRAVO! Well said. nt

[lonestarnot]

20. Senator Obama voted 2 times that were right the first time BK and War, but

Senator Clinton is brilliant and has Big Dog in her corner, in addition to not sucking up to a Ray Gun type. I plan to go see him (Bill) at ASU this weekend. I can't make up my mind. Reading a book on Senator Obama. :toast: happy deciding decider! :toast:

[Rowdyboy]

22. I'm in the same boat.....Damn, why can't my guy last through a primary season!

I'm really sick about it and really not sure how we'll vote. We're still getting used to the idea that the campaign is over. John and Elizabeths voices will be sorely missed.

[Maddy McCall]

24. I know.

I can honestly say that no primary candidate of mine has ever made it to the nomination.

I hope that both of you are well. I often miss YOUR voice on DU.

:hug:

[WCGreen]

23. I know of what you speak...

I really wanted Johnny E to take the White House...

He was the closest thing we had to a populist since Walter Mondale ran in 1984...

The media crucified him with the $ 400.00 haircut and the Mansion and never once mention his stance on the issue...

He had a burden to overcome, running against two candidates who represented history in the making for many many people...

If that history making turns into good government, well, we shall have to see...

So I'm with you, Maddy...

It looks as if I'm leaning toward Obama but I still have some questions to research about economic issues...

[Maddy McCall]

25. That's the stickler for me, too.

Economic/social issues. That's what I'm going to be really digging into.

Yes, Edwards' populism was what drew me to him. I thought the haircut and mansion stuff was ridiculous...desperation to slime a good man.