Edwards: Message not money

vanreuter, NY NY — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:35:12 GMT

Way to tailor and edit; I think that the article from here is a little better, and more honest to the moment. Nowhere is the fact that Mrs. E, "Shocked", the crowd into silence. Not the different tone of the headline too...

December 31, 2007, 5:27 pm
Edwardes Take On Michelle Obama

By Julie Bosman

EMMETSBURG, Iowa – It was the Edwardses versus Michelle Obama on the campaign trail today.

An audience member asked Mr. Edwards a question that wasn’t audible to the rest of the room, so Mr. Edwards repeated it.

“What he’s saying, is he’s hearing directly from the other campaigns, including Senator Obama’s wife, that well, Edwards, he may be a great candidate, but is he going to have enough money to go on and be able to win,” Mr. Edwards said.

“Can I say something first of all? We’re not going to have an auction in Iowa, we’re going to have an election,” he said, to enthusiastic applause.

But Mr. Edwards was just getting started. “Do you understand how frightening it is to a campaign and a bunch of campaign workers and a candidate that have raised $100 million, to have somebody even with them, who’s spending, whatever it is, a third, or a tenth, I don’t even know how much it is, of what they’re spending?” he said. “I mean, really! It scares them to death because what they know is, what this candidate and campaign stands for is working! They get it, they completely get it. So when you’re resorting to arguments about how much money somebody has, you’re in a bad place.”

“If they have more money and the money’s what matters, why are they worried about me?” he said, adding that the argument was “unbelievably weak.”

Then Elizabeth Edwards, who was also on stage, jumped in. “I just want to say, cause I’ll say it later and I don’t want to forget,” she said. “You may not be surprised. But I am surprised, and disappointed, in Michelle.”

The audience was shocked into silence for a full four seconds, until Mr. Edwards moved things along by asking, “Who’s next?”

But he addressed the money issue at a news conference after the event, saying that he would have “plenty of money” to take on a Republican in the general election.

“Once I’m the nominee, if I’ve beaten them, having been outspent in the ways I just spoke about, taking on a Republican who carries George Bush’s baggage will be a piece of cake.”

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/edwardes-take-on-michelle-obama/

Always happy to help you, "journalists".

Van

Edwards: Message not money

Man Boy Love Association — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:35:36 GMT

We Love Mitt Romney,

Romney allowed his office as governor to fund Gay/Lesbian SEX-ED to GRADE-SCHOOL CHILDREN as young as KINDERGARTENERS--with NO PARENTAL NOTIFICATION OR CONSENT! NO U.S. POLITICIAN SHOULD ASSUME SUCH CONTROL OVER CHILDREN/THEIR PARENTS!!

The Man Boy Love Association

Edwards: Message not money

--NSMsnbc — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:44:07 GMT

And coming from such an obviously impartial source, it must be true!
One can only hope you were going for the laugh line here, VanReuter.

Nicholas

Edwards: Message not money

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:14:32 GMT

Look who's the first to comment about this Van (Hillary's mouthpiece). The fact is Hillary is counting on the fact that Edwards can not compete over the long haul. Her campaign with the complicit media is trying to push his campaign in Iowa, because they know he is not a threat in any other state except Iowa where he has practically lived for the past 4 years.

This is all a ploy to keep the change that Obama will bring to American politics. The very change that John Edwards also supports, and his campaign is being used as pans to that end.

Edwards: Message not money

Nashville_fan — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:17:49 GMT

While Senator Edwards response is very pleasing in theory, he still did not address the issue of whether he has raised/will raise enough money to get his message to the masses. I don't think there is anything wrong with asking this question - I've heard it asked about McCain and Huckabee as well. I don't think it is a personal attack, I think it is a question. So the whole "disappointed in Michelle" line seems a bit dramatic to me.

Edwards: Message not money

Aaron, Saint Paul MN — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:25:02 GMT

As much as I like Edwards, people need to realize that Obama has BOTH the message AND the money.

Don't believe me about the message?

Follow this link:
http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&brand=msnbc&fg=copy&vid=ce
746ee9-c883-4152-97ed-78390f1c3a0e&from=00

Also watch last week's Meet the Press.

Obama '08!

Edwards: Message not money

HonestErnest, Altadena,m CA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:33:23 GMT

Edwards spent four years in Iowa so he really should be doing a lot better. His polling numbers in North Carolina are barely ahead of Hillary.

Edwards: Message not money

diane — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:44:07 GMT

It's the 527s. I am suspicious about Edwards involvement in them. He is not neutral. They have planned together. And this worries me.
Joe Trippi today totally sidetracked the issue when asked about it.
Edwards was my second favorite in the race but, now I am questioning this man and what is true and what is not.
Who is Edwards in regards to his true beliefs and what is the story with the 527s.
Are they going to fund his race if he wins?
I just do not feel easy about him right now.

Edwards: Message not money

Nancy, Chicago — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:55:22 GMT

Michelle Obama? scary thought having her as a first lady. She has no credibility in Chicago!

Edwards: Message not money

Adam , Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:03:41 GMT

Edwards has apologized for every major legislation he signed in the Senate. -- BAD JUDGMENT

Edwards was a 1 term Senator. -- NO EXPERIENCE

Edwards could get re-elected or carry his home state. -- UNELECTABLE

Edwards: Message not money

Marbw — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:04:24 GMT

John Edwards is not dealing in realityville,usa. Money opens offices in later states. Money pays staffers. Money buys signs/buttons/travel expenses, etc.
The media talking heads will move on to H Clinton after Iowa. Public financing limits spending against Hillary Clinton and then the Repub candidate. He will be a sitting duck during the summer. If J Edwards wins Iowa, H Clinton will be the Democratic nominee(do the math).

Edwards: Message not money

Debra, Oakland, CA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:24:47 GMT

Go Edwards!! The only people who win if this becomes a money game is the corporations and the Republicans. This is about whether or not we are going to have a middle class in America and a President who will stand up with us.

Edwards: Message not money

C.B. — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:29:58 GMT

Happy New Year ! ... hillaryclinton.com

Edwards: Message not money

kevin,DC,DC — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:30:03 GMT

The fox news is a big disgrace to america by excluding Ron Paul. I don't think the Lame Stream Media understands exactly how much popularity Ron Paul really has, and how much his ideas are resonating with Americans. The American people aren't stupid, and we understand the dire situation our country is headed in. Especially the economic crisis we are going to suffer. The Dollar is declining in value week after week, U.S. imperialism goes unchecked at the expense of our Republic, and we middle class Americans are overtaxed, and over-regulated.

We The People are not going to let a Lame media stand in the way of progress and restoring The Constitution. Ron Paul is the only candidate offering REAL solutions to REAL problems. Ron Paul has my vote.

Edwards: Message not money

C.B. — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:30:30 GMT

Happy New Year ! ...hillaryclinton.com

Edwards: Message not money

Jack of Marysville WA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:30:33 GMT

I wish John Edwards could get more traction with the reporters. They seem to have anointed him as the also-ran already by talking constantly about the Clinton-Obama race. It ain't over til it's over folks.

Edwards: Message not money

Del, New York, NY — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:37:54 GMT

Based on this article, this Edwards argument is the "unbelievably weak" one. His decision to accept public funds did two things: 1) helped his campaign reach de facto financlal parity with Clinton and Obama after you add in the public funds and the 527 money he has pouring into the state; and 2) created a disadvantage for him in the general election, which his two other primary competitors would not face if they were to win the nomination. The answer seems to be part of a larger pattern with the Edwards campaign where time and time again we see it choose pious outrage over common sense.

Edwards: Message not money

Del, New York, NY — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:41:30 GMT

Based on this article, this Edwards argument is the "unbelievably weak" one. His decision to accept public funds did two things: 1) helped his campaign reach de facto financial parity with Clinton and Obama after you add in the public funds and the 527 money he has pouring into the state; and 2) created a disadvantage for him in the general election, which his two other primary competitors would not face if they were to win the nomination. The answer seems to be part of a larger pattern with the Edwards campaign where time and time again we see it choose pious outrage over common sense.

Edwards: Message not money

Pay-Attention to Everything — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:41:39 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fb3eulMVoc (interesting)undecided

Edwards: Message not money

AB — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:43:07 GMT

Do we need more examples to show how INEXPERINCED Obama is ? If he can't take or handle the lates polls, then he for sure not qualified for any government job. It is beyong my imagination. This country will not give up a candidate simply because he doesn't have enough money. So ridiculous. Well, Obama first aiming at Hillary, now aiming at Edward, he sees their numbers are shrinking and desperate now. Vote for Hillary or Edward, NO TO OBAMA !!!

SOME PEOPLE HAVE LOTS OF MONEY, BUT NO LOVE.

Edwards: Message not money

KS, atlanta — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:43:53 GMT

Protecting the Edwards' I see. Why did you edit out the fact that Elizabeth attacked Michelle Obama. That was low.

Edwards: Message not money

Kristian O — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 01:57:54 GMT

Non Issue. There's more than enough media hype and sound bytes than can allow a campaign to balance public funds with coverage until the general election cycle kicks in. Kerry raised the most money and looked what happened to him. Go have another donut Van.

Edwards: Message not money

SandyD, Danville, IA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:21:03 GMT

Nice. You just couldn't help yourself. You just HAD to end your piece with that $45 million quote. Well, I think Trippi was wrong then and I think Obama is wrong now, because MY vote isn't for sale. And I think the number of folks who think THEIR vote is for sale is so small as to be insignificant.

Now, about substance: Mr. Edwards has the correct message, the best policy proposals to back up that message, and the correct core values to sustain the lack of positive media coverage and Obama's and Clinton's millions of dollars. Besides what Obama has spent in media buys, you folks have given him a free ride with 60% positive coverage throughout the process, so far...much more positive than any other candidate. It is funny, Edwards is gaining momentum despite the lack of media coverage AND being outspent by an obscene amount of money. I wonder why you don't cover THAT aspect of the race?

Edwards: Message not money

Eileen Berne — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:36:41 GMT

Obama's camp committed a serious strategic error. You don't tell Iowans that someone doesn't have enough money to be credible. Middle America doesn't want to hear that Obama doesn't believe in the American dream. They don't want to hear that their voices don't count as much as corporate contributors or the well-to-do because their wallets are lighter.

Shame on them. I think there may be a backlash thanks to that plan. Middle America may say, "Oh Yeah?" and flip him the bird.

Edwards has scored some big points with me lately. He may have my vote. He may be the most electable of all the Dems.

Edwards: Message not money

Fasteddie — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:37:28 GMT

The one thing about the Obama's, your going to get the truth. It may not be good for them to tell you the truth, but you get it anyway. IF Michelle Obama did make that statement, it's the truth. It's not a personal attack, it's the truth about that campaign. IT IS A VOTE FOR HILLARY. Edwards is the easiest candidate for the Republicans to defeat. I'll take him over Hillary, but he could'nt even carry his home state. That killed us!
CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!

Edwards: Message not money

Mike, Iowa — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:54:00 GMT

Trippi isn't the one calling the shots for Edwards, obviously, and after all, how did all of that money help Dean? Or Kerry, for that matter, in the general election? There's also a good chance the Republican nominee will have the same money limits as Edwards -- for example, McCain and Huckabee accepted matching funds.

As Edwards pointed out, if he can beat Clinton and Obama despite all of their money, then Edwards is clearly the superior candidate, and beating the fractured and demoralized Republicans' nominee will be the easy part.

Edwards: Message not money

Carolyn Banks — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:55:10 GMT

Elizabeth Edwards is a pain in the neck. She thinks having cancer means never having to say you're sorry so she just slams away.

John Edwards will have used up over 60% of the limit he's under with public financing with the Iowa caucuses and his plan to use 527s is not holding. He even gets questioned about it on the morning shows. Iowa will weed him out even if he comes in first.

Edwards: Message not money

Mark P San Diego, CA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 02:59:12 GMT

This last post is obviously b.s and
a planted comment by another campaign
that feels threatened by Mitt Romney
and his chances to get the Republican nomination.

It slandering, slash and burn politics as usual
and it should be removed ASAP

(I have not made up my on a candidate yet,
but we can do without the sleezy, planted comments)

Edwards: Message not money

laurie, st.paul — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:07:25 GMT

Forget the Edwards spin. For an honest assessment this is the quote that counts:
Trippi said. 'There is absolutely no way you can sustain the hits that are going to come from now until August with a $45 million limit.'"

Edwards: Message not money

Ava — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:17:20 GMT

The Des Moines Register has just released its final pre-caucus poll in Iowa and Barack Obama has extended his lead over Hillary Clinton. He leads her 32% to 25%, with Edwards a close 3rd at 24%. Yippee!

The DMR poll has earned the reputation as the most important pre-caucus poll in Iowa because they were the only pre-caucus poll in 2004 to correctly predict the rank of the democratic contenders coming out of the caucuses that year. They were the only ones that predicted that Kerry was going to win and Edwards would come 2nd. All the other polls were all over the place but they got it right. Looks like Obama is going to win Iowa.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071231/NEWS09/71231044/1001/NEWS

Edwards: Message not money

Chris, Adaville, Iowa — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:35:27 GMT

What we all know is that change will not come in the courts were Edwards would have done better with his anger. We need a president who will bring both sides of the house together to bring change. This is where Obama does well. We need him 08.

Edwards: Message not money

Cindy Kimrey Atlantic, NC — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:38:07 GMT

To my knowlege, John Edwards has always told the truth...he is the middle class...I believe in him with all my heart! He is one of the few Senators that personaly responded to me when I wrote over 500 letters pleaded for stem cell research which would benefit my son.

Edwards: Message not money

Denny, Alaska — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:52:57 GMT

Well, yes, but.... How *does* Edwards plan to finance a full 50-state campaign within the confines of public financing, against a Republican nominee with bucks up to here?

Edwards: Message not money

Edmonsky, Sacramento, CA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 04:57:43 GMT

For the simple reason that Edward, as a trial medical malpractice insurance lawyer, was able to force insurance companies to settle most of his cases out of court, because often these companies do not want un-necessary publicity, does not mean that he can do same on enlightened voters. People are not less informed as he convinces himself to think.

Raising money for campaign is one of the integral parts of running for president. To raise money, the donors must be sold on the viability of a candidate or want to use the candidate to make political statements. Among the candidates, Senator Obama was disadvantaged because he is new in the scene and has to build national infrastructure from the scratch. Edward wanted to raise money but was not successful like Hilary and Obama. Hence he chose to use public financing for his campaign. In retrospect, we now know that he made the calculation that by using public financing his campaign would be complemented by backdoor deals from labor unions and 527’s. Unfortunately for him, there are caucus-goers that will insist on backing candidates with viable electability. Being clever and half will catch up with him.

Edwards: Message not money

Diamond — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:47:32 GMT

Did Mitt really do that? And he was criticing Obama fe months ago about sex-ed for children.

Mitt Romney will go down as the most dishonest American politican ever. What a disgrace to Mormons.

Oh, by the way, apparently, Iowans are not being into Edwards fake message. you can hit a poverty charity scam, get a $400 hair cut while people in America go without food, made millions as a trial lawyer, etc, and still pretend to be the man for the poor. If he's so passionate about his candidacy, why didn't he "Romney" his campaign with his own money, instead of coercing small donors everyday.

Edwards: Message not money

can't vote romney in the USA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:07:17 GMT

Man Boy Love Association:

Just one more reason--CAN'T VOTE ROMNEY

Edwards: Message not money

Buddy — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:03:08 GMT

jUST LOOKIE hERE MarTha.. hillaryclinton.com

Edwards: Message not money

Daniel, NY — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:21:07 GMT

The new DMR poll smashes the Edwards surge storyline by showing Obama way up -- but the survey has a VERY strange turnout projection (40% independents and 60% first-time caucus goers!) Full analysis here: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/final-dmr-poll-smashes-all-conventional.html

Edwards: Message not money

Felix, littleton CO — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:22:06 GMT

I've read this in many blogs; Edwards is doomed because he won't have enough money. Don't believe it. He's right. If he can pull even with much better funded candidates in Iowa, that shows it can be done. The money is for advertising and organizing to get a candidate's name and message out. We the people don't have to support the candidate running the most ads.

And hearing about how Edwards is "angry" and into "class warfare" is getting very tiresome. The corporate elite are the ones waging class warfare and the middle class is losing. Is it "angry" to refuse to just roll over and leave our children and grandchildren an America no different than third world countries with tiny elites, a small middle class of professionals to serve them and huge majorities of working poor? Because that's where we're headed.

There is nothing wrong with people getting wealthy but the American way of life and government will not survive ever more extreme concentration of wealth in the hands of a tiny minority and an ever widening gulf between that handful of super rich and everyone else.

CEOs in the 50s,60s,70s,and even in the greed-is-good 80s and 90s never made as many times more than their average employee as they do now and that is not going to change American society for the better. It's time to stop behaving like sheep.

We can't complain about politicians with no backbone if we're going to reject those who will stand and fight.

We can't complain about money corrupting politics and then dismiss, out of hand, all but the most heavily funded candidates.

Of course if we all just throw up our hands and leave it to the moneyed elite to pick our candidates and make our decisions, that's just what they want. Nice docile sheep who are too cowed to know their own strength.

They already have half of us convinced there's no point in even voting. Maybe, in the New Year, we should stop being so polite and stand with the fighters instead of just slapping on another patriotic bumper sticker and turning on the latest reality show. Maybe, in 2008, Iowa will help is all start something with John Edwards.

Edwards: Message not money

Marbw — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:55:53 GMT

Telling it like it is:

click--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fb3eulMVoc&eurl=http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/1/1248/80544/776/428408

Edwards: Message not money

Mike — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:13:17 GMT

What a phony this varnish-haired hypocrite is! A damn lawyer claiming to represent common people. This leech will tell you whatever you want to hear and actually makes Hillary palatable.

Edwards: Message not money

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:09:12 GMT

Edwards does have a point. It is pretty weak to say that people should not support a candidate because they don't have enough money. That's hardly the message that any campaign should be putting out there.

Edwards: Message not money

Greensboro — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:40:23 GMT

Boy, a price will be paid for that comment. A silly woman making silly comments with no proof that michelle ever made the comment. One should not mess with a power house like michelle. I just watched michelle 2 times on c-span and she didn't say anything about edwards. This kind of stuff is why edwards will lose and lose BIG.

Edwards: Message not money

Happy New Year, Paper Hangers : FACTS — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:11:00 GMT

Happy New Year!! There is nothing worth remembering about last year. For it was a year of the "Washington self serving paper hangers failures!

A failed Congress,

A President who makes his own laws as he sees fit!

A meaningless waste of power and loss of life!

Not enough cardboard boxes for the homeless!

Infrastructure on verge of collapse!

America Properties on the world auction block!

Poverty unchecked!

Sell out of the trucking industry!

N.O forgotten!

20 million Illegals roaming our streets!

Fed puts mask on national security!

National defense ""Air force crippled"" f-15'S junkers!

Local police over whelmed by Illegals, murder, robbery, sex crimes, gangs, drug runners, illegal smuggling of illegals in group numbers.

Local community services destroyed by having to spend intended monies on tax payer needs given to the Illegal!

Needless acts by Congress to shake the hand of those who support killing our troops!

The head of the VA chopped off, But the red tape and the anguish which Veterans suffer remains!! Our Va hospitals no more than a meat mill, Red tape masked over by new and more useless red tape.

And these who seek to become the NEXT President are nothing more than Washington self serving paper Hangers!

Unqualified and conjecture, misrepresentation of the people's voice!

Yes, America has to reinvent Congress. Because the next President will be hamstrung

The gavel slams another year:

Happy New Year

We can change the paper hanger existence

Edwards: Message not money

Ann Doe — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:18:02 GMT

Here's the Washington Post article about electronic voting machines being unreliable. Gee, who would have thought:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/31/AR2007123101118.html?hpid=sec-nation

Edwards: Message not money

tuck,realityville, kansas — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:52:54 GMT

now it's michelle obama going negative...but then whatdo you expect for someone that takes bigmoney from wal-mart?

Edwards: Message not money

Jerold Jolup Boston Ma. — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:03:47 GMT

An American living and working for an American company in Canada. "IF ANYONE DOES'NT GET WHAT's GOING ON HERE WITH REGARDS TO THE COMMENTS COMING OUT OF OSAMA OBAMA'S CAMP THEY REALLY NEED TO STOP AND SMELL THE COFFE. IT IS THE PROOF IN THE PUDDING AS THEY SAY! IF ELECTING ANYBODY IS BASED ON HOW MUCH MONEY HE HAS OR CAN RAISE, WHAT WERE GOING TO GET IS ANOTHER "BUSHWACKER" FOLKS" THINK ABOUT IT "IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT???????

Edwards: Message not money

Banko — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:43:48 GMT

John Edwards is a phony.

The Many Apologies of John Edwards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pOZML6P0Vg

John Edwards cannot lead the democratic ticket.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADwjvAs9J-0

John Edwards and Hillary Clinton did not read the NIE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLJFujflVmY

Obama SmackDown Series: Smacks down Edwards on Iraq.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4x_KnWEDjs

John Edwards 2002 Vote for the Iraq War
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY6BZgkI0kI

John Edwards Feeling Pretty.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2AE847UXu3Q

Edwards: Message not money

John Alexander,Edinboro,PA — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:48:28 GMT

Happy New Year everyone!
Two days to go and two different polls give two different leaders. Do polls change things at this stage?
Maybe, but I think many people have decided already and are keeping their decision under wraps. Good, I like surprises. Can't wait to see what present Iowans give us this year.

Edwards: Message not money

Marbw — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:16:00 GMT

------------------
Prez can't snatch Congress' health care

A television ad shows John Edwards giving a campaign speech and vowing to fight for universal health care coverage.

"When I'm president I'm going to say to members of Congress and members of my administration, including my cabinet: I'm glad that you have health care coverage and your family has health care coverage," Edwards says. "But if you don't pass universal health care by July of 2009 in six months I'm going to use my power as president to take your health care away from you."

Cue the wild applause.

The problem with this statement is that the president can't just "take away" health care from Congress.

Health care for Congress and the administration is passed by statute. The president cant repeal a law on his own, said Don Ritchie, associate historian of the Senate Historical Office.

Congress has the power of the purse and passes legislation. Its the president whos dependent on Congress to get legislation passed," he said.

If we broaden our view from the 30-second ad, Edwards fleshed out his idea in a September 2007 speech he gave in Chicago. During that speech, he explained that his plan was to "submit legislation that ends health care coverage for the president, all members of Congress, and all senior political appointees in both branches of government on July 20th, 2009 -- unless we have passed universal health care reform."

That's a more realistic scenario, and there's nothing to stop a president from submitting legislation if he can find a member to introduce it. But count us dubious on Congress voting away its own health care coverage.

In the meantime, we find Edwards' lordly pronouncement in his TV ad to border on the absurd. As a former member of the U.S. senate, he should know better. For that reason, we give him the rare Pants on Fire ruling.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/190/

Edwards: Message not money

Edna, Boise, Idaho — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:30:46 GMT

Mitt Romney and the Man Boy Love Association I could never vote for a man that has that support.

Edwards: Message not money

Jonus Smith — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:38:33 GMT

"Message not money"? But Edwards has neither. Time for Liz to strike up another conversation with Ann Coulter.

Edwards: Message not money

Deborah, Iowa — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:47:16 GMT

Money indeed does matter........it matters WHO"S money they are accepting......as that tells all of us WHO they are truly working for. If you take special interests money....your working for them....if you take the media's money...your going to get their news coverage but expect to have to pay back once your in office!......if you take only public financing....your truly working for the people, you only OWE the people...you stand for change FOR the people...the rest are just like all the rest......open your eyes and see the difference make up your own minds based on real facts...look at history........don't be spoon fed your opinions....take those O'rose and HIllarose colored blinders off!

Edwards: Message not money

--NSMsnbc — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 17:20:52 GMT

Deborah, Iowa--Deborah, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 11:47 AM)
**Thank you for making the point that it does matter who's money you are accepting. Both Clinton--to a degree and Obama are relying on small donors (at least in large part), so they are also working for the people and standing for change for the people. The honesty of the matter is that Edwards accepted public financing because he had to in order to compete. It is spin that he accepted the money to step on a soap box about what is right in politics, pure spin.

Edwards: Message not money

TT — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:41:35 GMT

Edwards is the candidate that is telling it like it is. I believe he will fight for the middle class. Corporate greed is killing the American Dream. If you're a middle class American, you have to know its time to do something about health care in this Country. Edwards has the best plan and has given the most detailed plan. His message is right on. It's up to us to hear it.