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Lyn, MD — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:37:03 GMT

Chuck, I saw you on MSNBC this morning. You commented that Hillary may now be preparing SC as a fire wall against a lost to Obama in IA and NH...good luck. As Clyburn stated:

Obama's campaign contends an Iowa victory would send a strong signal about his electability.

"He does that, nobody beats him in South Carolina," said US Representative James Clyburn, a prominent black political leader in the state who is neutral in the primary.

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VL North Carolina — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:44:37 GMT

Game On......

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Lisa, Tifton, GA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:53:56 GMT

The media has cast the Dem race between 2 candidates from the gitgo. They got what they wanted - a race between a white woman and a black man.
Of course, the media's "subtle" racism helps Hillary.

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Lakisha St.Louis, Mo — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:00:38 GMT

I am fired up and ready to go vote for Obama he is the man

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Joe — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:00:42 GMT

The leading Democratic presidential candidates showed up for the Iowa Democratic Party’s big Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday night.

Five of them gave really good speeches.

Barack Obama’s was excellent.

That says it all.....

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Bee — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:07:11 GMT

Listen chuck, Obama will win the whole black votes in south carolina. They are just waiting for the right signal.

After talking to some of my folks in Georgia who intend to campaign heavily for Obama in south carolina, i reached a conclusion by giving south carolina to Obama. He seems to be trumping Clinton organization wise.

The religious voter will propell him to victory in that state.

The black folks are politically sarvy and can smell an authentic politician 1 million miles away. The good old days politics of endorsement won't matter come Jannuary - most especially among the educated black voters.

The south carolina politics will be won on ground campaign and Obama seems to have it.

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vanreuter, NY NY — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:10:26 GMT

Of course, the media's "subtle" racism helps Hillary.

Lisa, Tifton, GA (Sent Monday, November 12, 2007 9:53 AM)

THE INVISIBLE PRIMARY—INVISIBLE NO LONGER
A First Look at Coverage of the 2008 Presidential Campaign
October 29, 2007

A study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy

In the early months of the 2008 presidential campaign, the media had already winnowed the race to mostly five candidates and offered Americans relatively little information about their records or what they would do if elected, according to a comprehensive new study of the election coverage across the media.
The press also gave some candidates measurably more favorable coverage than others. Democrat Barack Obama, the junior Senator from Illinois, enjoyed BY FAR THE MOST POSITIVE treatment of the major candidates during the first five months of the year—followed closely by Fred Thompson, the actor who at the time was only considering running. Arizona Senator John McCain received the most negative coverage—much worse than his main GOP rivals."

http://www.journalism.org/node/8187

They couldn't be any more unfair...

Van

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Anne, York, PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:11:16 GMT

Why no mention of Edwards here? His speech at the J-J dinner was awesome! Why are the media bound & determined to simply ignore John Edwards as if he doesn't exist? Why are they adamant about this race being between the woman and the black candidate? I hope Edwards wins Iowa going away and shows up all the talking heads!

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Perry, NYC — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:27:51 GMT

Obama needs to stay on the offensive & not apologize about it. Hillary will implode under the weight of her own baggage, when the party finally wakes up to the very real prospect of 55% of the general electorate pulling the lever for whoever is running against her. Not to mention the prospect of Mitt or Rudy selecting our next Supreme Court justice, which means kiss your civil liberties goodbye forever.

OBAMA '08 ALL THE WAY

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Dusty Hansard Friona, Texas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:41:52 GMT

Where is the mention of the wonderful speech from John Edwards???? Folks, you are doing the country a great disservice by not reporting on Sen. Edwards.

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Jane Doe, Ames, Iowa — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:42:35 GMT

I have a tip for the national media. David Yepsen sometimes gets it wrong. I don't know if he has it wrong this time, but you would do well to make your own judgements.

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Rebecca, Orlando FL — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:44:32 GMT

TO LISA in TIFTON GA: hmmmm.... your comment sounded awfully racist... maybe the term 'gitgo' was key! We should all be proud to finally see some diversity in our leadership, especially at the Presidential level!

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Pat Stewart — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:47:38 GMT

Who said "I gave that family hope and then went into the courtroom and gave them hell." ? I believe it was John Edwards, who spoke first, and beautifully. Isn't the press supposed to report all the news, just what they find convenient? Mr. Obama may be a fine person, as with Mrs. Clinton, but they are not the choice of a vast number of independents and democrats. Please remember why you went into journalism. Was it to discover the truth? or to craft it?

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Jen Q — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:48:16 GMT

Ya'd think that Yepsen is the only person in Iowa who counts. All of the candidates gave great speeches - Edwards was especially transcendent. Many reports from Iowa say that the actual ATTENDEES of the dinner were impressed by all three frontrunners, and Biden and Dodd on top of that.

Yet, here we are, back in Hillary! Obama! land.

Let me know which one of you has the deal with the oddsmakers in Vegas - I can't figure out for the life of my why you all are still under the delusion that there are only two Dems running for the nomination.

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Robin, Montpelier, VT — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:58:53 GMT

I think Obama did very well on Sunday with Tim Russert, he did not cave in or seem irritated when Obama was pressed for answers and he certainly did not waffle - Obama was clear on the points. For those who want to compare Saturday and Sunday...they were 2 different scenarios one a rally/dinner, the other question and answer session - one prepared on what he was saying to a point and the other not, so again there are no comparisons - please note.

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Wayne, Silver Spring, MD — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:00:39 GMT

It's on!

Firewall turned on or not, the Obama tsunami is coming. Hill, it'll be all over before you know what hits you.

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Kicked by a MOLE — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:00:51 GMT

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Stu - Des Moines — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:06:56 GMT

I live in Des Moines and read the Register daily. The statement above 'There may be no more important judge of Obama's J-J appearance than the Des Moines Register's David Yepsen, and he gave the candidate the clear win. Yepsen predicts that the "the passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided" Iowa Dems his way.'

David Yepsen is a Republican with an agenda. Joe Biden clearly was the best of all the speakers. Also, I'd like to point out that out of the 9,000 tickets availabel Hillary purhcased 5,000 and Obama purchased 2,000 in order to bring volunteers in and stage the event. Talk about total lack of character.

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Bob in Denver — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:07:28 GMT

Craig Crawford has been shilling for Clinton without understanding the power of Obama's ground operation in IA. That's not very smart for a supposed "political expert". It's also amusing to listen to Chris Matthews say that "maybe I was wrong" to suggest that Obama should have been stronger in his attacks on Clinton. The Obama campaign is smart enough to not listen to these pundits that have nothing more at stake than to say "maybe I was wrong" about the expert advice they are dispensing between commercial breaks.
Watch what happens in IA -- Obama has more field offices, more volunteers and has spent twice as much as Clinton.
Obama/Webb '08!

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Sierra, SF — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:10:42 GMT

'...Clinton’s “references to Mr. Obama were some of her most direct attacks on him and reflected the strength that Mr. Obama was showing in polls in this state, though he lags behind her in national polls...'

Someone is changing her campaign style !
She must be getting nervous !!
Hillary's 'Rove style' campaigning is finally startign to show.
Last month, she accused a questioner of being a 'plant'.
She probably thought that other campaigns were using her Mark Penn, 'Rove wannabe' tactics.

Eho was REALLY behing the media's OBSESSION with John Edwards' haircut ?
Hint, hint: Mark Penn, Hillary's campaign manager !!

Bee: '...Listen chuck, Obama will win the whole black votes in south carolina. They are just waiting for the right signal...'

Bee, I hope you're right.
But, I'm not sure.
Talking to the Black people I work with is eye opening.
It's mainly miđle class, miđle aged black women.
About half seêm to be for Clinton !?!
And, mainly it's because of Bill.
It's unscieentific, but my small sample shows half for Hillary.
Maybe, when Obama shows his viabiltiy, they'll switch
It's hard to imagine, they wouldn't

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Bonnie, Muscatine, IA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:11:08 GMT

Organization, truth, respect and a constitutional scholar that has a 72%likebility rating...did I mention he is a proven uniter. Obama '08! Iowa is ready to go for this man. Caucus 1/03/08!!!

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Ty, Dallas, TX — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:34:08 GMT

Why does everyone get on the defense when their choice of a canidate is not highlighted as the topic or conversation/article...that's the reason the mindset of this country is mixed up...we don't agree so we have to get angry and say mean things...

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Marianne Romans — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:37:02 GMT

I heard Chris Matthews say on a show, where's the passion, fight ? Well you saw it in John Edwards Saturday night. I'm sure Chris will not acknowledge this. MSNBC's blatent marginalizing of this candidate is amazing. Sorry, the electorate is on to you this time. GO JOHN GO !

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leslie, slidell, la — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:45:55 GMT

obama is a great guy....a great guy with little or no experience....right now we need someone with a LOT of experience....how about joe biden?

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sonya, atlanta, ga — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:03:43 GMT

Who has the best experience and judgement? Who makes unpopular stances when it could cost them politically? Who's background and level of experience best embodies Abe Lincoln (one of the greatest presidents in the US)? Who can best unite the country? Who has a better understanding of the world especially the muslim world? Obama, that's who!

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diane — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:12:38 GMT

I am shocked that Crawford gave Obama even a glacingly nice report. Crawford is a committed Clintonista that he usually does not bother to view things fairly.
this is indeed shocking.
But, yes, Obama's organizational strength has been floating under the radar for months. It is good to have it showcased for an evening.

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Jane Gebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:14:05 GMT

John Edwards was on fire at the JJ Day event. He is the only one who really tells it like it is -- no parsing, no plants, no platitudes. Hillary and Obama (both MIA on important votes -- that's leadership?) bussed in supporters from out of state. John's support is strong, local and real.

Go John!

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JoCr — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:15:58 GMT

I was at the JJ Dinner and applaud the Obama campaign for their savvy group of supporters. They definitely won the cheer competition.

John Edwards made a few points no one should forget and his speech trumps Obama's and Obama's bussed in adoring fans.

First, he said as clearly as possible, the system in Washington is broken.

The lobbyists not only influence the laws, they write them.

We need to take on the special interests and win. He has fought corporate corruption and beat them again and again. He gave his clients hope then went into the courtroom and gave those corrupt corporations hell.

Leaving the world a better place for our children, as our parents did before us, is the great moral challenge of our time.

Iowans get to look candidates in the eye and evaluate their trustworthiness and he urged us all to make that judgement, including of him, for the rest of the United States and the world.

Finally, when caucusing for a candidate, "trust your heart".

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James — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:17:44 GMT

A Republican like David Yepsen endorsing Obama ? Makes sense…Obama is a gimmicky showman with little substance and no experience behind his rhetoric.
Clinton gave a much stronger and substantive speech as always. She is clearly the strongest and best candidate.

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Lee, NY, NY — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:19:14 GMT

The reason you people think Obama was the best speaker and he was not, was because he had the loudest, rudest crowd there, even busing in outside people from outside of Iowa. But they were too loud and too tacky. I hope I never see this again at such an event. As for Hillary, this speech was neither sincere or original, just planned, with her people holding up ugly yellow signs and chanting during intermit moments during her speech, ala the Brown shirts of Hitler's era, disgusting. John Edwards was the most sincere and moving candidate, this is the man who should be the next President of the US. WAKE UP MSNBC, and stop pushing these phony two people running for President, you obviously want Romney to win the general election. Look at the polls in Iowa and NH, stop pushing Hillary Clinton and Obama, the people here writing comments really believe you people. Vote for Hillary & Bill Clinton, or the straw man Barack Obama, and wait for the destruction of the country.

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pmontreuil@coastlinemicro.com — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:24:50 GMT

I use to be a big John Edwards fan. Latly he sounds more of a whinner than a presidenal candidate. Biden is my favorite but his chances are nil. He would make a great Sec of State. I do believe that Sen. Clinton has the only chance to take back the White House. Sen Obama seem like a good person, who has our best interest at heart, just like Jimmy Cater, but he does not speak with the strength of Sen. Clinton. She could well be the next Iron Lady.

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Cherie, Des Moines, IA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:28:19 GMT

I am truly amazed at this "objective" journalism once again. You want to know who truly brought down the house on Saturday night getting a standing ovation from the Hillary section AND Obama section at the JJ Dinner in Des Moines from someone who was there??? That would be former Senator John Edwards and the obvious oversight is telling from your corporate run media outlet such as MSNBC. Let the truth be known.

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Donald Bennett, Alexandria, Virginia — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:33:59 GMT

Way back in 2004, listening to Obama at the Democratic National Convention, i decided if he ever ran for President, he'd have my support. He reminded me of Mario Cuomo's stirring speech at a much earlier convention. In 2004 I was tired of the politics of division and the stand-still in Congress and a horrible war in Iraq. At 58 years old, I whole heartedly support the only candidate, Obama, who is looking ahead and toward the future rather than squabbling about the past 20 years, trying to prove some point.
I got to meet Senator Obama for a few seconds at a DC rally in September. I shook his hand and thanked him for running so we could move the entire country forward.
His words at the JJ Dinner make clear he is still the only one focused on taking America back and moving forward.

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Michael, Los Angeles CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:38:06 GMT

Fact Check: Obama on Meet the Press
Iran
Sen. Obama criticized Hillary's vote for Kyl-Lieberman because—he argued—the resolution said that force structures in Iraq would have an impact on Iranian influence:

The primary difference between myself and Senator Clinton is that she believes our force structure inside Iraq should in part depend on how we can prevent Iran from having influence inside of Iraq.
Actually, Sen. Obama said the exact same thing just last year:

A reduced but active presence [in Iraq] will also send a clear message to hostile countries like Iran and Syria that we intend to remain a key player in this region
…Make no mistake, if the Iranians and Syrians think they can use Iraq as another Afghanistan or a staging area from which to attack Israel or other countries, they are badly mistaken. It is in our national interest to prevent this from happening.
Social Security
Sen. Obama claimed that Hillary said that all we need to do to solve the long term challenges in social security is return to fiscal responsibility:

So on social security for example, she has maintained, it appears, that if we just get our fiscal house in order that we can solve the problem of Social Security.
Actually, Hillary said that returning to fiscal responsibility is the first step. Then she would appoint a bi-partisan commission to address Social Security's long term challenges that would consider a variety of options:

"But I am strongly advocating a bipartisan process, similar to what we had in '83, and when that gets set up, as I hope it will be when I'm president, then I'm going to see what the bipartisan members are going to come up with."
This was an approach that, until very recently, Sen. Obama endorsed. Here's Sen. Obama in May:

Everything should be on the table. I think we should approach it the same way Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan did back in 1983. They came together. I don't want to lay out my preferences beforehand, but what I know is that Social Security is solvable. It is not as difficult a problem as we're going to have with Medicaid and Medicare.

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Michael, Los Angeles CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:38:06 GMT

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:43:49 GMT

According to Lee in New York:

The reason you people think Obama was the best speaker and he was not, was because he had the loudest, rudest crowd.

According to the news sources.......

They had 5000 for Hillary......
2000 people for Obama........

Guess Hillary's people pretty much sat on their hands when she walked in huh?

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Susan S. Richmond, VA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:44:36 GMT

John Edwards' spoke out strongly against a government run by lobbyists. Americans are angry, depressed, and resentful about this issue, which is at the core of many of our problems. His speech was incredible.

John Edwards has led on this issue for months. I noticed that both Obama and Hillary latched onto this issue at the JJ dinner. At least Obama can speak about it without choking on the words.

Go Edwards!

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Stephanie, Lakewood, CO — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:47:57 GMT

When is the MSM going to realize that this race is more important than a black man versus a white woman? When is the MSM going to stop ignoring all the other candidates out there? This race is about the future of this country, and the MSM should be focusing on the best CANDIDATE for the job, not what color or gender they happen to be. I know it's not exciting to talk about a candidate who has real ideas and vision, but that's what this campaign should be about. That's what John Edwards is about, and that's why I support him.

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mdtaichi, New York, NY — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:49:36 GMT

Why has MSNBC omitted John Edwards from the equation?He may very well WIN Iowa! Why? "Fair Trade!" Only John Edwards has called for creating a new test for trade: Will new deals benefit working families, not just multinational corporations? Iowans understand the consequences while Washington media may not...yet.
John Edwards has the most specific proposals of any candidate to re-negotiate free trade agreements so they are once again fair trade agreements. Regarding "fair trade," John Edwards is for strong labor and environmental standards and against illegal subsidies and currency manipulation. He is also for rigorous enforcement of trade agreements, not just negotiation. Edwards also advocates for the restoration of tax fairness and the enhancement of competitiveness and job growth. In the breadth and detail of his economic proposals, John Edwards differs substantially from the other candidates. The difference and contrast between Edwards and Clinton/Obama is that Edwards has the keener sense of what unfair trade has meant while Clinton double-talks about "trade balance" and "seeing NAFTA with hindsight." Obama and Clinton both supported the dubious Peru FTA.
John Edwards is informed by the fact that 300,000 taxpayers make half of the nation's income, while 150 million make the other half, which represents the greatest income inequality in this country since 1928. This reality has been exacerbated by the combination of unfair tax practices, the ill effects of unfair globalization, and trade policies that mostly enrich multinational corporations and certainly not workers.
"It's time we honored work in this country, not just wealth." - John Edwards /

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Michael — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:59:31 GMT

Jerry - Please give us the source of your numbers - I have never heard that Obama had only 2000 supporters -

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:32:03 GMT

Michael:
DesMoinesRegister.comFrom what I've heard, Clinton's campaign has purchased 5000 tickets to the Jefferson Jackson dinner and is busing people in. Obama is also doing this at an ...
www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071109/NEWS/71109016 - 45k - Cached - Similar pages

Here is my source....

However, for some strange reason, the Des Moines Register.com has pulled or blocked the story LOL.

Maybe on orders from Hillary Clinton?

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MIchel, Los Angeles — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:38:16 GMT

Obama’s speech in Iowa shows exactly how inexperienced he is in politics. He is also very naive and misleading to the America public to suggest this idea of “hope cures all” The nation and the globe are in near crises to suggest the nation will be healed, a world repaired and an America that believes is just totally naive. If Obama thinks he’s going to walk into the white house and the world becomes a miraculous bed of roses- he is in for a major SCHOCK! We need a practical leader who knows what it is going to be like to lead a nation and an administration after George Bush. Obama in the White House is dangerous as he is just too naïve about politics, the state of the world and how to deal with it. We need Clinton’s strength and experience now more than ever. Obama’s “happy” ideas are just not practical.

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Linda Peacock, Houston, Texas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:45:23 GMT

I have the following comments as to misleading statements in Obama´s speech:

1) Obama said he had a universal health care plan and that is not so. His health care plan leaves and estimated 15 million people without health care. Edward´s health care plan leaves no one out.

2) Obama touted his stance on not taking lobbyist money, yet he DID take lobbyist money in positioning himself for his run for the Presidency. John Edwards has NEVER taken lobbyist or PAC money.

3) Obama said he was against the Kyl-Lieberman ammendment, yet he supported similar legislation and importantly, the phraseology of calling the Iranian army a "terrorist organization". When it came to the vote, on K-L, Obama was a no show. Biden, Dodds and Clinton made the roll call (Clinton voted for and Biden and Dodd against).

4) Obama said he found the endorsement of torture a disgrace yet he was also a no show on the Muckasey vote as were Clinton, Biden and Dodd. Edwards was opposed to Muckasey´s appointment but is not in the Senate and could not vote.

5) Obama spoke of protecting workers yet he approves the Peru FTA, which protects neither Peruvian nor American workers. Whether he will show up for that vote remains to be seen. Clinton is also for the Peru FTA. Edwards is opposed.

Obama is an eloquent speaker and had I not been aware of his hypocrisy in touting his positions, I would also have been moved by his speech. Being aware of his hipocrisy, no thanks to the MSM´s coverage, his speech was abhorrent.

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Mary, Vienna, Va. — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:49:41 GMT

Obama did give a great speech, but I am *floored* that the MSM stories about the J-J dinner have ignored John Edwards's speech: the single most truthful, hard-hitting, and passionate speech I heard that evening.

I guess that doesn't fit into the MSM's predetermined narrative, though (which also ignored the fact that the Clinton and Obama camps bused in thousands of out-of-state volunteers to the event).

I would like nothing better than to see Edwards shock the hell out of the media and political establishment and their corporate masters when the American people finally speak for themselves this January and February.

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Kathy Callan, Palo Cedro, CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:04:33 GMT

John Edwards clearly made the speech of the night---Edwards stands head and shoulders above all the others with his courage, integrity, and willingness to "say it like it is."

He has led on all the issues, laying out progressive, bold plans to help working class Americans, well before the others even mentioned the issues on their websites. He has stated over and over that the system is "rigged" against average Americans, and has fought corporate abuse on behalf of working class families his whole life.

Edwards is also authentic...unlike Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, he does not bus supporters in to these events. He is the "real deal."

It's a dead heat in Iowa right now, and it is absolutely unbelievable, but predictable, that the corporate media is trying to ignore Edwards---the big corporations are scared to death of having a populist trial attorney in the White House who will
equalize the playing field for the rest of us.

When Edwards wins Iowa, the media can no longer ignore him. Go, Edwards!

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Jane Doe Ames, Iowa — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:08:21 GMT

Some practical matters: Edwards has a good organization and a lot of strong supporters in Iowa. I know some Iowa AFSCME members who are supporting him in spite of the union's support for Clinton. There also are some people in Iowa who are strong supporters of Richardson, Biden, Dodd and even Kucinich. If they don't have enough people for their candidate to make a viable group at the caucuses, they may switch their support to another candidate. An important question is which candidate will get their support. At a caucus a few votes can make a difference. In Iowa, it's not over until it's over.

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Bob in Denver — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:23:29 GMT

This is the post on Sunday from First Read:

From NBC/NJ’s Aswini Anburajan
IOWA JEFFERSON JACKSON DINNER COVERAGE
DES MOINES, IA – Nearly one in three people at last night’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was an Obama supporter. The campaign brought 3,000 supporters to a dinner that had 9,000 attendees. They also made sure to have a representative from each of Iowa’s 99 counties in attendance.

When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.”

Jerry, NBC News reports 3,000 Obama supporters at the event.
Mary, VA, Stop spreading lies that Obama bused in supporters from out-of-state unless you have a better source than NBC News.

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Yolanda, Largo, Maryland — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:33:59 GMT

I just really think that those who blatently go against Obama on this post are just Clinton plants. I mean really, especially those under the guise of Edwards supporters. Even John Edwards likes Obama and think that he is a good candidate. But to post lies and deceptions about Obama, that is clearly a Clinton strategy.

Sorry though, it won't work, you are better off saying why you support your candidate than trying to rip apart Obama, b/c his supporters are truly "Fired up, and ready to go"

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Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:40:39 GMT

Thanks to all the commentators who have reported on John Edwards' speech at the J-J dinner. I came to First Read today to find out how the event went on Saturday night. I did expect the media to be biased, however I also expected that this was supposed to be such an important night that there would at least be some commentary on all the candidates speeches. I was more than suprised that we only heard about two speakers, and particularly surprised that absolutely nothing was said about John Edwards since he is in such a close position in Iowa. Nothing positive, nor even anything negative was stated about Edwars. So thanks again to the comments section for filling me in on what First Read left out.

When I listen to John Edwards and his supporters, and read real contrasts in his positions with the other candidates, I think, 'How can this guy lose?' But when I read a lot of the media coverage, or watch the TV pundits, I wonder how can he win.

I hope Iowans will see through all of this, and give Edwards the push into the spotlight that he needs.

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Jan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:42:42 GMT

It is so sad to see people insist their choice for president is the only right choice, and refuse to be open-minded to know more. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, do not judge only by who's speech is better, check if what they say match what they do, who they really are. You are choosing a president for this country. Instead of "bite" each other, talk about real issues we are facing, and compare their positions, not by speech, not by charming, not by rumors. Go with your guts.

Did someone suggest to see the Meet the press ? (Maybe from other post)If you missed it, go to check it out. It might surprise you. I was shocked.

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not guilty — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:56:26 GMT

Edwards and his supporters are always talking about where other candidates get there money. The trial laywers money scare me more than any other. Lets see they are to give their client their all, this includes confusion, misstatement of facts etc. The truth means nothing to a good atty. It is a tit for tat business. Anyone that has dealt with attys knows it is true. Now you really want a great trial lawyer as President. That believes perception is reality, substance or truth do not matter. Wake-up

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MR, Seattle — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:05:16 GMT

Obama ruled the JJ Dinner! The entire day!

Friday, he had the largest group of Sign Wars staff and volunteers.

Saturday, Barack, Michelle and John Legend had a pre-JJ dinner rally attended by over 4000 (many were Iowan precinct captains)from all age groups (look at the pictures, there were many gray and balding heads in the crowd!). Most of these then followed Obama and Michelle marching to the JJ Dinner auditorium. Where is the media coverage of this???? It was awesome! We'd like to see video of it.

Clinton had NO rally... it would have been embarrassing with so few people like her dismay show of support at the Steak Fry. All the other candidates did, with Edwards having a good showing...but where is his media coverage?

JJ Dinner: Obama supporters far far outnumbered the others (and they were not bussed in from other states like Clinton recruited from other states and they were a mixture of ages many gray and balding NOT 'to young to vote' as Mark Penn tried to spin...another example of Clinton camp's negative campaigning)

Edwards spoke first and did a strong speech, although I don't like hearing over and over about a swimming pool accident. His cheering crowd was strong, second to Obama but stronger than Clintons.

Richardson: best speech I've heard him give, not good enough though to break out of 2nd tier.

Biden: he should stop trying to tell jokes, 'Hello Chicago' was insulting to the over 4000 Iowan supporters that came in from all 99 counties, many traveling for hours, many committed as precinct captains to Obama... or was he referring to Clinton?

Dodd: I started to fall asleep, he said he would be short then went on and on.

Clinton: the worst speech I've heard her give (much better at the Steak Fry)... looked and sounded like a bad actress playing the role of a presidental candidate in some forgettable made for TV mini-series. Proved to me that she is not presidential caliber, just has name recognition and the Clinton machine behind her. But of course the MSM spins it. Not much crowd reaction... and they had already started chanting for Obama.

OBAMA: the c-span camera showed us a profile view as he waited during Pelosi's introduction. Priceless photo. The moment before the speech that will go down in history. The crowd was a thunderous roar. I thought "oh may God, what pressure on him."

My husband shouted: "Hit is out the park, Barack! The future of this country depends on it!

AND he did, he rose the roof on that cavernous auditorium!

Watch the speech here: (keep in mind the crowd is cheering throughout but c-span turns off the crowd mic)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tydfsfSQiYc

Looks and sounds like a Democratic National Convention!!

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Mike Benjamin Danville, PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:06:20 GMT

Good news: All the candidates at the dinner spoke to the issues in a way that reflects concern for American's right's, our responsibilities, our needs to care for the unfortunate among us, and the need for better stewardship as members of the world's body politic. I heard nothing of the political arrogance and hubris we so need to avoid in repairing our damaged image. In leadership, the Democratic party currently seems to have a wealth of riches.
Bad news: Sorting the single best electable person to lead us is a process fraught with difficulty and real danger to our country and the world.
Personally, I find I do not rely on who said exactly what and when, or what promise has been made. I do look for examples of what I consider wisdom, intellect and a thoughtful nature that will constitute real leadership. Right now that seems to be most evident to me in Mr. Obama and Mr. Edwards. Mix them up however you like, they both look good to me. Iowans should look carefully at them both.

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Nashville Fan — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:43:02 GMT

It seems that most of the responses here are just thinly veiled campaign plants - typical! Barack gave the best speech, the Obama supporters were from Iowa, and the reason no one mentions Edwards is because this is his second time around and it's not that much more exciting than the first.

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Bob in Denver — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:50:46 GMT

Thank you MR Seattle for the YouTube link to Obama's speech. Everyone should see this inspirational speech from America's next President.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=tydfsfSQiYc
Obama/Webb '08!

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Cedric, Charlotte NC — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:01:22 GMT

I agree w/ Jan. Go w/ your gut. Do your research. Don't vote based on who the media says is a front runner. Who most closely approximates your values? Period. I like John Edwards- I voted for him for senator the same yr. I voted for Bush for prez, and if he'd been the prez candidate over the translucent Kerry, I'd have voted Dem. instead of for Nader. (i'm a reg. independent.) I think Edwards is the most Democratic democrat amongst the people w/ a real chance, and a more articulate Clinton critic than Obama. However, I think no candidate represents the Democrats I know as much as Kucinich does, and I think it's sad that his UFO thing gets all this press when his views don't. This is why you gotta ignore these media folk. I mean, I don't agree w/ the guy on much, but I love his ideas and perspective, as I do R. Paul on the repub. side.

PS- I'm glad someone noticed Craig Crawford seems to be so pro-Clinton. He completely downplayed the fact that she was exposed in the debate. I like Hill but Dems deserve the candidate that reflect their views, not a Manchurian candidate. I like Obama, but he too has his media fans, like the lovely Mika B. on Scarbrough's morning show (of course, her dad is a foreign policy advisor to Obama, so that must be considered.)

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J boe, Saint Paul, MN — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:03:27 GMT

After following many of the debates and articles about the candidates, I am convinced Barack Obama is our hope for the future.

He comes across as an honest, articulate, intelligent, caring individual who can bring people together. I believe he would be an exciting candidate for president -- one without all the political baggage of the other candidates.

He will be a wonderful ambassador of the U.S., and we may gain some respectability throughout the world through his leadership.

It is my fervent hope that our next president won't be Guliani. For me, it is a nightmare to imagine him heading our nation in these perilous times.

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Cedric, Charlotte, NC — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:12:30 GMT

BTW, that Obama/Webb ticket looks ridiculously strong... so does Obama/Edwards, either way its situated, though I can hardly see Edwards playing second fiddle again... shame, as they aren't that far apart ideologically and their ideas are so representative of the majority of the party. Clinton is a calculated bet on winning, but she's not where the enthusiasts in the party are...

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John Foster, Horsham, PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:53:31 GMT

Once again the corporate media, of which msnbc is a part, fails in their role as providers of information to the public, which is vital to a democracy. The corporate media's obvious and blatant attempts to marginalize the campaign of John Edwards shows their irrelavance to a democratic state and reinforces the sentiment that they are instruments of the state rather than providers of information for the people of this country.

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Bob in Denver — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:10:19 GMT

Thanks Cedric. Obama/Jim Webb would be a slam dunk. Webb is exactly on the same page as Obama re: Iraq and Iran. Can you imagine a former Reagan (!) Navy Secretary with a son in Iraq as Obama's running mate?
Far stronger than Edwards who couldn't even carry NC during 2004 and probably would have lost his reelection bid for the US Senate.
Obama/Webb '08 -- pass it on!

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SJ, Des Moines, IA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:15:34 GMT

First of all, I am not a "campaign plant". I'm a real, honest to goodness, grassroots supporter of John Edwards. I've walked miles through my precinct and knocked on hundreds of doors. That said, I'm not here to bad mouth any of the other candidates.
What I do want to say is that I am appalled at the lack of information in this article about John Edwards. This has been a continued pattern since he announced his candidacy in December. There are an overwhelming majority of people in my precinct who are still undecided. An article like this (and many others like it) gives them extremely biased information.
I was there at the JJ Dinner, and saw the genuine support for Edwards, including some enthusiastic applause from the other candidate's supporters. Edwards speech was incredible and deserved to be reported to your readers.

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Katherine S. , Sturgis, Michigan — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:01:03 GMT

I see MSNBC has done their typical stellar,high quality research on this subject. I'm so tired of all things Hillary and Barack. Anyone that watched the entire JJ dinner came away with one great memory and it was made early in the evening. When John Edwards voice broke and he said, "I am the voice for the voiceless." I was filled with so much emotion I could hardly contain myself. There was only one speech that had real, true emotion that connected to everyone in that building. There was only one man that talked about James Lowe and how he could live in this country for 50 years and not be able to speak because he had a cleft palette. Unbelievable! We all know who gave that speech. We don't need the pundits telling us who gave the best speech. I know which speech made me dream again and made me think about how corrupt our current government is and how I'm going to do everything in my power to get John elected. He'll fight for me, so I'm going to fight for him. John told us about Blackwater giving money to Bush in the election and then getting no bid contracts in Iraq. John said he will give us hope and he will give them hell. Edwards cares about the working class. He wants my child and your child to have the same advantages he had growing up. John might not fit in with the DLC type of Democrats which are so close to republicans that I can't tell them a part, but if you want a real democrat that will stand for us and fight the hypocrites and lobbyists on capital hill, there is only one choice, and trust me it's not Hillary or Barack!

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Just Thinking — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:24:50 GMT

This calls for one of those TV taste-test ads, where one of the same kinds of products are chosen, blind, for the best taste. If all the stances of all the issues were in written form with no names attached and the one most representing the needs of the electorate were chosen, that would be an unbiased and fair race. It isn't in the gender, in the race card, or even in the hair cut: it's in the fine print, stupid, that is not always included in the allure of the seducing speeches given before each candidate's "choir". All the hype in the world will not give us the President we need to survive as a diminishing democracy: only the voters can do that and heaven help us if they chose the most important leader in the world on the basis of some kind of popularity test. And, believe me, I don't give one hoot what the commentators or know-it-alls in the press say and stopped listening to CNN & MSNBC and reading the political rot on paper months ago. I'm not, after all, voting for them. Uh-uh. I'm voting for the one who's committed to print all I need to know. Why waste your time listening to divas stumping what's called a debate? Just pull up their web sites and go from there--I dare you.

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CyberCitizen, Bartlesville, OK — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:45:38 GMT

My marks on speakers were as follows: Edwards, 1st place, for passion and sincerity--signaling clearly that HE would not let universal health care die on the vine; Obama, 2nd place, for outrage, finally; Biden, 3rd place, for his streetwise attitude and poetry. Hillary's talk about turning up the heat made my jaw drop because she had voted for Kyl-Lieberman! (which would warm the cockles of a neocon's heart) and Congress is acting like they had shut off the burners.

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Mike, Chapel Hill, NC — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:06:56 GMT

Glancing through all of these comments I am amazed at the harsh stance people take. For the moment I will admit Obama has my vote. He seems to embody the simple idea we are all in it together. It seems few people or politicians realize this anymore...from the whiny liberal to the warmongering conservative. We are all in it together. The excerpts of Obama's speech were incredible. I haven't seen Edwards' speech to comment on (although it isn't PC and she seems like a nice person, his wife whining about everything has turned me off greatly)...and I turned from Hillary for I truly detest her (no I am not chauvinistic, there are plenty of women who I think would make great presidents. Hillary Clinton has the persona of someone who would sell their own daughter if it would get them elected...the typical politician.) Reality is the most experienced and rational candidate has to be Biden. Although one could argue Kennedy didn't have much experience and his greatness is rarely questioned. Honestly I wouldn't turn my back on a Ron Paul like candidate as well. But the one issue all democrats seem to underestimate is illegal immigration. So far none of them seem to be on the side of the majority of the American people...and unlike gay marriage this is a reasonably serious issue that truly affects our country. Lobbyist is an important issue as well, but honestly that is a concern of Congress. How often is the president lobbied...other than by think tanks? And how much power could the executive branch place on the legislative branch about their corrupt ways? So at the end of the day I go for the uniter, nothing will be achieved until we stop bickering like hyperactive children. And at least Obama and Biden seem willing to make that point.

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AHMIowa — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:46:29 GMT

I was fortunate to be at the dinner Saturday night - and yes, Obama's oratory was wonderful. It was the best performance I had heard from him this year. But it was a performance. Like other times I have heard him this year, both on TV and in person (such as the Tom Harkin steak-fry), he says some nice things, but gives me no clue about how he would actually accomplish them, nor confidence that he could.

It's a shame this year that the novelty candidates, Obama and Clinton, get all the attention, when we have a candidate of principle and action in John Edwards. Unfortunately, my fear and belief is that the Mainstream media consciously avoids featuring John Edwards. Why? Because he would upset the status quo.

At the J-J Dinner, John undoubtedly gave the strongest, most passionate speech of the evening, and one in which he clearly presented both his plans, but even more importantly, his underlying moral beliefs which in the long run, are the MOST IMPORTANT CREDENTIALS FOR A PRESIDENT.

I am still confident that a John Edwards presidency would clear the decks of lobbyists and corporate agencies looking to rob americans for all they're worth.

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Edwin Rudd, Gadsden, Alabama — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:47:47 GMT

We watched the speeches. Thank you C-Span for covering them live. As I always feel when all the candidates get together, we have a great group of people running for president. 'But John Edwards is clearly the best on the issues and has an appeal that will work around the nation. He is the most electable and I think the Iowa caucus goers will know this. I am looking forward to voting for him here in Alabama on the fifth of February.

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Molly, Iowa City — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:20:35 GMT

"I have a tip for the national media. David Yepsen sometimes gets it wrong. I don't know if he has it wrong this time, but you would do well to make your own judgements.

Jane Doe, Ames, Iowa "

Jane,

You are very right, and it is often funny to watch the national media assume that everything Yepsen's says is based on fact.

The national media, and here in this post, have bought into the belief that Dean and Gephardt lost the 04 caucus because Iowans were turned off by their political attacks. This is accepted reality in DC and it has been repeated so often no one questions its accuracy. However, there is no study, no polling data, no research of any kind that supports this claim.

On 1/19/04 David Yepsen was on NBC and trying to explain why Gephardt and Dean who until the 1/17/04 Register poll had been trading first place in every poll since August 03 not only lost to Kerry and Edwards, but by far greater margins than the 1/17/04 poll, the only poll to show Kerry winning and Edwards second.

The caucus results weren't close to the Register's last poll (2 days before the caucus). The order was right, but only Dean was with the margin of error of his poll numbers two days earlier.(he polled at 20 received 18%) The Register's poll was completely wrong on level of support.

While Yepsen was being asked about this he basically guessed at why Gephardt and Dean "lost support", his guess was that us "nice Iowans" don't like negative campaigning and as a result we punished those two and went with the nicer John Kerry, and the super nice John Edwards.

Yepsen's analysis (or attempt to justify the papers horrible caucus polling record) never had any factual support and frankly was an insult to caucus goers, who as a rule aren't a bunch of dolts. The idea that we collectively punish someone for running a negative ad that we otherwise would have voted for is ridiculous!

Here are some basic problems with Yepsen's analysis.

1. Dean's 18% caucus support was within the margin of error of his support in every "Iowa Poll" (the Register's trade mark poll name) Nov. 9 Dean was at 20%, and his highest level of support was 23% in the 8/3/03 Iowa Poll. According to the paper's polling Dean didn't drop in support, because he was within the margin of error.

2. Gephardt did poll at 27% in the 11/9/03 poll, he was at 21% in August. Gephardt who won the caucus in 1988 never polled any where near the level of actual caucus support he received in 1988.

3. Polling likely caucus goers is statistically impossible because so few Iowans attend the caucus. Most polls usually merely show name recognition not actual support, or support among people contacted 80% of which won't attend a caucus. Which is why Lieberman polled at 10% in August 3, 03, and 5 weeks later withdrew from Iowa due to "lack of support" (He had double Edwards poll numbers in August- but he knew the polls were a joke- he had no support) Even by November over 2 months after he officially withdrew from Iowa he was polling tied with Edwards.

Dean was seen early on (by September at the latest) among a majority of rank and file Democrats as someone people agreed with on the issues, but who would get crushed in the general. The overwhelming number of caucus goers had ruled him out by early fall. Dean did not lose much support, because he didn't have much support to lose. The overwhelming number of those committed to Dean by September of 03 stayed with him.

Gephardt was hurt by a lot of factors. He was the labor candidate in 88, in 04 labor endorsements were split. This hurt him. Also while Edwards and Kerry had both voted for the Iraq resolution Gephardt was still Bush's biggest cheerleader on this issue. When other candidates were talking about changing directions, mistakes that had been made, Gephardt was saying he'd do it again. Gephardt's pro Iraq war stand, not a single commercial (except to the extent it exposed Gephardts actual views on the war) caused him to receive 10.5%. A vote for Gephardt was a vote for Bush's Iraq war, that not a single TV ad hurt Gephardt, because not a single ad falsely stated his Iraq war position.

Just like the media was wrong to accept Yepsen's guess regarding why Gephardt and Dean did so poorly, they are also wrong to buy into his every guess now.

As far as whether Yepsen is a GOP, I have no reason to suspect that he is, I think he means well, but is often just flat out guessing. The national media has no clue that Yepsen is either buying into spin from campaign surrogates (because he believes they are telling him the truth), or giving his own opinion based upon a gut feeling that is only right 50% of the time.

Maybe if the winner in Iowa isn't in the current top three the national media will figure out that Yepsen is a nice guy, who doesn't have an actual feel for what is happening on the ground.