Edwards is doing this for the Democratic Party

[Barack_America]

And that's it. Not for Hillary. Not for Obama.

John McCain is now the undisputed front-runner in the Republican race, having won a Republican-only primary. The Republican field is now effectively reduced to McCain and Romney, with Guiliani dropping out and Huckabee essentially eliminated.

John McCain is now likely to win the Republican nomination and the threat of a brokered convention for the Republicans is lessened.

McCain also has significant appeal to centrists and Independents, groups that Democrats need to attract.

Edwards likely realized some time ago that, for whatever reason, securing the Democratic nomination would be difficult, if not impossible. However, he obviously realized that his campaign might secure enough delegates to force a brokered convention for the Democrats.

A protracted battle amongst Democrats only helps one man, John McCain.

I think that John Edwards is stepping back to prevent that from happening. His loyalty is to Democrats and Democratic principles, not Hillary or Obama.

That's what I think, anyway.

[Labors of Hercules]

1. I think you've nailed it, Kristi!

K&R!

[Barack_America]

12. Thanks very much....n/t

[soleft]

2. And I would imagine that John and Elizabeth are a bit heartbroken

I hope they get to see their ideals fufilled.

[maximusveritas]

3. Good point

I think that's true.

[redqueen]

4. Strongly disagree. "Who's afraid of John Edwards?"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4285825

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4286520

[babylonsister]

6. Ted Rall? I thought his opinion was full of hot air on this forum. At least

it was the last time I posted a Clinton article he wrote. :shrug:

[redqueen]

7. It's not just his opinion. He's talking about reality.

A reality few seem willing to face up to.

We see the media's role in so many things... but on this... so many made up other reasons for their behavior.

Ah well...

[OzarkDem]

15. As do I

I think he's realized the party is too far gone, too far compromised by corporate money and the DLC to turn things around.

[TwilightGardener]

5. I said that he was realistic and wouldn't try to go to the convention--

he's a good guy, and you're right, he's putting the party and the country before his own ambitions.

[babylonsister]

8. I think you are right, but there's also the matter of money.

He didn't have a lot to campaign with, unlike the other frontrunners.

But it still makes me sad- for him, his family, and all of his devoted supporters.

[Barack_America]

13. I think that Edwards wasn't as concerned about money...

...except to pay his staffers. He would've like more, sure, but I think he would've gone on without it.

I think this was, at its core, a selfless move.

[JohnnyLib2]

9. Good people. I hope we see him in the next administration.

:kick:

[elocs]

10. DU is not the place for political pragmatism.

Many here are still pissed with Gore for having the temerity not to run when they felt he had an obligation. How dare he not run? The same people have no trouble with making the decisions for others also.

[OzarkDem]

16. Then we'll continue to fail

[FlyingSquirrel]

11. You are correct. John would NEVER have knuckled under

to the corporations. What he is doing is very statesmanlike, and probably came at just the right time. Now (we can only hope) Obama and Clinton will be able to focus on the issues in the next two debates and we'll see a clear winner emerging on Super Tuesday. As much of a shock as the announcement was to me, within a minute it made perfect sense. John knows that a brokered convention would not be good for our party, and also knows that it's better to let the American Public decide who will be the nominee rather than let him be "kingmaker". If John had stayed in till after Super Tuesday, it could have been too late for that.

As promised, I'll change my avatar to Obama shortly, and support him here on DU. But first I want to hear John's speech.

[karlrschneider]

14. I think that is crap because Edwards would have WAY more chance to beat the Repugs

than either BO or HC.

[OzarkDem]

17. He knows that, too

that's why I doubt he'll be looking for a place in anyone else's administration. He knows the odds are against it ever becoming a reality.

[karlrschneider]

18. Maybe he finally just hit the last-straw /'fuck it' stage like Al Gore apparently has.

To tell the truth, I find it amazing that any sane person would even begin to want to be president.
...:shrug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

21. Exactly right! Which is why the corprat media ignored him. More of the same.

[GalleryGod]

19. Johnny We Knew Ye, and Truly Love Ye !

Stay well, kind sir!

[Barack_America]

20. Sounds like this is the case, after all.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4296341&mesg_id=4296341

Edwards supporters should read the above thread. John made a tough sacrifice today for the good of our party.

[eridani]

22. Why not a brokered convention?

I still like the idea, and think it would be good for the party.