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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC Political Researcher



Clinton on Edwards

Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:33 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: , ,

Our friends over at Hotline's On Call have Clinton's remarks on Edwards' exit.

"Well, Sen. Edwards is a friend of mine, he was a colleague in the Senate, and I have the highest regard for him, and I’m really admiring of what he has done to make sure that poverty was on the agenda here in America," she said in an interview with WBRC. "He encouraged all of us in his passion and advocacy, and I hope he will continue that work because it is really important that we stay focused on what we’re going to do to help people."

"You know, I’m out here talking about making the economy work for everybody. And it needs to work for the middle class, working people, it needs to give a life line to poor people like we did in the 1990s, so in any way that I can be part of this effort to try to target poverty I am going to be."

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"like we did in the 1990s"

Need I say more?
This is the difference between Obama and Clinton.  Comparing the two statements you see that Obama's is about Edwards and his message.  With Clinton it's more about the 'I'.  It's about her.
What a lady, with such class. Its great that the best candidate of all happens to be a woman.
its great to see and hear hillary to grasp some of the ideas that john has worked so hard at bringing into this whole process...its good to know that john's hard work will not go unnoticed and will not be all for naught!!!  Go Hillary
Right on, Hillary. Lead with your experience and poise; those qualities will serve you well once you become president. Hillary all the way!
Hillary, John Edwards middle class & your mddle class are NOT the same. His middle class does'nt make over 90 grand a year.Nice try tho.


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!!!!!
What a piece of work! It's remarkable how many times Hillary uses the word "I" in her statement.  This man desserves a little more respect - he has poured his heart and soul into every minute of his campaign... this is not about YOU, Senator Clinton.

Obama '08
Just last week Hillary's robocalls were attacking Edwards: Can you trust her? Here's the robocall:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0108/Clinton_robocalls_hit_Edwards.html

   Hello, This is the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign.

   Before you vote on Saturday, you should know that John Edwards voted for permanent trade relations with China. That’s right, John Edwards voted for the bill that cost thousands of jobs. Like the ones in the textile mills he talks about so much down here.

   You should also know that John Edwards made nearly a half a million dollars working for a Wall Street investment fund. A fund that’s been profiting on foreclosing on the homes of families; including 100 homes right here in South Carolina. That’s according to The State newspaper. Here in South Carolina, Edwards says he’s one of us, but up on Wall Street he was just another one of them.

Can you trust John Edwards?"
MSNBC reported the following in its' story about Edwards quitting the race;
Four in 10 Edwards supporters said their second choice in the race is Clinton, while a quarter prefer Obama, according to an Associated Press-Yahoo poll conducted late this month. Both Clinton and Obama would welcome Edwards’ backing and the support of the 56 delegates he had collected.
So...what this means, is that Hillary will pick up a lot of support from Edwards backers, almost half of them in fact.
While, Obama will only get about 25%.
That's another reason why Edwards SHOULD endorse Hillary. He SHOULD be loyal to his own following.
Let's see the Obama-Rama-Ding-Dongs at First Read "spin" this.
WHEREAS, Over a year ago, the Democratic National Committee established a 2008 nominating calendar;

WHEREAS, this calendar honors the racial, ethnic, economic and geographic diversity of our party and our country;

WHEREAS, the DNC also honored the traditional role of retail politics early in the nominating process, to insure that money alone will not determine our presidential nominee;

WHEREAS, it is the desire of Presidential campaigns, the DNC, the states and the American people to bring finality, predictability and common sense to the nominating calendar.

THEREFORE, I Hillary Clinton, Democratic Candidate for President, pledge I shall not campaign or participate in any state which schedules a presidential election primary or caucus before Feb. 5, 2008, except for the states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina, as "campaigning" is defined by rules and regulations of the DNC.
i want to hear what she says behind his back. By the way the Dems just took 100 dollars from our rebate, they really are for the poor guy, hopefully bush will veto it, and get it back to 600.

Anyone thinks our country is bad, just elect her and you will dee the great depression in techicolor.
She didn't want to say anything. You can always tell when Clinton doesn't like a question - she begins her answer with, "Well..."
This is a terrible statement by Clinton.  Once again it is more about her than him (Edwards).  I have been noticing that lately Clinton keeps sliding how everyone thing she is doing is for "the people".  I find this to be very disigenous.  She is campaigning for herself, because she wants power.  

Hillary is the pro-corporate, pro-lobbyist candidate.  I don't doubt that she cares about the poor, but she prefers a handout as opposed to real reform in our economy to restore the American Dream for the people.
Her official statement on Senator Edwards campaign:

"John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it - by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate.

John ran with compassion and conviction and lifted this campaign with his deep concern for the daily lives of the American people. That is what this election is about - it's about our people. And John is one of the greatest champions the American people could ask for.

I wish John and Elizabeth all the best. They have my great personal respect and gratitude. And I know they will continue to fight passionately for the country and the people they love so deeply."


Some people assume Edwards supporters will go for Obama. Based on what? In the FL counties that voted for Edwards, especially those bordering Alabama and Georgia, Clinton was a close second.

I heard a retired vet of the 81st airborne recently say he would vote for Hillary because of his complete disgust and disillusionment with the republicans and the fact that he, his family and from what he could tell Everyone did better economically under Bill Clinton. So he would vote for Hillary based on that.

I think the Clinton campaign has no reason to cede the democratic voters in the South, including adult white males.
This is the difference between Obama and Clinton.  Comparing the two statements you see that Obama's is about Edwards and his message.  With Clinton it's more about the 'I'.  It's about her.

diane (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:42 PM)


I second that!
Can you sense the fear in the Clinton campaign now?  Listen to the supporters.  Oh, the humanity.  Gonna be fun to watch, that's for sure.
How is it that a republic of 300 million people (that insists on promoting democracy throughout the world) keeps electing the same two families to the highest offices in the land?  We have had either a Bush or a Clinton occupying the Vice Presidency or the Presidency uninterrupted since 1980 (That's 28 years!!!!)  Now we're thinking about giving the Clintons 4 more years.  What's so democratic about that?  Do you really think things will change by keeping the Bush-Clinton legacy alive?  My God America, wake the hell up.  We don't need 4 more years of the Clintons with all their baggage and divisiveness.  If you truly want change and want America to move forward, you need to leave the Bushes and the Clintons in the past.  Otherwise, you can expect the same gridlock we've had for 28 years.    
I know John Edwards...John Edwards was a friend of mine...and Hillary...you're no John Edwards.
Some people assume Edwards supporters will go for Obama. Based on what? In the FL counties that voted for Edwards, especially those bordering Alabama and Georgia, Clinton was a close second.

I heard a retired vet of the 81st airborne recently say he would vote for Hillary because of his complete disgust and disillusionment with the republicans and the fact that he, his family and from what he could tell Everyone did better economically under Bill Clinton. So he would vote for Hillary based on that.

I think the Clinton campaign has no reason to cede the democratic voters in the South, including adult white males.
Diane, and others, you have it exactly right--the Clinton problem for the past 16 years has been the 'me' piece of things; it is part of their character.  Lying and manipulation aside, this is why voters should (and most have) rejected them.
Those nasty robo calls made by the Clinton campaign attacking Edwards on the day of the SC primary are not going to be forgotten by John.

She is so two faced.
Notice Obama's statement was about Edwards.. Hillary had to bring in ""I"", it is always about her.
James "Mudcat" Saunder's, just told MSNBC, he would do everything in his Power to make sure John Edwards does NOT endorse Billary. Saunder's is on the camapign staff of Edward's & a staunch Southern Democrat. He also said, he's a staunch supporter of the 22nd amendmant(hillary supporter's will havta look that up)& see's Hillary's campaign for what it is.A way around the Constitution for Ex President Bill Clinton.

Southern Males just came onboard barack Obama's campaign. THANK YOU MUDCAT!!!!!!!!!
The choice is clear. McCain will be the Republican nominee.  A vote for Hillary is a vote for the Republicans to win the White House.  There is no way independents will vote for her over McCain.  Win the battle......lose the war.  Your choice.
What is most notable is the contrast in statements.  Obama had an eloquent statement ready praising Edwards' work; Clinton appeared caught off guard and tried to spin her own applications of Edwards' ideas.  This is suggestive about the respective candidates' characters, yes, but also may indicate something vitally important: Obama had advance warning.  Expect an Edwards endorsement soon.

GO BARACK!!!
I'm having a Nelson Muntz kind of day;

"HA-HA!"
J. Merle Stanley--Not so fast! HOw old is that poll?  Also, NO way Edwards endorses Clinton--they are just two different.  Edwards has already said that he sees himself and Obama having more in common in their stances--Not that there is much difference between the three of them.  IF, and that's a big IF, he enodorses anyone it probably will be Obama!
I think Hillary needs to get her head out of the 90's and start living in the present and planning for the future. If she wins the Presidency you can bet this country will be run with Bill at her side all the way. 35 years experience doesn't make the better candidate!!
You guys are attacking her for addressing John Edwards' departure, and using the word "I"...

i've seen sad people before, but you guys are S.A.D.

You are supporting a candidate of "hope" and "change" yet all I'm hearing is the same bickering that has already existed since the creation of this country...

What "change" are you fools talking about?
This is not her statement, it's an interview from local media.  If you read her statement you'll see that it does not contain any "I's". I'd imagine that if Obama was interviewed about this, there would be a number of "I's" since that's generally how you refer to yourself when speaking with someone.
Hillary's Statement:

John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it - by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate.

John ran with compassion and conviction and lifted this campaign with his deep concern for the daily lives of the American people. That is what this election is about - it's about our people. And John is one of the greatest champions the American people could ask for.

I wish John and Elizabeth all the best. They have my great personal respect and gratitude. And I know they will continue to fight passionately for the country and the people they love so deeply.
Graceful as always!
bsb ---> What a lady, with such class.

Yes, John Edwards is certainly that.
I can already hear all the whining from Feb. 6th while the Obama supporters cry conspiracy.

Hillary '08 - The only one tough enogh to win
So, just to be clear, are we going back to the future with Hillary, or into the future from the past? Is Hillary a bridge to the past, or a walkway to the future with a bridge to before Bush? Or is she looking to the future, while staying in the past, because she has experience?

Confusing.
Clintons personality boils down to is..........me....me....me....me.......its all about her
James "Mudcat" Saunder's, just told MSNBC, he would do everything in his Power to make sure John Edwards does NOT endorse Billary. Saunder's is on the camapign staff of Edward's & a staunch Southern Democrat. He also said, he's a staunch supporter of the 22nd amendmant(hillary supporter's will havta look that up)& see's Hillary's campaign for what it is.A way around the Constitution for Ex President Bill Clinton.

Southern Males just came onboard barack Obama's campaign. THANK YOU MUDCAT!!!!!!!!!
Can she ever start a sentance differently then..."well, you know"?  It shows a lack of mental discipline (especially since she claims 35 years experience-wink, wink), and her ingrained deceitfulness.  
Hillary's comments about John Edwards is typically self-serving. She used the word "I" or "I'm" at least six times. Obama did not use these words at all. Another example of how, with Hillary, its all about "me," but with Obama, its really about all of us. Hillary -- please go home already.
Just last week Hillary's robocalls were attacking Edwards: Can you trust her? Here's the robocall:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0108/Clinton_robocalls_hit_Edwards.html

   Hello, This is the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign.

   Before you vote on Saturday, you should know that John Edwards voted for permanent trade relations with China. That’s right, John Edwards voted for the bill that cost thousands of jobs. Like the ones in the textile mills he talks about so much down here.

   You should also know that John Edwards made nearly a half a million dollars working for a Wall Street investment fund. A fund that’s been profiting on foreclosing on the homes of families; including 100 homes right here in South Carolina. That’s according to The State newspaper. Here in South Carolina, Edwards says he’s one of us, but up on Wall Street he was just another one of them.

Can you trust John Edwards?"
Yep, Obama is eloquent.  We knew that.

But Hillary's supporters are smart enough to know that we are not looking for a poet laureate of the United States.

We are looking for a competent President.
This is not her statement, this was an interview. C'mon with this pro Obama BS, its enough already. You and your "freinds" at hotline on call are very biased and its disgusting. She had an official statement. Post it.  
Hillary Clinton---damed if she does,damned if she doesnt----are you obma people crying in your kleenix over what Obama said about Edwards?It seems when he speaks you start crying and it is kind of strange and creepy.Perhaps you think of him as an idol?In all my years I do not think I have ever seen this mob reaction.I always think to myself why don't they shed their tears for our military being blown up and killed in the republicans wars.Instead you add to their misery by voting republican if obama loses the primary.
Hillary is an ace at spinning a positive message about someone else's (Edwards) contribution into her own self-promotion (I, I, I, me, me, me, "like we did in the 1990s" (?), get real).  I hope Edwards supporters go for Obama in'08.
Edwards' campaign manager just said on MSNBC that he will do everything in his power to make sure that Edwards DOES NOT endorse Clinton because of her support for NAFTA...

Any deluded Clinton fans still in la-la-land over an Edwards endorsement?  It's just not going to swing Clinton's way, plain and simple.
That was one hell of a, "meaningless Beauty Contest", huh?

Let's see how Chuck(les) and the rest of the gang in the Clown Car spin this one. If the Fl election was meaningless, why did Edwards drop out TODAY?

Chuck(les)? Bueller? Anyone?
Wow, "diane", who posted earlier, nailed it. Obama's statement was all about Edwards and his message going on, Clinton's was all about her, with a few passing mentions of Edwards.
In ther words "Those 56 delegates would sure look good in my column" is what she really meant.
Before anyone jump, that was not her statement, but an interview she gave. If you all have read her statement, you will all look stupid right now. Pepole read and make your own reseach before reacting.

"John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it - by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate.

John ran with compassion and conviction and lifted this campaign with his deep concern for the daily lives of the American people. That is what this election is about - it's about our people. And John is one of the greatest champions the American people could ask for.

I wish John and Elizabeth all the best. They have my great personal respect and gratitude. And I know they will continue to fight passionately for the country and the people they love so deeply"


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