Second Choice Voters, County Unit System May Give Edwards Advantage in Iowa

A new InsiderAdvantage poll shows a tight race in Iowa with Hillary Clinton at 30%, Edwards at 29% and Obama at 22%, but Edwards' strength among "second choice" voters may give him the edge on caucus night. But when second choice voters are reallocated, look what happens:

Critically, Edwards was the second choice of 62% of those who supported
other candidates that did not receive the required 15% of the vote. Clinton was
the second choice of 21% and Obama of 17%.Using the reallocation methodology
InsiderAdvantage used in 2004 – which correctly indicated a fairly comfortable
win for John Kerry – our new poll reveals that, if the caucuses were held today,
the reallocated final outcome would be:

Edwards: 41%

Clinton: 34%

Obama:
25%

Edwards Win Straw Poll

At a recent meeting, the Muscogee County Democratic Party took an informal straw poll in the presidential race, and the winner was John Edwards. Why does that matter? According to the AJC, Muscogee County Democrats have an uncanny ability to pick winners. Here's what Frank Myers had to say about his support for Sen. Edwards:

Frank Myers, a Columbus attorney, said he's backing Edwards for a simple reason."Of the top-tier candidates, he has the best chance to win the general election," said Myers, 47. "Who is the Republicans' best candidate? It's Hillary Clinton." Those sentiments — the need to pick a candidate who can defeat the Republican nominee and that Clinton is too polarizing — were common at the social. "Hillary has great credentials," said Ross Marshall, 61, an advertising sales executive with Davis Broadcasting. "[But] she will energize the opposition like no one could." Marshall, too, is supporting Edwards.

Edwards Grabs Lead in Iowa!

In what Matt Towery says could signal an Edwards surprise on January 3rd, a new poll from Insider Advantage, shows that John Edwards has grabbed the lead in Iowa. Though the race remains very close, Edwards also has a significant lead among second choice voters-including significantly leading Hillary Clinton among female second choice voters.

Edward is peaking at the right time. Read more from Tom Baxter and Southern Political Report.

Edwards takes lead in InsiderAdvantage Iowa poll.

Guest Post: Frigid Iowa Gets Hot

From Michael Miller regarding his recent trip to Iowa in support of John Edwards. I'm headed there for the caucus, and I'm asking for Cuddle Duds for Christmas!


Dear Friends,

By now you have all heard that Clinton's leads in Iowa and New Hampshire have evaporated and her campaign is deteriorating into mudslinging hysteria. There's word that now that they've thrown dirt at Obama, John Edwards is the next target of this desperate campaign. Yesterday on NPR in Johnston, Iowa after the debate, Clinton argued that she is the most electable Democrat because she's "the only one with nothing hidden in my past." Stay tuned...

I want to share some reflections on the Iowa campaign. As many of you know, I have spent a good deal of time campaigning for John Edwards in Iowa and will be there during the final stretch leading up to the caucuses on January 3rd. On the ground in Iowa there has been an unmistakable momentum growing for the Edwards campaign while the national media has been infatuated with the "glamour" stories of Hillary & Bill and Barrack & Oprah. John Edwards has been persuasively making his case that in order for real change to occur in Washington, DC we need a fighter who will take on the greedy and entrenched corporate interests which have co-opted our government - and that John Edwards has fought that fight, and consistently won that fight, for his entire life.

Doing well in Iowa is about “retail” politics – making direct personal contact with the people – and a highly organized team. During our most recent trip to Iowa, Cindy and I worked with a terrific group of volunteers from Illinois, Indiana, California, North Carolina, New York, Washington, and Georgia. We got to see the campaign operation in full gear and got to know some of the truly gifted and dedicated young people who are working 20 hours a day for victory. Our operation is very well-organized, our team understands the dynamics of the caucus process and has an excellent final stretch and caucus-night strategy.

While we had heard a lot about the brutal mid-west winter, nothing could have fully prepared us for the reality of the bone-chilling sub-freezing temperatures, ice and snow storms and incredible winds. But while it is frigid in Iowa now, the politics is getting very hot. Among our activities during a four-day period in Iowa, we took a harrowing ride in an horrid ice-storm to an Edwards event at Drake University (where, incredibly, more than 150 people turned out!), made 1,180 calls to likely caucus-goers inviting them to various events with Senator Edwards, cheered outside a presidential debate (called "visibility" work) in sub-freezing weather and then attended the debate, dined with Senator Edwards and discussed the campaign’s strategy for the last few weeks of the campaign in Iowa, knocked on 835 doors of likely caucus-goers in Ames (45 miles north of Des Moines) and Des Moines in blisteringly cold and windy conditions and urged them to caucus for Edwards, attended an early morning interview with Edwards on the Early Show and attended a forum of precinct captains and other supporters with Madeleine Stowe (Last of the Mohicans, The General’s Daughter, We Were Soldiers) and Jean Smart (Designing Women, 24, Frasier, I Heart Huckabees, Samantha Who?). And that was only part of our four day schedule!

The final stretch is really going to be something - hold on for a wild ride! And if you're coming to Iowa, bring you’re your thermals!

Michael

If We Want to Win, the Clear Choice is John Edwards

New polling today again shows that John Edwards is the Democrat who stands the best chance of actually winning the presidency in 2008. Even as Huckabee slipped into the lead in Georgia, John Edwards bests him nationally by 25 points, a bigger margin than either of the other front runners. CNN summarizes one of my key reasons for supporting Edwards:

"Edwards is the only Democrat who beats all four Republicans, and McCain is the only Republican who beats any of the three Democrats," Holland said. "Some might argue this shows that they are the most electable candidates in their respective parties."

No kidding. Democrats need to be asking a serious question: do we want to win the presidency in 2008, or would we rather be crying in a ballroom like we were in 2004-our hopes pinned on Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Michigan? I don't know about you, but I don't care to repeat that experience. We have three supreme court justices on the line, plus Iraq, Iran, health care and the list goes on. We need choose the candidate who has the best chance of actually WINNING, and that's John Edwards-the candidate Republicans fear the most. Watch this clip:



This is why I have been working for Edwards. It's why I'm packing my suitcase and heading to Iowa for the caucus. This is why-I want to WIN next November.

Edwards: "The Best of What This Country Has to Offer"

SOUTHWEST IOWA NEWSPAPER: EDWARDS “REPRESENTS THE BEST OF WHAT THIS COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER”

Endorsement Praises Edwards for “Championing the cause of the little guy” and Highlights Edwards’ Rural Support

Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards today received the endorsement of Valley News Today, a daily newspaper in Shenandoah, Iowa. The paper, which covers a rural southwestern Iowa community, does not typically endorse presidential candidates and has not done so in recent presidential primaries. The paper’s endorsement reflects Edwards’ appeal to rural America and his commitment to making sure Iowans in every part of the state know where he stands on the important issues facing our country. Edwards is the only candidate to visit and take questions from Iowans in all 99 counties twice, and has announced the public support of more than 1,000 rural Iowans.“As the only Democratic candidate with rural roots, Edwards knows first hand about the daily trials and tribulations of the working poor,” reads the endorsement. “As a result of his upbringing, he has by far the most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas to improve our nation.”
The endorsement comes as Edwards continues to gain momentum in Iowa. Earlier this week, Edwards received the endorsement of Congressman Bruce Braley, the most senior Iowa Democrat to endorse a candidate. Last month, Edwards became the first candidate to announce steering committees in all 99 counties, reaffirming the growing strength of his statewide organization.

The full text of the Valley News Today endorsement is below:

Edwards has clear vision for America

Valley News Today, December 7, 2007

There are many reasons why we’re supporting John Edwards as the Democratic nominee for President – not the least of which is his proven ability to unite voters from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.Unlike his Democratic challengers, Edwards’ support doesn’t come from a single demographic, but rather from all demographics.Simply put, he represents the best of what this country has to offer.If given the opportunity, we believe the former senator from North Carolina will work tirelessly to fight for the little guy as he has done for the past 30 years.

As the only Democratic candidate with rural roots, Edwards knows first hand about the daily trials and tribulations of the working poor. As a result of his upbringing, he has by far the most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas to improve our nation.Born the son of a blue collar mill worker, Edwards learned about the importance of hard work and perseverance from his parents, who taught their son to roll up his sleeves and fight for the things he believed in.That tenacity helped push him to become the first member of his family to attend college – eventually earning a law degree from the University of North Carolina.

For more than two decades, Edwards dedicated his career to representing the little guy. He earned a name for himself as a lawyer by his willingness to stand up against – and ultimately defeat – the powerful insurance industry and their armies of lawyers.His passionate advocacy for people like the folks who worked in the mill with his father earned him respect and recognition across the country.Twenty years later, he’s still championing the cause of the little guy by being an outspoken advocate against poverty.In the 2004 campaign, Edwards brought the plight of the working poor to the front of our American conscience by speaking out about the “two Americas” – one for people at the top who have everything they need and one for everybody else who struggle to get by.Edwards’ powerful message continues to resonate with voters all across America – particularly in Iowa where he has spent the past four years crisscrossing the state to bring his message to each of our 99 counties.As a result of his time spent here, we believe he has developed a true understanding of what matters most to us.Among other things, he has vowed to create a true universal health care system that covers everyone in America, brings down costs, and creates more choices and security.And if Congress won’t cooperate, he has promised to do everything within his power to take away their own government-provided health care. John Edwards is a family man who, if elected, will be the first president since John F. Kennedy to bring young children with him to the White House.And we think that’s a good thing. Each morning when he rises, he will have his children, Jack and Emma, to remind him how important each decision he makes really is to our future generations.

Edwards isn’t afraid to speak out against the political machine that has corrupted our system for years and has pledged as a candidate to refuse contributions from Washington lobbyists – a personal decision that is an important first step towards true campaign finance reform.In an unusually strong field of contenders, Edwards is by far the least polarizing of the other top tier candidates and will clearly provide Democrats the best chance of defeating the Republicans next November.Vote for John Edwards on Jan. 3.

Good News for Edwards in Iowa!

John Edwards had a good day in Iowa. First of all, he earned the endorsement of Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley who called him "the best democrat to win the White House and lead our country." Braley's endorsement was highly sought after by all candidates and is an indicator of Edward's grassroots support in Iowa.

Then, this afternoon, Iowa State released a new poll with great news for Edwards. Not only has he moved into second place, just six points behind Sen. Clinton, he is in first place in the critical race for "second choice" voters. In Iowa, caucus goers whose first choice does not reach a certain threshold of support have the opportunity to make a "second choice." Those second choice voters can make or break a candidate.

The bottom line is that Sen. Edwards continues to be strong-very strong-in Iowa.

It's Hard to Believe

It's hard to believe that a month from today, Daryl and I, along with Lauren Benedict, Steve Leeds, Chuck and Melanie Byrd and a number of others from Georgia, will be in Iowa for the caucus. At this point in 2003, John Edwards was barely polling at 5% in Iowa. John Kerry wasn't doing too well either, and we know what happened. The polls in Iowa are close, and it's a hard state to poll because of the caucus system and the importance of second choice candidates. From being in Iowa in August, I can tell you that there is no doubt that Iowans love John Edwards. He is the candidate who has invested the most time in the state, and in the end, that will serve him well.

I'll be blogging from the first caucus state, on New Years Day. And on the 3rd, when he wins the caucus, we're going to have one heck of a party!!

Edwards/Obama Best Bet in General

That really is my dream team-an Edwards/Obama ticket. This is one reason why.
A new Zogby poll has some sobering news for democrats. In a general election match-up, Sen. Hillary Clinton trails all five likely republican candidates-Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee, and McCain-while both Edwards and Obama lead all five. Read more here.

This is not the first poll that has pointed to Clinton's general election problems. Her negatives have always been high. She has had consistent problems with making the "electability" argument. We have three supreme court justices on the line, folks. Don't we need to nominate the candidate who has the best shot at actually defeating the republican nominee? Looks to me as if either Edwards or Obama would stand a better shot than Clinton.

Who's Challenging Clinton? Edwards

See what Andrew Sullivan had to say today. John Edwards will win Iowa. And, see this story for a view from the UK.

Clinton Strategists Diving for Cover on Iowa

Today, on Meet the Press, two of Hillary Clinton's most staunch allies, Bob Shrum and James Carville, were obviously on a mission to lower expectations for Clinton's chances in the Iowa caucuses. Both, but particularly Carville, emphasized that, not only in Iowa, but nationally, any of the top three democrats can win the nomination. And, then, Mary Matalin, republican strategist who happens to be married to Carville, chimed in with the opinion that the very best thing that could happen to Hillary Clinton would be to lose the Iowa caucuses.

Why are they doing this? Because the "inevitability argument" that has driven fundraising and poll numbers for Clinton, is about to jump up and bite her if she fails to win in Iowa. And, there is a very good chance that she will not win in Iowa. Buried in the poll numbers that were shared on the show today are two key points: democratic voters in Iowa overwhelmingly want change more than they want experience. Clinton has consistently failed to cast herself as a change agent-because she really isn't. She may be a different gender, but her stand on Iran and her strategies on the campaign trail-including her failure to answer questions and cries of "mudslinging" when her rivals call her to answer on the issues-smack of the very best strategies Karl Rove has to offer. It's not new-it's more of the same. It's not transformational, as Bill Clinton's message was. It is controlled. It is disciplined. It is effective. But change? No, it's not change.

The second indicator in the Washington Post poll-the one that put Obama on top for the first time-is Edwards's strength as a second choice for voters-something that is very important in the caucuses. And, there is great affection for Edwards in Iowa.

Yes, this is anyone's game at the point. As the guests all pointed out, there are four debates in December, and anything can happen. My prediction continues to be that Edwards wins Iowa, and Bill Richardson also finds himself in the top three. We'll see, anything can happen. But these pundits had an agenda today-they know that Clinton may well not come out on top in Iowa, and they want to blunt the impact of that loss.

A Thanksgiving Message From the Edwards'

This is a new spot cut by the Edwards Campaign for Thanksgiving. Take a look!

Why John Edwards Matters for Georgia

Paging all Iowa caucus goers and voters in early primary states.

Georgia is not an "early state," and it could be that, due to the momentum created in the early caucuses and primaries, the nominee will be a virtual lock before Georgians vote in our February 5th primary. Yet, the result of that nomination process and the result is critical for Georgia and other "red" states. That's why so many Georgia democratic leaders-including women-have stepped forward to support John Edwards. Simply put, we all know that John Edwards at the top of the ticket will help democrats up and down the ballot get elected in 2008, and we know that John Edwards as President will help Georgia elect a democratic governor in 2010. And, if John Edwards is our nominee, then we know that he puts 'red' states and important 'swing states' in play-in part because he actually plans to run there-making it more likely that our next President will be a democrat.

To some democratic candidates, Georgia is nothing more than a great big piggy bank. John Edwards has raised his share of cash here, too, but he remains the only one of the candidates who has been to Georgia to raise money for our democratic house and senate caucuses and for the Democratic Party of Georgia.

So, it's no wonder that key Georgia democratic leaders like Gov. Roy Barnes, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, Sen. Valencia Seay, Sen. Vincent Fort, Melita Easters and others have stepped up to support John Edwards-not only is he the candidate who has the best chance of actually winning nest November, but he's the candidate who can help turn states like Georgia a nice shade of blue!

Here are a couple photographs that help tell the Edwards story in Georgia.

Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, Sen. Valencia Seay and Sen. Vincent Fort Endorse Edwards

Georgia Women Democratic Leaders With Elizabeth Edwards

Rove's Playbook for Defeating Hillary Clinton

If you didn't already know why we need to nominate John Edwards, Newsweek has a chilling article about how Hillary Clinton can be defeated by none other than Karl Rove. Read it all here.

Elizabeth Edwards: War in Iraq Not Making AYP

Last night, at a Macon, Georgia fundraiser, Elizabeth Edwards spoke to a group that included Kyle George, a Mercer law student and veteran of the war in Iraq. In response to his question about what Sen. Edwards would do as President to end the war in Iraq and begin bringing out troops home, Elizabeth paused and said , "you know, if we took the language of No Child Left Behind and applied it to this war, there's no way the war in Iraq has made AYP ." (Adequate Yearly Progress) That might've been the best line of the night. It is interesting, isn't it, that we go to great lengths to hold teachers accountable and to measure the progress of students, but despite the billions invested in Iraq, we don't do nearly as much to measure the progress of the war or hold George Bush accountable? It's time for a President who will get us out of the multi-billion dollar quagmire.

Sen. Edwards Needs Your Support Tonight!

Do you believe that presidential elections should be publicly financed? John Edwards does, and yesterday he took the courageous step of opting to accept federal matching funds for this election, and he's the only leading candidate to do this, and tonight, I'm asking you to show your support for that decision by making a contribution to his campaign.



That means, if you contribute to John Edwards for President today, up to $250.00 of that contribution will be matched, so $10 becomes $20 and $250 becomes $500. So, how about it? While Hillary Clinton continues to rake in the money from Washington lobbyists, the only money that's good in the Edwards campaign is yours and mine. Your small change can make a big difference, and you can contribute on this secure web page.

So many of my progressive friends have told me that they support public financing of elections. Well, now is the time to step up the the plate and show that you will support the candidate who agrees with you. If you contribute before midnight on Sunday, it will be counted in what is sure to be a strong third quarter fundraising total for Sen. Edwards.

I have found it interesting in that today, on some "progressive" blogs, the Edwards team has been assailed for this decision. Not a terribly progressive attitude if you ask me. After all, Edwards is opting into a system that was established in the wake of Watergate to help stem the tide of corruption in elections and return control of the process to citizens like you and me. It's time to stop the madness and support the candidate who is, once again, leading-in the only way that really matters. It's one thing to talk about big, bold change and quite another to actually embrace big, bold change-right now, this year, in this election. Isn't that the kind of leadership you are looking for in a president?

It's Worth Noting

John Edwards has stayed competitive in Iowa, in fact leads in many polls, despite the fact that he has not been up on television while Clinton, Obama, Biden and to some extent, Richardson, have.

Is the NYT Shrill, Too?

Writing today for the New York Times, Paul Krugman, says

Senator Clinton delayed a long time before coming out with her own plan — a delay that created a lot of anxiety among health care reformers, and may, as I’ll explain in a minute, be a bad omen for the future. Still, this week she did deliver a plan, and it’s as strong as the Edwards plan — because unless you get deep into the fine print, the Clinton plan basically is the Edwards plan.

Over the last week, the Edwards campaign has been effectively holding Hillary Clinton's feet to the fire on health care. The issue is not the substance of her plan, but, rather, the timing of her plan. The truth is that John Edwards led on this issue in February-just as he has led on virtually every issue. While Hillary Clinton was talking about incremental steps, John Edwards published a comprehensive, workable plan to cover every American. Now, Clinton, seven months later, published a plan-one that is remarkably similar to the Edwards' plan. Any why not? It's an excellent plan. The Clinton campaign appears to be pushing back by focusing, not on any plan, but instead, on Elizabeth Edwards suggesting that she is "attacking" Hillary and is becoming "shrill." (For those of you who don't know, "shrill" and "attacking" are words people toss about in an effort to shut up strong, smart women-especially when they are both right and effective.) So, is Krugman "shrill," too?

It's not a problem that Clinton's plan so closely mirrors what Edwards proposed seven months ago. The Edwards plan is the best plan, and it makes perfect sense for her to emulate it. The question is, why did it take her so long? Krugman has a thought about that as well:

...even if the Democrats take the White House and expand their Congressional majorities, the insurance and drug lobbies will try to bully them into backing down on their campaign promises.
That’s why the long delay before Senator Clinton announced her health care plan made supporters of universal care, myself included, so nervous — a nervousness that is not completely assuaged by the fact that she finally did deliver. It’s good to know that whoever gets the Democratic nomination will run on a very good health care plan. What remains is the question of whether he or she will have the determination to turn that plan into reality.

For the first time in my memory, in John Edwards, we have an opportunity to nominate a Democrat who is both the most electable and the most progressive. John Edwards is not in bed with the lobbyists for the industries that hope to derail universal health care. Hillary Clinton is still taking their money. She says that the money won't impact her resolve to reform health care, but you have to wonder. With Edwards, there is no question about his resolve.

Fineman Handicaps Iowa

Howard Fineman is handicapping Iowa and giving Edwards the edge at the Harkin Steak Fry. Read it all here.

John Edwards: We Didn't Get Health Care; We Got NAFTA

Today, addressing the Laborers Leadership Convention in Chicago, John Edwards pressed Hillary Clinton on her newly unveiled health care plan. Today, Clinton became the third Democrat to unveil a plan for universal health care. Sen. Edwards lead on this this issue by being the first of the candidates to announce a plan and provide the details. Today, Edwards took Clinton to task for continuing to take money from some of the same interests who help derail her 1993 plan. Edwards said:
"The cost of failure 14 years ago isn't anybody's scars or political fortune, it's the millions of Americans who have now gone without health care for more than 14 years and the millions more still crushed by the costs."
Edwards was referring, of course, to Clinton's typical "I have the scars to prove it" retort when challenged about her failed efforts on health care in 1993 and her advocacy for inviting special interests to the table now. To the labor union audience, Edwards pointed out that in 1993, the President (Clinton) strongly supported universal health care, none the less, thanks to the influence of lobbyists and special interests, we didn't get health care, but we did get NAFTA.
Edwards attempted to put bite in his growl today by saying that when he is elected, he will submit legislation that ends health care coverage for the president, all members of congress and all senior political appointees on July 20, 2009, unless we have passed universal health care. I don't imagine he's going to find a whole lot folks in Congress lining up to support that legislation....but, he made his point. What's good enough for the rest of us, is good enough for politicians in Washington.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women VOTE!

Elizabeth Edwards in Atlanta!

Please join us for lunch with

Elizabeth Edwards

103 West Restaurant
103 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
12:00 PM

Event Chair: $2,300 (Private Reception)

Host: $1,000 (Private Reception)
Sponsor: $500
Friend: $250
*Maximum contribution per individual is $4,600,

$2,300 for the primary and $2,300 for the general

Melissa Mullinax Abbott * Jody Andrade * Marie & Roy Barnes *Lauren Benedict * Stephanie & Rob Benfield * Jeff Bramlett *Tamara & Brendon Briggs * Jim Butler * Melanie & Chuck Byrd* Martin Chitwood * Robin Frazer Clark * Carol Cooper * Melita Easters *Karen & Jon Hawk * Steve Leeds * Steve Lore * Ron Lowry* Kathy McArthur & Waldo Floyd * Adam Malone * Tommy Malone *Toni & Tim Morrison * Amy & Daryl Morton * Fred Orr * Marion Pope *Carmen & Geoff Pope * Elisabeth & Buck Rogers * Tim SantelliKiran & Shi Shailendra * Karen & Glenn Sturm * Sacha & Mark Taylor *Robert Teilhet *Teresa & Trip Tomlinson * Lyle & Michael Warshauer

*Host Committee in formation

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Liz Pavle at 919-636-3211 or LPavle@johnedwards.com or https://johnedwards.com/action/contribute/event/070919B19B

Paid for by John Edwards for President.Contributions to John Edwards for President are not deductible for federal income tax purposes

This is cross-posted from Georgia Women VOTE!

Edwards: "We've got to End it, Not Defend it"

Taking aim at the influence of corporate politicians and Washington lobbyists, today, John Edwards challenged Hillary Clinton, and all the other Democratic candidates, to "end it, not defend it." According to the Associated Press, Edwards made these remarks as he accepted the endorsement of the Carpenters Union.

To the roars of the union members, Edwards said, "Washington is rigged against regular Americans, against working Americans like you and the men and women you represent, whose interests and concerns don't stand a chance against the onslaught of lobbyists in Washington, D.C."

Edwards again issued his challenge to all Democratic candidates to refuse to accept money from federal lobbyists and political action committees. Edwards has never accepted either and no longer accepts contributions from state-level lobbyists. Edwards said that he is not asking any candidate to give back money they have taken in the past, but, instead, to declare this a new day for Democrats-a day when the party through the example of its leaders will be the party for the people of this country, not the party of corporate interests.
Edwards has Clinton in a bit of a box. Increasingly, she finds herself responding to him, both on the issue of her electability and on the issue of corporate influence/lobbyist money. To defend taking the money from lobbyists (over $400,000 and counting), she is forced to defend a system in Washington that most people believe does not work for them. Last week, she said that she intended to work within the system created "by the constitution" for change in Washington, and that "you can't deny that the system exists." Today, Edwards said:

Look, Senator Clinton is right – you cannot pretend the system doesn't exist. But you also can't pretend that it works. And that's where she and I part company.Because I believe if you defend the system that defeats change, you can't be a president that will bring change. When it comes to the Washington influence game, we need to end it, not defend it.She says you bring change by working within the system established by the Constitution. I think the system has been corrupted by corporate powers never contemplated by the Constitution. This is not the government of, by and for the people that our founding fathers intended.There is no principled compromise between the way things have always been and the way things could be.

This discussion of whether the system need to change or merely be trimmed around the edges is a debate that is likely to escalate as Americans become increasingly frustrated with the escalation of the war in Iraq and the failure of the new Democratic majority to stand up to the President.



This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote

Health Care AND Responsibility for Everyone

Today, Sen. Edwards made it clear that health care for everyone does not imply responsibility for no one. Today in Tipton, Iowa, he told a crowd that people would be expected to see their doctor for preventative health care. He said that if Americans choose to be in the health care system, they cannot choose to not see their doctor for twenty years. Regular checkups and a healthier lifestyles would drive down health costs in American. That makes sense, but, alas, the words had hardly left his lips before the rightwing bloggers started in. The same crew that preaches personal responsibility thinks expecting people to go to the doctor is just too much to ask. Okay, how about we compromise and let you drive your SUV to the doctor??

Electability a "Hill of Beans?"

Campaigning today with his wife, Sen. Clinton, President Bill Clinton tried to counter arguments that she would have a tough time winning the general election. From the Washington Post:

"In Portsmouth, he sought to knock down arguments that his wife wouldn't be able to win a general election. He cited polling in several states showing her leading most Republicans in hypothetical matchups."This electabliity thing is a canard. It's a hill of beans," the former president said, adding he believed Americans would elect the best candidate."

Really? So, did Americans elect the best candidate in 2000 and 2004???

I admire President Clinton, but he is ignoring his wife's obvious weakness here. She does energize the Republican base in a way none of the GOP candidates can hope to do. In any candidate field, there are candidates who are easier to get elected than others, and in this field, Hillary does not win the "electability" contest, and frankly, the fact that the Clinton campaign is now addressing this directly underscores the fact that it is an issue.

Last week, at the healthcare forum, Edwards had her addressing his issue of lobbyist contributions, and today, she retools her speech to address the issue of whether she can be a change agent (something raised effectively by both Obama and Edwards). For the first time in the campaign, she is no longer controlling the message and the debate.

Photographs from the Carter-Edwards Event

For your weekend viewing pleasure, click below to see a photo essay of the Carter-Edwards event in Americus.

This is Why

Rove's Worst Nightmare

This, today, from Joe Trippi: (he's called this one correctly, by the way, so break out your checkbook.)

To: Interested Parties

From: Joe Trippi

Re: Karl Rove's Worst Nightmare

You may have seen Karl Rove's recent attacks on Hillary Clinton in the news. This is a page straight out of his tired old playbook—Rove is attacking Hillary Clinton because he doesn't want John Edwards to win the Democratic nomination. Rove knows that Democrats will rally around whomever he attacks—so he attacks the candidate he thinks Republicans can most easily defeat.It may seem backwards, but Rove and his cronies did the same thing last time around. In 2004, they were scared of John Edwards, so they attacked John Kerry. Don't take it from me—take it from Rove's own lieutenant on the Bush-Cheney 2004 reelection campaign, Matthew Dowd:
"Whomever we attacked was going to be emboldened in Democratic primary voters' minds. So we started attacking John Kerry a lot in the end of January because we were very worried about John Edwards." [Los Angeles Times, 8/19/07]Rove and the Republicans want our opponents to win—because they know John will be the strongest candidate in the general election.We may not be the richest campaign—but John is the strongest candidate. This time around, the candidate with the boldest ideas for changing America—the candidate who can take on the special interests in Washington, D.C. and win—is also the most electable. We know it—and the Republicans know it, too. But they won't be able to stop us if we have the support of people like you.Can you make a contribution today—and send Karl Rove the message that his efforts to influence the Democratic primary won't work this time?www.johnedwards.com/roves-nightmareIt is no secret that John is the only Democratic candidate who can beat any of the Republican candidates hands down. Just look at the polls conducted by Rasmussen Reports—a major national polling firm—over the past few months. They show that John is the Democratic candidate who consistently beats all of the Republicans candidates in head-to-head match-ups in battleground states—and by the widest margins. Rove and the Republicans are seeing the same numbers we are—and drawing the same conclusions. So Rove is using his sneaky, underhanded tactics to try and trick Democrats into rallying around a candidate who won't be as strong as John in the general election. But with your support, we can make sure that Rove's plan doesn't work this time. We are building a strong grassroots organization in the key early states and across the country. John has the best and boldest ideas for bringing big change to America, he can take on the special interests and win, and of all the Democratic candidates he will be the strongest in the general election—in other words, John Edwards is Karl Rove's worst nightmare.All we need is your support to drive right past Karl Rove's see-through tactics—and keep our campaign on the road to victory.www.johnedwards.com/roves-nightmareThank you for all you do to support this campaign.

He Won't Back Down

Let me first say, of course Clinton's poll numbers are moving. She's up on the air in Iowa, as is Obama and Biden. Second, if you click on the Tom Petty YouTube on the left, you will hear the song that the "Fight for One America" Edwards bus played loudly though 31 Iowa counties. That's right, 31 counties in six days, while Obama is planning to scale back appearances at multi-candidate forums. That' right, because it runs counter to his "bottom up" approach to this campaign, he will attend fewer forums. What?

By the way, here's the Washington Post article on the labor forum in Cedar Rapids last Saturday. I was there, and they are right, the place emptied after Edwards spoke, and Obama had a really off night.

The Tipping Point?

That's what MSNBC anchors asked about this question at the AFL-CIO debate last night in Chicago:

What Will Russert Say Now?

NBC's Tim Russert had some harsh word for Democratic presidential candidates when they refused (led by John Edwards) to participate in a debate sponsored or co-sponsored by Fox "News." Heck, Hannity even blamed us bloggers for their decision. Powerful, aren't we? Now that the Republican candidates are running from the YouTube debate like chickens expecting to get their necks wrung, I wonder if NBC's Tim Russert will take them on in the same way? How 'bout it, Tim?

Check out what he had to say about Dems.



This is cross-posted at Tondee's Tavern.

There Are No Accidents

Edwards makes it clear: big government, lobbyists and rich corporations are not about to shut him up or drown him out.

Edwards on Top in Iowa

Edwards, Romney lead new KCCI poll, Clinton and Obama have slipped.



This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Edwards in Atlanta: Photographs Are Here!

Here are a few pictures from the Edwards event in Atlanta on Tuesday. We had a great crowd!

Sen. John Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards

Sen. John Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards, Chuck Byrd, Sheriff Brown

Left to Right: Lauren Benedict, Caroline Moise, Carol Binns, Elizabeth Edwards, Melita Easters and Amy Morton
This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Rural Georgians Step Up for Edwards

Georgians may be voting red, but, when it comes to presidential politics, we're giving blue. The most recent FEC filings show that in Georgia, for the first two quarters of 2007, Democratic presidential candidates out-raised Republicans by more than half a million dollars.

Though Obama continues to lead the field of Democratic candidates and nip at the heels of Mitt Romney, John Edwards also has some impressive numbers, raising significantly more outside of metro-Atlanta than other Democrats, and in many areas more than the nearest Republican, Mitt Romney. Here are some quick numbers per new FEC interactive site. (They have seriously misplaced Columbus on this map, but otherwise, it really is fun to play with.)

All Candidates: $3,401,717
Democrats: $1,953,545 (57.42%)
Republicans: $1,448,171 (42.57%)
Romney (R): $762,159
Obama (D): $749,544
Edwards (D): $605,513
Clinton (D): $402,586
Giuliani (R): $360,250

Giving Outside Metro-Atlanta (sample)

Middle Georgia (312xx)
Total: $60,525
Edwards: $49,150
Romney: $4,000
Obama: $2,267
Clinton: $ 500

Middle Georgia (310xx)
Total: $58,030
Edwards: $35,635
Romney: $ 8,250
Clinton: $ 5,195
Obama: $ 250

Columbus (319xx)
Total: $34,906
Edwards: $18,270
Clinton: $8,525
Romney: $ 4,211
Obama: 0

Savannah (314xx)
Total: $72,734
Edwards: $19, 174
Romney: $16,925
Obama: $6,965
Clinton: 0
(Dodd also raised $18,400 in this zip)

Athens (306xx)
Total: $63,489
Edwards: $26,889
Romney: $18,300
Clinton: $7,675
Obama: $2,375

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Edwards on GMA

John Edwards kicked off his "Road to One America Tour" this morning with a Town Hall Meeting coordinated by Good Morning America. I did not see the whole thing, apparently running throughout the show, but I did see the clip where he is asked to add to his 2004 Letterman Top Ten List of Things You Will Never Hear a Presidential Candidate Say. He quipped, "How much is a tip on a $400.00 haircut, anyway?" Funny. Good that he can laugh at himself.

Step Up for Edwards

I need your help to move this thermometer.

How about helping raise a few grassroots dollars for John Edwards this week? This is a campaign where your small change can literally translate to big change for this country. In honor of Elizabeth Edwards July 3rd birthday, we have a goal of raising $500.00 this week, and $5000.00 over the course of the campaign. Your contribution-no matter how big or small-would help us reach that goal. Maybe you've never given to a political campaign. Maybe you think your $5.00 doesn't matter, or that political giving is only for the high dollar donors. You'd be wrong. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can make the difference. This is the week when the pundits will decide, based on "the money race," who is "in" and who is "out." Let's tell the pundits that Edwards is in it to win it, and we're there to help.

Just one click, is all it takes.

If you need help deciding whether this is the candidate to back, take a look at this his performance against possible Republican nominees. And, remember, he's not first in the money race, but neither was John Kerry, the eventual nominee who loaned his campaign millions in December of 2003, just so he could compete in Iowa. And, compete he did. He won there and went on to win the nomination. Of course, Edwards is already doing well in that early critical state. So, what are you waiting for? Click away, and let's move that thermometer to $500 this week!

What Really Matters: Hair Wars

News bulletin. In 2006, Hillary Clinton paid nearly $3000 to hair stylist Isabelle Goetz ($1500 in April of 2006 and $1000 in May, plus another $442 in expenses). Add to that the $3,000 Clinton paid to Hollywood makeup artist Barbara Lacy, and you'll see why how fast the Clinton campaign has burned through it's mega millions is a bigger story than what they've raised. John Edwards has gotten expensive haircuts, too, and today the AJC is devoting ink to a haircut he got in Atlanta in 2004. Now there's some heavy-duty reporting.

I personally think that we have more important things to discuss, like a President who has commuted the sentence of a man convicted of obstruction of justice, or the soldiers dying daily in Iraq while both our President and our Congress do nothing to end the war, or in Georgia, a young man who is sitting in prison for ten years for having consensual oral sex, but, for those of you who think that what a candidate pays for a haircut is really much more important than a substantive discussion of the issues, here's the breaking news: None of the folks running for President are paupers. The Clinton's have a net worth of about 50 million dollars. Most, if not all, of the viable candidates are millionaires, but the only one who is speaking consistently about poverty and what we need to do help, for instance, the one in five children in Georgia who live in poverty is John Edwards.

That Hillary Clinton described the expense of her hair stylist and make-up artist as "media production expense" really gets at the core issue. We have devolved into a nation of drones who watch while Paris Hilton is released from jail, noting what outfit she was wearing but failing to notice that she spent more time in jail than Scooter Libby. The Republicans are salivating at the opportunity to choose Fred Thompson, you know, the nice D.A. from Law and Order, the B-list actor with the thin resume' who is a walking subliminal cue that will make the music from the show go "Da Dum" in voters minds as they check off his name on the ballot. After all, who's going to protect us better than the nice D.A.? This is what we've become.

Look, I could not care less what Hillary and John spend on hair cuts and stylists. The fact is this is a media-driven race, and these are rich people. It's not Edwards' (or Clinton's) personal cash that will help end poverty- it is their ability as President to impact policy. But, hey, the GOP is counting on us to keep feeding the "Reality-TV, Don't-Make-Me-Think" media machine. Wouldn't want to disappoint, would we?

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

You Did It!

The Edwards Campaign reported about nine o'clock that we have met our nine million dollar goal for the quarter. Not only that, but we are on track for having 100,000 donors. That means that the Edwards Team is on track to win! You did it!

This Was a Cool Tool

Back last year when Edwards was in Atlanta for his book signing, a photographer snapped away as Edwards greeted each person. Then, you were given a card with a website where the photo could be viewed and copied. The catch was that to enter the site, you registered with your email address and were given the option of providing a cellphone #. I did that and now get text message alerts from the Edwards folks on a semi-regular basis. Today's message was a little different, though, and it had Joe Trippi's fingerprints all over it. I got a text message that said Sen. Edwards wanted to talk to me and would call if I hit reply or called a number that was provided. I took the bait. The call was a recorded message from Edwards that spoke to the importance of giving before the end of the quarter (it really, really is important, and you should do it now), and offered to connect me to a volunteer so that I could make a donation, if only I would press '1.'

This is innovative, and a very cool tool- a robo-call the voter chooses to receive.

Step Up for Edwards

With the end of the quarter upon us, I have decided to engage in a little grassroots fundraising for my favorite candidate. Will you help by clicking here and making a contribution? It could make all the difference.

Edwards Continues to Lead in Iowa

In Macon yesterday, Elizabeth Edwards said that she would not trade places with anyone in the race. With polling numbers like these in the critical early state of Iowa, I can see why she feels that way.

There are a number of posts in the MSM and on the blogs today about these events. The Telegraph has a great piece-front page, above the fold. I wish you could see both of their photographs on line, but you will have to settle for these great pictures by Tina Simms. Also, I have a post on Georgia Women Vote, Tondees Tavern and there are two posts on Blog for Democracy. Those Political Insiders at the AJC picked up the GWV piece this afternoon, too. Local television in Macon also has coverage here.

Details on Elizabeth's Visit to Macon

Elizabeth Edwards will be in Macon on Tuesday, June 5th at 5:30 pm for a reception, and you are invited to come.

Lots of people are asking for directions to the event, and you can find them here. This is one event you do not want to miss!

"Edwards the Electable"

As this piece on the Rolling Stone website points out, Edwards is the Democratic candidate who consistently polls best against possible Republican challengers. Rasmussen's polling supports that claim. And, he's leading the Democratic field in Iowa. While the Rasmussen piece shows that he now has only a two point advantage over Giuliani, you have to remember that most voters have not yet really tuned in to the race. I wager that when they have the opportunity to look at John Edwards the family man who is devoted to his wife of 30+ years, and compare that to Giuliani who is three-times maritally challenged, that gap will widen.

Do you think that it is possible that Democrats will finally get it right? Is it possible that we will finally get the candidate through the primary who can win the general election? We just might. Here's a clip from the Rasmussen article:

Senator Edwards is now viewed favorably by 55%, unfavorably by 42%. Both numbers are at the high end of his ratings over the last six months. In addition to his edge over Giuliani and McCain, Edwards leads former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson.

Elizabeth!

**Please save the date**

For a reception with

Elizabeth Edwards

Tuesday, June 5th, 2007
5:30 PM
At the home of David and Tiffany Cusson
198 Jennings Lane
Macon, Georgia 31210


$200 Friend ~ $500 Sponsor

$1,000 Host Committee
Maximum contribution per individual is $4,600, $2,300 for the primary and $2,300 for the general.


For more information or to RSVP, please contact
Amy Morton (478) 741-1138 or amymorton@aol.com

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women VOTE!

"We Can't Afford to Elect the Next Great Politician"

On Thursday night at the JJ Dinner, and again at a luncheon on Friday, I had an opportunity to hear Sen. Edwards speak. I will write more later, but one quote from Friday's speech has stuck with me:

"We cannot afford to elect the next great politician. We have to elect the next great leader." (John Edwards, May 18, 2007)

Edwards to Welcome Georgia Supporters

Most of you know that John Edwards will be in Atlanta on Thursday to help raise money for the DPG. To my delight, today, his campaign announced that prior to the JJ Dinner, they are creating a zero-cost opportunity for his grassroots supporters to meet and hear from the Sen. Edwards.

This is a a great opportunity for anyone who would like to meet and hear directly from Sen. Edwards. The campaign does request that you RSVP. They will be serving snacks and cold drinks, so they need to know how many people to plan for.

Here are the facts:

What : Meet and Hear from Sen. John Edwards

When: Thursday, May 17th at 5:15 pm

Where: The Georgia World Congress Center, Room 302C
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, Georgia
(there's a MARTA stop right near the entrance on Northside Drive).
Park in the Gold lot, enter through the Northside Drive entrance and go up the escalator,
Room 302C is on the right.

Who: YOU! And Everyone you know who would like an opportunity to meet and hear
from Sen. Edwards.
THE CAMPAIGN DOES NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE TO PLAN FOR, SO PLEASE RSVP to:

http://johnedwards.com/events/rsvp/20070517-ga-jj or 919-633-0753.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Support the Troops - End the War

Leading, once again, Sen. Edwards has a new website, "Support the Troops, End the War" where he calls for a day of action on Memorial Day to do both. Sid, over at Cracker Squire, points out that there is a Washington Post piece about this effort, and he notes that this may be a risky strategy. Cracker Squire: Edwards campaigns to make Memorial Day an antiwar statement -- This is risky and could backfire.

Maybe Sid's right, but Edwards has made it clear from the beginning of this race that he will not be doing what's safe- he'll be doing what he thinks is right. I appreciate his courage and his leadership. There is no issue facing the American people that is more important than Iraq. Besides, this is a two-prong strategy- Support the Troops and End the War. There not a lot controversial here.

Here are some of the things he suggests we do to Reclaim Patriotism:


1. Get local, get active, and get outdoors. Walk the streets of your neighborhood. Get everyone you know to sign a petition to your local government body—for instance, your town or city council or neighborhood association—to pass a resolution requesting that Congress use its funding authority to support our troops and end the war. Bring the petition to the next meeting. Share your plans here.

2. Send our troops a taste of home. Go shopping with your kids, your friends, your neighbors, and buy a whole bunch of stuff that would make a soldier happy to receive (check for restrictions). Then go through a site like Anysoldier.com, OpGratitude.com, or TroopCarePackage.com to send your package to a soldier in Iraq. Take photos and tell us about it.

3. Gather in public. On Memorial Day, get your friends, kids, co-workers, neighbors, aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers, and anyone and everyone you know together to publicly support the troops and end the war. Be sure to check with your local authority for any permits you need for public gatherings. Contact local media to publicize your event. Make sure you conduct yourself respectfully—both for those serving in Iraq and the memory of the brave servicemen and women that Memorial Day honors. Share your plans here.

4. Pray. Organize a prayer vigil for our troops at your house of worship. Tell us about it.
Make your voice heard in Washington. Call President Bush at (202) 456-1111 or email him at comments@whitehouse.gov. Call your Representative and U.S. Senator and ask them to use their funding power to support our troops and end the war. Tell us about it.

5. Get vocal. Buy a bunch of poster-board and markers. At a picnic or with family and friends, make signs that say “SUPPORT THE TROOPS - END THE WAR.” Bring them to your local Memorial Day parade. Then take a digital photo of yourself and your family or friends holding up the poster and tell us about it. We’ll include it in a “Democracy Photo Album” on our site.
Greet a vet. Before Memorial Day Weekend gets started, get in touch with the Yellow Ribbon Fund and volunteer to provide welcome-back services and mentorships to injured soldiers returning home. Tell us about it.

6. Say thank you. Send a thank-you note to our troops through organizations like Let's Say Thanks, A Million Thanks, or Operation Care Packages. Better yet - gather folks together to write thank-you notes at a picnic. Tell us about it.

7. Help an injured vet. Before Memorial Day Weekend gets underway, contact your local VA Hospital and learn how you can volunteer. Tell us about it.

8. Light up the night. Get your friends and family together and organize a Memorial Day candlelight vigil to support our troops and end the war. Share your plans here.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Edwards in Atlanta

In addition to his appearance at the JJ Dinner on May 17th to help raise cash for the DPG, Sen. John Edwards will remain in Atlanta on May 18th for two events. Check back for details.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women VOTE!

Edwards in New Orleans: New Video

Check out Sen. Edwards in New Orleans with Danny Glover:

Edwards to Help DPG Raise Cash

The Democratic Party of Georgia will host our annual JJ Dinner on May 17th, and Sen. John Edwards will be on hand as the keynote speaker. This is an important fundraiser for the State Party, and it really sound like it will be a very cool event this year- business casual, a band, dancing (yes, I said dancing), and, of course, a great speaker.

So, let me invite you all to come. Tickets are available at the DPG's brand spankin' new website.

By the way, this will be the second time in recent history that Sen. Edwards has made a trip to Georgia to help raise money for Democrats other than himself. He came earlier this year to help raise money for the House and Senate Caucus, and now he's coming back to help raise money for the Party. He talks about a 50 State strategy for the 2008 election, and he's backing up his words with action. I think that he is the only one of the candidates to come to the state to raise money for other Democrats.

New Video From Edwards

Here's Edwards' new commercial:

This Just In

Here's a great picture of Edwards with some of the Young Dems and College Dems who attended the event in Macon on April 14th. I just got it today and wanted to share the picture and thank the campaign and the hosts again for open the event to these YD's. They will, no doubt, be doing a large part of the walking, calling, leafleting etc. as the campaign heats up!

Want a Fifty State Strategy? Vote Edwards

Over at MyDD, Peter from WI blogs about Edwards' promise to the Democratic Party of South Carolina. It is the same promise he made when he was here with us in Macon.

"He said that he would, as the nominee, be back to South Carolina to campaign in that state to do two things. First, he would campaign there to win the state, and second, he would campaign there to continue to build the Democratic Party in South Carolina and in the South. That's a bold promise, breaking the mold of our past nominees and something that bodes well for the vitality of our party nationally."

Having a Democratic candidate for President who actually implements a 50 state strategy would be a tremendous advantage, especially for states like Georgia and South Carolina. And, Edwards' promise carries with it credibility. What did he do in the off season? He help state legislative caucuses, including Georgia, raise money. After Kerry won the nomination who came back to Georgia before the election in November? John Edwards. Who is coming to help the Democratic Party of Georgia raise money on May 17th? John Edwards.

Who am I supporting for President? John Edwards.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women VOTE!

Who Won Tonight's Debate? Vote Now

Opinion Polls & Market Research

New Gallup Poll: Presidential Race Tightens

According to a new Gallup poll, the race for the Democratic nomination for President continues to tighten. Hillary Clinton, who has been the front-runner in early polling continues to draw favorability ratings below 50%, now dropping to 45% of Democrats and those who lean Democratic. Her unfavorables, at 28%, are the highest of the three top candidates: Edwards, Obama and Clinton.

According to Gallup, the majority of Americans do not have a favorable view of Sen. Clinton. This is bad news for her campaign because unlike the other candidate, she has nearly 100% name recognition among poll respondents, while the other candidates are still building name recognition and image. Many have speculated that Clinton's early lead in the polls is fueled by her high name recognition.

Obama's favorability ratings appear to have stabilized, while Sen. Edwards' rating continue to improve. You can read the whole article here.

What Are You Going to Do?

Correct Me If I'm Wrong

There's a nice story in the AJC today about key Georgia endorsements for Sen. Edwards. The short piece goes on to say, "And you’re still wondering why Edwards was picked to speak at the Democrat’s Jefferson-Jackson Day fund-raiser on May 17." I believe that the invitation was actually extended to all of the Democratic candidates.

One of the things that earned Edwards my support is that he has always paid attention to Georgia. In 2004, he was the only Democratic candidate who came to Middle Georgia before the primary, and he was the one who came back to Georgia before the general. This time around, he is the first of the top tier candidates to make his way to the middle of the state, and when he did he promised that come general election time, he would be working hard to win in Georgia. This is one of the reasons he has my support. Edwards at the top of the ticket helps all of our candidates down the ballot.

By the way, have you gotten your tickets for JJ yet? If not, here's the link. This event on May 17th is an important fundraiser for the DPG, and as the AJC reports, Edwards is the keynote speaker. See, he's already helping other Georgia Democrats by participating in a fundraiser for the Party.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women VOTE!

Sen. Brown, Rep. Porter, Other Democratic Leaders Endorse Edwards

This, just in, is great news for the Edwards Campaign:

PROMINENT GEORGIA LEADERS ENDORSE JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that prominent Georgia leaders endorsed Senator John Edwards for President. State Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown and State House Democratic Leader Dubose Porter, along with former Governor Roy Barnes and Shi Shailendra will lead the campaign's efforts in Georgia.

"I am honored to have the support of so many outstanding Georgia leaders,"said Edwards. "Together, we can change our country and lift up all Americans."

Porter endorsed Edwards saying, "John Edwards shares the same values that I do - family and opportunity for a better life for everyone. He would be a president we could relate to in Georgia, bringing a record of priorities of economic development, the environment, education and health care in ways that would truly make a difference in regular people's day to day lives."

Former Congressman Ed Jenkins endorsed Edwards saying, "John will win in the South and lead our nation in the right direction. We need a strong leaderand John is the right man for the job."

The following Georgia Democrats endorsed Edwards for President:- State Senator Vincent D. Fort (D-39)- State Representative Rob Teilhet, Chief Deputy Whip (D -Smyrna) - State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Atlanta)- State Representative Michelle Henson (D - Stone Mountain)- State Representative Gerald Greene (D - Cuthbert)- State Representative Jeannette Jamieson (D - Toccoa)- State Representative Charles Jenkins (D - Blairsville)- State Representative Hugh Floyd (D - Norcross)- Chuck Byrd, Middle Georgia attorney- Amol Naik, Atlanta attorney and former Chief of Staff to Senate Democratic Caucus- Jeff DiSantis, Former Executive Director of the Georgia Democratic Party- Emil Runge, Former Communications Director of the Georgia Democratic Party.

Edwards Will Work to Win in Georgia

Last night in Macon, John Edwards told the crowd that if he were the nominee, he would work to win Georgia in the general election. "You have my word on it," he said.

Let that sink in a bit. How many of you remember that in 2004, after he won the nomination, John Kerry hardly (the accurate word may be never) set foot in the state? For those of us tired of being an export state when it comes to presidential politics, having the candidate actually show up would be a refreshing change. Edwards will come to Georgia and campaign, and, with his appeal to southern voters, there is no doubt that he will help our down-ballot races.

Looks like Edwards just gave Georgians another reason to support him. Below are some photographs from last night's event. More details will follow. (It was a great night, and a large crowd, despite the rain.) View all photos here.

Meet John Edwards in Macon

Brian Adams – Jim Butler – Melanie and Chuck Byrd – Marie and Roy Barnes
Manley Brown – Marsha and John Christy – Lizzie and Chris Clark
Teresa and Mike Cranford – Laurie Anne White and Charles Engelke
Kathy and Waldo Floyd – Mitzi and Jarome Gautreaux – Nick Giles – Carolyn and Hardy Gregory – Duke Groover – Lisa and Wendell Horne – Steve Leeds – Preyesh Maniklal – Debbie and Michael Moore - Amy and Daryl Morton – Bright and William Nolan
Carol and DuBose Porter – Kim and Carl Reynolds – G. Scott Thompson – Joel Wooten*

*List in Formation
Please join us for a reception honoring

John Edwards

Home of Dr. and Mrs. Waldo Floyd III
127 Heritage Court
Macon, Georgia 31210

Saturday, April 14, 2007
6:45 p.m.

Host contribution level: $2300
Guest contribution levels: $1000, $500, $250

For more information or to RSVP,
Please contact Zeke Stokes at 803.479.0439 or email him at mailto:patrick@andersonstokes.com.

Paid for by John Edwards for President.
Contributions to John Edwards for President are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Bold, Tranformational Change

Playing it safe is not the plan for the Edwards campaign. Instead, big, bold, transformational change is at the heart of his agenda. He is taking risks, like telling voters that universal healthcare is worth the money it will cost them and again being the first Democrat to tell Fox News that he will not participate in a Presidential debate they sponsor or co-sponsor.

Walter Shapiro writes for Salon:

"Unraveling Edwards' subtext does not require a Derrida-spouting graduate student. Hillary Clinton is the obvious apostle of these "cautious, incremental steps," while Barack Obama is the undeniable master of feel-good rhetoric. What is most intriguing about the Edwards 2.0 campaign is how a once carefully calibrated, pro-war, mainstream Democrat has fashioned himself into the candidate of "big, bold transformational change."

Shapiro goes on to point out that Edwards has staked out the left-flank on domestic issues, especially on universal healthcare and poverty. Despite that, he is holding the support of conservative Democrats and swing voters who were on his team last time, and simultaneously attracting the support of progressive voters. Amazing what telling truth can do.

In short, Edwards has decided not to play it safe and instead to say what he thinks and then carefully, honestly and openly defend his positions, trusting that the truth is something that voters not only can handle, but will find refreshing. How many times in the last year have you heard someone complain that Democrats have complaints but no plans? Edwards is the antidote to that complaint. He set the bar for the Democrats by putting forward the most detailed platform statements of any of the candidates, and he did it early.

My opinion? The first time Edwards ran, he fell victim to consultants who convinced him to play it safe, play it down the middle and get elected. That approach may be safe but it does not embrace the change we need. And it did not get him elected. This time, he will dare to lead.

This is cross-posted at Georgia Women Vote!

Good News for Elizabeth

CNN is reporting that Elizabeth Edwards' cancer is of the type that is more likely to respond to anti-estrogen drugs and that she remains optimistic about her future. Good news! And, by the way, if you have not read the book, I recommend it.

Edwards Ahead in Iowa, Viewed as Most Electable

Daily Kos reports that a recent University of Iowa poll shows Sen. Edwards' lead there widening and that he is viewed by potential Democratic caucus goers as the most electable of all the candidates. 89% of those polled view Edwards as electable.

Impressive numbers!

Edwards Raises More Than 14 Million

CNN is reporting the good news that John Edwards has raised more than $14 million dollars in the first quarter, exceeding the campaign's budget for the year. More than 80% of the contributions were $100 or less, a significant indicator of the depth of his support. Here are some of the significant numbers reported by the campaign:

- More than $14 million raised total

- More than 40,000 contributors from across the country.

- 80 percent of contributions were $100 or less

- $3.3 million raised from online contributions.

- Around $1 million raised in general election funds.

Hillary Clinton declined to say what portion of her first quarter contributions were general election contributions. Such contributions must be placed in escrow and cannot be spent during the primary. If the candidate does not get the Party's nomination, then those contributions are returned to the donors.