Obama met with Edwards

Posted: Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:20 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray
First Read has learned that Obama and Edwards finally had their meeting this morning in Chapel Hill, NC.

The Obama campaign confirmed the meeting but would not provide any other details.

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Comments

wonder what bo offered to john?Obamanoids will put a curse on John if he does not endorse their?

anti-msnbc (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:28 PM)

If John Edwards is truely the man he described himself to be during his campaign (against lobbyist, wanting to actually fix things in Washington, etc) he will endorse Barack Obama before March 4th.

connie, mattoon, illinois (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:33 PM)

I also read on another blog that a local television affiliate will have film on the meeting at 6 pm......hmmmm Endorsement?

Peter Provincetown Massachusetts (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:33 PM)

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/nyregion/16vote.html?ex=1360904400&en=13603b6cca046ae8&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

can you report more details on the NYC vote count. Why Barack Obama didn't get ONE vote in 80 districts of NY including Harlem! I am infuriated with this news.

Obama08, Chicago ILJ (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:36 PM)

it will be interesting to see if my theory is right that he has been posturing on being "torn" between Hillary (who has no chance of beating John McCain since she's not much different) or Obama (who will smash McCain because he's the polar opposite).

hmmm.... who should I endorse? Maybe I have to have a meeting and get to know them both a little better.... crap.

He's so weak and opportunistic to have waited this long.
He's not torn. He's a wimp. Step up man! endorse Obama already!

souljaEXVOTO (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:40 PM)

Why don't you guys help voters analyze both Obama's and Hillary's mailers to ensure they are not being misled? I find Hillary's mailer to be laden with obvious lies. I am not trying to accuse Hillary, but I just don't think it is appropriate for candidates to ride a political wave on being better liars and having voters believe their lies.
By the way, you cannot catch up with comments posted but with your own analyses.

Smith, AZ (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:41 PM)

Senator Obama cancelled all his appointments in Wisconsin today using weather as an excuse, and led people to believe he was having a "down day" at home in Chicago, all after criticizing Senator Clinton for not spending enough time in Wisconsin.

Where's she? Toughing it out in the cold and snow.

If he wants to opt out of full time campaigning in Wisconsin in the days leading up to the primary (he was off all day Thursday as well for a down day at home in Chicago), he shouldn't be criticizing the Clinton campaign for the same.

S. R., Wausau, Wisconsin (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:41 PM)

If Edwards is smart, he will endorse Obama and start campaigning for him in OH and TX. It will counterbalance the unfair advantage of having an ex-president out there stumping. If OH and TX went to Obama, the party could start to lick its wounds and get ready for November. The longer Billary lingers, the more damage she will do.

hillaryis44 (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:44 PM)

Will an Edwards 'endorsement' mean anything one way or another?

Seems he's a fellow that has has principles and sticks to them, even if one does not like the way he presents them (Worker good; corporation bad). One of the principles seems to be to, even though he's a bit too impassioned of an advocate, to leave it to the voters to decide (mostly). He's done that by staying away for a few weeks. I don't see him as being in a position to 'demand' anything nor do I see Obama as a guy who would give something he doesn't have to give.

I assume he will endorse Wednesday, which should either buoy someone after a loss, or maybe drive the nail in the coffin.

Edwards' problem, IMO, is that he lost the ability to distinguish between himself and his 'cause', something that every experienced trial lawyer knows is a fatal problem. You lend your credibility to your cause, you let those who decide, decide. You don't tell them what to do. (See Clinton, Hillary.)

I hope he endorses Obama, without strings, but don't see him as having huge power to bring Joe Six Pack over to Obama's side. Ol' Joe is a pretty smart guy on his own, something Obama is willing to give him credit for.

iowan (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:47 PM)

Please, please just go ahead and endorse Obama so we can begin to get on with it and have a unified party before the convention!! Edwards would do his own reputation serious damage if he were to choose the Clintons and an endorsement for Obama NOW could help significantly in the upcoming primaries. It is time to MOVE ON.

Jay, NM (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:49 PM)

DEAR CHUCK TODD:

IF SENATOR BARACK OBAMA KEEP WINNING STATES, AN IF HILLARY CLINTON WOULD WIN IN OHIO AND SENATOR OBAMA WIN IN THE BIG STATE TEXAS, CAN SENATOR OBAMA CONTINUE TO HAVE MORE DELEGATES?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN PLEDGE DELEGATES AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE VOTING IN EACH STATE?

I KNOW YOU CAN SORT THIS OUT FOR ME.

ALSO CAN HILLARY CLINTON AT THIS POINT CATCH UP?

I AM SUPPORTING SENATOR OBAMA.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK YOU ARE DURING ON MSNBC.

KINDLY RESPOND PLEASE.

MRS SMITH

ELIZA SMITH (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:51 PM)

Yes!!!! Obama/Edwards ’08

Always my first choice. At least they’re finally talking to each other. It can still happen, if they both want it bad enough. I guess we’re about to find out what 26 delegates, a winning smile, and a $400 haircut can buy.

Anna Molly (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:51 PM)

At last! Senator Edwards' endorsement is like a stock option - an asset whose value diminishes by the day. He should endorse Senator Obama immediately and hope to become Secretary of State in the coming Obama administration. If he goes for Senator Clinton, it will be like becoming the purser on the Titanic. Tempus fugit (Time flies), Senator.

ChenaMax (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:52 PM)

When reporting on this intense race between the two democratic Senators it is imperative that the media report from a standpoint of fairness. One example, how can you report in articles that Sen Clinton won Florida and Michigan, when there was not a contest, nor was Sen. Obama's name even on the ballot. To straight-faced report that she won the states is inaccurate....there were no contests and the voters of those states and both Sen. Clinton and Obama knew the rules going in. If those state want to petition to the Democratic Party to have a caucus, then by all means, let those states have them, but that decision was made by the Democratic Party already. The true Constitutional question at hand is "Does the Democratic Party truly have the power to tell American voters of Florida and Michigan that they cannot participate in the Democratic process at any level?" That's the true question. When the Constitutional question is answered, then we have our answer. If no constitutional rights are abridged then case closed - let's move on. If constitutional right are tampered with - let's have a real election in those states where both candidates are allowed to campaign and have both their names on the ballot.

Alvin Brown, Seattle, WA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:54 PM)

Interesting timing

nadeem, Canada (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:55 PM)

After Obama whoops Hillary's hiney in Wisconsin and Hawaii, then Edwards can come out with his endorsement of Obama!!! This would sink the Billary Boat for good!!!

Daniel, Lawrence, Kansas (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 4:55 PM)

What!! He left WI? see he cares more about himself!!

Joe (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:03 PM)

I read the posts here with open mind which is probarbly a handicap because there are plenty of you who post a comment fully aware that it is dishonest and probarbly love chaos in your everyday life. Majority of you are incapable of presenting your case in an inteligent and factual manner. Clinton supporters refuse to look at the snap of her mismanaged campaign as an indication of the kind of cabinet she will have. Sometimes dirty politics help but Obama do not want none of that and he may lose because he does not want to play dirty. Look people, our country is at risk of getting infected with a virus called dirty politicians...oh wait i am already too late. We can begin to cure ourselves of this virus by at the least posting comment that focus on inteligent points rather than the crap i see all the time.

Goodluck

C. PA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:21 PM)

Actually, Obama left Wisconsin on Thursday to spend Valentine's Day with his family. Just the kind of man I appreciate - one who has his priorities right.

Amy, West Burlington, IA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:22 PM)

I have the SOLUTION. Clinton herself states that she must win Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to even have a chance at the nomination. So the answer is simple. Make sure Obama wins Texas. Then this will be over on March 4th and we can get on with the business of beating John McCain. It is the only way to keep the party from being torn apart. There are lots of ways to help Senator Obama win in Texas. Please some to his website BarrackObama.com.

S. Ruff (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:25 PM)

that will be the good news,............the time for change has come...........

richard matt NY LI (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:26 PM)

Obama has paid over $700,000 to purchase super delegates.

Clinton less than $200,000.

The numbers don't lie! Obama is a phony! No experience only happy talk stump speeches!!!

Hillary Clinton - experience, a better haelth care plan and a better plan for the economy!!

B Obama - friend of the losers: Ted Kennedy, Tom Daschle and John Kerry. And now we can add Chafee of R.I.

Welcome back next week to David Shuster!

I wonder if he had referred to a black female as a PIMP if you would have gotten off so lightly???

Don Imus made a vulgar comment regarding black females and was fired!

MSNBC - home of sexist commentators!!!!

Fred C Dobbs Sierra Madre, CA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:27 PM)

No matter what Hillary offers Edwards, he could only achieve the greatness in the Obama administration. I would say Secretary of Labor for some years, then Attorney General, and eventually member of the Supreme Court.

Drew Rocker, Portland, Oregon (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:55 PM)

Does anyone have any problems with Mrs. Obama's speeches? She sounds too angry at times. And what is this I read the Oprah Winfrey (rich but not qualified to pick a president, anymore than Daschle and Kerry are) a little too righeous? Where's the spouse standard for her instead of only for Bill Clinton? I mean, be fair. Where's the press analysis of Obama's plans? All he gets is photo ops and speech coverage, without giving time to any in depth questioning of his presidential plans. It's not professional to just say "it's on my website". Perhaps that's a cover for his difficulty in debating Hillary's. It was the debating that turned me to Hillary. She's smart, experienced. And what with the Obama flip flop on th nuclear waste lobbyists/deal?? I mean, where's the beef? All he says is "let's not be negative". Asking for facts and explanations are the American way. That's not negative. That's forthrightness. And it's beginning to look like Obama's achilles heel is his attempt to avoid actually talking in details about plans for this nation.

Pat (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:05 PM)

Edwards will endorse Obama because Edwards is a true Progressive and he knows that Hillary is nothing more than Republican-light. Edwards will announce his endoresment after Obama wins Wisconsin.

Then all the racists like "Fred C Dobbs" can spew more lies stolen from right-wing blogs.

Douglas (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:06 PM)

I will lose all respect for Edwards if he endorses Hillary. He made such a big point of not being beholden to special interests. Special interests have financed Hillary's campaign.

Sue, Chicago (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:08 PM)

Well, he was truthful, she is not. She has been in Wi since Sat, and he sicne the night he won the elections on Tuesday. Many supeporters of both candidates also cancelled appointments or postoned them due to weather.

Ron Allen (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:13 PM)

We need to ask Obama about all that money he's given to the super delegates over the past 2 years. Mr. Todd, are you listening? This should not be left until the November elections. This must be confronted. Business as usual, indeed.

Pat (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:19 PM)

John Edwards has put his own reputation on the line on this issue whether he will endorse Clinton or Obama. Clearly, his campaign and what he fought for are more aligned with Obama. Thus, his supporters would have teh reason to beleive that he will endorse Obama. Otherwise, he all of sudden changes to a "regular politician": say one thing and do another thing.

John Hood (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:20 PM)

I am an Edwards supporter. He should wait until after Wisconsin and, provided Obama wins, make a surprise appearance and endorsement at a Obama rally in Ohio.

Bob, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:20 PM)

People, some of you need to get a life for real! Some of you are just plain retarded.

w, burton (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:21 PM)

Edwards will endorse Obama because Edwards is a true Progressive and he knows that Hillary is nothing more than Republican-light. Edwards will announce his endoresment after Obama wins Wisconsin, which will push Obama over the top.

Then all the Obama-haters like "Fred C Dobbs" can spew more lies stolen from right-wing blogs.

Douglas (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:22 PM)

I always watch NBC news, but have had it with MSNBC being the Hillary Clinton channel so from now on I will be watching ABC News. I tried to log on to a story about Clinton and Obama campaigning in Wisconsin and instead was led to a fluff story about Clinton traveling with the Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (no mention of the fact that the Governor had endorsed Obama.) The story goes on to repeat talking points from Clinton's speech but make no mention of that fact that Clinton and Obama talked to the Wisconsin Democratic Commitee last night and that Obama brought them to a standing ovation. A couple of days ago another station reported that Obama drew a croud of 17,000 people in Wisconsin while Bill Clinton drew 2,000. Bill was doing so poorly in Wisconsin that the campaign decided to send him to Texas to speak to Latinos and Hillary had to come to Wisconsin to campaign at the last minute - she had planned to skip Wisconsin herself. Do we hear any of this on MSNBC - no. All we hear is about what Hillary said and what Chelsea said - give me a break. MSNBC stop trying to create a false buzz for this tired bunch and report the news that way it is happening.

Kate, Fargo, ND (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:23 PM)

Obama who won't stand for the Pledge of Allegiamce and WON'T like all other candidates wear a flag lapel gives me a sense of who is he, just a sweet talker.
Edwards would be crazy to endorse Obama the oil snake
salesman. If he does don't look for him in the news. So Obama is having a tough day is he, its just begun.

Pitous (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:28 PM)

Kate, Fargo, ND (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:30 PM)

"Actually, Obama left Wisconsin on Thursday to spend Valentine's Day with his family. Just the kind of man I appreciate - one who has his priorities right"

Exactly. Though, maybe it would be better if, instead of spending time with them, he sent his daughters to Hawaii to campaign for him.

It's good to see a candidate who doesn't believe that winning is the only thing that matters in life.

Jordan, Wichita, KS (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:35 PM)

Your silly if you think Edwards is going to endorse Obama. He was just being fair giving time to him too. Edwards is going to endorse Hillary - he sees that she is for the working class middle americans. Obama is fluff and no substance. People are starting to finally catch on to that.

The people of wisconsin are seeing it first hand - he would not even debate her in that state - Edwards wont support a chicken - he will support a fighter just like he is - in Hillary.

The Hillary bus is about to roll - right to the white house.

Lee (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:35 PM)

WITH OUR ECONOMY CIRCLING THE DRAIN, JOB LOSSES INCREASING EVERY WEEK, FAMILIES LOSING THEIR HOMES TO FORECLOSURES, GROCERY AND GAS PRICES TAKING A BIGGER CHUNK OUT OF OUR PAY CHECKS, WE NEED EXPERIENCE IN THE WHITE HOUSE!! WE CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER "ON THE JOB TRAINING" PRESIDENT. WE'VE HAD THAT AND WE ARE NOW BROKE AND 9 TRILLION DOLLARS IN DEBT. WE ARE AT WAR ON TWO FRONTS AND OUR DOLLAR IS SLIDING AGAINST THE FOREIGN MARKET. HILLARY CLINTON CAN START THE FIRST DAY OF HER PRESIDENCY MOVING HER COALITIONS FORWARD TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS. YES, EXPERIENCE DOES COUNT! WE NEED HER! VOTE HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!

NURSERATCHET, LHC, AZ. (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:40 PM)

I think Edwards is playing eenie meenie minnie mo. before endosring thhe big O.

Go Barack. We win.

Basil D (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:47 PM)

Edwards has no particular "hiney" to kiss right now- he's not stupid! He has already spoken with the Clinton campaign. And to correct one blogger, Michigan was the only state whose ballot did not include Obama's name. Florida did, and Florida spoke, clearly for Clinton! Everyone sure doesn't want the Superdelegates to disenfranchise the voters, but are all of you also petitioning to allow Florida and Michigan's voters the same rights to have their voices heard?

PUT THE BaRAKES ON BARACK!!!!!!!

Patricia Hughes (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:52 PM)

I'm going with Obama. It is obvious that his character if hands and feet above any other candidate. He is energetic and can bring our country together rather than polarize it further. At this time in our country we really need someone that can bring America together. During the last twenty years I have never seen the country as devided as during the Bush and Clinton years. It's time to give someone else a chance.

Lorenzo Smith, Illinois (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:54 PM)

Obama and Edwards 08. How wonderful. For all of you Hillary Clinton Supporters. Today in NY all the firefighters were unable to finnish their firefighter training because there was no money to complete the training. Can you believe this after 911. FIREFIGHTER ACROSS THE ENTIRE NY STATE WILL NOT GRADUATE UNTIL THEY FINNISH THE REQUIRED NYS CLASSES. This is totalally unacceptable. It won't be until after April before they will hear what will be done. You want her running our nation when she can't take care of NY responsibilities. FIREFIGHTER AND POLICE OFFICERS ACROSS THE NATION WATCH HOW YOU VOTE.

DD FROM NY (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 6:54 PM)

Once again I call on supporters of Senator Clinton to stop disparaging the supporters of Senator Obama. Really, what have we ever done to you? We chose a different candidate, please try and get over it.

I once more send my thoughts and prayers to John Edwards and his family. I believe Senator Edwards is a good man and a strong advocate for people who have little political voice in this world.

While I sincerely hope Senator Edwards will join with Senator Obama to help bring Americans together around a common cause, I certainly will not blame him if he instead chooses Senator Clinton. Everyone has to make up his or her own mind about something as critical as this.

I do encourage Senator Edwards and anyone else reading this post, to give Senator Obama a chance. Senator Obama is offering us more than hope, more than solutions, more than a new uplifting politics; Senator Obama is offering us a positive change in mindset and a rapid improvement in how America is viewed by the rest of the world which will result in increased soft power for us and lower the need of reliance on our military.

Together Americans can do anything. I sincerely hope all Americans can believe this simple truth and reject the politics of insult, inneundo and negativity.

Yes we can! Obama '08

Kim, Pasadena, CA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:01 PM)

Actually, Obama left Wisconsin on Thursday to spend Valentine's Day with his family. Just the kind of man I appreciate - one who has his priorities right.

Amy, West Burlington, IA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 5:22 PM)

Bill spent the day with Monica.

junee, oak creek wi (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:21 PM)

For hundreds of years you America have intrusted African Americans to teach your kid's at the highest level of education. Trusted them with you and your childrens lives working miracles at the highest level of the medical field. Trust them to defend our country in the Armed forces, and to patrol our streets and protect the innocent on our Police Forces. To land the gavel to ensure justice is done in the hughest leve of our judiciary system. But your rattled to the core at the thought of an African American being commander in chief of this great country. Hmmm!Borack my world.

Alease Grant,Venice,Calif. (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:37 PM)

On Tuesday I will cast my vote for Hillary Clinton.It might be wise for Republicans to cross over and vote for Hillary also.

MIKE S, Wausau,Wi (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:55 PM)

Indeed, Mr. Dobbs, the numbers don't lie. Obama is leading in the delegate count, leading in the "Poll Of Polls," and beats McCain nationwide by 10 percentage points, 49% to 39%, while McCain would beat Hillary at 44% to 42%. (Admittedly, that is within the margin of error.)
I respect Senator Clinton for her solid record of constituent support in New York, but the fact is, her 6 years in the Senate have produced not a single important piece of legislation.
Senator Obama is indeed relatively untested and unproven. But he did do some important work on an anti-proliferation initiative, and he got that earmark tracking program up and running. Not to mention, of course, he was right about this illegal war.
And he can beat McCain. Will he? It's anyone's guess at this point. But Hillary's negatives are simply too high to overcome.

Dan Saph (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 8:23 PM)

I'll be very disappointed in Edwards if, in the end, he supports Hillary. Positioning himself as a man in touch with the plight of American workers and families, I don't see how he can support mandated health insurance. I think a lot of people are confused, and think that Hillary's mandate that everyone must be required to have insurance means that somehow it will be provided for everyone. Instead, it would make it a LAW that YOU must BUY her insurance plans, whether or not you can afford to do so. Just another burden on Americans struggling to pay utility bills, mortgages, and rising grocery and gasoline costs.

PD in CA (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 8:33 PM)

Hillary was going to overlook Wisconsin and campaign in Texas and Ohio. Her advisers convinced her to come to Wisconsin. I truly believe she caters to the larger states. Wisconsin Vote Obama 08!

Kimmie, Racine, WI (Sent Sunday, February 17, 2008 8:36 PM)

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