A great stroy on HuffPost -

[waiting for hope]

If anyone wants to put this up in a big forum - go for it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-madrak/its-still-edwards_b_84774.html

It's Still Edwards

Susan Madrak

One of my readers asked who I'd vote for, now that Edwards has left the race.

If I were going to cast a ballot Tuesday, I'd still be voting for John Edwards. Why?

Because I don't trust either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton to carry the banner of progressive causes. The only power we have is in our votes, and if one of them walks off with enough delegates to pin down the nomination Tuesday, they have no incentive whatsoever to keep their word to Edwards. They will immediately start moving to the right and currying the conservative vote.

We're supposed to take it on faith that both of these candidates are a lot more liberal than they appear. Well, it's going to take more than a few speeches to convince me.

What would convince me? A candidate who takes a strong, uncompromising position on something that would benefit us instead of industry. Neither of their health care plans does it for me, although I'd give Hillary's the edge. Obama lost points with his various comments about how universal health care isn't possible. (Or practical, or whatever.)

Hillary is a triangulator and a corporatist; I think we're all familiar with her liabilities. Obama is someone who came up in Illinois statehouse politics - a place that's hardly a bastion of ethics. He showed exceedingly poor judgment in allowing his friend - someone who was then already under a cloud - to cut him a deal on the land next to his house. (Didn't I just hear him say today that it was just as important to be right on the first day as it was to be ready?)

And finally, I'd like to note that I do have exceedingly sound instincts. (Go back and read my posts from the past six years.) Although I was a big Dean supporter and someone who didn't think John Kerry had what it took to win (or govern effectively), it didn't make me sick to my stomach to vote for him.

I feel sick now. I don't believe Hillary will back down from the unitary executive trend if elected, and I don't believe she's strong enough to prevent another war. If anything, I think she's raring to prove herself "strong enough" to be commander-in-chief.

And I don't believe Obama is either strong or ruthless enough to root out the right-wing extremists with whom Bush has populated the government.

I hope I'm wrong. I pray I'm wrong. But I fear for our country. I don't think either of them will do what needs to be done. Yes, there will be some improvements. But as to the future direction of our country, I don't know where they want to lead.

Updated to add the picture - can't have soemthing about Edwards without a picture!

[smokey nj]

1. Thanks for this waiting for hope.

It's as if Susan Madrak read my mind.

[waiting for hope]

3. I think she has read all of out minds!

[Lugnut]

9. I'll say.

I could've written that if I had a mind to put my thoughts down in writing.

[bpeale]

2. i read this this morning. great reasons to vote FOR john edwards

[iris5426]

4. So glad someone with a more mainstream audience has spoken out on this...

Someone should post this out there...

[Catchawave]

5. Exactly ! I want to vote FOR a candidate :)

If I chose either H/O, it would be because I was voting against one of them.

Thanks hope :hi: If someone posts this piece on a Big Board, please let me know the link :D

[waiting for hope]

6. Hey C - Why don't you post it?

:hi:

[Catchawave]

7. I'm still in Florida babysitting twins :)

Just doesn't leave much time babysitting a thread...:silly:

I have full confidence someone here will (hint, hint) and I will be happy to support it :D Bet it would go to the top of the GPage in a day!

Plus, my son's computer is flaky and it doesn' always obey my commands.

Hey, this would be a good article to post AND include a link to here too. Many JRE supporters still don't know about the candidate forums, and would probably love to be rescued from the H/O Wars.

[waiting for hope]

8. Twins!

How old? My kids are 6 and 3 - my oldest, bless his heart, he's real content to do things on his own, while the 3 yr old, fiercely independent, she still needs a ton of attention. I had first thought when I was pregnant with my son that I wanted twins - you know, have the two kids you want at the same time and then afterward, my sanity was preserved by having only one. I have deep respect for families with twins. It's especially hard when both parents work, like we do. They are my joy, both of them have JRE t-shirts (Redjet's) - I'll have to take a pic and post it, they both look so grand in them. My 3 yr old's says: "My Mommy and I are voting 4 John Edwards" - and it will be true! :) I so much wanted the future John would have laid out - for them. Gawd, I'm going to cry again...

[Catchawave]

10. My son's 5 year old baby girls :)

Mommy and Daddy are in Puerto Rico this week for a little vacay from their high pressure jobbers (she a Starbucks director and he a "fed"). We do this every year as our family/friends reunion is always centered around the girls' birthday/Super Bowl. Plus...Jan/Feb in Ft LaLa-dale is great WEATHER. We try and drag it out longer by forcing them to take a vacation :D

We never do traditional holiday gatherings, this is so much more fun :)

Now don't cry, you'll make me start :cry:

That which doth not kill "WE", will make us stronger! JE ain't going anywhere :hug: I comfort myself that he will do for economic justice what Al Gore has done for the environment.

Nader has started his exploratory committee. I knew that would happen if JE didn't get the nod.

Best of luck to Hil and Barry, huh? :rofl:

Please post those redjet pix! I think we can all use the lift :hi:

[CaptJasHook]

11. You have summarized my Hope.

JE ain't going anywhere :hug: I comfort myself that he will do for economic justice what Al Gore has done for the environment.

:yourock:

[Catchawave]

12. He didn't "leave me" after 2004

I won't leave him. :hi:

[Yael]

13. I'll post it

My ignore list is up to about 40 since last Wednesday. They can take their best shot.

:evilgrin:

Rec her up! http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4405496

[waiting for hope]

14. Thank you Yael!