I want to know WHY John made this decison. I want know WHY we were told yesterday

[saracat]

by national he was in it till the convention.I want to know WHEN this decison was made,He referrenced that the people this week almost made him change his mind? So he was taking money and campigning "knowing" he was going to drop out? WHY? "Why" did Trippi just start a funraising drive if John knew earlier this week he ws out? And what does "step aside and letting the Party make history mean? He was told to get out of the way , he was "blocking " the nomination of a black or a woman? Am I hearing that right? I just gave a stump speech for himlast night where I talked about race and gender not being values to judge by.I feel like an idiot.

I feel we deserve an explanation.We didn't even get an email.

[iris5426]

1. I so hear you. I want to know too. I think we all do.

:hug:

[mruddy]

2. Me too.

If you go back & check out Elizabeth's mood at John's speech right after the New Hampshire primaries, you can tell something's up. She's mad! Some have speculated that a health issue might be why he's "stepping aside". Her mood that night was not related to a health issue. When she introduced John that night, it was like she was a different person. Not the usual happy, sweet Elizabeth but a very p***ed off one. Granted John's appearances didn't get much media coverage but I haven't seen any sign of her since that night. Not even at the last debate.

She's mad & I want to know why she's mad and who she's mad at.

I'll be writing in Edwards' name for the general election. The MSM is not going to tell me who I can vote for.

[bobbolink]

3. You're no idiot! That's the LAST word for you!

:loveya:

:hug:

:yourock:

[Silver Gaia]

4. I am totally with you, saracat. Your words echo my own feelings.

One big question I have, too, is WHY the decision to use the word "suspending." I don't think it was a word chosen lightly. He could have said: "dropping out," "ending," or any number of other word choices that would have left no question as to finality. A "suspension" does not carry the same weight as an "ending," so I would like to know what that means. I don't mean to say I hold false hope, but I would really like to know WHY he chose to use that particular word.

[Plucketeer]

5. Now -

THERE'S the question! As you've observed, "suspending" means JUST THAT. It doesn't mean "ENDING" in my dictonaries. The question's as much about that word as it is the halt to the run.

[AdHocSolver]

6. Using "follow the money" type logic, who benefits most by Edwards "suspending" before super Tuesday?

I noticed he used the word "suspending" rather than "ending" his campaign. I suspect some insider group made a "deal" with Edwards that "he couldn't refuse". By using the word suspend, he leaves open his options should the other party renege.

As to the answer to my question in the heading, we can look at the results in the Iowa caucus, where Edwards beat Clinton. Edwards recent "surge" in the polls, as well as his getting a boost from being second choice for Kucinich, Biden, And Dodd supporters after those candidates dropped out, suggests that Clinton would lose more from Edwards candidacy than Obama.

Also, in 2004, it was the DLC members who trashed Howard Dean's campaign, and anointed Kerry to be our candidate.

I see the DLC as big an "enemy" to the progressive grassroots as the Republicans. Edwards provided a viable grassroots choice to the American people. In a general election, he is, without a doubt, the most electable candidate of either party. I have little doubt that Edwards was presented with a deal that "he couldn't refuse".

[Silver Gaia]

8. I worry about the connotations of that phrase: "an offer he couldn't refuse." n/t

[Andrea]

7. Me too

I want to know WHY. This makes no sense. Clearly something has happened behind the scenes.

I feel thoroughly snubbed that we didn't even get an email.

Things are not right.

As for use of the word suspended, that is a technicality designed to allow him to continue receiving matching funds. there will be bills to clear up for several months and the matching funds will be needed.

[Silver Gaia]

9. Yes, something's not right.

Something just did not FEEL right as I watched and listened to him speak. Something is nagging at me that I can't quite put my finger on nor wrap my head around. And my heart? That seems to be where these feelings are centered. This is worrisome to me.

The lack of an explanation and the suddenness is also of concern. When Kucinich dropped out, there was advance warning. Likewise, we are seeing some advance warning today about Giuliani's expected announcement. With John, there was nothing but silence--both on the part of the campaign and the media. WHY? And there is still silence as to WHY from all corners.

I've since read what you say here about the use of the word "suspended." That seems like a reasonable explanation, yet I still wonder if it has other legal implications. But...

Honestly? Today, I don't know what I think. I am too stunned right now to be able to think about this with any rational sort of perspective.

[Two Americas]

10. damned right sara

I am glad to see that there is a small handful of people - bobbolink, as always, sara, Andrea - who will not go quietly into that night. We are on our own again, left outside with our noses pressed against the glass, marginalized and ridiculed, while the beautiful people are tossing their chamber pots out the window and onto our heads.

I am sure that my popularity here will plummet in the next few days, but I am going to continue to speak the truth as I see it. I am not disappointed in Edwards dropping out anywhere near as much as I am in seeing Edwards supporters rolling over, surrendering and wallowing in a self-absorbed pity party. The last thing on my mind is my own personal emotional feelings. Many, many people are suffering around this country - really suffering - and if this whole campaign was not about them, and instead was a matter of being groupies for our own personal little favorite celebrity and savior, then I misjudged it.

"Do not go quietly into that night, rage, rage against the dying of the light"

[lisainmilo]

11. I finally got my yard signs today.....:-(

still no t shirts or buttons! UGH! tears turning to anger due to NO EXPLANATION! I personally have sent hundred(s) of dollars (close to a grand) to the Edwards campaign! One thing is, I probably would have sent more in the next few days, glad he announced now and not this weekend or I would be out another grand! :-(