Edwards' unifier message

Posted: Monday, December 31, 2007 3:46 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Tricia Miller
STORM LAKE, Iowa -- At Buena Vista University this afternoon, Edwards continued using a line he debuted yesterday aimed at crossover appeal to voters from other parties.

"Corporate greed -- it's not just stealing the future of Democrats' children; it's stealing the future of Independents' children, of Republicans' children," he told a smaller-than-usual crowd about halfway through his stump speech. "This destruction of the middle class -- it's not just happening to Democrats; it's happening to Republicans. It's happening to Independents. Here's why that matters. Because next fall if you have a presidential candidate who's standing up with some strength and passion in a personal way to do something about this corporate greed there is no place in America that people don't believe this."

This New Year's Eve marks Day 5 of Edwards' final eight-day swing through Iowa before the caucuses. His family is traveling with him, though only daughter Emma Claire and son Jack made an appearance in Storm Lake. Roxanne Conlin, Edwards' Iowa co-chair, and Ben "Cooter" Jones, a former congressman and Dukes of Hazzard star who has campaigned extensively with Edwards, provided the events' introductions.

Earlier in the morning, Edwards made the TV rounds as well, interviewing with the Today Show, Mika Brzezinski on MSNBC, the Early Show and CNN.

*** UPDATE *** Edwards: 'Dealmaker doesn't stand for anything'
SPENCER, Iowa -- Asked how he would work with members of Congress, Edwards said that three things make an effective president: a person who has the backbone to stand up to special interests, one who can work respectfully even with opposing members of Congress and one who can unite the American people behind a cause.

In explaining the second point, the former North Carolina senator made an interesting distinction here at Iowa Lakes Community College.

"Second, you have to from Day One facilitate and work in a respectful way with members of Congress, including people from the other side because you cannot get anything accomplished if you don't do that," he began. "But one thing that people misunderstand is they think sometimes that the best president is a dealmaker. The best president is one that they respect. If they respect you, if they know you know what you're doin', that you're working hard and you're principled -- in other words, that you have real principles that you will not walk away from, and you respect them, that's always the most effective president. Not the dealmaker. Not the dealmaker. They know the dealmaker doesn't stand for anything."

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Comments

Edwards 36%
Obama 29%
Clinton 23%

You heard it here first.

Kristian O (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:01 PM)

If Dems try to elect an angry Edwards or a vengeful Clinton as retribution to 8 years of Bush, then we're just as bad as the Republicans.

Don't be, vote Obama.

Paul, Annapolis, MD (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:12 PM)

Kristian O...are you saying you have inside knowledge of the poll results from the des moines register set to be released? Or are you making up numbers that you want to see on caucus day?

garrett, seattle (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:16 PM)

Edwards is a walking bumper sticker, deceitful flip-flopper, and some people fall for it.

BRINGING CORPORATIONS TO THE TABLE
THAT WAS THEN...

FEBRUARY 2007: Edwards Said That Should Try To Bring Everyone To The Table Including Corporations To Make Sure The Health Care System Works For Everyone. Edwards was asked whether he would bring in "both corporations and labor and healthcare groups and doctors" into the health care debate. Edwards said, "I think you try to bring everybody to the table. You want their participation, you want to make the system work for everybody. I think there's a difference between a healthcare plan that builds on the existing system but deals with some of its deficiencies and problems as opposed to a complete new way of doing healthcare in America. The latter will engender huge opposition. And it will engender a lot of just plain political opposition. If on the other hand you're taking the system that exists, dealing with the problems with it, making sure everybody gets covered, it's just much more likely to be achievable." [MYDD, 2/7/07]

THIS IS NOW

Edwards Said That You Can't Talk To Insurance And Drug Companies And Get Universal Health Care. Edwards said in his rural DVD, "If you think we can have universal health care by talking with the insurance companies and the drug companies--it will never happen. These people have billions of dollars at stake. There's one way to take their power away from them. That's to beat 'em. Take them on head on and beat 'em." [Edwards Rural DVD, Youtube, 12/19/07]

Michael F, Redmond, WA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:24 PM)

If it finishes like that, it would be an excellent result for Obama. At least Clinton didn't win. Then the Obama campaign can use its NH endorsements and financial muscle to destroy Edwards in NH once and for all in retaliation for his 527 spending in Iowa, leaving Clinton to come 3rd for the second time and ending her run.

Unfortunately for Edwards, if Obama is losing any poll within the margin of error, then he's going to win. I would bet my left arm.

Diamond (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:35 PM)

I think it is perfectly fine to change approach and tactics to accomplish a goal, Michael F.

And, it is the latter, most recent message that matters most, no doubt influence by his recent experience with insurers after his wife started undergoing treatment for cancer.

Kip L, Portland, OR (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:41 PM)

If the democrats are smart then they will pick Edwards as the top of the ticket and then flip a coin for one of the other two as VP. That is the only sure way to win the White House because of the silent prejudices and the heretofore unvoiced doubts of the average American voter.

Vincent Allen, Cocoa, Florida (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:41 PM)

Edwards has my support! He will carry the "Common Man's Plight" to the White House. Barack Obama is a fake black man who wants to appease Corparte structure into doing the right thing. I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you too! And Obama is a protector of racial discriminators! Watch...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80IsvXx7iG8

Marcus (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:42 PM)

Hope your not a lefty, Diamond.

SoCal for Edwards (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:13 PM)

Edwards supporters are racist. Thats's why I'll vote Republican if he gets the nomination

Sararh-Jane (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:14 PM)

Michael F,

That's not a flip flop. He was for universal health care, and that's his principle. He's always been for that. The statement in February was dealing with how he would come up with a universal health care plan that would work and be able to be seen as acceptable by the largest amount of people. The recent statement is dealing with how he will fight to get that plan in place, and that he won't back down to the pressure of insurance and drug companies who are just in it for more money.

Michelle, Oklahoma City, OK (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:20 PM)

How do you figure, Sararh-Jane?

SoCal for Edwards (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:21 PM)

Sararh-Jane, that statement is just silly.

Michelle, Oklahoma City, OK (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:22 PM)

Kristian O

From the way the Hillary's people are acting right now, I wonder if it is going to look worse than that.

demforchange (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:27 PM)

Sararh-Jane:

What are you talking about???

demforchange (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:32 PM)

Edwards- a trial lawer, made millions stealing from people who worked a lifetime to build businesses and medical practices. Edwards has the largest house (28,200 sq ft) in Orange county. Remember, after the Electrical Workers Union, the second largest PAC contributor to the Democrats is the Trial Lawyers Association. There is no bigger hypocrite than a Mercedes Marxist! A multimillionare lawyer who says he represents the interests of the middle class and working man is full of crap!

Vote Early and Vote Often!

Big Al

Big Al from Chicago (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:32 PM)

Hillary's toast, Obama will make a good VP, although I think Biden would be a better choice. As long as Edwards leads the ticket, this country has a chance.

SoCal for Edwards (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:37 PM)

He started out poor, got his degree in law, became wealthy, didn't forget where he came from, and wants everyone to have that chance. Got an big elephant tatooed on your arm, Big Al from Chicago?

SoCal for Edwards (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:55 PM)

First he's bashing Obama for being a "uniter" now Edwards is trying to position himself as the uniter? Please.

Ava (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 5:59 PM)

Don't be bitter, Ava. After eight years of tootalige under Edwards as VP, he'll make a great president.

SoCal for Edwards (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 6:22 PM)

Hey, SoCal For Edwards who said- "He started out poor, got his degree in law, became wealthy, didn't forget where he came from, and wants everyone to have that chance." How much is he giving you? Lawsuits drain the average consumer and the little man gets crumbs from lawsuits, the lawyers like Edwards take the lions share. Lawyers will never give you s**t!
Edwards is your typical millionaire Marxist who made his fortune suing people. The US is the only G8 country that does not have a loser-pays lawsuit system. Why? Because the second largest Democratic party PAC, the Trial Lawyers Association, (Cadillac commie Hillary included) fought tooth and nail against any tort reform or liability caps. They want to protect the “little man”, how generous of them. As a result, most of the wealthiest US Senators are all Democrats-

John Kerry, D-Massachusetts: $163,626,399
Herb Kohl, D-Wisconsin: $111,015,016
John Rockefeller, D -West Virginia: $81,648,018
Jon Corzine, D-New Jersey: $71,035,025
Dianne Feinstein, D-California: $26,377,109
Frank Lautenberg, D-New Jersey $17,789,018
John Edwards, D-North Carolina: $12,844,029
Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts: $9,905,009
Jeff Bingaman, D-New Mexico: $7,981,015
Bob Graham, D-Florida: $7,691,052
Edwards- a trial lawer, made millions stealing from people who worked a lifetime to build businesses and medical practices. Edwards has the largest house (28,200 sq ft) in Orange county. Remember, after the Electrical Workers Union, the second largest PAC contributor to the Democrats is the Trial Lawyers Association. There is no bigger hypocrite than a Mercedes Marxist! A multimillionare lawyer who says he represents the interests of the middle class and working man is full of crap!

Vote Early and Vote Often!

Big Al

Big Al from Chicago (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 6:32 PM)

With that train of thought Big Al, you must not be voting. Every candidate on both sides is a millionare. So you must be in the upper 5% currently enjoying the Bush Administration, otherwise your not voting.

SoCal for Edwards (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 6:45 PM)

So, Big(?)Al, you MUST be some typist and collector of facts as it ONLY took you 10 minutes to reply w/those #'s and that amount of text! Anyone else commenting here think Big Al from Chicago(- not necessarily an Obama one either since a plant is working under pretext from ANY camp)IS A PLANT? Work on your technique, Al, as the current one you are using ain't working!

mamills (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 8:29 PM)

Give me a break Big Al. Obviously you have never dealt with attorneys before who protect people from the abuses of corporations and government. The individuals who rake in the big bucks are corporate attorneys who charge $450 an hour to represent corporations who commit discrimination against employees becasue of race, religion, sex, and other protect classes, and who cheat consumers, commit fraud, and other outlandish acts. These corporate giants normally refuse to settle with the idea that they will starve their unemployed and under funded oponents out of litigation while churning fees. In fact, it is not uncommon for corporations who have insurance for discrimination to have the insurance company hire an attorney to make sure that the firm defending the corporation is not milking the system to generate fees. The true high cost of litigation is created by those who would rather spend money to an attorney then enter into a settlement with someone that they knowingly injured. If you don't believe me contact a large national law firm and ask them what their billing rates are, one large law firm in employment cases even indicate to a client that it would cost at least $300,000 to defend discrimination claims.

KWH, CA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 10:36 PM)

Big Al,

Have you ever even looked at Edwards' record of lawsuits, or the way he had been indirectly influencing policy in NC long before he ran for public office? He's wealthy, yes, he worked for it, just like so many others in this country do. The epitome of the American dream. As for his cases... the great majority of them were representing PEOPLE who ended up in a hard spot due to hard luck, and mega-corporations not wanting to be accountable. Look it up.

That's not to say that generally speaking the reputation of trial lawyers is horrible, and that's also not to say that some of the things you say don't have merit... we are an incredibly sue happy nation in the first place.

But Mr. Edwards is a good, kind, honest, genuine man, who chose, and keeps choosing to use his intelligence and skill for the good of the greater people... especially those that can't easily fight for themselves... and that my friend is admirable.

FL4Edwards1239 from the Space Coast (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 12:33 AM)

How is it possible that this man that cares so much about the poor NEVER did one pro-bono case when he was an attorney?

I will not vote for John Edwards, even if he wins the nomination. I wouldn't even buy a car from that man.

jillian, Chandler, Az (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 2:57 AM)

So exactly what do these people mean when they say they are unifiers? That they will unify the country? Does this mean they will compromise or does this mean that they will tell anyone who disagrees with them to now just agree with them?

The Democrats who say they will unify us on controversial issues, are they about to compromise on lets say abortion? Or do they just mean that now “everyone" must agree with their stand on such issues? You can insert any controversial issue you chose into that statement. It also applies to both parties.

I am highly skeptical of anyone who claims they are going to "unify" us!

Heather, Lowell, Mass (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 11:30 AM)

you obama supporters are drowning in that kool aid.....if you think edwards is the only candidate with a 527 out there supporting them .......take off those rosey blinders and take alook at www.votehope2008.org it is one of many that obama has for him self!! and there are also a few for Hillary out there........AND.....OBAMA and CLINTON are in the special interests back pocket for all their campaign funds..........they are not working for you!!!! they say they are, but that is now during a campaign.......what happens if obama or hilliary becomes president??.....do you think they will stand for change for you? or those who's millions they took to get there??? DUH!!!!

Deborah, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 11:55 AM)

Hey KWH in Calif and FL4Edwards, thanks for the laugh......Lawyers are out to protect the little man from big corporations? What a load! What is that song that says "Tax The Rich, Feed the Poor Till There Are No Rich No More", Hillary or Edwards theme song? I guess if you make millions and your are a Republican you must have ripped off the little man but if you made millions and you are a Democrat it was from hard work and helping the average man. Ask Rev. Jackson how he exploited millions from corporations. White liberal guilt works like magic!
America needs more lawyers. What has Edwards ever unified? One big class action lawsuit?

Jake B- Ft.Wayne (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 3:39 PM)

SoCal for Edwards said, "Every candidate on both sides is a millionare."

WRONG.

Joe Biden doesn't take money from ANY special interest PACs. He's like the second poorest guy in the Senate (or Congress?) and has a net worth in the ballpark of $150K according to the disclosure reports. He had to sell his house to help his kids pay off their student loans. Joe Biden is a man of principle who already has a long record of working with both parties to get things done, like the overwhelming bipartisan support his Iraq plan received.

Shelby H, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, January 01, 2008 4:22 PM)

Why do Edwards supporters defend his wealth while they condemn Ceo's of large corps? The % he takes from his clients is obscene!!!

whats up (Sent Wednesday, January 02, 2008 10:51 AM)

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