Here are some of John Edwards comments in no particular order, paraphrased in most cases but close enough to direct quotations to give you a sense of his message:
I seem to be surrounded by John Edwards supporters. Great Virginia Democrats like Libby Garvey and Peter Rousellot can't praise him enough. My good friend Edrie just jumped on the bandwagon as a regional OneCorps organizer. The list goes on and on. The more I see, hear, and learn, the more I think John Edwards is the guy I want in the White House.Andy Hurst, who ran for Congress as a Democrat last year against Tom Davis in the 11th, is another example of someone I respect and trust and who is fully onboard with John Edwards. So, when Andy invited me over to his DC office to shake Senator Edwards' hand and listen to him speak, I was more than happy to stop by.
This was the second chance I've had to meet John Edwards. Edwards stumped with Jim Webb at Mary Washington last summer at an event that was one of the highlights of the campaign. Today's event was more subdued, with a large but cozy crowd at the top of the DC skyline overlooking the Washington monument. It was the perfect setting to hear from a man who has seen it all and who is doing more than any other candidate to articulate a vision of America's future greatness.
Please join me below the fold for a summary of John Edwards comments. Here are some of John Edwards comments in no particular order, paraphrased in most cases but close enough to direct quotations to give you a sense of his message:
* Edwards said he and Elizabeth are getting too much credit for their decision to keep going in the face of Elizabeth's diagnosis last week. "There are millions who have gone through similar circumstances and who didn't have the support we have. They're the real heroes."
* When deciding on a President, we need to look for Honesty, Openness, and a Sense of Decency. Regardless of party, America needs to re-establish a bond with the presidency, because the president will need to re-establish a bond with the rest of the world.
* The time for "small, poll-tested" ideas is gone. It is time for "Bold, transformational change". There's no time for small steps on things like Iraq, Global Warming, Healthcare and the Gap between the Rich and the Poor. "We need to be ready to take Big Steps". "We need to re-establish ourselves as a force for good in the world."
* The next president must travel the world to speak not only about "America the place, but about America the Idea." We are about Equality and Diversity, but the world thinks America is at war with the Muslim World. That needs to change.
* Where is America's leadership? We don't only need to see the world through new eyes, we need to see America through the eyes of the outside world. In 2004, America declared Genocide in Sudan, then backed away and did nothing about it. When the world looks at that, do they see leadership?
* We have to be a force for good in the world. Imagine if, instead of spending $500 B and counting on a war in Iraq, we spent $5 B and gave basic primary education to every child in the world.
* Climate change is an emergency, it's not an issue for the future. If the world goes up 4-8 degrees over the next 75 years, we'll have over 100 M. people displaced, not enough food or water, imagine the political upheaval. We need be an example of good stewardship before we can bring China and India along. We should cap CO2 emissions and ratchet them down year after year. Set a goal to reduce them by 80% by 2050. Charge for emissions and use the proceeds to invest in alternative energies.
* The country of Guantanimo and Abu Gahrib cannot lead the world today.
* There is no such thing as Domestic and Foregn policy anymore. Everyone knows what we do and what we fail to do. The world watched "the shaming of America" in the 9th ward in New Orleans. That was our status in the world that drowned along with New Orleans, because we're all connected.
* "I'm the only canidate with a plan for universal health care".
* I stand for one thing: that every American will have the opportunity to make it no matter where they come from, and regardless of race, creed, gender or whaterver.
* The great question in America today is will we take responsible action to give everyone in America the opportunity to make it.
* I went through public schools, my college education was funded through federal loans and programs. I couldn't be here today if my country wasn't here for me all along.
* American politics today paints a picture of a fearful America. That's not America. We are bold. America is courageous. It's time for America to be bold and courageous again. We don't need a politician in the White House, we need a leader, because the strenght in America isn't in the White House, it's with you, and it's in the courage and decency of the American people.
*There is nothing we can't do if we do it together.
As of right now, I haven't come out in favor of any candidate, but John Edwards is winning me over. Hillary will make a great president, but in my gut, her candidacy is starting to feel Kerry-esque, all head, no heart. Barack Obama is a great politician, but I haven't heard any policy or any issue that makes me want to stand up and cheer. The time for him to be bold is at hand, and I haven't seen it.
I'm waiting for Al Gore, because I think he's unbeatable in the General Election. I'd like to get Wes Clark back in the race as well.
Overall, the clock is ticking and my support is starting to lean towards John Edwards. He's a credible, and courageous leader. I can see the direction America would go under John Edwards and it's the America that the World needs to face the future. At this point John Edwards is speaking my language and is pointedly in service to force greater than himself, like Decency, Honesty, Openness, and Opportunity. He makes a compelling, heady case that is eroding my cynicism, and that's what's wining me over most of all.
I think Edwards/Richardson is a great combo
Thanks to Andy Hurst for hosting it, and much thanks to Josh for creating this forum of discussion for today's Edwards event.
I sort of like what Jim Webb is doing in the Senate anyway. I'd like to leave him there for awhile. Good thing you have edwards '08 on the brain though :)
John Edwards is now the candidate of substance and authenticity. Who woulda' thunkit?
My money says one of them is bound to run.
Poll numbers suggest Gore, since he's AHEAD of Edwards in polls where Gore is included.
But, I expect Edwards numbers to climb up. He's finally getting great exposure and the Right wing loves to rally his supporters by saying stupid crap.
We can thank Rush if Edwards is the nominee. Why is that guy still on talk radio?
If Clark or Gore stay out(Which I don't think they will) then Obama will eventually be my guy.
I wait though, until labor day to officially announce for sure who I will support. I'll just keep flirting with Obama.
I'm not saying he's inexperienced. I'm saying he needs to step up and tell me what he wants to do. I haven't heard it and I'm not going to support him, just because he's a great public speaker.
Or seen the bill's he's sponsored?
Not to mention he was against the war from the start.
He's also concerned about health care, poverty, the environment, economic fairness.
OR check out the things he did in the 8 years in the Illniois State Senate.
The whole notion that Obama is inexperienced or an empty suit is just a load of bunk.
Barack Obama has more legislate experience than Edwards and Abaram Lincoln combined right now.
Jesus Christ.
Here's a video diary I made:
http://www.dailykos....
His ideas are platitudes at best. I love to hear him speak but we need a lot more than that as a president.
And if you want to equate his legislative experience with Edwards that is just silly silly.
What has happened to you drmontoya. Has someone learned your password and stuff and is posting crazy stuff?
Edwards 2.0 is much better than his Senate record, which is MORE conservative than Hillary Clinton (The woman the netroots loves to hate)
Sorry, on issues. I would choose Hillary over John 2.0
But, I'll support the nominee 100%
Come on, Montoya--the day is fading for Obama. He did good for a while and he's gonna be great someday, but he ain't there yet. Give your candidate time to get some seasoning. He's not ready for the big time. He needs to understand unions, and economic fairness and he ain't there yet. Time to quit voting for TV stars and get some experience in the White House.
As for his writing--it's OK, but I'm not etching it stone. If we're nominating writers, Jim Webb goes to the top of the heap, but hell, Jim's at the top of the heap anyway. I can't believe you Virginians aren't crying out for Webb to run. He's best in show in the whole party. Maybe you're too close to see Webb's real star in the Democratic Party. As for him being VP, that's fine if the next President can get used to being the 2nd smartest person in the room.
Sorry, I like John Edwards, but this anti-Obama tripe is a joke.
Either way, dwell all you want on the past, and thats not even why Obama's my #2 candidate, I want firm policy proposals and outlines of what a candidate will do in office. I firmly believe John Edwards is displaying that kind of leadership, and is still the only candidate to outline and give the voters policy proposals on some of our most pressing issues. He has been straight shooting on his positions, and doesn't care much for poll-tested answers and talking points.
Like I said, I like Obama, and if he were our candidate, I'd all but kick down the door of the White House to plant his tail in the oval office.
Hell, I'm very "concerned" about all those things, too, but you don't see me announcing my bid! I want to see policy plans, and bold ones, which is what John Edwards brings to the table.
Like him or not, agree with his policy plans or not, he's the only one so far that is upfront in outlining various initiatives on issues. If Obama is our nominee I'll kick down doors for the man, don't get me wrong. I like his message of hope, and I've been hoping for bold action and leadership, and thats what Johnny brings to the table.
Edwards has taken a small lead over Obama and Hillary there, and has been near the top the entire time due to a fantastic network that has been in place there since before the primaries for '04.
Whether he's elected or not, in my mind this is America's first couple.
All my personal political involvement is due to John Edwards!
If you are surrounded by Peter & Libby you are in fabulous company, Josh!