Obama/Edwards Meeting in NC - my impressions:

[gateley]

First of all it was lame "coverage". Just aerial footage of Obama leaving the Edwars manse and getting into his car, then driving down the driveway.

1. It opens with Edwards standing AT Obama's car and Obama sauntering (as opposed to walking briskly) down the walkway from the house to his car.

My first thought - why aren't they walking out TOGETHER?

2. Quasi one-armed hug. In fact, it wasn't even a hug. Just a lean in as though going for a hug and reaching around to for a slap on the other's back. They both did this.

On one hand, didn't look like they were giddy, on the other hand, at least it wasn't just a hand shake. But the token "hug" didn't carry any oomph.

3. Mention was made and footage shown of Elizabeth shaking hands with an Obama aide, who then went to the car. I have no reaction to that one way or the other.

4. John and Elizabeth walk back into the house, O's car takes off down the (LONG, winding) driveway.

My overall impression - I don't think either got what they wanted.

Any other body language non experts out there?

[sniffa]

1. But what was up with the secret handshake?

and the winking? Something's up!

[gateley]

12. Ha! I wish I could have seen CU's of their faces. Apparently your screen is

sharper than mine -- or your eyesight is. :hi:

[MADem]

2. Do you have a link to any footage? NT

[gateley]

18. Here's the link:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/index

I should watch it again to see how wrong my first impressions were -- they always are. :7

[MADem]

24. That still pic (I couldn't get video, am I doing something wrong?) didn't look too

cozy, but what do I know?

[gateley]

27. I can't get a vid, either -- it'll show up on YouTube soon, no doubt. nt

[KoKo]

66. Thanks...gotta see this...live in NC...so ...

[blm]

No offense to Edwards and supporters but I don't think it matters at this point what

Edwards decides. It's gotten past the point he can effect the outcome.

Even if he releases his delegates early won't they choose on their own who they support?

[Inuca]

10. I agree, and also

this paying of respects at the Edwards' residence gives me an uncomfortable, awkward feeling. Can't put it any better than that, but it jus does not feel/seem right.... :shrug:

[gateley]

19. Yeah - I felt that way too, with both Hillary and Obama. Courting favors, as

it were.

[Inuca]

29. Yes, all three of them

I guess that's how the game is played, but it just feels unseemly, demeaning, and... just plain wrong. In a medieval sort of way :-)... like feuding potential kings vying for for the favor of a major nobleman and promising the hand of their daughter in marriage (EE might have a problem with that last part).

[blm]

35. Not really - I think it is actually pleasantly respectful of what Edwards DID add to

the debate and the race.

[Inuca]

37. I hope you are right n/t

[chimpymustgo]

16. Obama thought it mattered enough to travel to Edwards' home.

Both Hillary and Obama are putting populist stories about real people into their speeches. Obama's new economic plan is more like Edwards' old one than his own.

[liberalnurse]

30. He sure as heck did think it was essential.

Where was Oprah while I'm thinking about Obama? Was she in her private chopper flying overhead with her own "Harpo Productions" photo crew?

[NYCGirl]

47. No, Hillary's the one with the helicopter

http://www.truveo.com/Inside-the-Hillacopter/id/3957858161

http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/hillary_clinton_set_to_whir_ac.html

[KoKo]

67. His private jet left Wisconsin because snow cancelled his Rally so he ends up at RDU

and is whisked by private car through traffic from RDU to Edwards home in Chapel Hill where he meets with Edwards then goes back to RDU and jets home to Illinois where he sits down to dinner with Michelle and the girls?

Ohhhh the lives of the "Rich and Famous" ...those who don't have to live with or "under" the "policies" they have legislated. Tell me how many DU'ers could do a quick trip from Wisconsin during a snow storm...to RDU ...then by car about 45 minutes to Edwards home in Chapel Hill and back again through traffic from Ball Games...to RDU take off and be where they need to go...all in one day? Think the "tho hour time spent waiting to check in and go through "HomeLand Security" scans...wait time on runway because of "bad weather" then flight into major airport...get deplaned ...wait for luggage from staff and handlers ...get the "rental car" and then make it to Edwards...go back through the traffic...show up for the "required two hour" wait to get your pass...go through "HomeLand Check" again and then board and wait in bad weather to get to the Next Destination. Oops...I forgot......Needed to "turn in the "Rent-a-Car" before the "leg back."

Lives of the "Rich and Famous."

[blm]

34. The economic plan sounded alot like the 04 plan, and that's good but that is

also expected over the course of the campaign.

I am sure he wants Edwards to endorse him, I'm just not believing it will MAKE the difference some others believe.

[surfermaw]

64. According to news reports last night, Edwards support would bring votes,

And for the new ones here, there is going to be GE and someone has to vote for the nominee, no matter who it is..so you had better be trying to get every vote you can get.

[Yael]

42. I had not heard that about the economic plan

Interesting. I thought it was rather solid.

[ClericJohnPreston]

21. Yeah

I like your Obamite logic! What does it matter who Edwards supports? His constituency is only the base that expresses TRUE Democratic core values, as opposed to conciliation with Rethuglicans.

Hilarious. Just hilarious!!

[blm]

39. I'm not an Obamite as you call it - I'm an open government Democrat - ever hear of that?

And you can take your amateurish insults and stick them wherever they would make you least comfortable.

If you are so narrowminded that you don't realize that EVERY ISSUE including poverty and labor issues DEPEND on open government accountable to the people, well that shows YOUR level of comprehension.

[ClericJohnPreston]

52. WTF

are you bloviating about BLM. Look at my response...it is to the OP. Are you the OP?

Why NO, you aren't. Then you go off on some tangential Open Governement riff, I wouldn't ever question either, BUT ISN'T THE SUBJECT OF THE POST, NOR WHAT I WAS RESPONDING TO.

Dude, take a break.....

[blm]

55. You went after the OP then as a reply to MY post. Check yourself.....dude.

.

[gateley]

61. This is to ME? What the fuck are you talking about?

I'm not an Obama supporter ERGO, jerk, I don't engage in OBAMITE logic. So NOW how do you read my OP?

You're irritating.

[liberalnurse]

81. I coined the title as Obamarite.

It seems to roll of the tongue much easier. What do you think?

[NC_Nurse]

3. I missed it. Lost track of time.

Damn.Oh well, sounds like it wasn't very enlightening.

[loveangelc]

4. here's a pic:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news&id=5963490

[jefferson_dem]

11. Captured pic...

[CoffeeCat]

5. From what you describe...

...it doesn't sound like anything too positive happened.

I wonder what Edwards wanted.

I wonder what Edward's misgivings about Obama are?

Where can we see this footage?

[surfermaw]

65. Could be the arrogance of his supporters here, Elizabeth at one time posted here.

[liberalnurse]

6. When was this Special Event?

I've been at the Clinic all day so I tend to miss the good stuff.

[gateley]

31. Just that the postponed meeting between Edwards and Obama took place

today in Chapel Hill.

[liberalnurse]

60. Thank you....

I hurried up and turned on the TV as soon as I got home and caught the tail end.

Suspenseful isn't it.:scared:

[nonconformist]

7. I think that Edwards wanted to tell Obama in person why he is going to endorse Clinton

[Inuca]

17. And Obama felt obliged

to interrupt his I would guess rather busy schedule to pay a visit for this? I don't say you are not right, I have no idea, I just don't like the whole thing.

[gateley]

22. I have no idea if I'm right or not -- and I don't really have a vested interest

in whether or not JE endorses anyone.

What I find MOST interesting is that Hillary was able to keep the visit a secret for several days afterward, and Obama arrived in Raleigh today "unannounced".

Guess I'm just nosy.

[CoffeeCat]

28. I would tend to not agree with that...

...because Edward's could tell Obama that over the phone.

I would think, as a courtesy--that Edwards wouldn't make Obama fly half way across the country, during a busy
campaign season--to tell him such bad news.

I think there are negotiations still happening. However, I'm a bit mystified, because we've read that
Edward's biggest problem with Obama is his lack of toughness. I mean...what can Obama do, show Edward's
his muscles? Seriously, if Edward's problems with Obama are mainly personality-oriented--then that's
the end of it. Obama is who he is. Furthermore, we've also heard that Edward's problems with Hillary
are philosophical as well as personal.

I believe that he told both that he's not endorsing anyone.

Frankly, I can't imagine that Edward's would endorse Hillary. Edward's core principals of ending
corporate corruption and calling out the neocons--are two issues in which Hillary is embroiled.

I bet Edwards told both that he's not endorsing anyone, as of now.

Who knows though...it's all a bit unnerving.

[gateley]

36. He could have told both of them over the phone that he wasn't going to

endorse anyone at this time.

It's the "clandestine" visits to the Edwards home that make this intriguing to me, I guess.

Plus, it's fun to speculate. Wiles away the time until the next primary!

[frogcycle]

54. i agree

this is about more than an endorsement


there is something Machiavellian afoot

I have no clue what, but it's more than just "please say you like me"

[gateley]

57. I posted a link to an MSNBC.com article downthread

where it actually says that the Edwardses have been more impressed by Hillary since she's been courting them more, and Obama has kept more of a distance.

Is JE doing this for his ego?

I don't understand either, what's up --

[waiting for hope]

59. No - he's trying to keep his platform alive -

You know, the one that has driven both Hillary's and Obama's? The one that would have pulled this country out of the hell hole we are in now - it's never been about ego with him and it's amazing that people still think that here.

[gateley]

63. Good for him, then. Sorry - I think ALL politicians have a very strong ego.

Even Mike Gravel said HE had to grapple with it when he was Senator! :7

[frogcycle]

68. yes, I saw that

no telling what it is based on.

Reporter probably had a chat with them; selected some observations from the conversation, and spliced them together to paint a picture.

Or not.

You just can't believe anything the press says.

If they said the sun was going to come up in the East, I'd suspect they had a hiddden agenda.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

78. Yes I agree,

I cant understand how he could endorse Hillary, him being so anti-coporation, anti-lobby.

I really respected the way Edwards ran his campaign, and his platform, and if he ever does endorse Hillary my opinion of him would pretty much change completely!

My only problem with Edwards ever was that he seemed maybe a little fake, possibly opportunistic. But, I always thought maybe that was just the way he came off to me, I never believed those things about him.

However, if he endorses Hillary I'll figure my gut instincts were right and he's just another opportunistic politician.

[davidwparker]

41. JE's endorsement doesn't matter to me now. I'm a JE supporter who voted

for Obama in the VA primary. My next thing is to vote in the GE for whoever is the nominee. I don't plan anything else until then unless a true progressive is on the ticket.

[Khaotic]

58. ... yeah

you're probably right (sort of).

The discussion may have started off between them with some kind of slight openminded discussion, but in the end it looks like it ended with Edwards telling Obama that he's endorsing Hillary.

I can imagine the discussion.

Edwards: "Hillary says she's going to order her goons to kneecap every member of my family if I don't endorse her. I like you Barack, you're the best candidate after me, but I can't be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life."

Obama: "Sure John."

Edwards: "Don't be that way Barack. You have family. You don't want Hillary's goons after them do ya?"

Obama: "You gotta do what you gotta do John."

Edwards: "I still hope you clown her ass. My endorsement will be a short press conference and that's it. I won't be pushing my supporters to vote for her, just a little face time and a press conference. In the end, I hope she tanks. If so, I'll be there for you at Denver Barack."

Obama: "I'll hold you to it. Thanks for talking to me John, now get back to your Tarheels game."

**Man hug ... depart**

I actually have no idea how it will go or what was said, but it's funny to discuss it.

Peace.

[ginnyinWI]

8. I didn't see it but

that back-slap pat-pat thing sounds just like what all the Senators do with each other on the Senate floor.

[catagory5]

9. Obviously it was a polite.....

face to face letting him know that he is going with Clinton.

[sniffa]

15. Then why were they shown high-fiving?

[gateley]

26. Stop it!

:rofl:

[sniffa]

38. And the butt-bumping

very un-Presidential.

[Yael]

43. The head butt was rather cool though

[gateley]

44. ...

:rofl:

[gateley]

46. .....

:spray:

[Debi]

75. Stop...

[CoffeeCat]

20. It sounds like it...

...from the body language and lack of enthusiasm, it sounds as if Clinton may be Edward's pick.

However, both know that the cameras are on them. Maybe they're both playing things down. If Obama
and Edwards leave the Edward's home--shaking pom pons and with Edwards giving Obama a piggy-back
ride--it would just be too obvious.

;)

I dunno. I just wish we would have our final answer.

Contrary to what many say, I think Edward's opinion is very important.

I would have loved to see Edwards and Obama team up.

Whatever "agreements" Edwards got, he damn well better have secured them in writing.

[gateley]

25. Knowing me, I have no doubt I'm reading into this. I tried to make sure that

I made clear these were just my impressions, and I'm by no means an expert. Nobody should listen to me, trust me.

[bbinacan]

13. I checked WTVD's and WRAL's

site and there is no video yet. When there is, I'll take a look at it.

[sniffa]

45. It's hard to kiss a ring over the phone

:hide:

edit: whoops, meant to post this to another poster.

[bbinacan]

49. LOL

:rofl:

[NastyRiffraff]

14. Not surprising about the "lame coverage"

I very much doubt that Edwards would allow the media onto his property for this, so they had to rely on aerial footage.

I would like to see a video, though.

[Tarc]

23. The paparazzi-like coverage of this is kinda creepy, really

Feels more like watching a Britney saga than a political event.

Idiot media...

[TexasObserver]

32. I have liked John since his 2004 run, but he's rendered himself meaningless at this point.

If he endorses Clinton, who may have promised him anything, he'll lose the last remaining respect he has among most of those who once supported him, including me and my adult children.

[still_one]

33. why did they meet? couldn't they have done it through a phone call /nt

[TexasObserver]

40. And let NSA eavesdrop and provide the info to the RNC??!!

[sniffa]

48. It's hard to kiss a ring over the phone

:hide:

Originally posted by mistake here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4633888&mesg_id=4634305

[KoKo]

69. FISA Monitors....nothing is SAFE anymore.....

[NC_Nurse]

50. Just saw it on ABC's national news...

looked pretty friendly to me. Hard to say. I'm sure they knew the copter was flying right above them too.
Hard to be unaware of that. Who knows?

[gateley]

51. Like witnessing an accident - we each see something different. And you're

right - who knows? :shrug:

[my3boyz]

56. I really like John Edwards. I guess an endorsement MIGHT

help Obama in Ohio or PA. However, I don't think it would really help that much. I think Edwards could have made the biggest impact endorsing prior to Super Tuesday. Personally, if I was in Edwards situation I would not endorse yet. I have a feeling he told Obama that he was not going to endorse anyone. However, why would he keep inviting them over to his house? I don't know. Either way, I don't think it makes a huge difference. Many Edwards supporters have already voted. Also those that have not voted will still probably vote for who they want to win, not based upon who Edwards would like to win.

[gateley]

53. From MSNBC.com -- a LITTLE more background info:

snip

Senator Obama visited this morning with John and Elizabeth Edwards at their home in Chapel Hill to discuss the state of the campaign and the pressing issues facing American families," said Obama spokesman Bill Burton. He wouldn't comment on the possibility of an endorsement.

People close to the Edwardses, speaking privately, say they have been torn about whom to support. The former North Carolina senator is concerned that Obama may not be ready for the presidency and that his health care plan is inferior. But Edwards was highly critical of Clinton — her policies, her ties to special interests and her character — during his campaign, making it more difficult to support her now.

The couple has been impressed with Clinton, who has more effectively courted them since the 2004 vice presidential nominee dropped out, people who talk to the Edwardses say. Obama has been less attentive, they say, and some of those close to the Edwardses have been annoyed that Obama has continued to ridicule him for once saying his biggest weakness is that he has a powerful response to seeing pain in others.

snip

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23213622/

[CoffeeCat]

74. Ok, I just have to point out a little irony here...

According to this msnbc link, The "Edwardses have been annoyed that Obama has continued to ridicule him for once saying his biggest weakness is that he has a powerful response to seeing pain others..." and this is cited as a mark against Obama.

Geez. Is this third grade?

I'm sorry, but when you endorse someone it's because you believe in their abilities and you
concur with their stances on the issues.

If it's literally coming down to this bullshit nonsense than what is this endorsement really worth?

I really hope that this MSNBC report is full of bs. If not, the Edwardses sound like a couple
of petty fools. They've been "impressed with Clinton, who has more effectively courted them since the 2004 vice
presidential nominee dropped out..."

Is this a popularity contest? I thought this was about policy, and how is the best person to uphold our
Constitution, undo the Bush damage and bring about substantial change. Are the Edwardses nominating a
Homecoming Queen or are they endorsing the leader of the free world? What about Edward's rallying
cry against the neocons and corporate corruption. They know damn well Clinton is at the center of all
of that, yet they're willing to look the other way, because she's been kissing their asses for the better
part of three years? Jesus.

It's really troubling to read this outrageous stuff, because I had always assumed that Edwards was one
of the good guys. I'm so sick of being lied to and I'm really tired of politicians misrepresenting
who they are.

If his MSNBC article is accurate, it's unfortunate. Edwards seemed like one of the honest ones who
was above all the sandbox politics. I really counted on the notion that Edwards was one of those
decent guys. We've been so bamboozled by our politicians, and it's difficult when you find one that
you can believe in, only to discover that they weren't who you believed them to be.

[WinkyDink]

62. I have opined that JRE won't endorse. BUT---if he does, it will be MOST important, for it will

give his imprimatur on either the HOPE aspect of Obama's message, for all of John's supporters who have been feeling bereft; or on the EXPERIENCE aspect of HRC's message, for all of John's supporters who have wondered who can help them in practical terms.

So maybe today was HOPE's victory, and that both men felt the poignance of helping to defeat the first viable woman presidential candidate, thus eschewing any jubilation. And JRE wanted to share that bittersweet Democratic moment in person with Obama. Or maybe the endorsement was lukewarm.

Then again, maybe it was Obama's idea to hear bad news in person.

Or they talked round-ball, as speculated above. ;)

[NastyRiffraff]

71. Or, Obama already heard the bad news over the phone...

and wanted a face to face to try to talk John out of it.

Or, he'd already met with HIllary personally and felt it his duty to do the same with Obama.

Or, one or both of them decided to screw the media by confusing them.

Point is, we know NOTHING! (as Sgt. Schultz used to say).

[Hill_YesWeWill]

80. wow, that's twisted, are you always this cynical? nt

[Renew Deal]

70. Looks like a standard man hug.

Looks OK to me.

[Az_lefty]

72. Edwards has waited too long, he's irrelevant now...

should have spoken up a lot sooner...

[RoadRage]

73. I think Edwards waited to long.. and now he doesn't have as big of a bargaining chip..

Don't get me wrong, Obama or Hillary would both LOVE to have this endorsement. However, it is now no longer worth pledging a VP spot for. Most of his supporters have made up their minds as to who they support, and I don't think they his "say so" is going to flip many.

It could possibly give the endorsement winner a bump going into Wisconsin (if he did it tomorrow) or TX/OH if he does it next week, but not a big enough bump to make it worth what he probably wants for it (a veep nod).

Honestly, I think Edwards would keep more integrity at this point by not endorsing either of them, and then supporting whoever gets the win ultimately.

[JaneQPublic]

77. Yes, He only has 26 delegates, last I heard

I love both John and Elizabeth, but let's face it: If he really had so much influence and such a large following, he would have done a lot better in the actual primaries.

In any event, he would make a terrific Attorney General.

[RoadRage]

79. Yup.. and even those delagets can pledge to Obama or Clinton.. they're

not bound by any endorsement anyway.. so that carries no weight.

I'm sure either administration will find a spot for him though, he's to good to not have him working on his issues for you!

[Infinite Hope]

76. Speaking as a man, that's one-armed hug is as close as two men get...

...in a non-tragic situation. heh