Is Edwards getting desperate to compete?

[PresidentObama]

I just don't understand this. First off, it should be noted of the already announced candidates John Edwards is my favorite. But his recent moves show desperation to compete against Obama and Hillary for cash. I don't get it, I just don't. First, Coulter uses anti-gay language to insult Edwards. And instead of a rapidfire response with Edwards slinging back full throttle we get a desperate plea for a contribution in "Coulter Cash" botching the response IMO to the Coulter situation.

Now as Edwards was the first to back out of the FOX News debate, it seems the debate isn't going to happen. And FOX News is firing back. Instead of a carefully crafted response from the campaign, Edwards again is begging for cash to 'fight' back against FOX.

What is this? Is John Edwards desperately raising money from the outrage over FOX News and Ann Coulter to stay competitive?

I like you John, but I just don't like this. Not at all!!

[saltpoint]

1. A very smart series of moves by the Edwards campaign, from the Coulter

smear to tonight's punch-in-the-nose to FOX News.

Should a politician raise money on these events? Should a Democrat oppose the propaganda FOX dishes out 24/7? Should an issue be made of the transgressions of the Far Right? Should we honor someone who finds a way to capitalize on them?

You bet.

Good goin', John Edwards. That's how we win in 2008.

[PresidentObama]

3. Smart series of moves? I sense desperation.

If the best response you can give to Ann Coulter and FOX News is "Give us money to fight back" then something is up. I've liked Edwards campaign, and thought he was running a great campaign--but I don't get this.

Are they not as competitive against Obama and Clinton, moneywise, as I thought?

:shrug:

[saltpoint]

8. There are big-picture and long-term considerations here. John Edwards

has just put FOX News on the defensive. They stand accused of being what they are: a propaganda machine for the Far Right, a headquarters of smear-monkeys who distort every piece of news about Democrats there is.

This isn't only about whether one candidate raises money from Ann Coulter's acid tongue. This is a new model for how Democrats from this point forward tell FOX to go straight to hell.

[loudsue]

6. I agree. I think John knows full well what he's doing, and it

seems to be working! Of all the announced candidates that are running, I prefer Edwards far & above the others. But I have to say, I REALLY like Obama's style of hitting back, tit-for-tat, the way he's done it so far. They are employing two different styles of hitting back, but I think they're both very effective, and suit the candidate's personality.


:kick:

[saltpoint]

13. Agree with enthusiasm. Here are two guys who are getting it done.

And both will show considerable strength in the party primaries, I believe.

[AshevilleGuy]

2. Well, maybe he is short on cash.

I don't think he would do this were he not. Or, he is getting bad advice.

But I can understand his frustration day after day: every other word out of Tweety and Tucker's mouths is Hilary, Hilary, Hilary, Obama, Obama, Obama...

[PresidentObama]

5. Maybe so. And if he is, nothing to be ashamed of.

Hillary and Obama are sucking up all the money right now. And he has to stay competitive, but still. The desperation of using Coulter's remarks for money, it really turned me off and wasn't the kind of response I expected after such an outrageous statement by Ann Coulter.

[Mojambo]

4. It's right out of the Dean playbook

Everytime someone hits you, you go to your supporters and ask them to hit back.

Worked pretty good for Dean back in 04.

[PresidentObama]

7. But when Dean did it--it didn't reek of desperation. If that makes sense n/t

[saltpoint]

10. It doesn't now either. Your word is misplaced.

[spooky3]

14. it doesn't to me, unless you have some sort of evidence

to back it up. Otherwise, it just seems like a feeling you have, which obviously you're entitled to, but makes it difficult for those who don't have the same feeling to respond to.

And-did you read his or Elizabeth's responses?

[PresidentObama]

37. I read both n/t

[spooky3]

40. then why don't you provide the specifics and evidence

to back up your "feeling"?

[PresidentObama]

44. Do you want me to dissect the response piece by piece?

:shrug: Because I never said I was disappointed in the words he said. I said I was disappointed in the fact his campaigns response was to ask for money, and basically to beg for it. The first e-mail from the Edwards campaign I got after the Coulter situation was one of the staff members saying they were throwing in 100 dollars, and I should too. Thats desperation, my friend!! Sadly.

[spooky3]

65. You said, and I quote,

"And instead of a rapidfire response with Edwards slinging back full throttle we get a desperate plea for a contribution in 'Coulter Cash' botching the response IMO to the Coulter situation."

He did not simply ask for cash (or turn down the Fox debate). But as others have pointed out, (a) in today's real world of politics, candidates have to have huge campaign chests of $ to compete so there should be nothing offensive about being approached for $ and (b) it can be viewed as a shrewd strategy to try to make lemonade out of lemons.

What would be helpful would be to know EXACTLY and SPECIFICALLY what you think he SHOULD have said and done. What is a "rapidfire response with Edwards slinging back full throttle"? Then the rest of can evaluate whether we agree that what you propose would have been more effective than what Edwards did do.

[mtnsnake]

9. Compared to Democrats of past years, Edwards has actually fought back nicely

in these incidents. Not that he's throwing any earth shattering punches, but it seems to me like he's learned his lesson not to turn the other cheek and to take action instead. The way I see it, he took the first swipe at Fox by telling them to fuck off for their debate.

[PresidentObama]

12. But you don't think asking for Coulter Cash was a poor response?

I was expecting more, and got less!! I was really disappointed in his response to that, I was expecting John to lace on the boxing gloves and go to task.

[AlCzervik]

17. then don't vote for him if he's not living up to your standards, it's really that easy

[PresidentObama]

20. What a bad response.

I love John Edwards, but if I don't like something he does and bring it up--the response is don't vote for him?

[AlCzervik]

21. really, what a terrible thread title and gee sorry he's let you down so much.

[PresidentObama]

23. You know whats letting me down more?

The kind of response I'm getting to my concern.

Don't like what he did? Don't vote for him!!

Gee, I'm glad Presidential candidates don't have that attitude and actually want my vote. Again, I like John Edwards. He's my current favorite in the race. But I expect certain things of him, and I'm not going to remain silent if he's giving me less then what I and others who support him and his run expect.

[AlCzervik]

29. you took a silk purse and turned it into a sow's ear-you did that.

he boycotted the debate and now others are following suit so instead of thinking that was a good thing to do that showed leadership you decided to make him out to be desperate.

[PresidentObama]

35. Richardson turned down the debate.

Is he using it to raise money? It's desperation to compete with Hillary and Obama. What else would it be?

[AlCzervik]

38. is he using yet-no, will he--maybe and thats fine with me.

[PresidentObama]

42. Will he? Doubtful. n/t

[AlCzervik]

43. and you know this how?

[PresidentObama]

45. Because he would have announced it already.

:banghead:

[AlCzervik]

48. has Fox attacked him? Don't think for a second you can anticipate any candidates move

because you can't and neither can i or anyone else.

[PresidentObama]

59. So is this money Edwards is raising....

....Is it specifically being used to combat FOX News? Every penny of it? Every last cent?

[AlCzervik]

63. he's going to need every cent of it because Fox news will be all over him

as they will with every other every democrat. When the attacks start in earnest on the other candidates you'll be getting the emails from their campaigns.

[PresidentObama]

70. You're right about Fox News and attacking Democrats. n/t

[mtnsnake]

18. Perhaps you missed his other rhetoric about Coulter.

He not only got Coulter cash, a move that was widely lauded by the press, but he also talked about the politics of hatred, meaning Coulter. He blistered her pretty good and remained level headed while he did it.

[PresidentObama]

27. Not really. I felt his response was mainly to get my money.

More or less. I liked Elizabeth Edwards response a lot better. She did a fine job with her response, I must say!! Gotta love Elizabeth :)

[Robbien]

11. This thread

smells of a hit piece against Edwards.

They all keep begging for money but this thread puts forth the idea that Edwards asking for money is a sign of desperation, ignoring the fact that the other candidates are also begging for money with each breath they breathe.

[PresidentObama]

15. Allow me to laugh at your comment.

Hit piece against Edwards?

Excuse me, did you miss the part where I said he's my favorite of the current candidates? And have you missed the threads I've been praising him in? And I really hope this election doesn't turn into every hit your campaign takes turning it into a fundraising opportunity. I expected more out of the Coulter response, and got less and instead was asked for my money!!

[saltpoint]

19. Don't donate if you don't want to. Politicians need to raise cash and

lots of it.

Go for the big picture and the long term in this event.

It will reach farther and make more sense.

[PresidentObama]

22. So I shouldn't be upset my current favorite candidate in the race....

....used the response to Coulter's mean anti-gay comments to try and get into my pocketbook instead of firing back full throttle?

[saltpoint]

24. It's a question of your getting it wrong.

You've misinterpreted the events as they happened.

And by a wide margin.

Reconsider your points if you want or throw a fit if you choose and pretend you were wronged by Edwards' campaign.

Had most of us been his advisors we would have told him to do the same thing, and he should fire us if we didn't.

[PresidentObama]

28. Hilarious. Good luck supporting your candidate if you can't....

....listen to concerns about your candidate others bring up. So far in this thread I've gotten don't vote for him if you don't like his response, and if you are concerned with his response you're throwing a fit. I'm sorry I don't live in the fantasy land that our candidates do no wrong, and make no mistakes. I thought Edwards response to Coulter and FOX News was a mistake, plain and simple.

[spooky3]

31. Then why don't you be more specific about exactly what he said

that you did not like and exactly what you think he should have said and done? Specific words would be helpful.

You can start with this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x380696

[saltpoint]

33. Robbien makes an excellent point in this thread. Fundraising is not

the most romantic of political acts but it is absolutely an essential one. Robbien's right that fundraising will intensify, not lessen, as the campaign goes on. It's foolish to think otherwise.

Edwards was very smart to do what he did.

Coulter lost that round big time.

She called a Democratic presidential candidate a faggot. I love the way the Edwards campaign turned her bile into beauty. Judging from the logo symbol in your posts I think you might want to reconsider. Raising cash on Coulter's acid lips? Absolutely, as often as possible and as much as can be humanly counted.

You've got this one dead wrong, 2008.

[PresidentObama]

34. No I do not.

I don't have this wrong at all. The only thing wrong is my concern is met with responses like "stop throwing a fit" and "don't like it, don't vote for him"

As a gay American, I expected a better response out of John Edwards. I didn't expect for him to use the opportunity MOSTLY not to respond, but to try and raise money off the situation. It left a bad taste in my mouth, and I know a lot of people felt the same way. I cringed when I got the e-mail begging for "Coulter Cash"

It was a poor response, plain and simple. Elizabeth Edwards gave a WONDERFUL response!!

[saltpoint]

36. I disagree. It was a TERRIFIC response, and damned effective.

You roll your sleeves up against the slime, 2008, and you strike back at them. FOX is bad news, pun intended. Coulter is a raving asshole lunatic. Don't punish Edwards for finding a productive and strategic response to their warped distortions of the truth.

Yes, you got it wrong.

[PresidentObama]

39. I think you're under the impression Edwards is using this money...

....to ACTUALLY combat Coulter. And not to combat Obama and Hillary from both sides. Geez-us.

He's using anti-gay slurs for opportunities to raise money. Thats my beef. The FOX News thing was the icing on the cake, but I care about that too. Just not as much as the Coulter Cash situation. I was disappointed in his response literally begging for money on the heels of the Coulter statement. And as a gay American, I felt disappointed in his response.

[saltpoint]

41. Maybe as a gay American you could address Coulter's use of the word

'faggot,' which I would certainly have assumed you'd find offensive.

If you don't find it offensive, I'll find it offensive in your behalf.

You ought to go to the large screen on this issue, 2008. You're way the hell off.

[PresidentObama]

47. What do you mean maybe I should address Coulter's use of the word?

Can we stay on track here? As a gay American, I expect John Edwards to fight back full throttle after this. Not some little press release where he fights back, and then his campaign begs for cash. Do I wish he did more? Yes. Do I wish he wouldn't have used it desperately to raise cash off the anger of those offended? Yes.

I'm not way off, I'm right on the money. And I don't live in the fantasy land that candidates don't make mistakes, and I shouldn't sit by and take what they give me when it's less then what we all deserve.

[saltpoint]

51. No sooner had Coulter opened her vile mouth than the HRC -- that's the

group whose logo symbol you use in your posts -- went to work asking supporters to take action against the bigotry.

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/actioncenter/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=6872445

You are pretending that raising money for a Democratic candidate is an inappropriate response to FOX or Coulter's bigotry.

I believe many people in the HRC would strongly disagree with you.

[PresidentObama]

54. That link took me to a page that had nothing to do with contributing to anything.

It was about sending letters to editors of newspapers.

And because I'm gay doesn't mean I live and die by everything the HRC does, but again they didn't ask for money according to that link you just provided. Senator Edwards did!!

[saltpoint]

61. My description of the page is accurate. Read it again if you want to.

Meanwhile, if money is the problematic variable for you, you'd best flee the world of politics altogether.

It's sewn together with money.

[mtnsnake]

49. I thought he did address it in posts 32 and 34

where he said he wanted a stronger response from Edwards as to Coulter's remark.

[SOS]

99. Why fire back full throttle against a laughingstock?

Since it was an ad hominem attack, rather than her usual outright lies, there's no upside in a public argument with her.
Coulter's pretty much off TV. Newspapers are dumping her. Republicans are criticizing her.
Engaging her would be a mistake.
Her instability is so severe now, she's slowly disappearing from public view.
Making some money off her and then ignoring her seems wise.

[Robbien]

26. If you are upset

about all the fundraising now

imagine how you are going to feel in nineteen months after receiving appeal after appeal each and every day.

Edwards is going to ask for your money and is going to ask for it all the time.

Fact of life. Period.

[PresidentObama]

32. As a gay American....

I expected a better response from John Edwards then I got. Elizabeth Edwards gave a WONDERFUL response, and I appreciated that. But if the candidate that I currently like in the race uses something I'm concerned about as mainly a fundraising tool--I think thats a mistake. I felt like Edwards could care less about what Coulter said to him, but he jumped on the opportunity to raise cash from the situation.

I find that troubling. Especially from someone that I might be supporting, if Gore or Clark doesn't get into the race. And I know I wasn't the only one disappointed in the response.

[Whoa_Nelly]

16. I don't see it as a desperate act to compete at all

I commend him on taking a clear stand against Coulter and FOX news.

I think it says much about Edwards in that he is speaking out and against the type of BS campaign smearing that has been going on too long, and even more vehemently in recent years, toward any and all citizens running for political office.

I am glad he is standing up and speaking out. It's time to stop the BS, and time to move toward elections that, no matter who is running and who supports whom, "Swift Boating" tactics have reached their limit, and must die a sudden death.

It's also time for a Dem candidate for POTUS to take on the attempts of the RW smear machine early and with absolute boundaries that will be respected.

I say, KUDOS to Edwards! AS with Dean being up front, and spot on, Edwards also is making a change that will hopefully have a lasting effect over the next several POTUS, and other interim, elections.

[Cha]

25. Get Out The Bat!@!

Everytime the busheveks start smearing our candidates it's time to make another cash donation. Bring on the slurs you pack a hyenas.

[PresidentObama]

50. So if Cheney calls Hillary fat, I should get out the checkbook for Hil-Cash?

I'm sorry but their is more effective forms of response then begging for cash after such situations.

[saltpoint]

53. Are you defending Cheney calling a Democratic presidential candidate

a derogatory name?

That's ok with you?

You'd be offended if the HClinton camp sent an email request for funds to shut Cheney and his ilk up?

Play for the blue team. FOX, BushCo, and Coulter -- all of them -- hurl shit at us 24/7. Show some spine. If you're too cheap to send a check to Edwards or another Dem, that's between you and your budget.

But go to the big screen here. This is a presidential election we're in. It gets a little rough. Checks are the least of it.

[PresidentObama]

56. What in the hell are you talking about?

Did you just twist my example to suggest I would defend Cheney calling Hillary Clinton FAT?!? JESUS CHRIST!!! My example was our candidates responses can't be asking for cash, I expect better then that. Especially as a gay American, and those comments hit me hard and offensively.

And you call me cheap because I don't want to send Edwards money? This is great. The responses I've got are stopping throwing a fit, don't like his response don't vote for him, and you're cheap because you didn't give money--and you think Hillary is fat because you gave an example.

:banghead:

[saltpoint]

62. Senator Clinton's looking pretty good these days if you ask me.

So's Edwards' campaign strategy.

You've set up a straw man and want credit for knocking it down.

Shame on you.

[PresidentObama]

67. No, shame on you.

For calling me cheap, and suggesting I was making anti-Clinton comments because I made an example to present my point. The road to the nomination is long, and I hope you can present yourself better then this. The response to my concerns by you have been disappointing at best.

[saltpoint]

71. Well, the campaigns will roll along as they tend to do.

I would suggest only that you get over your aversion to money.

Or, if you happen across a campaign in 2008 that isn't using money, signal the rest of us.

But I think that's pretty unlikely.

[PresidentObama]

72. Neither said anything of the such.

I'll be just as pissed off if I see Obama or Clinton desperately begging for my money using outrage as the tool to rake it all in.

[saltpoint]

74. Then you're in for a mighty long campaign, Kerry2008.

You might want to take a quick exit and find another interest.

That's how politics is done. It doesn't matter whether you like it or I like it or anyone else likes it.

Money talks.

[PresidentObama]

79. I know how politics works, my friend.

And I reject this response by you and others that I should just quit following politics or not vote for Edwards because you can't respond to my concerns. You have to get so low as to calling me cheap and anti-Clinton. Shame!!

[saltpoint]

84. Then stop whining when politics works the way it always has.

You misrepresented an entire campaign when the overwhelming response to the Edwards strategy on FOX and Coulter has been expressly positive and inspiring.

Where ya been?

[Cha]

55. No need to beg..I'm

at the ready.

[PresidentObama]

57. I must apologize, my bank account isn't that big.

:hi:

[Cha]

75. I'd be giving to John Kerry's

campaign too if he were running as I did in 2004.

It's not a lot mind you but it's the act of giving that helps me through the vitrol coming from insane hypocrits like coulter.

[PresidentObama]

77. I thank you for doing your part in 2004 for the Senator.

How I wish we had President Kerry and Vice President Edwards right now!!

:hi:

[Cha]

87. Me too!

:hi:

[mtnsnake]

58. Cheney calling Hillary fat would be like Donald Trump calling Brad Pitt ugly!

:evilgrin:

[PresidentObama]

60. Oh no he didn't

:evilgrin: Have you seen Brad Pitt in Fight Club??

I know straight guys who thought he was hot in that movie.

:rofl:

[mtnsnake]

81. I don't think I saw that one

I know straight guys who thought he was hot in that movie

Chicks, guys, grandmas and grandpas...they all want Pitt I guess. Gotta admit, he's pretty cool. Kinda reminds me a lot of myself. :evilgrin:

[PresidentObama]

86. Suddenly I don't like Brad Pitt as much anymore.

How 'bout this thread mtnsnake?

So far I've been basically called anti-Clinton, cheap, and told I shouldn't vote for Edwards because I didn't like his response. I love D-U sometimes. And this time you weren't involved. Small world :evilgrin:

[mtnsnake]

93. LOL!

Good comeback. I'll get back at ya for that one. :+

So far I've been basically called anti-Clinton, cheap, and told I shouldn't vote for Edwards because I didn't like his response.

Being told your anti-Clinton, that you shouldn't vote for Edwards, and on top of that your cheap...and all in the same thread...well that might be a first. I'm jealous! :evilgrin:

[jobycom]

30. I'm not big on Edwards, but I like the way he's been moving, lately.

His response to Coulter and to Fox has been clever. Rather than sinking into dirty politics or becoming defensive, he fought back while sidestepping the insults. Take Coulter's slur. If Edwards attacks her for the name calling, she and the media mock him as being pouty. If he goes on the offensive, the media starts whining about dirty politics. Instead, he linked the whole scandal to raising cash. Now he does it with Fox. If he can develop this pattern, and every time a candidate goes negative on him he turns it into a gimmic to raise more cash, it will soon become a source of amusement for the media. "McCain insulted Edwards today, so I guess Edwards' war chest will grow again." He takes the focus completely off the attack, yet doesn't roll over. This is brilliant. It does not allow a follow up insult the way a regular defense does (What's Coulter going to say? "Yeah, no, really, see, you are a F*****..."). He castrated her. And he did the same to Fox. He punked them by not supporting their debate, then he diverted their attacks when they came.

Frankly, I'm re-evaluating him. I had decided that he was the one candidate I would never support, but these latest moves have me watching him more closely. Think of Obama and Clinton and their recent sparring. Both looked bad, except to their supporters. Edwards has done something clever.

[gristy]

46. One question

Why do you phrase your position that Edwards is getting desperate to compete as a question?

[PresidentObama]

52. Because I'm wondering if he is getting desperate.

I thought he was doing ok. But obviously botching the response to the Coulter situation shows otherwise, and I'm concerned.

[PresidentObama]

64. I find it hilarious the response to my concerns....

...have included the following:

1. I was called cheap because I didn't give money to Edwards for his response to Coulter.
2. I was told if I didn't like his response, not to voice concern, and instead to just not vote for him altogether. Even though he's my favorite candidate of the announced field.
3. I'm throwing fits if I express concern over possible desperation of the campaign I'm currently following, and possibly joining if Clark or Gore doesn't get into the race.
4. Apparently I called Hillary Clinton fat?!? LOL!! Some people don't know how to read properly, and can't realize what an example is. Don't worry, Hillary looks great in those pants ;)

This thread makes me want to....

:banghead:

Thanks to anyone who disagreed with me, and presented a good arguement. I appreciate the fact you bring something to the table. Thank you!!

[mtnsnake]

85. Donchya just love it

when you know what you said and meant...but you gotta spend half the night explaining that what THEY said you said isn't what really happened?

Anyway, I give you credit for sticking to your guns and not backing off. :smoke:

[PresidentObama]

88. I stole it out of your playbook.

:toast:

[Old and In the Way]

66. To be fair Kerry2008, John Kerry did the same thing when the other side

was saying outrageous things about him. I think it's good strategy. Use any attack from the opposition as a way to rally the troops and cash. I'd be more concerned if he didn't do it.

[saltpoint]

68. I'll second that, and add only that you've stated it

better and more succinctly than I have in several tries.

[PresidentObama]

69. If this shoe would have been on the other foot, and John Kerry reacted the same way....

....I'd be scolding him just as bad. If he gave a poor response to Ann Coulter calling him a faggot, and used it as an opportunity to rake in money....you bet I would have!! The Senator would have heard from me.

[saltpoint]

73. You missed the point. Kerry's already done it. He's already used

a public insult to raise campaign cash.

I was proud of him when he did it.

Would that he'd raised still more, in fact.

Edwards is smart to use the identical strategy.

[PresidentObama]

76. Did he use a highly offensive statement to do so?

If so, I don't agree with it. And let me know when I say I agree with every decision candidates make. Like I said, this isn't the fantasy world where candidates do no wrong. Edwards is my current favorite, but I live in the land of reality--he botched the response!!

[saltpoint]

82. Blogwide, the consensus if very much pro-Edwards on this one; you're

in the distinct minority.

No botching to be witnessed. Edwards is on a roll lately, as a matter of fact. Zoom around the blogs awhile and you'll see what I mean.

Yes, I would consider the Swiftboat Veterans' remarks offensive, on the part of all veterans, not just Senator Kerry. Kerry showed up and fought the goddam war and no fellow group of veterans has the right to say different.

You know this already.

[Old and In the Way]

83. He did with the Swift Boaters.

I'm really surprised why you'd attack Edwards when JK used the same tactic to do effective fundraising.

[NDP]

78. Desperation? Get real.. The 1st quarter fundraising deadline is the end of March. They probably

have a goal in mind, and are trying to reach it, so they are moving at a frantic pace to raise more money.

John Edwards has no reason to be "desperate." He's in a good position, as Clinton and Obama will both begin falling after the debates. There is a reason that Edwards was number 2 in terms of party insiders and Congressional endorsements. People who actually "know something" as opposed to just believing media hype know that John Edwards is formidable, just like he knows it.

He has no reason to be desperate and he isn't.

[PresidentObama]

80. So because it's crunch time, anything goes?

I don't think so!! Money is VERY important. But as far as offensive statements like Coulters, response are MORE important then raising cash. And I expected more, not less!!

[NDP]

94. Well, you can't please everybody. John Edwards has responded to all of the slurs against him

good enough for me. He gave a great answer about his house in the beliefnet.com interview, where he actually mentioned the houses that he has helped build for other people. In other words, stop criticizing him for having a big house, when he actually puts in the time to help other people have homes.

He gave a good enough response to Coulter. She was childish and immature, and by the way, if you agree, then give me a few bucks so that we can shut the media up when we show how much we raised.

Here's the problem with money dominating politics. If you do not exceed expectations, you can forget it because your party will not even support you. After all, they are going to want you to (wink, wink) come to their states and help them raise money, and if they don't think that you can, they will go with who they think will.

The 1st Quarter results are the most important they have ever been, because of how frontloaded things are going to be. If you don't show well, you can expect to show terrible the second quarter.

Yes, money has ruined politics, but they have to play the game as it is for now.

[madfloridian]

89. Why do you have a Kerry type name, but support Wes Clark?

I have wondered about this. You have a lot of posts in the Wes Clark forum supporting him.

No reason, just curious.

BTW, I think it is a great way to raise money. Dean did it all the time. We raised a lot from all the insults he got. Loved every minute of it.

Edwards is doing fine. You can stop fretting.

[PresidentObama]

91. Well, first off Kerry isn't a candidate anymore. Have to support somebody.

And like Kerry, Clark is someone who has a lot of integrity and credibility. Both were my picks for 2004, and for 2008 going in. Unless Gore gets in, Clark will be my candidate. And if not Clark, Edwards.

[saltpoint]

90. According to The Political Insider, the Edwards camp is exceeding

expectations in fundraising through February:

http://politicalinsider.com/2007/02/edwards_fundraising_exceeding.html

There are likely more current accountings. I'll pass them along if I run across them.

Point being, they're doing fine on cash.

[PresidentObama]

92. Good to hear.

My concern was the opposite. I'm glad to see he's doing great!!

[Trajan]

95. Edwards is no more desperate ...

and asks for cash no less than EVERY candidate in this stage of the race ....

I think you may be projecting here ... Im not sure what, though ...

[PresidentObama]

96. I find it funny the same poster whom called me cheap and anti-Clinton...

private messages me to lash out against me because I gave any sort of constructive criticism of John Edwards. If candidate supporters can't take hits, they may as well get out of the game. Name calling, and baseless charges aren't needed. BTW, this poster will know who they are, I really liked the PM where you said because I was pro-Clark I was FAKING my support for John Edwards. If Clark enters, I'll be supporting him. If he doesn't, I have nothing to fake....I'll gladly support Mr. Edwards with all the energy I can muster.

Does this mean I won't voice concerns? Absolutely not. Does this mean I think candidates are perfect, and I shouldn't say anything if I'm geniunely concerned? Absolutely not. But I'll be damned if I'm going to let candidate supporters make baseless charges against me that I'm cheap and anti-Edwards (which AGAIN he's my favorite of the current field) because they can't answer the concerns of a fellow supporter and have to go to new lows to attack them and sweep everything under the rug. Thats the real hit piece here, not my concern about the fine former NC Senator John Edwards and his campaign strategy.

[PresidentObama]

97. Oh, another thing to add to that:

To the poster whom called me anti-Edwards. Here you go:

This first thread I started, which was an e-mail from Edwards. And I gave him praise for the smart campaign strategy of providing videos to voters about his healthcare plan:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3151752

Heres where I say Edwards is my next favorite candidate after Clark and Gore, and my favorite of the current field:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=3150819&mesg_id=3150819

Heres where I talk about the smart Edwards campaign strategy, and highlight how well he's doing in Iowa.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3146294

Notice that I said in that thread: "I think he's got the best plan, and frankily thats why out of the current field of candidates he's my favorite. Now if Clark or Gore gets in that changes, but I like the direction the Edwards campaign is taking."

Still think I'm anti-Edwards? If so, proof. Wheres the beef? :evilgrin:

[CarolNYC]

100. Welcome....

Hey, welcome to the world of the DU Clarkie.....

But, no worries, if you have any concerns or questions about Wes, we'll try to answer them for you and we certainly won't kick you to the curb for voicing them.

It is pretty obvious, though, that at least one camp of supporters, when their chosen candidate is attacked, questioned, criticized...instead of answering the criticisms, will jump on Clarkies and attempt to divert the discussion from whatever the concerns are to how evil and mean Clark supporters are. Go figure. :shrug:

[jcrew2001]

105. But what's the point of trashing Dems if clark

isn't even in the running. It seems pointless to me.

[kestrel91316]

98. Ha. Your "concern" has been duly noted, your name notwithstanding.

[Superman Returns]

101. I agree with Kerry2008

I wanted an Edwards slapdown. Instead, the "Coulter Cash" approach reeked of opportunism. Edwards needs to aim for the throat and then let his actions inspire people to donate.

For the record I like Obama, but this is a sincere remark. If you don't believe me thats fine, but I just hope Edwards pursues a new strategy because at the end of the day, he is a Democrat, and when Republicans and conservatives rip on him, its ripping on all of us.

[PresidentObama]

103. Thank you, and this is saying a lot.

Because me and you don't see eye to eye much. Thanks for telling the truth, and standing up. And I doubt you're anti-Edwards. You just wanted a better response, as I did. We know Edwards can "aim for the throat" but I didn't feel like he did when we needed him to do it the most. And instead he jumped all over the opportunity to turn outrage into cash.

[mtnsnake]

107. "You just wanted a better response, as I did"

That's exactly what I thought you were trying to express right from the start. While I thought Edwards fought back nicely, I could tell that you were just upset at him for not fighting back hard enough. If you didn't like him, you wouldn't have WANTED him to fight back harder. I don't know why so many here are finding that so hard to understand.

[KoKo]

102. You are implying he is "opportunistic?" I could see this but until Gore comes in

Kucinich and Edwards are the only two candidates running I can support.

So...if he wants to use this as "money raising" against Hillary then let him "GO AT IT!"

Do I think there's a bit of "pandering" and "using" ...probably. But, then I'm still holding out for Al Gore to come in.

If he doesn't then Ewards could probably be moved closer to Progressives for support, which is what he's angling for by being FIRST to drop out of Fox Sponsored Nevada Dem Debates.

I'm crass enough to want a Dem I can OWN... Can a Progressive OWN EDWARDS? I don't know. And, I know that Kucinich has image problems with Dems that he can't overcome but I'd still hope he would stay in the race and throw a few dollars at both Kucinich and Edwards...hoping for Gore.

After that...I'll have to choose. Neither will EVER NEED MY MONEY...(maybe Kucinich) so I guess my angst over this is probably silly, though.

IT'S THE PRINCIPLE OF IT, THOUGH! No matter how little I have to give...MY TIME is worth Something ...and SO IS MY VOTE! At least that's how I see it. :shrug:

[PresidentObama]

104. I wouldn't say he is opportunistic, necessarily.

But maybe he has to be on occasions to compete money wise. Though a poster above said they think Edwards is doing better then expected money wise. Does that mean I like that? Nope, not at all. I think Edwards will do just fine against Hillary and Obama. Both in the primaries, and raising money. I just expected more from his response to Coulter, and got less. It was disappointing as someone who loves John Edwards, and whom out of the current field he's my favorite.

[jcrew2001]

106. Everyone needs money so its not surprising

that Edwards needs to use every issue in fundraisers. This early season is ONLY about money. Polling is about getting money Endorsements is about getting money.

Nothing else matters.