King's son urges Edwards to press on

Sharon Stone — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:06:37 GMT

The news media seems to think that black women are not smart enouph to vote for someone on the issues. That they have to choose between their race or gender. This is pathetic. I am a white woman and find this very disturbing.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

D meade bolton,Ms — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:11:50 GMT

Edwards was the the only grown up last night. This election is to important for all the bs going on between clinton and obama. When Edwards asked clinton if she would let the lobbyist in her white house she couldn't say no. The white house will again be for sale.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Tamara Brown, Philadelphia, Penn. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:17:57 GMT

Based on the continued emphasis on race by Obama supporters I'm going to rethink my tentative support. I see more and more politicians and news media types telling African-Americans that they should be voting for Obama. I think the more support Obama gets the more people are jumping on the bandwagon of racist thoughts and remarks. How can we celebrate MLK with his emphasis on character only to see the main reason being put forward to support Obama being his race? This saddens me deeply.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

David, Chattanooga, Tn — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:30:34 GMT

What a great letter! Mr. King knows who the best man is.

America needs John Edwards.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

kmnecole, st louis, mo — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:33:23 GMT

I like Edwards, I think he would make a good Pres or VP

Hey, First Read, I just checked out a video that showed Pres Clinton asleep while attending a service where Dr. King's son was speaking at yesterday. Seemed so disrespectful to me. Any info on this?

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Kelsey WIlliams, Carbondale IL — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:33:45 GMT

Edwards does have a chance. The more Obama and Clinton keep going after each other, the more they are going to continue to split the party in two. It may come down to the point where Edwards is viewed as the unifier.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:37:16 GMT

MLK3 should also remember that his father worked his rear end off to get out of poverty himself. people who live in poverty are either wanting to live like that or looking for a handout. Some folks, Like MLK2 and John Edwards decided that living like that was no way to live. So they got educated and in the case of John Edwards, got seriously rich. MLK2 got money and tried to help his people. But it is not words of MLK2 or John Edwards that will make you rich. It is called WORK! AS you lay there on the couch, munching on chicken wings and drinking that Budweiser, you must ask yourself; What would MLK2 do? He would tell you to get off that couch and be an adult and get with the program. The Katrina people waited for the government to save them and they are still waiting to this day. Don't rely on government to save your miserable butt. MLK2 would tell them to stop feeling sorry for yourself and get hot!!!!!!!

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:39:22 GMT

Good advise Mr. King. The agenda based media would have you believe that the race is only between the candidates they say are viable. As Mr. King points out, the needs and desires of the poor are seldom addressed by a true champion who refuses to bend and sell their souls to the very people who would steal the pennies off a dead mans eyes. What we must remember from Dr. King is, "never give-up" the fight for what is right should never be abandoned.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

scott — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:57:25 GMT

Senator Clinton is going to win this nomination. Women and those over 50 will give her a big win on February 5. To what end? While you're celebrating your "world-changing" moment of having nominated a woman, the rest of America will be cringing at the thought of more ugliness, more division, and more of the same.

And the end result? Think she's going to get that much vaunted "universal" healthcare through a Congress that refuses to work with her? Think anything is going to get done? Maybe we'll get some cosmetic changes to the Iraq plan. Maybe.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Leslie, Lawrenceburg, Indiana — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:06:29 GMT

He sounds like a thoughtful and brilliant man. Just like his Father.

Yes, John Edwards please keep fighting!!!

King's son urges Edwards to press on

kisha — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:08:23 GMT

Yes he was mad that Bill Clinton fell asleep during his sermon...

King's son urges Edwards to press on

SoCal for Edwards — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:08:34 GMT

Probably the single most powerful endorsement for any candidate on either side. Don't give up John.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Brian Sullivan Sandwich Massachusetts — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:19:01 GMT

I hope that Edwards continues the good fight. His campaign and message remind me a lot of what I read and heard about Bobby Kennedy's back in 1968. As the most progressive candidate in the field, Edwards has my support. I understand that he may not carry the star status that the other two senators have and this can often put Edwards in the background as the "white guy" candidate. However, had it not been for well documented voter fraud and suppression in Ohio among other states in 2004, Senator Edwards would be our country's Vice President right now rather than having to explain as to why he should be the country's next president.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

--NSMsnbc — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:27:13 GMT

--I don't understand why the Honorable Senator Edwards does not drop out. But if he can't win or even place 2nd in his home state, how could he possibly expect to win the nomination or the general?

--I have heard the term "King-maker" which seems a poor word choice for a Representative Democracy. Can somebody please help clarify what this means? If he nominates somebody, he can't give his delegates away can he (for a VP role)? Because that would be wrong in my mind.

--It's just that I would think on a personal level, the campaign is stressful. If I was almost guaranteed an eventual loss, I would not waste the year trying. I would spend the time with my family, I mean, he has the money from being a trial lawyer and his hedge fund investments.

--Those were nice words from MLK III, I think it helps legitimize Mr. Edwards.

**I simply like it when candidates drop out. I like order, and this nomination cycle on both sides is CHAOS! Reducing the field, reduces entropy, and that I like.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

j fl — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:30:21 GMT

Edwards is toast. And as a gentleman and a good democrat, he should endorse neither.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Lura, Philadelphia, PA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:34:41 GMT

I regret the way the nomination is framed: that after the first few states vote, a candidate's fate is almost sealed. If everyone would take a fresh look and vote on principles, Edwards should still have a great chance to win this nomination. Let's make history, Amrerica, and turn this election around to nominate the one candidate who is most sincerely following in the legacy of Martin Luther King, John Edwards.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Kurt — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:43:14 GMT

I think what Mr. King has done is a brave & nobel thing, he has seen first hand what has happened to this country since the passing of his father.No one has spoken for the mainstream of America since the days of J.F.K.
Because he will not stoop to big money, he is being put on the back burner, we as Americans, need to bring him out front.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

HMT-MI — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:45:55 GMT

John does need to continue his campaign and should not stop.He brought common sense to last nights debate and spoke of real problems.He did not take Obamas side like the last debate.I did like the factthat Obama and Hillary had a livley debate but thought the audience applauding obama everytime he even opened his mouth to breathe was pretty telling of whose side they were on.Obama sure has the finger wagging habit that we all dislike so much.Save that for your children.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

A , Mercer Island, Wa — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:52:47 GMT

To our leaders and this "first read"..

It's all most not funny that America desires "change" and yet we pay attention to icons during an election that is based new directions. Truly the icons of yesterday are "yesterday’s news." So what we have come along ways, why not keep moving and be better than yesterdays struggles and have a little bit of fun instead of sacrificing? Do we need change and leaders out of death or will we willingly move forward into new directions without the “fight”…

When any candidate pulls the card of fame/icons I just drop away. I desire and hope for a leadership that is based on new ways and not out of old hats and dreams from yesterdays, tomorrow. All the icons/leaders of the past produced something then but what about today? Can we not focus on charting “new courses of emotion” and steering the ability of visions that go beyond the collective archetypes? Who is going to be able to make a leap beyond these common thoughts and lead out a new way? Where is the candidate that does not need a dependence on icon figures/words in order to effectively guide new directions? Sheech, let us run from the old cattle call of the collective and chart new courses, real pioneers and heroes TODAY...

Truly how can looking back help now? Perhaps what we need in a candidate for President is one who can alter their perspectives out of today’s understanding. It would be nice if someone could stop gleaning from the past and set new standards.

Gee, where is the sound, the music that harmonizes in the quality of new possibilities?

I wish I could ask the candidates of today, what do they have that is "new"? What do they know for themselves and really what can they do for a country that desperately stands at the doors of change? What change do they stand for outside of hopes for ending a war? What kind of legacy do they want to leave behind?

A...

King's son urges Edwards to press on

John B, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:58:12 GMT

Although Edwards at this point can only be considered a long shot for the nomination he's doing a lot to keep the debate focused on economic issues that are important to the health of the middle class. That issue could make or break the election so keeping his party's attention on that issue still has to be considered big.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

pmorlan, Louisville, KY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:20:23 GMT

I hope this eloquent letter from Mr. King will go a long way in silencing the self-serving pundits and fake know-it-alls in the media and on the blogs that have viciously denounced Edwards for having the temerity to stay in this race.

When the history of this election is written there will most certainly be a lot of people in the media and in the Democratic Party who will not come off looking very good because of all the cheap shots that they took at Edwards in this campaign.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Anne Walters, SF — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:45:07 GMT

Was Edwards able to stay awake while he was speaking? Clinton the Clown sits behind MLK III and can't show enough respect to pay attention! On Dr Martin Luther Kings day? When will people see through this Clinton guy???

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Howard, Sidney Center, NY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:08:18 GMT

i think if the great MLK was alive today, he would be standing firmly in Edwards' corner....after last night, if the rest of America doesn't see it that way then they are looking with blinders on.....Edwards has leveled both clinton and obama on real talk about real issues...clinton has landed some blows on Edwards as well but the difference is well into edwards' favor, and obama? edwards has leveled him on so many issues that its not even close he's given it to obama pretty good these last 2 debates and may have played himself out of his VP thoughts.....yes if Dr King was alive today he'd be advising his constuants to unite behind one person and one person only and that person is the one who can best represent their ideals and character- John Edwards....hang in there John its not over yet, its just beginning!!

King's son urges Edwards to press on

Shtuey — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:51:37 GMT

Of the three remaining candidates, Edwards is the only one who ceaselessly calls for a new war on poverty, for a whole hearted rescue of the middle class, and he's tying it to building a green economy; the only real and viable economic stimulus plan that will create jobs and help our suffering planet.

The cause of the poor and the working class was one of King's greatest passions, and was what brought him to Memphis in April 1968. I think it is fitting, and a real testimony to how far we've come, when the son of America's greatest champion for human freedom, a man of color, sends such an inspirational message to a white man. King has judged Edwards, "Not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character." There's a lesson to be learned there for all who would vote for Obama because he is black, or for Clinton because she is a woman.

King's son urges Edwards to press on

D.J, Iowa — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:09:36 GMT

YOU ALL SEEM TO WANT OBAMA AND CLINTON.....WHY?

WHEN YOU LIKE THAT EDWARDS HAS FORCED THEM TO SOUND MORE LIKE HIM (EDWARDS)......WHY NOT JUST SUPPORT THE GUY THAT SAID IT FIRST? THE ONE WHO IS TRULY LEADING THIS ELECTION ON ISSUES THAT MATTER!

KEEP VOTING FOR STATUS QUO AND YOU GET STATUS QUO!
NOT CHANGE!

IF YOU TRULY WANT CHANGE THEN YOU NEED TO CHANGE FIRST!