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What Will the Edwards Endorsement Mean for Obama and Clinton?
May 14, 2008 6:46 PM
ABC News' David Chalian Reports: As the political world mulls the meaning (or lack thereof) in former Sen. John Edwards' endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., seven points to consider:
1. Endorsements don't really carry much sway with voters.
2. This comes on the heels of 48 hours of an intense media spotlight (and much discussion since the April 22 PA primary) focused on Barack Obama's apparent troubles wooing white working class voters to his campaign in large numbers. Edwards can likely serve as a high profile validator for Obama with those voters.
3. John Edwards recently said in some interviews that he was suspect about how much endorsements matter and that it appeared to him that Sen. Obama was quite likely to be the nominee.
4. This also comes on the heels of Sen. Clinton's huge victory in West Virginia. Her decision to do TV interviews with all the network anchors Wednesday afternoon was an attempt to parlay that West Virginia primary victory into a news cycle of mini-momentum if -- for nothing else -- than to raise some badly needed cash off of it. The Obama decision to roll this high profile endorsement out in time to be taken live on the evening newscasts is a clear attempt to steal Clinton's West Virginia thunder.
5. Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama sought Edwards' endorsement in person at the Edwards home in North Carolina.
6. Elizabeth Edwards in the past has said she would not necessarily feel obliged to support the same candidate her husband chose to support. She will not be a part of her husband's endorsement, and Mrs. Edwards has been on the record endorsing Sen. Clinton's health care plan over that of Sen. Obama's.
7. Endorsements don't really carry much sway with voters.
May 14, 2008 in Bush, George W., Hunter, Duncan, Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom, Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (258)
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We have 14 weeks till the convention don't tell me that its too late to have an election in Florida and Michigan.
How do you win a national election when you fought to prevent the people of florida and michagen from casting their votes during the primaries.
Answer: You don't win, you lose. How do you tell people I want your vot in November when you fought to keep them away from the ballot box in the primaries. Does anyone know how you do that?
Posted by: al | May 14, 2008 7:50:56 PM
In the end, the DNC as well as Obama and his supporters, will reap what they have sown.
For sure, their harvest will be very, very bitter...
A Proud, Black, Hillary Supporter
Rise, Hillary, Rise!'08
Posted by: LeeLee07 | May 14, 2008 7:52:25 PM
3 republicans alread lost so far , doesn't matter who the democrat put up ,
people had enough of george bush and now McCain promise 4 more years to carry on his policy , not a chance.
John Mc-bush will get blown out , he is soo flawed he cant even carry the Republican base , Hucakbee and others keep getting the core votes in these end primaries.
Posted by: end-is-near | May 14, 2008 7:53:37 PM
It means the dems need to win...more than Hillary deserves some kind of birthrite...and Obama has garnered more votes even counting the two states (if you count the no choice in Michigan since his anme was not on the ballot)
and won every margin...
More Americans want Obama than Hillary.
Period.
That is the point...and Edwards is saying with whatever voice he has... don't be fooled or mislead...the primary is finished and dems need to win. Hillary did not win ...can not win more votes.
Too manu issues for her to keep pushing storylines that hurt the issues.
Posted by: dl | May 14, 2008 7:56:53 PM
I will not vote for Obama. He attended a racist church for 20 years. I am not racist, but I view him to be! I have no problem voting for a black man or woman, I just will not vote for this man, regardless of the amount of coloring in his skin. I feel that the media is responsible for favorably promoting him over others from the beginning. I am very frustrated over the fact that the media is saying that people are voting for Hillary because they are racist. I see Hillary as being the best candidate to win in the General Election. I am college graduate living in FL. Obama did not allow for a revote and chose not to place his name on the MI ballot. Some have said they are not concerned with losing women and working-class people from the Democratic party because they have plenty of new and younger voters to take their places. My loyalty to the party is waning because it seems that the party cares not about my vote or the votes of others like me. Hillary is the best candidate to win the GE and no one should be telling her to drop from the race. I hope she takes it all the way to the Convention, if needed. Go HILLARY!
Posted by: JD in FL | May 14, 2008 7:58:56 PM
Our egos can either add to what is precieved as an uncomfortable situation called drama or accept the situation as it is for the moment. When we put out negative energy we recieve negative responses. Breath folks. The partnering between the two candidates is not good or bad rather, it is what it is, "an endorsement".
Posted by: Words | May 14, 2008 7:59:40 PM
Wow, I'm impressed at how many uninformed and unintelligent comments are on here.
Even for a blog, it's pretty amazing how many people make claims that they don't back up with any facts or citations, and offer false rumors as proof of their misinformed opinions.
Posted by: Sioen | May 14, 2008 8:00:21 PM
Al why don't you tell Hillary to say yes to the stipulations that were laid at HER campaigns feet to count them or revote.
Both of which were very fair ...no she wants Michigan to count as is ...c'mon.
This is done...and everyone in the world besides a handful of Hillary supporters have woken up to that.
and that handful is just for some reason having a tough time putting what is right ahead of their own anger at not having their way.
sorry but that is the truth.
Posted by: dl | May 14, 2008 8:00:23 PM
Dear Al,
Nobody "fought" to keep Michigan and Florida from voting. Everyone knew what the rules were going into the primaries, and both Clinton and Obama agreed to them (in fact, Bill Clinton helped set them!). The powers that be in Michigan and Florida decided to break the rules. Clinton now wants to change the rules since she didn't win.
We are supposed to be a nation based on the rule of law, not Royal fiat. If you agree with our founding fathers, you then believe that the agtreed upon rules need to be followed by everyone. I can understand that you feel cheated out of having influence, however your anger should be directed at the State leaders who decided to break the rules. Ironically, had they had their primary election within the agreed upon time frame, you would have had even greater influence, but, like I said, we are a nation based on laws, not the whims of rulers.
Posted by: John | May 14, 2008 8:03:05 PM
Maybe Edwards can help Obama win KY...
If not, it just means even Edwards cannot fix Obama's problems...
Posted by: True Truth | May 14, 2008 8:03:46 PM
Why do you guys keep screaming about West Virginia? Ok, I congratulate Hillary on her West Vigina victory but we do not live in the United States of West Virginia!!!! We live in the United States of America (PERIOD)! West Virginia is a miniscule state with only 5 measley Electoral Votes!!!!! Obama has won over 30 States, has more pledge delegates, more super delegates, and more votes!!!!
So, stop saying that the Dems and Obama are stealing this nomination. They won it fair and square. West Virgina had their say. So did North Carolina, Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Iowa, Connecticut, and the rest. If Hillary is the most electable candidate, why can't she win a simple nomination where she started with more money, generous press coverage, and a 100+ Superdelegate lead?? Why couldn't she close the deal given her massive head start? What has all of that so called experience brought her and her 20 million dollar indebted campaign? Sorry, but I'd rather have Obama, a man who knows what he's doing in the WHite House.
Posted by: DemocratsUnited | May 14, 2008 8:05:57 PM
JD in FL
your party cares about bringing the soldiers home.
Saving the planet
Getting the poor and disenfranchised healthcare
Women's rights
getting our standing back in the world
separation of church and state
the constitution
solving the housing crisis...not letting it "work itself out"
and so many other issues...
your party is the party if elected will bring the world back to the American table as an ally.
getting our education level competitive with the 50 countries thata re ahead of us...
so if you don't think you believe in your party because they didn't cowtow to the old boys netwrok and Hillary Clinton...
then I feel bad for you.
and vote out of spite but it won't be the right thing to do...and somewhere deep inside of you ...you (all) know that.
but it does feel good to vote out of anger I guess... too bad it won't feel good in 4 years.
Posted by: dl | May 14, 2008 8:06:27 PM
Obamaknew...
...but you didn't.
wake up.
Posted by: dl | May 14, 2008 8:08:51 PM
Another attempt to run Hillary out of the campaign.JE is another smooth talking opportunistic politician who wanted to time his endorsement for perfection.Running out Hillary is going to backfire for the Democratic party who are arrogant,sexists and snobish.BO is too arrogant and snooty and dismissive.In Hillary Clinton we have seen the most combative resilient and fighting spirit we have ever seen in a woman who has stood up to the elitist sexist party and the media and stood eyeball to eyeball with men.Too bad the Democrats can't see past thier noses and elect this truly amazing, courageous woman. In her speeches last night and today she has also shown grace and magnamity not seen in her arrogant opponent.The elitist and sexist Democratic party should be taken to the cleaners.Men for women and women for womn should rise. It is time for independents and fair minded Democrats to say enough is enough and don't belittle women any more.The ubderhand way BO has set about in trying to boot HRC while playing true in public is typical of BO that Americans have yet to see.Race is not a factor and color is certainly not a factor, but, this man is a true phony, who is taking the Americans for a ride.
Posted by: Warren5678 | May 14, 2008 8:10:58 PM
The arrogant elitist Democratic party will never select a woman to be a President. The Deans and the Pelosis ( nasty catwoman), the Kennedys and the kerrys will never have it.It is time to say no the Democrats.Thow out the best ever, yes, the best ever Presidential candidate and we will throw you out.HRC, the way you have taken on your opponenents head on in their own back yards, even winning media admiration is truly amazing. You are a woman of true grits and steel. I salute you.
Posted by: Warren5678 | May 14, 2008 8:17:55 PM
@DemocratsUnited - Not only his word, but several others. Maybe you should check out talk radio sometime and listen to what the Right-wingers are talking about. They have interesting plans for Obama. It just might set your hair on fire. Furthermore, from what I have been hearing, Obama's scandals are far jucier and newer... lol.
A Proud, Black, Hillary Supporter
Rise, Hillary, Rise!'08
Posted by: LeeLee07 | May 14, 2008 8:18:08 PM
John,
I agree with you 100% Clinton does not have a prayer in Oregon. There are too many Educated, Latte Sipping, Starbucks going, Prius Driving Elitist living in that state. She insulted them a great deal.
This will be Obama's West Virginia. That is going to be the big prize next tuesday and will have twice as many delegates as West Virginia in play. The thing is, Clinton may have had a chance in West Virginia, if she had let the bitter comments pass. She should have accepted as a mispeak and moved on. She would have won Pennsylvania anyway. Everyone knew it was going to happen. But she insulted a great many Americans with her own ambitions and now, when she needs them again in Oregon, they will not be there to deliver :(
Posted by: DemocratsUnited | May 14, 2008 8:18:51 PM
Mickey,
You are right.
Especially his hair costs $400.
Posted by: catleya | May 14, 2008 8:27:05 PM
@DemocratsUnited - Sorry you don't listen to talk radio - it could give you some idea of the Republican's game plan - which is why I listen to the other side... The media won't touch it, I agree, but those 527 groups will, not to mention those other videos that are out on the net. It will be the drip, drip, drip effect. Too many people saying the same thing and people will begin to believe their is some truth to the rumor. Not good at all.
A Proud, Black, Hillary Supporter
Rise, Hillary, Rise!'08
Posted by: LeeLee07 | May 14, 2008 8:32:11 PM
Can the latte-drinking, pot-smoking and arugula-eating Obamamaniac enlighten me why Edwards's endorsement is at all relevant?
He's joined a long list of wannabes: Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Howard Dean, George McGovern, Bill Richardson, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson & his son, Chris Dodd...
How many of them was elected President?
How many of them was elected President twice?
How many of them ever lifted a finger for the middle class whose cause they claim to champion?
If they are waiting for the middle class to become as poor as the poor before offering them any help, I certainly want them to say it loudly on television (instead of laughing at the "poor, ignorant" Whites at some party hosted by Nancy Pelosi somewhere off limits to the media---such as that place in San Fran where Mr. Obama ridiculed tens of millions of them).
Edwards Home County's Largest
http://www.carolinajournal.com/exclusives/display_exclusive.html?id=3848
http://www.johnlocke.org/site-docs/images/edwardshouse-low.jpg
Posted by: Brent | May 14, 2008 8:32:12 PM
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