Edwards fights on

Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:36 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ’s Tricia Miller
COLUMBIA, SC -- For those who haven’t heard: John Edwards is not dropping out tonight.

Following a litany of people whose voices he said would be heard in his campaign, the South Carolina native said, "Finally, if you’re one of the millions of Americans who have yet to cast your vote in this democratic process, beginning on Feb. 5 and moving beyond, your voice will be heard and we will be there with you every single step of the way."

Despite a third-place finish in his home state, Edwards will turn his attention to Feb. 5 states, appearing first tomorrow in Dublin, Ga. and continuing on to Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Minnesota and North Dakota by mid-week. Senior adviser Joe Trippi maintained that the former North Carolina senator will be competitive on Super Tuesday -- doing better in some states than he did today in South Carolina.

“We’re already ahead of this in a lot of states,” he said. “Go look at every poll out there. Oklahoma we’re doing much better than we are -- than we did here. Obama’s not doing well in Oklahoma at all. Missouri we were in the 20s.”

Trippi said that the campaign expects this to be a race for delegates that could be decided at the Democratic National Convention in Denver seven months from now. Asked again whether Edwards would stay in, Trippi was adamant.

“It’s fairly simple,” he said. “We get to continue running for president until we decide we’re not running for president. And we have the money to go on and we have the support. You know, we’ve raised more money in the last 23 days on the Internet than we raised all of the fourth quarter, so there’s a lot of energy out there. There are a lot of people who we are the voice for right now. We’re not trying to tear anybody down.”

Edwards’ campaign focused on the first four primary states in 2007 and ultimately finished second in Iowa and third in New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. Now they’re moving staff from those states to Feb. 5 states and relying on local endorsers and unions to turn out the vote.

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Comments

Same tired speach, same talking points, robotic delivery.

DCortez, Houston, Texas (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:45 PM)

How many third place finishes does it take before he drops out. The only thing more pathetic is that Huckabee has a string of fourth places going and he doesn't seem to get the picture either. Do the primary process a favor and get out!

Cory, Mendon, Utah (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:46 PM)

Bill Clinton: Obama just another Jesse jackson.

Hillary hater (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:49 PM)

Senator Obama is a class act who also pays attention to small details. As a South Carolinian, I know our state's motto is "While I breathe, I hope." His tip of the hat to that near the close of his speech -- "While we breathe, we hope" -- resonated with me.

John Jamrogowicz (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:55 PM)

Stay down Rocky!

Randy Ewart (SC) (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:55 PM)

stay on it and stay tuned better things are yet to come go edwards...we need you

justanotherdummycrat, Trout Creek, NY (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:00 PM)

Who's Edwards?

LM Manning (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:01 PM)

Keep it up John, You are all we got left. Don't drop out, you still have a major say in this election.

YardBird, West Virginia (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:17 PM)

He's gotta try and get enough support to seem viable for at least a cabinet position. I think the VP boat has sailed.

Steven, KDH, N.C. (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:25 PM)

Go Edwards!

Mark (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:29 PM)

SEEMS TO ME, JOHN WAS ON THE ATTACK PLENTY UNTIL RECENTLY. HE WAS THE HARSHEST ON OF THE BUNCH TO START OUT WITH. NOW THAT THE OTHER TWO STARTED FEUDING HE'S TRYING TO BE THE "NICE" ONE. TOO FUNNY. I'M SURE O'BAMA IS PLENTY HAPPY THAT JOHN IS IN THE RACE...HE'LL BE TAKING VOTES AWAY FROM HILLARY (ESPECIALLY THE WHITE MALE VOTES THAT O'BAMA LOST, BUT WHO JUST CAN'T QUITE MAKE THEMSELVES VOTE FOR A WOMAN).
SO, IT'S OBVIOUSLY UP TO US WOMEN...WOMEN OF ALL RACES TO COME TOGETHER. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT WHAT THIS COUNTRY NEEDS IS A WOMAN'S TOUCH. EVERYONE KNOWS WE'RE MUCH MORE DIPLOMATIC, MUCH MORE WILLING TO LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS...UNLIKE BUSH AND OTHERS WHO WILL JUST NOT ADMIT HE'S WRONG EVEN WHEN HE'S SLAPPED IN THE FACE WITH THE FACTS.
THEY TRY TO SAY THAT IT'S NOT ABOUT GENDER. BUT IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT GENDER OR WE WOULD'VE HAD A WOMAN PRESIDENT ALREADY. NOW THAT WE HAVE A QUALIFIED CANDIDATE THEY DON'T WANT IT TO BE ABOUT GENDER. (AND IT WASN'T ABOUT RACE, EITHER...80% OF THE BLACK VOTE TO O'BAMA?)
HATE TO TELL YOU MEN, BUT THE TRUE MAJORITY IN THIS COUNTRY IS WOMEN. WE JUST NEED TO COME TOGETHER. BY BOTH REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS, HILLARY CLINTON HAS BEEN CALLED ONE OF THE HARDEST WORKERS IN THE SENATE, AND ONE WHO HAS WORKED WELL ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLE. THAT'S PROVEN ABILITY AND FACT. SO WE NOT ONLY HAVE A "QUALIFIED" WOMAN RUNNING, BUT SHE'S ALMOST RIDICULOUSLY INTELLIGENT, AN AMAZINGLY HARD WORKER AND HAS SOLID, ACHIEVABLE PLANS FOR OUR ECONOMY, HEALTH CARE AND FOREIGN POLICY NEEDS. SO ON FEB. 5TH OR WHENEVER...GET OUT THERE AND VOTE FOR THE BEST AND MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE OUT THERE...THAT SHE HAPPENS TO BE A WOMAN IS JUST ICING ON THE CAKE.
THESE MEN HAVE RUN THE COUNTRY INTO THE GROUND. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT IT'LL TAKE A WOMAN TO CLEAN UP THEIR MESS!
SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW!!

HILLARY 08 (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:32 PM)

No matter how hard GE: MSNBC, NBC and their talking heads tried to minimize and demonize John Edwards, he will survive their media shut out, shut downs. Edwards is a man who are supported by millions of americans as the only candidate who can beat the republicans. America is a very rascist country, they will not accept Hillary/Billary. We must keep our eye on the prize; taking back our government from the neo cons..and the man to do it is: John Edwards.

elizabeth Allen (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:47 PM)

I heard on the news today that Edwards outspent Obama and Clinton combined in South Carolina advertising. That was surprising. It also means Edwards probably is running pretty low on cash after this.

Edwards gets 4 percent in Nevada, and now finishes third in his birth state, after outspending the rest of the field there.

I don't see how he goes on. Is anyone going to send him a check now? And seems to me money is more important in the next 10 days than it has been in the past. In these one-at-a-time contests, a less financed candidate can still do something with retail politics. But all these states at once, and it turns more into an advertising campaign.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:49 PM)

Before deciding Edwards of "off the table" see if Obama and Clinton vote to oppose immunity for the telecoms - then decide if we have candidates for change. That vote is scheduled for Monday.

S. Hodges, Castro Valley, CA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 10:55 PM)

There's nothing "tired" about Edwards. He is, in the end, the most "electable" of the three. Democrats should beware; the Rove smear machine is waiting in the high grass. It will shred Obama as a secret Moslem and Hilary as...you know, Hilary.

Michael Cooper, Lafayette, CA (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:03 PM)

Same lead in setting the agenda, same focus on issues, same energy in securing a brokered Convention to elect a viable candidate

gba, (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:19 PM)

Michael, I know you are right but it seems that democrats are always destined to shoot their foot off.the very best of both worlds would have been an Edwards-Obama ticket early on to make hillary fight against a united front. but considering all the colossal egos involved none would think about what is actually best for the country.

she cannot win(45% negatives are the highest in history for a nonsitting candidate) and I fear Barrack will be marginalized and too damaged (though I hope for the best). bill is no longer due my respect. it was unprecedented for an ex-president to attack a candidate the way he did. proves an utter distain for what the people may want, just what he and hillary want. and before I am attacked for this, remember this is coming from a life long democrat in a state that is openly hostile to democrats. if they have lost me, how many independents and leaning democrats have they lost?

leon houston (Sent Saturday, January 26, 2008 11:49 PM)

Edwards is a good person, but he is out of this race and he should accept that reality.

As for "Hillary 08" - your only reason given for voting for the real Hillary is that she is a woman. That is as hopelessly bigoted and narrowminded attitude as refusing to vote for a woman.

douglasdao, Evanston (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:00 AM)

"Sitting in the grass" is illegal immigration.They don't need Rove. Edwards IS the only candidate that will beat McCain. It's not about anything except being fed up with mediocrity.

LooknListen, Lafayette,IN (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:14 AM)

Hillary has proven in the most recent debate that she can stand on her own two feet very well.I my opinion Bill should just stand back and be her spouse. We all know that inspite of all the harassment he and hillary went thru when he was president he did a dam good job rebuilding our country.. Now step back and let the country see that he has as much faith in his wife ability to be the President of the USA as hillary had in him. He is acting like an over protective mother who really does not believe that her kid has what it takes to stand on her /his own two feet.What does that say to the rest of the country.

John schmidt (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:22 AM)

John schmidt (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:23 AM)

"Sitting in the grass" is illegal immigration.They don't need Rove. Edwards IS the only candidate that will beat McCain. It's not about anything except being fed up with mediocrity.

LooknListen, Lafayette,IN (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:31 AM)

Edwards is a good person, but he is out of this race and he should accept that reality. He is not this grand prophet that his supporters seem to be making him to be. He's just a decent guy with SOME good ideas.

As for "Hillary 08" - your only reason given for voting for the real Hillary is that she is a woman. That is as hopelessly bigoted and narrowminded attitude as refusing to vote for a woman.

douglasdao Evanston (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:36 AM)

There is no way Obama can be elected. The Reublicans are chomping at the bits. That is their one chance to retain the white house.

J. miller (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:55 AM)

There is no way Obama can be elected. The Reublicans are chomping at the bits. That is their one chance to retain the white house.

J. miller (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:56 AM)

There is no way Obama can be elected. The Reublicans are chomping at the bits. That is their one chance to retain the white house.

J. miller (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:56 AM)

Bill Clinton was a horrible president. It was under his administration that the sale of Amercian jobs to China and India began. It was Bill Clinton who signed NAFTA into law. It is the Clinton's failed policy of protecting their corporate buddies that was continued by George W. Bush and the Devil's Advocate Dick (Haliburton) Cheney. Obama also has been beholding to corporate interests. While he talks a good game, he too will support his prior corporate sponsors. The only person who will really represent the interests of common folk is John Edwards. As long as the corporate media feeds Obama and Clinton as the only choice, America will lose. This is a battle for the soul of America, and the answer is John Edwards.

KWH, CA (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:57 AM)

0 wins, 4 losses.

Has the Edwards campaign become more about him and less about the people he says that he cares about ?

How can Edwards expect to win the Democratic nomination when he can't win a single primary - finishing a narrow second in one, and third (essentially last) in the others ?

It's time for Edwards to gracefully bow out of this race.

Mark, Columbus, OH (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 1:06 AM)

I have listened to the 3 democratic candidate all go on about government healthcare gov subsidized mortgages and positive changes that all sound great, what I have not heard yet is how any of these dreams can possibly be realized given the mind numbing hundred of trillions of debt that is owed at this time.Is it realistic to promise these cadillac dreams when your behind on the 3 hummers in your driveway

peter williamson dawson creek B.C (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 1:57 AM)

The Iraq war: Halliburton, Blackwater, and the whole industrial complex like. It's profitible.
National Health Care: Pfizer, Ely Lilly, the pharmaceutical industry, the insurance company's Don't want it. It' profitiable to stop.
Global Warming: Doing nothing is profitable for Exxon, BP, Shell, and all the auto manufacuturers.
Immigration: Profitable to do nothing for Carghill, ADM, Hotels, the fast food restaurants, and much of the housing industry.
John Edwards is the ONLY candidate who has identified the Corporate World as a clear an present danger to the future of the United States. Obama and Clinton have not even signed on to this serious problem. I'm hanging tough with Edwards. He is at least SAYING the right things. I hope he wins and delivers.

Paul Sutton, Morrison, CO (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:10 AM)

I would love to see a "lady" as our President - Hilary is not -she has no dignity - just look at her past as a wife of "Bill". Her temper and language....
Obama... is he a moslem tied to Africa by his present church? Edwards has shown he is a "gentleman" with class that can speak to the world and be respected.

Jane Smith, Palm Coast, FL (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:06 AM)

Liberal people like to believe the best of the people around them - rose colored glasses...and therefore do not understand that many voters are not only incredibly uninformed but rather racist and misogynistic as well.

I like Hillary and Barack. They are however laden with baggage that will sink their fights if they end up against McCain. It sucks that during the primaries we help them destroy one another. Wouldn't it be amazing if the Dems could get it together and, without ego (Hillary), find the person who is actually best placed to lead before damaging each other? Save your fight for when it ACTUALLY COUNTS!

Little Dragon (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:42 AM)

I appreciate Mr Edward's tenacity. He has every right to stay in the race. I support Mr Obama, but who knows what dirty tricks the Clintons will pull next....we need Mr Edwards to stay around to keep everyone playing fair. If Mr Obama is unfairly run out by the Roves (oops, I meant Clintons), I will support Mr Edwards.

Steve Jennette Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 5:37 AM)

Please take the high road Senator Edwards & gracefully withdraw. You're only helping the scum bag Clinton's.

American Voter (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:11 AM)

Twits like DCortez are blind to realizing that they're witnessing a "[s]ame tired speach, [sic] same talking points, robotic delivery [sic]" Great American, if not a saint. That said regardless of his haircut, home, or previous career choices. Those who see him as the only electable Democratic candidate are correct not only because he's straight, white, christian male, but, ironically and if he gets the nomination, his campaign is clean of the corrupt corporate contributions that taint all the others.
My heart goes with Kucinich, my ambition and courage go with Clinton, my hopes go with Obama, but MY HEAD AND CONSCIENCE SAY EDWARDS!

pswill (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:52 AM)

Edwards strategy of taking this to the convention will hurt the party. He is no longer a viable candidate, and he should leave the race. Fact is, he couldn't carry NC for Kerry in '04. Take your ball home, John.

D. Van Gieson (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:54 AM)

It would be very interesting to see a convention fight for the first time in a long time, too bad they can't smoke in the convention hall and TV is now color, the film noir aspect of the old convetions where like watching an old film.
But at least the funny hats will still be around.
GOOOOOO DEMS!

John Alexander (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 9:07 AM)

hate to tell you Hilary08 but Hilary Clinton isn't really a Democrat. She is all about big business and the well-moneyed. Also, it's OBAMA not O'BAMA. In case you haven't noticed, Barack isn't Irish.

Mark Hill Middleton WI (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 9:42 AM)

Are we going to elect a president based on their gender?
Their ethnicity? The price of their haircut? While you're asking "What's the matter with Kanas?", ask also about the other 49 states. The neocons (with the help of Bill Clinton) have brought us to the brink of disaster. Someone has to say that business as usual is over.

Edwards '08

I'm posting Sunday morning. If it's after Monday when you're reading this, have Clinton and Obama voted against telecom immunity? (If it's before the vote, call or email their offices!) Where are the leaders we need?

orangutan (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 10:15 AM)

John Edwards is the Ralph Nader (Spoiler) in 2008. Selfish, self-centered; does nothing for uniting Democrats. People like John “Spoiler” Edwards beginning to look more and more like Bill Clinton: Saying and doing anything to get elected, no matter what the results indicate.

Spoliers: Step aside, we're gonna be making history very soon.

Miguel Robledo, TX (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:38 AM)

"Is anyone going to send him a check now? "
I just did. He's the only populas candidate running. Go Edwards!

Mark, Cary (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:48 AM)

I believe the reason the Corporate Media World annointed Obama and Hillary was to cripple the Democratic party's base and piss some people off so much that they will refuse to vote at all, and guarantee the Democratic Party survives in name only.John Edwards would easily unite the Party and beat all Republicans in the race. He would effect real change as rebuilding the party's infrasturcture is what is most needed right now.The powers that be DO NOT want real change anymore, than they want real Democracy. They want control, which is why our candidates, with the exception of Edwards are hand picked for us. Without John Edwards, kiss the Democratic Party Good Bye!

Leeann LoFaso, San Diego, CA (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 11:53 AM)

Edwards and Obama are splitting the anti-Billary vote... I wish Edwards would drop out, become Obama's VP, so America would have a chance to finally change. We've had 8 years as a Bush as a VP, then 4 as a prez, then 8 years Clinton as a prez, then 8 years another Bush as a prez... So far we've had 28 years of the Bush/Clinton Era. It's time to put it to an end. The fact that people have really fallen for their dirty Washington political smears, the fact that people really believe Billary represents change breaks my heart.

But what breaks my heart the most is that, as a life long Democrat, if Billary wins the nomination, I'll be forced to vote Republican. Anything but that pair of lying, dishonest, divisive opportunists.

Shaw, Cleveland, OH (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:54 PM)

Those of you who are criticizing J Edwards should consider that John Edwards may be in it to help protect Mr. Obama's flank. In South Carolina Edwards gave (forgive me) bigoted Southerners an alternative. The bigots are never going to vote for a black man. Having John in there keeps those votes from going to Billary.

You should also realize that John is likely trying to get 15% of the delegates. He's not trying to win at this point. But if he gets 15% of the delegates then Democratic nomination rules give him a powerful voice at the convention. Again, if he gets that he will be able to protect Obama's flank from Billary. John Edwards is a great asset to Barack Obama and I think Barack recognizes that.

So - bottom line - quit beating up on John Edwards. He may be doing Democrats an enormous favor by staying in.

vjs, Austin, Texas (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:56 PM)

Why did the CLINTONS OFFER EDWARDS A DEAL?
What kind of deal did Hillary offer Edwards last week on a private meeting before the South Caroline election?
Why is nobody finding out what kind of deal did she offer him exactly?

alejandra, sebastopol, california (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 12:57 PM)

Congratulations to the shameless Clintons, they may have succeeded in painting Obama as the'black candidate' and created a racial divide that could hurt him in predominately white states, but they may also have elevated John Edwards and sealed their fate. While Hillary's vision of change is in her campaign staff' strategy and her personality and demeanor from week to week Edwards and Obama have stayed on message about their vision of change, which is strickingly simular...An Edwards/Obama ticket would therefore be fine with me..go Edwards/Obama, you will be a good replacement for Bush and Chenny

Ellis B. Kingman Az. (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:28 PM)

John Edwards should stay in the campaign as long as he has the resources to do so. While it doesn't seem that he will win the nomination, there is no doubt that his candidacy is important to this race and has significantly impacted the discourse of the Democratic campaigns.

Hopefully people will recognize the power of his message and realize that he is in a disadvantaged position not because he is not a viable candidate but because his campaign has not been given equal representation by the media.

Go to John Edward's website and read his policy positions. Go to the New York Times website and read Kevin Sack's interview with John Edwards (from Jan. 25) regarding his proposed health care reforms. This is undoubtedly a historic campaign, and Clinton and Obama are very strong candidates, but there is more at stake in this campaign than the election of our first minority or female president. Just give Edwards a chance - and think about the issues.

Rebecca, Massachusetts (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:38 PM)

To all of you calling for Edwards to withdraw:

Why? How exactly does his candidacy hurt the process? Have you not noticed that the themes he's articulated for the last year are required to be addressed in every debate? The unwholesome, corrupting influence of lobbyists. The ever growing income gap between the richest and the poorest. The outsourcing of American jobs. The shrinking of the middle class. The lack of support for our veterens. These are the themes that resonate with the voters. Edwards' early, constant highlighting of these themes has forced Obama and Clinton to focus on them more forcefully, and in greater detail.

The longer Edwards stays in the race, the more the contest is about issues - and the less it is about identities. This is a good thing.

As long as Edwards continues to earn delegates, neither Obama nor Clinton can seize the nomination, and this makes the later primaries more meaningful. These late primary voters, unlike in years past, actually have an influence on the process. Their votes matter. This is a good thing.

If Edwards were to drop out, a lot of his supporters would gravitate toward Obama, and a lot toward Clinton. No one knows who'd benefit more. But we ALL benefit from his continued voice in the mix. He's keeping it honest. If you welcome a primary campaign that's all about race vs gender, then, by all means, advocate for his withdrawal. But if you welcome a continued robust exchange of ideas about ISSUES, you might want to consider voting for him. He won't win the nomination, but his participation in the process is a net positive. Let's keep him in there as long as possible.

WisePiper, Vashon, WA (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:39 PM)

Keep going John ! Who said there ever was a deal ? I think the news people like to make something out of nothing.You said it all vjs, people just don't get it. As others have said, he is the only uniter !

Mollie (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 2:42 PM)

It certainly looks like Bush/Cheney has made a huge difference in this country..I have seldom seen such hatred, spite and division..just becase some one dare support a candidate of their own choice instead of the one you support...viva la Democracy!!! I support Edwards (and my right to do so)..but I will support who ever wins the nomination, we need more liberals on the Supreme Court....if Edwards can't win the nomination..maybe he could get the Attorney General spot, and take on the crooked corporations and their fascist hold on this country..thats what trial lawyers do..!!

Susan Olympia, WA. (Sent Sunday, January 27, 2008 3:07 PM)

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