John Edwards was very, very impressive...

[kentuck]

John Edwards was just on C-SPAN live from the Gigglin' Goat in Iowa. From my perspective and judging from the speeches and styles of the other candidates, he looked to me to be the cream of the crop. I think he stands a chance of winning with the largest margin over the Republicans. Indeed, most polls show that to be the case.

Whether it is "populism" or just hot air, if it gets the people to the polls, that is the final test. Although I believe that any Democrat should win the next election, we should expect more than just a win by the skin of our teeth. I think we should take this horse and run with it. Just my opinion...

[Myrina]

1. Agreed.

I only had to wonder if in retrospect he agrees with Howard Dean's 2003/04 message.

Not only is Edwards the only one tought enough to 'fight that battle' against the monied corporate interests, he's the only one who's remotely interested in challenging the monied corporate interests to that turf war.

:patriot:

[LeftCoast]

I just wish he hadn't shot himself in the foot so badly with the matching funds

He's a good speaker and had some great ideas. I can't understand his campaign funding plan though.

[Joanne98]

23. he can make that up using 527's

[George II]

36. He doesn't believe in 527s

And he's come out against them, wanting them banned altogether. One of the resons I like him (among many other reasons!)

[Usrename]

26. He didn't.

Shoot himself in the foot, that is.

The Repukes aren't going to be able to raise money this cycle like they have in the past. They are waning.

[riverdeep]

49. It sucks that going for honesty in government by walking the talk,

actually gives you a disadvantage.

[onehandle]

2. "more than just a win by the skin of our teeth" Edwards has coattails!

He would expand our hold on Congress more than Any other candidate.

[Andy823]

48. I agree with you

I just watched a recording of the event on CSPAN this morning, and he was amazing! His message is one the whole country wants to hear, except for the big corporations that is, and I agee with you, he will help expand our hold on congress more than any other candidate.

When he talks people listen, and they can see he is serious about his agenda. He isn't just making a speach, he is speaking from his heart, and it shows.

[lisainmilo]

62. You nailed it!

He is the real deal!

[alfredo]

3. He's the lawyer, we're the jury. Very impressive.

[balantz]

4. He is impressive.

He is one of the most exciting and REAL candidate I've ever seen running for president

[ThomWV]

5. Not to belittle Edwards but I really disagree with you. I thought he was boring.

And the reason I thought it was boring was that I saw exactly the same speech last week on C-Span. I mean it, exactly the same speech. The thing is, when I saw and heard it on C-Span last week, I'm not sure that was even the first time. Its the same thing, over and over and over. It bored me to tears.

However, if it was the first time you have heard and seen it I can see where it would have been moving.

[Lex]

14. seems like they all are giving the same speech

at this point

[countmyvote4real]

33. OMG. I don't know if it was you but I think I saw the same post last week.

You can't describe how bored I am right now, but I believe you understand how it could be a problem.

(For anyone that doesn't get sarcasm. I am an Edwards supporter.)

[kenfrequed]

34. I'ts called a stump speech I think

Most candidates give very similar speeches again and again as they campaign across the country. It is an effort to articulate their vision to the people. You can't really fault a candidate for doing it. Instead you have to decide whether the messages they repeat are the ones you agree with.

[sendero]

53. It's intended to be to a new audience..

... every day. You cannot expect these guys to have 50 different speeches that all say the same thing.

[George II]

38. They ALL use the same speech - it's called a "Stump Speech"

[Pacifist Patriot]

45. Tis the nature of the beast. Stump speeches in a campaign come with the territory.

[JDPriestly]

54. We are seeing the candidates under horrible stress.

It is good that we get to see them in this condition. Remember the Bush's "My Pet Goat Minute"? We don't want a president who stands there starry-eyed and confused.

So Edwards and all the candidates are repeating themselves because that's all they have the energy to do. At this point, we are seeing what is underneath any facade the candidates may present on days when they are rested and confident.

In these days, therefore, it is not the words of the speech that matter. In my view, John and Elizabeth Edwards are passing the stress test. They remain focused on their message and on serving and responding to others. You can still feel their warmth and love.

Under these stressful conditions, everyone becomes somewhat impatient and quick to ire, so, for example, you have Chelsea's unkindness to a 9-year old budding reporter. Some candidates lash out and get off message. But, Edwards remains kind and warm and on message. If he is like that now, then that is the real Edwards.

As a lawyer, Edwards has probably worked a couple of days, possibly even three days or 72 hours straight through just stopping to eat for a bit quite a few times. That's what trial lawyers do. The reason is that they have to prepare motions or trials by certain deadlines. The nature of legal work is that you really don't have a clear view of everything until the last minute -- and because so much is at stake when you win or lose, you always feel that if you just worked a little harder, you could do a better job. So at times you work very, very long hours. The Edwards have practiced handling stress for many years. They are good at it and can be trusted to handle it well in the White House.

[Triana]

6. He's the ONE....

...he didn't refuse any questions on the way in. The less-than-a-minute answer to the woman who asked about education was very impressive. He STAYS ON MESSAGE and is concise and clear. People KNOW where he stands. They like what they hear. When he can give a person, on-the-spot, an overview of his education program in less than 60-seconds, that's impressive. And I LIKE his ideas and plans for our public education system, which has been SORELY neglected for way too long.

[chimpymustgo]

7. That's what I LOVED. He took questions. He talked to everyone who had a comment

or question on the way out.

He's inspiring.

[jemsan]

8. If you support Edwards...

then send him some $$$, even if it's $10!! He is running a fundraising drive right now and they need cash. If you really like him , then this is his best chance to get the nomination. A win in Iowa is imperative for him and for US!!

[chimpymustgo]

9. I will! Thanks for the reminder. nt

nt

[RT Atlanta]

10. I like him...

A little off topic, but I thought Edwards sounded particularly "presidential" the other night on 'Larry King Live' (with "Wolf" Blitzer), speaking after the Bhutto assassination. Edwards said that he'd phoned Mushareff (to my knowledge, the only candidate to have done so) and he basically had his "shit together."

My wife and I also like the fact that he can clearly articulate a position and complete a sentence without stammering, and otherwise having to include the phrases "bring to justice" "terra" and "nukular."

GO EDWARDS!

[weeve]

24. Yes !

And it was great hearing Elizabeth taking calls from inside the bus parked outside the resataurant. She's just fantastic. She pointed out that while all the other candidates ran to a microphone to pontificate after Bhutto's death ... John was the only one who ran to a phone and spoke directly to Mushareff. With this and so many other issues, it's always Edwards out front - taking the bold move/risk , and then Obama and Clinton belatedly coming aboard. It's going to be a hard fight, what with the media firmly pushing Clinton/Obama ... but here's hoping a big Iowa result will be just the ticket to get people on board ( regardless of what the corporate media tells us ).

[JDPriestly]

55. Some of the pundits made fun of Edwards for making that call

(Actually George Will -- you know the one with the funny toupee). But, by making that call, Edwards proved that he is ready to accept the role and responsibilities of a president. He had met Musharraf, and I will bet you dimes to dollars that he had connected to Musharraf and could call on that human connection. Musharraf probably liked Edwards just as much as everyone else does, so Musharraf took his call. Edwards has the ability to make an impression on people that he has met just once because people immediately feel that he is a genuine human being.

[WillyT]

11. He's Got My Vote !!!

Just let him survive until the CA Primary Feb 5th!

:kick:

[davidwparker]

12. Enjoyed every bit of it. The country needs someone like him. So, why not him?

[Lugnut]

13. I thought so too

I've already decided where my vote is going even though it will make no difference at that point. I enjoyed his recitation of my favorite Harry Truman quote and am convinced that he gets it. He reminded me of Howard Dean.

[AzDar]

15. He was also in mighty fine form on 'Face The Nation' this morning!

He mentioned that he spoke with Musharraf (by phone) after Bhutto's assassination earlier this week, and offered him some advice.
I KNOW that's gotta be killing the Bush Buffoons that a Dem candidate seems to be conducting a better foreign policy strategy than they are. Warms my heart to think of Condi and Shrub being reduced to irrelevancy so visibly.....:rofl:
JE is our man.

[Triana]

17. That's what I kept thinking...

..he's conducting a better Foreign Policy strategy than bu$hit, Inc. is, and JRE isn't even President - YET. But we REALLY NEED him to be. He's acting VERY Presidential. Part of getting the job is showing people that you can DO it - first.

[JDPriestly]

56. What people aren't realizing is just how amazing it is that

Musharraf took the call. Edwards explained that he had met Musharraf somewhere years ago -- and Musharraf took his call. Musharraf did not have to take Edwards' call. That is quite impressive.

[smoogatz]

16. Will Edwards be able to govern

in the face of four years of withering attacks by corporatist Republicans? Does he have the stones? I'm glad he's talking the economic populist talk, at least, but I have my doubts about his toughness. What do you think?

[sojourner]

25. how does his campaign show a lack of these stones vis-a-vis the others?

I think he's got the fire in his belly. I don't think he'll take anything lying down but will give as good as he gets...same way he beat big corporations in lawsuits over the years.

[smoogatz]

27. I hope you're right.

I think it's his physical boyishness that makes him look a bit soft. The thing I admire most about Hillary is her evident willingness to personally icepick the brainstem of anyone who fucks with her. I have a less firm impression of Obama, one way or the other.

[JDPriestly]

57. I think Hillary is too brittle in that sense. She reacts by

bristling up. I think she could easily become somewhat irrational with rage and lose the humility that we need in a president. I do not trust her. Her temper has too much of a hold on her in my view. She loses the agility of mind that is needed in difficult times. Edwards seems to be able to keep that. It is his ability to think with agility in difficult situations that allowed Edwards to be so successful as a trial attorney.

[sojourner]

59. i was taught early on not to judge a book by its cover. boyish looks - yeah,

but i like his focus (ie not getting sidetracked onto "attacks") and the grit behind those boyish looks. Tell me that a man who has lost a child, whose marriage survived that loss, and who has a loyal brave woman like Elizabeth not just "standing by him" but fighting right beside him while she also fights the killer within her -- tell me that man is not made of some awesome strong material.

[Plucketeer]

31. What would you have him do more?

Would you like him to look more grizzled and sorta snarl alot??? No, he has to act anything BUT radical and rabblesome.
Can he stand up to the corporate powers? Well, when ARE we gonna get adversarial with the big money? If not with Edwards - WHO? Follow the money! Any of the candidates that HAVE a chance at the White House are on the take.
My biggest fear is NOT that they'd give President Edwards a hard time, but that they'll POUR ON the money with whoever's annointed to run against him for the GOP. It won't matter so much WHO that would be - it just matters that they (the corporate powers) would be stymied if John DOES WIN in November!

[sojourner]

58. i'm not sure i understand u. i am very pleased with edwards.

i was responding to poster's question about whether edwards has "stones" to handle the heat when/if the republicans amp up against him. my answer is that it appears to me he has done the calculations and is ready to take them on. it's US i'm worried about. do WE have the guts to back a man who is willing to fight, or will we whimper and cower and call such a man a fool?

[Two Americas]

30. excellent question

Here is what I see; it is not just matter of how much a person will fight as it is what they are fighting for. It has been a long time since a Democratic candidate put the fight into terms that resonate with the people, defined it so clearly, made it so understandable.

The cause of helping the less fortunate, of fighting rampant greed and corruption and economic disparity is so big that no one person needs to carry it alone. If we - and I mean all of us, not just one candidate or the supporters of that candidate - can successfully portray any and all attacks on our leaders and the party as attacks on the people, the fight will become much easier. Edwards gives us that chance.

We spend too much time comparing candidates as though we were interviewing applicants for the CEO job of a corporation. Better to look at the practical political effect of a candidacy, how we can use a candidacy to help all of us and all of the people in the country, to rebuild the party and the country.

There are very few here who think that Edwards is the worst possible candidate we could field, and even fewer still who apparently think that he is so evil that they are willing to wage a take-no-prisoners vicious and relentless smear campaign against him.

Edwards is reaching people we have not reached in a long time. Edwards is creating a context for the discussion that we can use to great effect again and again, and it will only grow stronger. Edwards is talking right from the heart of the traditional principles and ideals of the party - advocacy for the poor, the working poor, and the less fortunate. This is something we can run with and run with strongly with no down side whatsoever.

Don't ask who the best candidate is - ask which candidate we can most successfully fight behind.

This is not about the candidates, it is about us and the millions of people who are depending upon us. We need to do the work, no candidate, no matter how stellar can do this work alone. Which candidate, which cause expressed by a candidate, which prioritization of the causes will bring in and motivate the greatest number of people, will be the most likely to strongly define the party for the future, and put the opposition on the defensive for a change, and make our jobs easier?

[EFerrari]

39. Edwards ability to counter and deflate that kind of attack

is one of the things I like most about him.

[LSK]

41. well considering he spend 20 years as a lawyer suing the same people

I say yes he does.

Read Chapter 1 of his book Four Trials.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3898749

[HughBeaumont]

60. He lost his son and his wife has Stage 4 cancer.

He's gone and is currently going through a personal nightmare. I think attacks by Republicans would likely be a burp in his universe in retrospect.

[Yael]

18. I couldn't agree more.

:woohoo:

[judaspriestess]

19. I just donated 25.00 dollars thru the act blue link

:) :) :)

[rucky]

35. I don't think the FEC allows matching funds from Act Blue.

somebody please verify this.

[lisainmilo]

63. Please contribute to JRE through his site.

By a vote of 4-1, the FEC this afternoon voted to approve its draft advisory opinion denying John Edwards for President’s ability to seek matching funds for contributions made via ActBlue.

http://americannonsense.com/?p=1473

Instead contribute through his website: http://www.johnedwards.com/


:)

[adnelson60087]

50. Big Love JudasPriestess! America will thank you

hopefully starting Thursday!

[MzNov]

20. In this election we at least have choices, not just

"anyone but Bush"

John Edwards has always been right on the target on the most important issues to middle class Americans, and if they would admit it, all other Americans as well.

He's the best choice.

[mod mom]

21. Populism is the key to this race-imho!

[Joanne98]

22. And he had they toughest looking supporters.

YAY!

[malaise]

28. John Edwards is going to win the whole shibang

and I'm going to have a loud laugh.

[Beaverhausen]

29. A little late, but I too thought he was great this morning

He had me in tears talking about the homeless and hungry in this country. I am so excited for thursday!!!

[harmonicon]

32. we're just way too far out to tell - I think polls are meaningless at this time n/t

[noel711]

37. spent yesterday glued to the screen...

all the Sunday political slap-fests...

Edwards is the candidate who has honed his message, sharp as a knife.
Comes off as decisive, strong, knowledgeable, feisty, and brave.
His message is simple yet strong, matched with personal stories, and detailed policy terms. His campaign speech is focused, not too long, and he answers questions from the people honestly, and really connects with people.

Also listened to Obama, who I like personally, but is not as sharp as Edwards, and tends to ramble. His campaign message is far too long, not focused, and comes off as 'Edwards lite..' as he is adopting some populist themes without the detail of application of JOhn Edwards.He also answers questions, but seems... distant. Perhaps he's tired.

Hillary? I want to support a strong woman, but she comes off shrill, grates on my nerves, and seems constantly on the defensive. Can we survive another polarizing presidency?

No comment on the republicans; I still can't believe what they get away with...

[jonnyra]

40. Edwards name is showing up everywhere

The media has clearly started trying to dismiss his position (a good sign!) and every article on polls starts with Edwards gaining. While I still believe Dennis Kucinich has the best answers to this nations problems Edwards is a close 2nd. Edwards can win. Edwards is the only one of the top 3 throwing down the gauntlet on corporate takeover of America and it will resonate across middle America. All Americans know its true and when Edwards wins Iowa its gonna start a freaking revolution even the corrupt media wont be able to stop.

John Edwards can save this nation from the claws of the military industrial complex, corporate fascism and abuse of the American worker...lets give him a chance to do it.

[LSK]

42. this rally is repeating on CSPAN right now

[Subdivisions]

43. I am watching a repeat of this on CSPAN right now and I am

giving John Edwards my very first serious look with this speech.

Can someone enlighten me as to the nature of the exchange as John began to talk when he called to Elizabeth and she came to the microphone? I'm a bit confused as to what that was all about.

[balantz]

46. I think it was an attempt at a lighthearted moment,

maybe trying to be funny in showing silliness in their personal dynamic, like John playing "boss" and Elizabeth showing she is popular in her own right. That's what I got. It was kind of lost on me too.

[sojourner]

61. she is known to share the mic with him often

he appeared to be playfully getting her to cut down on the "distraction" as he began his speech, and she was sweetly acknowledging the love that the crowd has for her. i think the point was, "we're a team...working together..."

[happygoluckytoyou]

44. EDWARDS........BETTER THAN HILLARY "GOP LITE" CLINTON

[disndat]

47. I heard Elizabeth Edwards

last night on an interview. She was so much better than HC at answering questions. Straight-speaking and relevant, not like HC with her well practiced non-answers. She would make a great First Lady, very smart, knowledgeable and involved. With the Edwards, we will have another two-for-one. One thing that is very important, Edwards would be prepared to fight voters fraud, not like in '04 when Kerry who was caught short with the Ohio voters robbery.

[Kurovski]

51. Kick. (nt)

[John Gauger]

52. I saw the tail end.

It was very impressive. I like the part where he said, "We're going to do to the corporations what they've been doing to you." Which is, of course, fuck them. He also refused to sit down and negotiate with insurance companies, citing the recent liver transplant issue (read "negligent homicide.") He's going to fight them, which is what we really need. Well, what we really need is to outlaw them, but I guess if that's the best we can get.

[Clark2008]

64. Too bad it's all just rhetoric.

His record certainly doesn't match a freakin' thing he spews.

[Fading Captain]

65. Yeah, well considering the real alternatives

I'd rather have a guy spew this than not.

The shit spewed by Hillary and Obama is MEANINGLESS.

[Clark2008]

67. It's all meaningless.

Vote for someone who really gives a damn - write them in if you have to (I am).

There's no one running who gives a shit about working people.

[DiverDave]

66. He speaks for me and mine

and I'll vote for him...again.