Obama on Edwards

Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:32 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Edwards, Obama

From NBC's Mark Murray
Obama is the first out of the gate to issue a statement on Edwards' exit. "John Edwards has spent a lifetime fighting to give voice to the voiceless and hope to the struggling, even when it wasn't popular to do or covered in the news. At a time when our politics is too focused on who's up and who's down, he made a nation focus again on who matters - the New Orleans child without a home, the West Virginia miner without a job, the families who live in that other America that is not seen or heard or talked about by our leaders in Washington."

Obama added, "John and Elizabeth Edwards have always believed deeply that we can change this - that two Americans can become one, and that our country can rally around this common purpose. So while his campaign may end today, the cause of their lives endures for all of us who still believe that we can achieve that dream of one America."

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Comments

With Edwards dropping out of the race this close to Super Tuesday (Feb 5), Only one thing comes to mind. A deal has been struck with Obama. There is no way he would make a deal with Billary because they differ on way too many issues (Free Trade, Corporate greed, Lobbyist, etc).

My thaughts that Edwards decided 2 things.

(1) There was no way he could win.
(2) By staying in for the Feb 5 vote, he would guarntee a Hillary nomination by spliting the Change Vote & Anti Hillary Vote.

With the Change & Anti Hillary vote not split, Hillary will have a tough time getting the nomination.

Bill in Florida (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:39 AM)

I hope Edwards will endorse Obama, and that his supporters will follow. However, this is a time to honor Senator Edwards and thank him for his commitment to the American people - especially the least fortunate among us.

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:42 AM)

Stop Obama. Can't stand someone who says he wants change then buddy's up Kennedy, Kerry come these guys
are true symbols of old government.
And Obama still is all fluff and no stuff

melissa (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:43 AM)

Nice statement.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:44 AM)

That's a pretty good suck-up for Obama. Hillary and Bill are going to have to come up with something really good. Maybe Bill can throw his cast off interns Edwards way.

Sully Mander (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:46 AM)

Edwards will endorse Clinton

Sean (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:47 AM)

Great statement!!!

Bee (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:48 AM)

Great statement!!!

Bee (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:48 AM)

Well done Obama. let go and change the world.

david, fairfax, VA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:50 AM)

Ed Kennendy has nailed the coffin lid shut on Clinton and left Edwards will little hope of being a spoiler. Obama will probably get the support of Edwards followers and may get a Edwards endorsement. At this point I do not think anyone but die hard Clinton supporters even cares about news from Clinton or about Clinton. Clinton can only cry out and say me too or look at me too, because she is no longer news. Bill Clinton ate the cat that ate the bird, so he is the only dog left waging his tail and still not sure what he did was wrong.

TEC-Spring-TX (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:50 AM)

I hope Edwards will hold up on any endorsments---I would like to see Hillary and Borac campaign on their own.People that have already voted for Edwards will feel dejected.

HMT-MI (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:51 AM)

Obama as usual is always classy

Kisha (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:52 AM)

Classy...simply classy...that's the only way to describe Obama's statement on Edwards' departure. I hope Hillary has a classy statement too, but I doubt it...she's probably gonna pander for his support.

Oscar, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:53 AM)

Well said Senator Obama and what an honorable thing to say to a fellow politician who stuck to the rules and ran a very decent campaign. If the timing was different I'm sure he would be leaning toward the front runner at this time. My prayers go out to he and his wonderful wife Elizabeth and their beautiful children. They have taught us the true meaning of Grace and We are all grateful for your effort and we live in a better world because of Senator Edward and his family.

granny, TX (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:54 AM)

Poor people, downtrodden, voiceless America, yada,yada,yada. Edwards attacks corporate America but he got his millions from suing healthcare.
Doesn't anyone see that this activity only discouages physicians from practicing in the underserved areas and thus decreases ACCESS to the most needy? How many M.D.s refuse to take Medicaid for this reason? Let's get real, America is tired of these demagogues who get power and money trying to defend the downtrodden, poor, homeless, yada, yada, yada.

Miguel Warner (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:54 AM)

Hillary said at yearlykos: Lobbyists represent real people

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24pDGQF6UW8

Unlike Edwards she has never apologized for the Iraq war vote

In Edwards's words she represents the status quo

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:55 AM)

I plan to support Senator Obama. John Edwards would make a great Vice President or play some role in an Obama Administration.
Thank you to John Edwards for bringing up the issues of poverty, the economy, relations with other countries and taking money out of the campaigns

Don (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:57 AM)

We owe so much gratitude to John Edwards. He is an extraordinary advocate for the poor and middle class of America. I wish him the best in future endeavors, and I can only hope that he will endorse Obama, so that his centralized message of ending poverty and his strong stance against corporate dominance can get the recognition it truly deserves.

AJ, Middletown, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:58 AM)

Very well said Senator. John Edwards ran a very honorable campaign and I know we will all miss him and his passion on the campaign trail. My best wishes and prayers go out to John, Elizabeth, and the rest of his family.

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:00 PM)

I do hope Edwards will now throw his support behind Obama...possible VP for Obama

Donat E. Grant, Weston, Florida (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:01 PM)

MSNBC reporters should all wear wedding dresses as they truly campaign as though they are married to OBAMA. I like both rivals but I would like to see them get elected on THEIR own merit not by the media - the worse of whom is Russert and Matthews- They have lost a lot of mainstream support for their biased reporting! Case in point - why is Obama' Speech being carried live in Colorado today and NOT Hillary in Arkansas? Why show Bill Clinton for the three minutes today and not show Hillary at all? How dumb to they think we all are? Give us the FACTS - the FActs only -- Stop the yellow journalism -- the American people should make their choices.. not the media!!!

Caroline mullin (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:03 PM)

I am now an Obama supporter...

All the best Johnny boy, we will miss you...

Samuel, Rancho, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:03 PM)

I think Senator Obama summed things up in the last debate. "We have an African-American running, a woman running ... and John."

At least Hillary referred to Edwards as "a son of the south".

Mark, Columbus, OH (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:04 PM)

Wow, Obama's people really do believe the craziest things. Do you think Obama didn't pander to get the backing of Kerry and Kennedy? Jeesh, put down the Kool-Aid and grow up. Edwards isn't endorsing anyone until he sees which one offers him the sweetest deal. That's the way it works and Obama will continue to use all the old white boys to his supposed advantage. I like Edwards and I hope he becomes the Attorney General in January 09!

Shirley (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:05 PM)

The "Dream" endorsment is almost complete.The "class" of our Party:Kerry,Kennedy--are in--Edwards and Gore will follow--and Sen. Obama will lead this nation out of its decades old darkness--to a nation of hope--with a future of promise.

Michael,Phx,AZ. (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:05 PM)

Suck - Suck - Suck: What else can we expect from Obama? He's sucking his way to the Whitehouse! He better think carefully about who he endorses. He's got to pick the winner and get a cabinet post. Otherwise his political career is over. Nevermind that he likes Obama better. If it looks like Hillary, that is where his future lies. Attorney General, Secretary of Labor: this is his stairway to a Govenorship or future Presidency.

BionicWoman, Tucson, AZ (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:06 PM)

Edwards is no fool. Hes going to wait and see what happens on super tuesday, and when he sees Hillary is kicking butt, he will endorse her-and get a spot somewhere on her cabinet. Perhaps some position where he can help the poor perhaps? Mr Obama reminds me of John Kerry-lacking in something that is of vital importance to males.

Chris Penn (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:08 PM)

Hope he endorses Obama.

DCortez, Houston, Texas (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:09 PM)

Yeah this is a good kiss up to Edwards. Obama needs that support more than Clinton does. But as for Edwards he ran a good campaign, as good of one as you can with two big names with Clinton and Obama. I wish him and his whole family the best.

Tim, South Lyon, MI (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:09 PM)

Edwards for Attorney General, in the Obama Administration. That would be awesome.

Bet on an Edwards endorsement of Obama, but much closer to next Tuesday. They're smart on these media cycles... his bowing out is the news today. I expect something over the weekend, maybe even on MTP this week.

Billy, Normal, IL (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:10 PM)

The American people are getting what they wished for-President Obama. Let's hope you still want him when he's making the tough decisions and can't rely on his speech writers.

The media has made Obama king but they will be the first to rip him a part at the first sign of trouble
in his presidency.

Wendy PA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:10 PM)

Great statement. It shows that Obama understands what Edwards stands for and what he's trying to accomplish.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:10 PM)

As a former Edward's Canvasser who drove 3000 miles roundtrip to Iowa and gave up my 1 vacation a year, I can proudly say IM STAYING INDEPENDANT AND NOT JOINING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

Obama is hardly better than Hillary. Both are willing to negotiate with those who don't deserve to be negotiated with. This is a great statement, but the entire campaign his policy is nothing but a shell of Edwards', and with no real plan to back it up.

John, it's been a fun ride- you might be ending your campaign, but we're not ending the fight.

Halfway through you said this isn't class war. This is class war, and now every single person on every single side vying for the presidency is on the wrong side.

That's the simple question we need to ask the remaining 2 democrats: Which side are you on?

Brett, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:13 PM)

Obama wasted no time in assuring Edwards indorsement. He himself knows the better candidate is Ms. Clinton. On one of the Sunday morning news shows, the panel was asked if there was a possibility of an Obama-Clinton ticket but panelists answered a resounding nay but that if Ms. Clinton were the nominee SHE would possibily offer the vice presidency to Obama. What does that say to His assertion that he is a uniter. We heard the same from HW. Obama's demeaning remarks and actions toward Hillary is unbecoming any man let alone a possible president. The press made a great deal of Obama's showing in So. Carolina and although Ms. Clinton did not win any delegates in FL, she won Double digits in that state and was downplayed in the press. It is not her fault that a Republican state government was able to change the date of the primary fully knowing the effects it would have on the Democratic candidates. No Obama for me.

Lee Myszak North Port, FL (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:13 PM)

He is such a classy guy. He really does take the high road.

Go-bama!

SUZANNE (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:14 PM)

In the vien of being non-partisan, I really wish these campaigns could be structured in such a way that all of the candidates could stay in to the end. Money, media coverage and endorsements are way too big of a factor in these campaigns. How many people in the states that are still left to vote have had their candidate taken away before they even had a chance to vote for them. I find it unfair that those of us in the states still left to vote didn't get to evaluate all of the candidates up close and personal.

Cynic 101 (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:14 PM)

No John B, it shows that he is very well versed on how to play politics as usual. Jump on the dearly departeds theme so you can try to garner his support.

JT, Texas (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:16 PM)

Michael from AZ isnt that a bit dramatic, you are almost waxing poetic. Perhaps we should all grab our peace symbols and hippie tie dye and run through the fields of free love. Your post is the exact reason the Obama camp will not win.... You are in the clouds Remember that after the 60's we went into a very dark dismal period in this country. a sour end to an unjust war, peace and love made way for hate and violence with Kent state and the like, the most corrupt of presidents ever.. watch you sow..

Lynette, NYC (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:19 PM)

HillBilly Clinton will now start passing out money to buy Edwards supporters, The trailer Trash from Arkansas will stop at nothing to win this. I just hope Obama heeds Kathleen Willys advice and watch his back, as we know she was sexually molested by Bill Clinton and Harrassed by Hillary. and then had her house broken into by the Clinton Thugs. watch your back Obama, lets win this thing and rid the world of the Clintons

Obama08 (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:19 PM)

Edwards has said in debate after debate after debate. You cannot get change if you replace a corporate Republican with a corporate Democrat. In other words, Hillary Clinton does not represent change. Nuff Said.

Blaine (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:21 PM)

When is the MSM going to investigate the Predatory lender's & Mark Penn's association with them. For those who don't know who Mark Penn is, he is THE CAMPAIGN MANAGER FOR HILLARY CLINTON.She tries to give the impression she cares about people losing thier homes, but in FACT, the very Reason some are losing thier homes is because of HER CAMPAIGN MANAGER & his predatory lending practices.Come on MSM, help people in this, That's Your JOB!!!!!

Barack Obama for President!!!!!

Rick,ky (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:21 PM)

Sorry, but as a Union Man and Edwards supporter I will be voting for Hillary since she represents the center of the Party. Mr. Obama is a great orator but that is all he is. It's time for the old Kennedy branch of the Party to move on, and many have.

Claude - IAM (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:21 PM)

If Edwards drops out and he had 26 delegates...who do those go too now?

Not in the Know, tx (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:22 PM)

I'm sure Mann Coulter's going to have something to say about Edwards.

Go Obama! (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:23 PM)

This is the sad day we predictably come to in every major election. The day when the only candidates left are the ones who have been heavily financially backed by corporate America. Every campaign, the corporations spend massive amounts of money financing the campaigns of those candidates from both parties who they feel may have a legitimate shot at winning the election. That way they are assured no matter who wins, it will be business as usual in Washington, and the citizens of this country will be subjected to four more years of political abuse.
The money they inject into the campaigns allows these candidates to inundate our TVs, newspapers, and all other media sources with their presence. It has become a very effective form of brain washing, and although American voters usually think they are making informed decisions, in reality they have been overwhelmed with misinformation, shallow promises, unrealistic plans, and most of all those wonderful images of the kind, honest-looking, sincere faces of the candidates. More often than not, this is what most voter's decisions are based on which is why this corrupt, manipulative system needs some sort of overhaul, as we lose the best candidates way too early in the race thanks to their lack of the immoral, unethical financial support the front-runners benefit from.

Nick Jury (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:24 PM)

I find it funny that the Obama folks think Edwards dropping out could be a good thing for him, while the truly informed political minds know that Edwards' dropping out only further widens her lead among both democrats and white voters. Edwards was a decent candidate in 2004, but his time is now passed. Hopefully he doesn't further tarnish his reputation by attempting again for presidency. I've made my predictions known and loud for a while - and February 5th is going down as the day the pundits were shut up.

Mark the calendar.

Travis, Jacksonville, Fl. (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:25 PM)

Billary can't be too pleased about Edwards. His support will go to Obama - with or without Edwards' endorsement. There is also no way Joe Trippi will help out Billary.

Edwards forced the Dems not to forget our roots. I think he helped Obama sharpen his message.

Paul McL, Winston-Salem, NC (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:27 PM)

Edwards made this announcement today to bump Hillary's Florida "win" out of the news cycle.

His timing indicates that Edwards is trying to hurt Hillary more than Obama.

Edwards will endorse Obama.... just watch. And Gore too.

Everything is trending Obama's way. Hillary had a 30-point lead in Connecticut just 3 weeks ago... .it is now a dead heat according to realclearpolitics.com. Those Florida voters that voted AFTER the SC primary went for Obama by 38-32. Those that voted more than a month ago went for Hillary big.

...all the trends are pointing Obama's way.

DJ (Pittsburgh) (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:28 PM)

Osama Obama is a self-serving slime ball. Obama could refrain from employing as an emotional leech the moment he was informed Edwards was dropping out. Educated people do not behave like this. Obama continues to present to the world that he does NOT have what it takes to be President of the USA. Our only choice is President Hillary Clinton!

Dr. F Alaska (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:28 PM)

Michael Az... how delusional can you be? Gore has stated many times that he is not endorsing, and were he to endorse - it would be on the basis of which candidate is the most committed to a "Green future" and I think Obama and his Yucca creds would pretty much negate the entire thing. Hillary is the green candidate, and Gore would endorse her in a second.

Kerry's endorsement: gee why did Kerry lose, aside from being an idiot? Oh! That's right! He wasn't willing to fight back against the Republicans.

Now, what are Hillary democrats critisizing Obama for? His bi-partisan naive schtick and his unwillingness to blast the Republican party when he stumps. He's more interested in winning independants and conservatives - and Democrats are noticing.

Has Obama won Democrats in a single state yet? NOT even in South Carolina was he able to win Democrats, or even liberals.

Hillary has this... wait and see.

Travis, Jacksonville, Fl. (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:29 PM)

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