Edwards doesn't have a snowball's chance of getting the DFL nomination.  He never did have a chance.  How many $1250 haircuts does $40 million buy, anyway?

Good to hear Edwards follow Obama's lead on this one; Clinton should also pledge to accept public financing if the Republican nominee does the same, or her claims of supporting the public financing of elections are not credible.

Edwards is now on the public dole.  Spend my money wisely John.  Remember, no beer or smokes.

This piece on First Read contradicts what I just read on TheHill.com, which indicated the Edwards campaign is admitting that it will not, in fact, achieve its $40M goal on its own.

“You can’t buy your way to the Democratic nomination — you should have to earn the votes of the American people with bold vision and ideas,” said Edwards’ campaign manager, former Rep. David Bonior (Mich.), in a statement. “This is the most expensive presidential campaign in history, by far. And the simple fact is that the influence of money in politics — and the focus on raising money in this election — has gotten out of control. It’s time to get back to focusing on the issues that matter to the American people. That’s why John Edwards has decided to play by the rules that were designed to ensure fairness in the election process by capping his campaign spending and seeking public financing.”

Yeah, right. In other words, Johnny Boy's getting creamed on the donation front and so he's trying to play it off as Johnny Be Good now. He's doing this out of a sense of moral obligation, not desperation, huh? Okay. What is most striking to me about this is that, unlike Mitt Romney, Edwards seems completely unwilling to risk his own money on his belief that he's the best qualified candidate to lead this nation. That, to me, is telling.

Shadow, what do you mean "follow Obama's lead"? There's no way Obama will accept matching funds in the primary, because it would negate the huge advantage of his war chest and leave him unable to spend dollar-for-dollar with Clinton. Obama said something about matching funds in the general election if the Repub nominee agress, but there's no way he's going to do that in the primary.

If Edwards decision is that of principle, my question is Why Now?

What happened recently that made him rethink his position on public financing?

This is a sign that the Edwards'campaign is in financial trouble. Spin it anyway one wants to. John Edwards is not receiving the financial support from the grassroots. Too bad he is in trouble(nice guy, but no chance of actually winning the general election).

To all who believe Johnny Boy is doing this for any reason other than disappointing third quarter fund raising totals: I got a hot deal for you on the Brooklyn Bridge, but you gotta pay me in cash.

Gerry,you are incorrect. Senator Obama stated months ago, along with Senator McCain he would accept public financing. John Edwards is following Senator Obama's lead.

Gerry, the words "the primary" are never included in the post by firstread, so I thought Edwards was referring to the general election, for which until now only Obama had agreed to take public financing limitations if the GOP nominee did the same.  

John, time to sell the mansion and get a $12.50 haircut at supercuts.  Maybe he can hang out with Bill and Hillary, they know how to roll people for their money.

the Edward's campaign knew all along they did not have much chance in the money chase and have been playing the other end of the money influence in their internet and personal apperances. Do not about his general polling numbers but on the net they are slowly rising? he has made lots of mistakes like owning sub prime mortages. Should have been out ahead of that.

Johnny can't raise the money so he needs to go on the public dole

Deborah, read my post. I said Obama will never accept public funding in the primaries, not that he would not accept public funding at all. I noted that he has expressed some support for public funding in the general election if the Repub nominee agrees. He will NOT, however, accept it in the primaries because he'd lose his cash advantage over Clinton. (Shadow, your point about the article text not explicitly mentioning "the primary" is, however, duly noted).

Kudos to Jared Headly for the sense of humor.  In all sincerity, thanks for injecting some good humored criticism into the discussion.  Also, such banter is a refreshing alternative to the disrespectful vitriol that often appears on these posts from all parts of the political spectrum.

Congratulations, Tricia, on your job writing from the campaign trail. It's your high school English teacher. Contact me.

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