Edwards, Obama cancel meeting

Posted: Monday, February 11, 2008 12:49 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Edwards, Obama

From NBC's Mark Hudspeth and Mark Murray
When asked about the AP report that Obama and Edwards meeting is not happening today, the Obama campaign told us to talk to the Edwards camp. However, when pressed, they said it wouldn't be inaccurate to report that the meeting will not happen today or tomorrow.

A source close to Edwards confirms that the meeting has been canceled. But the source doesn’t know the reason behind it; it could be something as simple as a scheduling conflict.

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Comments

Not today or tomorrow? Perhaps Obama is too busy campaigning for tomorrow's primary.

Matthew, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 12:54 PM)

Edward is not goin to endorse Obama. I hope people wake up and see that Obama is not ready to take on the Republicans.

If he is the nominee they are going to eat him alive.

patty, SD, CA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 12:55 PM)

Or maybe he will endorse, Hillary. That would be sound judgement and appreciated.

Bubba (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:02 PM)

I don't care whihc way he goes but I hope John Edwards does not overplay his hand on this endorsement hype. If he's not going to do it, he might want to say so and remain viable. He definitely should not let it become too late and risk making a fool of himself. Well, probably not a fool of himself, but he should rather do it when it matters.

Doles, Miami, FL (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:03 PM)

I had a lot more respect of Edwards. Now, not sure....

NJ (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:05 PM)

I have a question about New Mexico - it is listed as a Caucus but they are counting ballotts. (?) Someone [printed a report here last week that 3 ballot boxes had sat over night in the wife of a Clinton Supporters house - does anyone know if this is true or false and if true why are we not hearing about these details. If it's not true why is New Mexico taking so long?

Independent in CA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:08 PM)

John Edwards has an uncanny way of making himself irrelevant doesn't he?

He's always too late on everything. He became the candidate in 08 that he should have been in 04.

He did well enough that his voice was heard but then when he dropped out he failed to endorse the candidate of change who clearly represents what he himself was espousing.

What's he going to do after running as the anti-establishment outsider? Endorse Clinton?

If he's waiting to endorse Obama still, he's waiting too long. We're several battlegrounds away from when he was even a minor player in the nomination. He's going to wind up endorsing someone when the thing is already decided or when his endorsement won't mean a hill of beans anyway.

I met John Edwards in Iowa last summer. Nice guy, nice tan. But I found I had nothing much to say to him except 'good luck.' He already looked irrelevant to me.

Maybe I should have told him, "Strike when the iron is hot."

Randy, Iowa City, IA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:08 PM)

I wish I could say I'm surprised but I'm really not. Edwards is looking for power. The good part is his supporters have a mind of their own. If he decides to support HRC he will prove my thoughts on him right.

Mia, Stafford, VA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:08 PM)

John where is your Lobbyist and special interest stand?

Say anything to get powere like everyone eles. You said two Americans, I say three Americans, rich, poor and egomenia goes with wind.

menoftroy (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:13 PM)

I'm hoping this means he's already decided for Barack and just didn't want to take the time out of a packed schedule for Obama. Of course it could mean the reverse which would amaze me and distress me.

Ellen Lewis, Secaucus, NJ (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:13 PM)

two Americans!!

menoftroy (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:14 PM)

Any chance they already met?

Robert P. (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:15 PM)

The (unsubstantiated) rumor that I heard is that the Clinton camp was going to force Edwards to endorse her, threatening that if he didn't, they would publicize the Rielle Hunter love child scandal--though Edwards's endorsement would be publicly presented as based on Clinton's support for health care mandates.

JS, New Haven, CT (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:16 PM)

Good. There's nothing to talk about. Edwards cannot endorse Hillary after exposing her for the doubletalker that she was during 2007. Let us move on.

Blaine (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:16 PM)

It seems Edward is requesting for too much...why can't he jump back into the race if he feel strongly about the election?

Bee (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:16 PM)

I think John needs to endorse one or the other today or keep quiet from here on in. I so hope he goes for Hillary but i respect his choice as he is a decent person. I will vote McCain if Obama wins due to his lack of experience of Obama. It is too risk to put him in the white house and I feel he is week on terrioism and spending way too much money.

Harry (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:17 PM)

Could it be that Obama campaign wants to meet after winning 3 more states to show Edwards who has the momentum and higher probablity of winning the nomination?

David - St Louis MO (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:18 PM)

I hope this means he will endorse Hillery cause she represents the people he does. If it goes the other way for Obama it would be old politics. I dont believe Edwards would do that so gooo Hillery. Either way though I would like to say Thanks to Edwards for his job well done on our behalf and all the best for him and his family. Thanks again. Mox

Mox (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:19 PM)

FLIP FLOPPA OBAMA: I just heard on the news that Obama has changed his view on the troop withdrawal. He is now evidently supporting Hillary Clinton's stand. Obama, your judgment before just shows how inexperienced you are in real issues. You should get some facts and experience before you make bad decisions.
Hillary has been right all along on the way the troop withdrawal should be conducted.
Also, I can't see John Edwards supporting Obama because Hillary is must closer to John Edwards on the issues. John and Hillary both support universal healthcare, Obama doesn't.

Charles (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:20 PM)

For Sen. Edwards to endorse Sen. Clinton would make a mockery of his campaign. Sen. Clinton will be fighting alright - with evert GOP-er who will not be the one on record back home when up for reelection as the one having given her any significant victory. After all he campined against corporate interest - endorsing Hillary, Inc, the largest recipient of insurance/defense/pharma lobyy EVER? After admitting a mistake in hos war vote, endorsing someone who voted in favor without reading the 95-page Nat. Intell. estimate (no one on her staff had access to)? I bet she read the polls. I really wonder what they promised him... Guess it must be VP, Justice or Labor, if that's enough for John. ELizabeth - you know we deserve better!

Carthage (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:21 PM)

Odd.. I'm an Obama supporter but I bet he's lined up with Hillary.

I think Obama people caught wind of that and might have cancelled the meeting because it looks bad for him to meet with Obama before jumping on the Hillary train.

that's just my conspiracy theory.

Ollie McMillan, (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:24 PM)

Mr.Barack Hussein Obama is doing so well, he is no longer interested in nor needs Edward's help, now.
Maybe, later...

Maggie, Evanston, IL (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:28 PM)

How much money has Hillary and Bill offered John Edwards for his endorsement? Lawyers are so easily bought.

Truth n Media (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:28 PM)

That doesn't sound good at all, is there bad blood between Edwards and Obama for some reason I don't know? Even if there is, I can't Imagine Edwards backing a corporate personality like Clinton.. *gulps*

Russell Nyland, Mesa, Arizona (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:29 PM)

Or perhaps a change of heart Mr. Edwards???!!!

Stand by your principles!!!

HILLARY '08

Paul, NY, NY (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:33 PM)

I was an Edwards backer, but now I despise him because he's using my vote, and that of everyone else who voted for him, as just a piece of meat to auction off to Hillary or Obama, for who-knows-what -- a cabinet post, maybe?

Edwards doesn't care about the nation. He just wants power. His endorsement won't mean a thing, because it will have been purchased. It won't represent principle.

John Doe, S.C (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:34 PM)

I could not imagine Obama leaving his campaign to meet with Edwards. I am not sure what Edwards brings to the table because he was behind in his home state before he dropped.

His campaign failed because he could not make up his mind.

diogu (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:35 PM)

Obama, may very well want to talk with Edwards about a possible running-mate?

Andi Tecza (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:37 PM)

Hopefully it means Edwards knows that experience is needed in getting things done for the poor and Hillary has the experience to do it! Obama is pretty talk with nothing but 18 months in the Senate! Would you hire someone with 18 months or 7 years...don't know why people can't get we NEED experience after G.W.Bush! Obama is young, he has time to put more hours under his belt before entering the highest office in this land! Really, the audacity of his ego! "Right on day one" that's not confident that is arrogrance...no one can promise such a thing and be truthful. The most one can hope is that they are READY on day one for any and everything that comes up. Hillary "08

Sherri Mesquite, Texas (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:41 PM)

In reality......what good will John Edwards serve at this point? His clout was the highest the day he exited the race, and if given then, he could have taken credit for a swing to Obama or Clinton if the polls showed a change. However, Obama clearly picked up a good portion of Edwards followers and even staffers...the Edwards Effect has already taken place. I'm not sure what he hopes to accomplish by 'interviewing' Hillary and Barack, maybe brokering a cabinet job for his support? ;) I'm not sure if Obama would see much rise from his belated support, only Hillary would stand to gain (especially him as a VP candidate....been there and done that, right?). Obama is starting to head steam anyway, so jump on the train for change! James

James P. Bloomingdale, ILL (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:42 PM)

It seems to me that Edwards potentially has more than 26 delegates to allocate.

It is looking more and more like Florida will have its delegates counted. If so, a nod to Obama by Edwards could stop a Clinton landslide in Florida. With Edward's votes, Obama only lost by three percentage points in Florida.

Marc Andersen (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:44 PM)

Since when does Clinton represent the people that Edwards does? She stands on her record as first lady, but she needs to take the accomplishments AND the failures if she is going to use the Clinton presidency as her basis for experience. ANYONE every hear of NAFTA? That was good for the little guy for whom she says she supports, or was it?

Scott, Seattle WA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:47 PM)

"it wouldn't be inaccurate to report that the meeting will not happen today or tomorrow." wow....a TRIPLE negative. I see NBC is reaching out to the ESL community for it's staffers......

David Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:48 PM)

Hmmm,
I think he's going to go with Clinton. I'm betting that the Obama people might have found that out in advance and are likely not keen on the storyline of meeting with Obama and then losing the endorsement.

I'm for Obama and know that he's got the best chance to win in November. I was at Caucus on Saturday, my first, and it was an amazing experience.

Ollie McMillan, Seattle WA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:48 PM)

Perhaps Edwards knows the truth about Obama taking lobbyist money (all types for past races and state lobbying money for this race) and is tired of hearing Obama lie about not taking lobbying money at all.

Eric, NY, NY (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:50 PM)

according to several other news sources, including ABC, the meeting has simply been postponed so the two can meet privately without media intrusion.

Lauren, NC (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:50 PM)

Lots of Hilary supporters here. The new strategy? To say that Obama is the "establishment" candidate, that Obama represents "old politics." How delicious is that? Maybe if you say it enough times that will make it true. They are trying to rove Obama but people are too smart for it.

BD Knight,, Durham, NC (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:51 PM)

How long will this post last before the "SEE THIS WHY EDWARD SHOULD SUPROT HILRAY CLINTON OF PRESIDENT! SHE IS MOST QUALIFIED BEST TO LEAD DAY 1 OBAMA HAS NO SPERENCE GO HILLARY 08 !!"

Seriously, if you support one candidate or another, fine. But if you're going to make a favorable post on that candidates behalf at least run your dribble through a spell checker and make sure the caps lock key on your keyboard isn't on. You do yourself and your candidate a disservice by showing off your illiteracy. Maybe I'll come across as one of those college educated, Starbucks drinking elitists (I in fact never went to college, sadly, and don't drink coffee at Starbucks) but I think we can elevate the conversation and debate to a little higher level than some of the comments that have been exchanged over the course of the nomination.

Anyway, my 2 cents. What a ride it's been so far! Gravel for Press Secretary 08!

Sprout, Portland, Oregon (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:51 PM)

I would think that Obama wants to maximize his time on the day before the primaries. I was worried about that and like the fact that he didn't cave on it. Edwards has waited this long and doesn't need to tie up time on a crucial day like this, when every public campaign meeting and handshake could make a difference. If he does go with Hillary, then we will know there was a deal made. The trouble with that is that she has to win to get it.

Linda (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:52 PM)

Billary doesn't need Edwards. She just got Rove and Bush's endorsements. Supporting the Iraq war finally paid off for Billary.

Moncia L, -DC (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:52 PM)

Really dont know how you are saying Obama is leading now..... He is still behind Hillary in Total Delegates. He might catch up the next few weeks, but when he gets to Texas, Ohio and Penns. he will lose all of them. Also almost all Super Delegates you can be assured will go to Hillary. Obama is playing with peoples minds and should be ashamed...... He talks a whole lot of nothings.

Stacey, Houston Texas (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:53 PM)

I just don't understand the venom of Obama supporters. Secret love child? Bad blood? Bribery?! Clinton has a very good health plan, the only one that will work, according to columnist Krugman. Isn't it possible that Edwards might endorse her because he sincerely thinks she might be the better candidate? Keeping my fingers crossed.

Pam, Syracuse, NY (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:54 PM)

Maggie's comments just prove that Clinton supporters are racist, as I suspected all along. Why bring up his middle name since it's controversial? Grow up Maggie.

Michelle (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:54 PM)

I heard eddie edwards was selling his soul to the highest bidder...I wonder who won?

Rick (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:55 PM)

I agree with Carthage that it looks to me as though Edwards is going to endorse Hillary. I hope I'm wrong because I would lose a lot of respect for Edwards if he goes with the candidate most likely to continue to allow the lobbyists to influence Washington's every move. That was Edwards's biggest issue and the one that drew me to him as a candidate. If he goes with the Clintons, it means his talk has all been a bunch of hot air.

Lynn (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:55 PM)

Russell, you are giving Edwards a lot of Credit. Edwards believes in nothing. He was full of hot air during the campaign. He is open to the highest bidder.

diogu (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:55 PM)

Could it be that Obama is just really busy trying to get to as many stops as possible in D.C., Maryland and Virginia in the next 2 days? Was it only me that thought that reports of a meeting in N.C. seemed unrealisitic knowing what Obama's rally and speech schedule looked like yesterday, today and tomorrow?

Hopeful Reston, VA (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:58 PM)

People there is a bigger picture here. The Republicans are betting we have this separation in our party so they can come in and sweep us out. Notice that all the negativity is against Hillary they prefer Obama because they feel they can bet him. He has the moment but does he have the skills. Change can be good but can also be disastrous.
Truely listen to what is said and not just a good speech only. Just like a coach before a game a good inspiring speech can motivate your team but not necessary win the game.

Frances, Tampa Florida (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:59 PM)

Harry, if you're voting based on experience and experience alone, McCain wins hands down over Hillary. To do otherwise would be absurdly illogical. I have a feeling, though, that you are just spewing talking points, and not actually meaning to create any discussion on the reasoning behind your decision.

Ron, TX (Sent Monday, February 11, 2008 1:59 PM)

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