AlterNet / By Joshua Holland
comments_imageCOMMENTS: 273

Edwards Goes After the 'Corporate Democrats' -- Is This a Turning Point for His Campaign?

In a dramatic speech, John Edwards fired a major broadside against corporate America and, more significantly, "corporate Democrats," -- the likes of which hasn't been heard from a viable candidate with national appeal in decades.
August 26, 2007  |  
 
 
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Last week, John Edwards fired a broadside against corporate America and, more significantly, "corporate Democrats," the likes of which hasn't been heard from a viable candidate with national appeal in decades.

Edwards is en fuego right now, and if he keeps up the heat, his candidacy will either be widely embraced by the emerging progressive movement or utterly annihilated by an entrenched establishment that fears few things more than a telegenic populist with enough money to mount a credible campaign.

"It's time to end the game," Edwards told a crowd in Hanover, New Hampshire. "It's time to tell the big corporations and the lobbyists who have been running things for too long that their time is over." He exhorted Washington law-makers to "look the lobbyists in the eye and just say no."
Real change starts with being honest -- the system in Washington is rigged and our government is broken. It's rigged by greedy corporate powers to protect corporate profits. It's rigged by the very wealthy to ensure they become even wealthier. At the end of the day, it's rigged by all those who benefit from the established order of things. For them, more of the same means more money and more power. They'll do anything they can to keep things just the way they are -- not for the country, but for themselves.
[The system is] controlled by big corporations, the lobbyists they hire to protect their bottom line and the politicians who curry their favor and carry their water. And it's perpetuated by a media that too often fawns over the establishment, but fails to seriously cover the challenges we face or the solutions being proposed. This is the game of American politics and in this game, the interests of regular Americans don't stand a chance.
It's a structural argument, and Edwards didn't pull punches in calling out his fellow Democrats, saying: "We cannot replace a group of corporate Republicans with a group of corporate Democrats, just swapping the Washington insiders of one party for the Washington insiders of the other." The rhetoric was a clear signal that Edwards is going to beat the drums of reform as a contrast to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the primaries.

About a third of the speech focused on the trade deals that Bill Clinton championed, and his argument that those "wedded to the past" can't provide the answers was a barely-veiled rebuke of the Clintonian arm of the party, and the media's chosen "front-runner" for the nomination.

If Democrats are engaged in an existential struggle between the party's establishment and its grassroots, Edwards is obviously betting that the grassroots' passion and energy will trump the Machine Democrats message' apparatus -- this was a speech that was not written by the usual coterie of Beltway consultants.

The most striking aspect of Edwards' speech was his implicit argument that class still exists. For years, both parties have obscured the divisions that are so prominent in modern American society, painting a picture of a country in which we're all part of an entrepreneurial class with more or less similar interests -- a key ingredient in the false "center" to which politicians and Beltway pundits kow-tow. "Let me tell you one thing I have learned from my experience," Edwards said last week. "You cannot deal with them on their terms. You cannot play by their rules, sit at their table, or give them a seat at yours. They will not give up their power -- you have to take it from them."

It was an explicit rebuke of Obama's "new politics" -- Obama recently told the Washington Post that "the insurance and drug companies can have a seat at the table in our health-care debate; they just can't buy all the chairs." Obama's approach to "cleaning up Washington" is not bad, but ultimately tinkers around the edges of a corrupted legislative system.

Edwards is not so conciliatory on the subject. "For more than 20 years, Democrats have talked about universal health care," he said. "And for more than 20 years, we've gotten nowhere, because lobbyists for the big insurance companies, drug companies and HMOs spent millions to block real reform."

Contrast that naked confrontation of corporate power with the tepid appeals to working Americans that were a trademark of John Kerry's 2004 campaign. In announcing his candidacy, Kerry offered a bit of demagoguery about CEOs -- he segued from bashing Cheney and Halliburton --and boldly promised to end tax breaks "that help companies move American jobs overseas." Also in his plan for corporate accountability: "No more contracts for companies, no matter how well-connected they are, until they decide to do what's right."

Hillary Clinton's economic proposals track with the thinking popular among the ostensible "progressives" at the DLC and the Third Way -- policies that give Americans the "opportunity" to save for retirement, a decidedly centrist approach to spiraling college costs and other familiar policies from the 1990s. She's not a fair trader nor a free trader, she says -- she's for "smart trade," "pro-American" trade.

Edward's speech about the economy isn't the only time that he's strayed from the bounds of "respectable" discourse in Washington. In May, he said that the "war on terror" was a political "bumper sticker" that the administration used to "justify everything [Bush] does: the ongoing war in Iraq, Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, spying on Americans, torture."

Edwards isn't the only candidate in the race making such bold statements, of course. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has long spoken of economic issues in the kinds of terms Edwards used last week. But John Edwards was the vice presidential nominee on a presidential ticket that won 59 million votes and he's raised $23 million in the current cycle (20 times what Kucinich has raised), and that means that corporate media is forced to cover him. So far, they've mocked him, written stories about his haircuts, pushed shadowy innuendo about his personal business dealings and suggested his focus on poverty is disingenuous or hypocritical, but they simply can't write him off as a member of the fringe. Unlike Kucinich, they can't ignore him.

John Edwards is becoming a very different kind of candidate, and his growing message of empowerment and attack on the corporate class may prove to be the most interesting story of campaign 2008.
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Joshua Holland is an AlterNet staff writer.
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Edwards-Kucinich! The only better choice would be Stewart-Colbert.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: thoughtcriminal on Aug 26, 2007 11:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm only partially not serious. At the very least, I'd love to see Jon Stewart host both a Republican and a Democratic presidential debate. The deer-in-the-headlight glaze of the leading contenders would be priceless.

One point about Edwards is that his lead donor is ActBlue - the complete list of donors for all candidates can be found at Open Secrets.

It's instructive to look at the remarkable similarities in funding between Obama, Hillary, Romney, Giuliani and McCain, and to compare that to Edwards and Kucinich's sources. (Although I doubt that some of Edward's previous donors are too pleased about his recent comments...)

I think what we are seeing now is real effort by the corporate media to throw the race to either Hillary or Obama. This kind of coverage can't be bought - and anyone who looks at the ownership of the corporate media will quickly realize that they're just following the orders of their controlling shareholders - i.e. the very same investment banks that have thrown their weight behind Hillary and Obama.

For example, the ongoing stories about Edward's ties to hedge funds and the subprime crisis ignore entirely the fact that Obama's #1 donor is Goldman Sachs - the very firm that had set up a hedge fund to specialize in these loans, and which took a big hit as a result.

What's remarkable is the ongoing media attempt to portray Obama as a populist candidate, when in reality, he's at the top of the investment bank's list of preferred candidates.

"During the first quarter he nearly doubled Clinton's take from private-equity firms--$85,350 against $47,900, according to the magazine Private Equity Hub--and, with $479,209, he placed first among candidates from both parties in giving from investment banks, many of which run their own hedge funds and private-equity operations (Rudy Giuliani, the runner-up, got $473,442)."

However, regardless of who wins the presidency, ordinary citizens are going to have to keep a very close eye on politicians, the media, and corporate power centers - and will also have to involve themselves in the process to a far greater degree than has been the case. If that happens, we could see some real positive changes take place. Edwards would at least be something of an people's ally in that process.

» They at least APPEAR... Posted by: ABetterFuture
» RE: Don't do that to Dennis. Posted by: oregoncharles

Comments are closed-

Is Edwards Credible?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: texshelters on Aug 26, 2007 12:06 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wasn't Edwards in the Senate when some of the current undemocratic legislation was passed? Wasn't he part of the Kerry ticket that was also loathe to support a populist agenda? Why should we believe him now? Kucinich is the real deal. However, better Edwards than the other front runners, whatever their names are...

Joe Tex

» RE: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: CatDad
» RE: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: greenthumb
» RE: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: peacefullaim
» Re: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: Conservasaurus
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: surfreality
» Typical Dino Posted by: Ellie1
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: CatDad
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: dlueth
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: drmflorida
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: peacefullaim
» Kucinich? Posted by: Scientz
» RE: Kucinich? Posted by: lfranks
» RE: Kucinich? Posted by: magnolia
» RE: Kucinich? Posted by: sea4th

Comments are closed-

Hallelujah!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ~Fiona~ on Aug 26, 2007 12:55 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Its about damned time someone told big business to stick their money where the sun don't shine.

I wonder if that corporate whore Hillary will change her tune when she finds Edwards gaining ground?

» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: deenie
» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: halg
» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: babs
» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: racetoinfinity

Comments are closed-

joyce
[Report this comment]
Posted by: joysea on Aug 26, 2007 1:11 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
At last! The campaign is beginning to sound exciting... and REAL! I so hope that Edwards is being authentic. and that he has the courage to hold his ground. He will be the target of so many greedy, vicious, complicit and unpatriotic people! May The Force be with him. Besides, John has such a handsome face, and his would be a nice replacement for Bush's asexual smirk.

» RE: joyce Posted by: Basenjis

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No other candidate
[Report this comment]
Posted by: hurricane hugo on Aug 26, 2007 2:00 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
paints as accurate a picture of where we are right now as Edwards does. Does that translate into being able to change the elements of that picture should he be elected? Who knows?
I'd like to find out, though.

plur

Comments are closed-

Reminder
[Report this comment]
Posted by: PirateJesus on Aug 26, 2007 2:03 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Remember if you decide to throw your hat in with Edwards to donate if you can spare the money. There's a big gap in funding and though that does not necessarily break the campaign, it could.

Comments are closed-

Agreed!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: porgygirl on Aug 26, 2007 2:33 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Donate to the Edwards campaign, and put a bumper sticker on your car/bike/backpack. The corporate media has been working hard to marginalize Edwards despite his strong support, and the more visible we can make that support, the better.

Edwards/Kucinich would be a dream. Although he hasn't been impressing me lately, I think Edwards/Richardson would be a good pair--Richardson's international and executive experience would be helpful, and Edwards has enough Elvis (as Molly Ivins would say) for both of them.

» Richardson is an idiot. Posted by: Obijuan
» RE: ichardson is an idiot. Posted by: Lauren
» nice, Lauren. Posted by: porgygirl
» RE: nice, Lauren. Posted by: drmflorida
» thank you hagwind! Posted by: dlueth

Comments are closed-

Good ole fashion Convention
[Report this comment]
Posted by: EJW on Aug 26, 2007 2:52 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Yes - now it gets interesting. Maybe we have have a rip roaring Democratic Convention like in the past. Politics hasn't been this entertaining in my lifetime. I just hope if Edwards or Kucinich makes it, they don't go the way of Robert Kennedy. Dennis Kucinich is a real fighter and it looks like Edwards is going there as well. Thank the powers that be that the blinders are coming off and the veil is thinning.

Transparency and public funding - have to do it if we want to survive as a country and a world.

Comments are closed-

Sort of deja-vu'ish..
[Report this comment]
Posted by: imjustanidiotidontknowanything on Aug 26, 2007 2:58 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
..a blend of ralph nader and jimmy carter. Yes he will not make it. Fact is that the forces,that he ,$23 mil. dollars and ..i don't know how many voters are up against, are too big!
change is hard.like fighting windmills.

» RE: Sort of deja-vu'ish.. Posted by: PirateJesus
» RE: Sort of deja-vu'ish.. Posted by: imjustanidiotidontknowanything
» RE: Sort of deja-vu'ish.. Posted by: Lauren

Comments are closed-

I hope he's for real, but I'm skeptical.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: dlueth on Aug 26, 2007 4:42 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What's Edwards' net worth at these days? And how's his voting track record?

» Why is his net worth relevant? Posted by: may261989
» RE: Why isn't his net worth relevant? Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Here's a better question: Posted by: HeroesAll

Comments are closed-

Edwards is Being Attacked Based on Stock Holdings
[Report this comment]
Posted by: PirateJesus on Aug 26, 2007 7:38 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So, he owns stock in a mortgage company that's trying to stay afloat, just like any other mortgage company these days. What percentage of mortgage companies are completely shutting down these days?

Anyone have more information about this?

Comments are closed-

Edwards, you got my attention
[Report this comment]
Posted by: peacelf on Aug 26, 2007 7:44 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I love Dennis Kucinich, and I'd vote for him any day of the week and twice on Sundays, if I was Republican and lived in Florida. However, Edwards, you got my attention. I know they call you a populist, but now you're talking my language:anti-corporation. Corporate power, or, more specifically, plutocratic power is on the rise since that famed neo-liberal of yesteryear, Bill, (I didn't have sex with that woman) Clinton fostered the spinachification of corporate power with NAFTA, CAFTA because I HAVE Ta'. The Corporate Blutos turned national wealth into international wealth, and now many of us stand by and watch with utter dispair.
Along comes Kucinich in 2004, shouting from the pulpit only to land on deaf ears (my apologies to the hearing impaired), and what, look up there!...in the sky! It's a bird!...It's a plane!, It's John Edwards flying faster than a speeding bullet, and not mussing up his hair, to save the day!
Help! Help! Please save me from my corporate master!
Please save us, somebody.

Peace

» RE: dwards, you got my attention Posted by: SusanForKucinich

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Nice and ok, but I seriously doubt he can match Kucinich or even Gravel and don't forget Huckabee.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: maxpayne on Aug 26, 2007 8:21 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If there is a contest between Huckabee and Edwards, Huckabee will have a better chance at get the populist vote over Edwards. Hint: Governor vs Senator. Now we all know that Governor beats Senator almost every presidential election.

» Hint, you're wrong Posted by: Phenix

Comments are closed-

Same man I heard in 2003, people listening now
[Report this comment]
Posted by: JohnMucci on Aug 26, 2007 8:44 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I supported John Edwards in 2003. I came to him first through his policy proposals. Then I went to hear him speak.

Today's John Edwards is really the same John Edwards I heard 2003. When he talked about corporate lobbyists then he thought we ought to "cut 'em off at the knees."

His policy proposals then were thoughtful as they are now. The difference today is that he has decided that the time has passed for the more incremental approaches he took in his last run.

Comments are closed-

Same opportunity rhetoric as Andy Stern
[Report this comment]
Posted by: charles on Aug 26, 2007 9:27 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Radical-sounding rhetoric, a reactionary "universal health care" proposal, and American dream opportunity terminology close to Andy Stern. For example,

Q: You have carved out a left-of-center position in the race for the Democratic nomination by talking about the growing disparity in this country between the haves and the have-nots—the Two Americas. With your millions in the bank and celebrated $400 haircut, aren't you very much one of the haves? So how sincerely can voters take your position?

A: Oh, there's no question that my family is a "have," absolutely no question about that. But I began in a family that had nothing. And because of hard work and luck, I've had a lot of success in my life, like lots of Americans have. So my view is that I have a responsibility, both as a citizen and as a Presidential candidate, to try to make the same opportunities available to others. That's at the heart and soul of why I'm running for President. I understand what the American dream is. I think it is important to embrace that aspirational component, to applaud those who have done well and give opportunity to everyone to do well.

--Interview in Business Week, Aug. 20

Comments are closed-

Very tiring
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Captainmagic on Aug 26, 2007 11:25 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Just exactly when would it be that you Americans actually hold out both hands, palm upwards and look at one hand and then look at the other. Thinking for a moment...OK several moments.. and then saying to yourselves...Mmmmmmm..Bu$hCo- Edwards...Mmmmm...Bu$shCo.....Mmmmmm...Edwards...jee I wonder if we should trust Edwards?....Mmmmmmm....He doesn't seem to have enough amerikan $'s.
Dear people there seam's to be a man of some standing among you, who is offering something other than catastrophe for America.....Mmmmmmm...Bu$hCo.....Edwards....Elites/ greed or Edwards/ America....

Thank the gods I am not an American, who can't see an amerikan when he see's one....Psssssst (Bu$hCo)

I have always asked for "True America" to please stand up...

So what are you waiting for....STAND UP!!!!!!

Change your destiny...we of the rest of the world await you to "share" with us, all that we together, can be....>>

Regards Captain.

P.S. Please leave your bombs in the dustbin of history.

» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Tom Degan
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: OEST
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Lincoln fan
» RE: Very tiring: Lincoln fan Posted by: Basenjis
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Lauren
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: OEST
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Lincoln fan

Comments are closed-

David Scott
[Report this comment]
Posted by: davedenali on Aug 27, 2007 3:28 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If the writer believes that attacking "corporate Dems" is going to make up a 25 point gap in the polls, I got news. It gets Edwards the Kucinich vote.

» RE: David Scott Posted by: solrev
» RE: David Scott Posted by: Basenjis
» RE: David Scott by choice Posted by: solrev
» RE: David Scott Posted by: jmp3954

Comments are closed-

Bravo, John Edwards
[Report this comment]
Posted by: paul_revere on Aug 27, 2007 3:34 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I have been a fan of John Edwards all along. He was really disappointed when Kerry didn't pursue the investigation/recount after the election in Ohio. I could sense that he was truly on our (the peoples') side then. He actually seemed shocked that Kerry caved so quickly.

He's the person who is going to change this country. Everything about him is good except maybe the issues surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, he may feel a bit more sympathy for the Palestinians once he secures the Presidency. The AIPAC lobby can cause problems for any Dem candidate if you go against the Likud/Zionist policies, or at least seem to. I have hope that John will set the Zionist lobby straight after he's elected.

I am going to support Edwards all the way, and if I get to be a delegate to the Democratic Convention, I will not relinquish my vote to anyone else. Edwards is the best hope for our country. Period.

Comments are closed-

Nice Rhetoric, but . . .
[Report this comment]
Posted by: EKSwitaj on Aug 27, 2007 3:37 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I would like some evidence that he will actually stand up and fight for his supposed ideals. His health care plan doesn't go far enough for me; as long as the profit motive remains part of the system, quality of care will suffer. And I'm not about to forget that he voted to authorize the war in Iraq.

» RE: Nice Rhetoric, but . . . Posted by: bkvwd57
» RE: Nice Rhetoric, but . . . Posted by: leafsong1

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I'm just sick and tired of the Corporatocracy!!!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: helgerry on Aug 27, 2007 3:41 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Mr. Edwards, if you're serious, YOU GOT MY VOTE! As a democrat, I was beginning to loose hope in the Democratic Party. Hillary? Corporate whore! Obama? He's been bought and paid for as well (I'm a black person, however I do not feel any obligation to vote for him at all)!
I'm so disillusioned that I've been considering voting for Ron Paul. But Mr. Edwards, if you really mean what you said in that speech I will vote for you... Please do not disappoint me sir.
I'm just sick and tired of the Corporatocracy!!!

Comments are closed-

the truth resonates no matter who tells it
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Suzon on Aug 27, 2007 4:40 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We can enthusiastically support those who want to restore the idea of "liberty and justice for all" whoever they may be.

Americans may have been dumbed down through blatant misrepresentations, quasi-religious patriotic fever and fear, but "telling it like it is" can overcome this.

If the message is the right one, it doesn't matter who delivers it!

Comments are closed-

Edwards all the way
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Shey on Aug 27, 2007 4:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I've been 100% behind John Edwards since he announced and every time I hear him speak, I'm more impressed. He's saying all the things I so hoped to hear Kerry say when he was running, only to be disappointed time after time. Edwards may be our last hope, if we want to save what's left of our rapidly disintegrating democracy.

» RE: dwards all the way Posted by: SusanForKucinich
» RE: dwards all the way Posted by: SusanForKucinich

Comments are closed-

God's Speed!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: williameon on Aug 27, 2007 5:46 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There is a new wind blowing!
We must ride it to
Victory in 08
If we all work hard enough in solidarity
We will effect positive progressive change.
I am starting to hear some very progressive ideas expressed by the
Democratic Candidates.
This is very uplifting to me.
Our voices have been heard.
There is a lot of Reptilian Selection Machinery to overcome.
Rigged machines
False Flag Operations
Caging lists
Packed courts
Unlimited funds
and
The Faux Media.

Our work is cut out for us.
We must stop!
The War Machine first.
Then change the system that created it.
It is a abuse of power.
Accountability is Job One.
They must be held responsible for their crimes.
Corpirate power must be curtailed.
Their political shills removed from office.
Their strangle hold on the voice of freedom removed.
Disband
The Black Army and
Their Shadow Government

Help Stop!
These
Lying
Spying
Secretive
Greedy
Murderous
Torturous
Corpirate Crooks!

» RE: God's Speed! Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: God's Speed! Posted by: Lauren

Comments are closed-

You Forget
[Report this comment]
Posted by: paschn on Aug 27, 2007 5:47 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Something. Ballot machines without paper. Here's why Mr. Edwards will not be elected, ( although I want him to be). The swine stole 2 elections already and Republicans being what they are, instead of being outraged at elections in this country stolen by the elite, they think it was "cute". Well, they've been able to distract the drones, ( not a difficult feat ), enough again to prevent mandatory paper trails on voting machines.
Edwards' plan for universal healthcare is insightful and could work but, as the drones did with Clinton, they'll bury their heads up their collective butts and not focus enough to elect him OR prevent the elite from stealing another one. The US sheeple wouldn't recognize a moral, concerned, compassionate candidate if one bit them on the ass. Like the little neo-con "deb" said during the Nixon/Mcgovern campaign when asked why she knew Nixon would win; " Just look. All the Nixon supporters drive BMW's and Cadillacs. McGovern's all drive Chevy's and Volkswagens."
Eisenhower said in a letter to his brother that any candidate foolish enough to meddle with workers' rights or social security would NOT be a politician long. He forgot one key thing. The sheep mentality of the drones in this country.

» RE: You Forget Posted by: OEST
» RE: You Forget Posted by: JohnMucci

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End of Edwards...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Ydotheyhateus on Aug 27, 2007 5:52 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Corporate Amerika is going to destroy Edwards. The weapon of choice will be main-stream media. Get ready for new attacks on Edwards about such trivial issues like his 'hair-cuts'.

Edwards must know that now he doesn't have a chance at all to win the nomination! He understands the true master of democratic amerika is the military-industrial complex that feeds holds the purse strings of the political campaigns!

» RE: nd of Edwards... Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: nd of Edwards... Posted by: Lincoln fan

Comments are closed-

Why Edwards has a chance, and what he must do.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: KeepsonTickn on Aug 27, 2007 5:55 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's important to consider why Congressional approval ratings are hovering around 20% now. People don't "disapprove more of Democrats than Republicans," they have just discovered that too many Democrats are not much different from the Republicans.

That same concern holds true for Presidential candidates, and can bring John Edwards the nomination, if he is willing and able to really get the message out. Hillary defends lobbyists, and Obama wants to partner with them. We need someone who will show them the door.

I want to see John Edwards get the nomination, but I was disappointed when he backed off from the "bumper sticker" comment. I believe he should have pressed it and further explained himself, rather than leaving to to the media to present it as an "Edwards faux-pas." He should have noted that the "War on Terror" turns "criminals" into "warriors," and has elevated the status of terrorists throughout the middle east.

The media will find some negative sound bite here as well; to counter that, Edwards must follow through on the point, and continue to hammer it. One thing Bush knows (and maybe the only thing he's ever been right about) - when you market something, whether it is toothpaste or a war, constant repetition is what sells.

Edwards should also talk about public financing and clean elections, which is the only way the corporate stranglehold on politicians can be broken. Tell us how to fix to the problem - most people don't have a clue.

Comments are closed-

talking about corporate democrats....
[Report this comment]
Posted by: eosrk on Aug 27, 2007 6:22 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...and he's sporting a 400 dollar haircut.

» HAIR! HAIR! corporate democrats.... Posted by: alternetrose
» Unless Posted by: hurricane hugo
» As somebody mentioned above... Posted by: MatthewSavage

Comments are closed-

Edwards' Window is Closing
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Mike5000 on Aug 27, 2007 6:23 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Edwards had his chance to be a progressive president but his window is closing. He talks the talk but his policies are the usual corporate welfare (check his website.).

Iraq: Edwards only removes combat troops. He would continue air strikes, special ops, mercenaries, military advisers and trainers, logistics, all the (don't call them "combat") troops needed to protect the above and their (many decades but not "permanent") bases. Most importantly, Edwards would protect war profits.

Health: No solution, just a morass of legalize and a requirement that more of us give money to insurance companies.

Peace Dividend: No way. Gotta feed the Military Industrial Complex. Edwards wants to modernize and rebuild our armed forces. We're already more powerful than the rest of the world combined. Is he planning on attacking Mars? No, just keeping the good ole corporate boys happy.

Civil Rights: An after thought. With Busheviks rigging elections and shredding the Constitution, Edwards has no civil rights agenda, just a meaningless footnote to his plan for more fascist fatherland security.

We were early supporters because we liked his rhetoric. He ought to have plans to halve the pentagon budget, prosecute election riggers, break up monopolies, and recover hundreds of billions of dollars from war profiteers. But he doesn't. If he can't control his DLC policy wonks now, he'll never be a populist in charge of the White House.

Questions? Check his website.

» RE: dwards' Window is Closing Posted by: tommy_slothrop
» RE: dwards' Window is Closing Posted by: JohnMucci
» RE: dwards' Window is Closing Posted by: tommy_slothrop
» Good point Mike Posted by: WitchyNy
» RE: Edwards' Window is Closing Posted by: Earthian

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This is what we have all been wishing for is it not?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: american on Aug 27, 2007 7:04 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Let me tell you one thing I have learned from my experience," Edwards said last week. "You cannot deal with them on their terms. You cannot play by their rules, sit at their table, or give them a seat at yours. They will not give up their power -- you have to take it from them."

Wow! This is "downright revolutionary" and gets people killed in other countries...wait...it gets them killed here, too.

"John Edwards is becoming a very different kind of candidate, and his growing message of empowerment and attack on the corporate class may prove to be the most interesting story of campaign 2008."

More than that: it will be the most interesting story of the first half or the 21st century. He will be this century's Theodore Roosevelt.

'Bout time.

» Yup Posted by: american
» Oh, THAT Theodore Roosevelt! Posted by: hagwind
» "Muscular Christianity" Posted by: hagwind

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OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING !
[Report this comment]
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Aug 27, 2007 7:16 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So I turned my computer on at 9AM Eastern Time. Gonzo finally quit and John Edwards suddenly broke away from the pack. Looks like our military will be pulled from Iraq. Sarkoszy finally spoke up. Then I read all the comments on this site to find that the majority of readers favor Edwards. He is seriously all about the American people. He's a real charmer but he doesn't kiss anybody's butt. Underneath the boyish smile is a tough smart guy who doesn't cave in. ANNA

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OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING !
[Report this comment]
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Aug 27, 2007 7:16 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So I turned my computer on at 9AM Eastern Time. Gonzo finally quit and John Edwards suddenly broke away from the pack. Looks like our military will be pulled from Iraq. Sarkoszy finally spoke up. Then I read all the comments on this site to find that the majority of readers favor Edwards. He is seriously all about the American people. He's a real charmer but he doesn't kiss anybody's butt. Underneath the boyish smile is a tough smart guy who doesn't cave in. ANNA

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GOOD FOR EDWARDS. I AM RUNNING TO DO THE SAME IN NC's
[Report this comment]
Posted by: poppop_schell on Aug 27, 2007 7:21 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
12th Congressional District. I have promise NEVER to take a PAC donation from either companies or abor unions but will from special issuses PACS like those who seek to protect the Environment.

Anyone wishing to help make sur Edwards has a Congressman to support him wen he is elected, conatct schellforcongress@hotmail.com

Comments are closed-

good grief folks the idiot we have now was "the white knight"
[Report this comment]
Posted by: MAD on Aug 27, 2007 7:52 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Edwards came out and made a proposal to the American "people" and so many of you nay sayers are dregging up all your own little piss ant reasons why to sniff your noses at him. Ride the horse until he gives you a reason to get off. If you follow some very simple things like push the envelope when it presents itself the media will have its hand forced. Get the ball rolling is as simple as that. SIMPLY PUSH THE ENVELOPE. EDWARDS has mad a huge decision that others won't do, the ball is now in the court of the people to pick up. Hound the media. Crazy Carlos

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Republicans and Corporate media want Hillary to win. . .
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bowriter on Aug 27, 2007 7:59 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the nomination knowing she can't win the general election against the likes of a Fred "Regan Copy Cat" Thompson or even that ass Rudy. Edwards, Kucinich et. a.l be damned in the process. . .Dems better wake up and nominate someone who can win. I almost guarantee Hillary would lose the general election if nominated: Rush and co. will have a field day. . .they'd rather see the reincarnation of Hitler take over than see Hillary as President. Even if she won, it would be a bruising 4 years. . . An Obama/Edwards ticket with Kucinich as a future Secretary of State would be a power house and the repubs and conservatives would have little dirt to dig up and throw around with that ticket. . .they would but it would be a lot less than Hillary Bash '08. . .THINK DEMS THINK

» Karl Rove wants Hillary to win. . . Posted by: KeepsonTickn
» Exactly! Posted by: CatDad
» But wait! There's more! Posted by: KeepsonTickn

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Kucinich hasn't been heard by Alternet in decades
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Ripcord on Aug 27, 2007 8:07 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Josh, I thought that only your boss deliberately ignored
Kucinich to campaign for Edwards

» Absolute nonsense Posted by: Joshua Holland
» nice snow-job Josh Posted by: Ripcord
» Quality Article Posted by: Phenix
» RE: Quality Article Posted by: Joshua Holland
» In your own world Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: In Edwards' world Posted by: Ripcord
» RE: In Edwards' world Posted by: Joshua Holland

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Davy
[Report this comment]
Posted by: davy on Aug 27, 2007 8:46 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The more I read about corporate america the more I realize that there are 2 americas, the people and the corporations. When the corporations say, something/someone doesn't support america they mean corporate america. Better wake up soon. If you think this isn't real look to central/south america. The terrorists are us folks.

» RE: Davy Posted by: solrev
» RE: Davy Posted by: Lauren

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How Much Reform Will The Dem Party Allow?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Moe Snodgrass on Aug 27, 2007 8:47 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sure, Edwards and Kucinich are preferred but remember, they're still Dems, the party that got into bed with the Repubs to create the Commission on Presidential debates, to eliminate third parties and to sanitize and control the content of the televised debates.

I don't know the answer so I'm asking: exactly how much influence will the Democratic Party have concerning meaningful reform at the end of the day? Is it just up to Edwards/Kucinich or are there stronger powers at work in the party?

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JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: AlohaTerry on Aug 27, 2007 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
To me, Edwards invokes memories of JFK and RFK--he is sincere and is definitely our clear choice to defeat the RepuKKians and the Global Corporate Technocracy!! IMPEACH BUSH/ CHENEY NOW!! DO NOT LET THEM START WWIII by BOMBING IRAN!! ELECT EDWARDS!! I, for one, will work my butt off for John Edwards!! I don't care who is VP--Hillary or Obama--but seriously, Edwards is the MAN that RepuKKKians and Rove FEAR the Most!

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Finally a breath of fresh air
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tim_s_eb@yahoo.com on Aug 27, 2007 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am delighted to read what Edwards had to say about what really is ailing America today, standing firm against corporate and the wealthy is admirable and a noble cause. I hope it isn't empty rhetoric and that he stays the course to bring about real democracy and people power.

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He Voted for the Protect America Act
[Report this comment]
Posted by: whoisjoe on Aug 27, 2007 9:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The quote in the third-to-last paragraph mentions spying on Americans, implying that Edwards is against this.

If that's true, why, oh why did he support the Protect America Act???

Most disappointing.

» He didn't vote for it Posted by: Joshua Holland

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If we think small, we'll just get smaller
[Report this comment]
Posted by: hagwind on Aug 27, 2007 9:20 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Some people see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say why not?"

It's going to be hard to let go of the nit-picking and the nay-saying and the conspiracy-theorizing, but if we start practicing now, maybe we'll be at least able to fake it by the time primary season starts. Deal?

Comments are closed-

Sounds promising
[Report this comment]
Posted by: arclight on Aug 27, 2007 9:26 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In 2004, I supported Kucinich in the primaries as a means to influence the party's direction. In 2007/8, I'm looking for an actual candidate. John Edwards seems like that candidate so far. I would love to see an Edwards/Kucinich ticket, or even an Edwards/Obama ticket. This piece just furthers that feeling.

» RE: Sounds promising Posted by: Lauren

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Don't Blame Edwards for Kerry's Loss
[Report this comment]
Posted by: JackieGiles on Aug 27, 2007 9:36 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Do not imagine that as Kerry's running mate, Edwards had anything like an equal voice re: policy, issue emphasis or, for that matter, public exposure! He was kept out of sight to avoid outshining Kerry.

I sent Edwards an e-mail and as large a contribution as I could 2 days ago, as a retiree on a fixed income. My e-mail supported his attack on corporate lobbyists and I am thrilled that he has spoken out so clearly and unequivocally about taking away lobbyists' power.

I believe he is sincere, and I hope everyone who shares my opinion will send him a contribution as large as you can manage. This is a critical time in the nomination race, and a groundswell of contributions might just make the CORPORATE MEDIA grudgingly admit that it is not just a two-"horse race" between candidates "blessed" by the Washington insiders. Anyone who believes that Hillary's and Barak's campaign money from corporations and the financial establishment will not affect their policies is naive beyone belief. There is no "spoon" long enough to justify supping with the corporate "devils" and their lobbyists.

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Edwards and Kucinich point the way
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Democritus on Aug 27, 2007 10:02 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Since 2004 Edwards has talked about "the two Americas." Now he's narrowed the scope down to "the two Democratic Parties." Progressives have a choice: Kucinich or Edwards. Edwards is more telegenic than Kucinich, and he has more money. But it's good to know that they're now both running against corporate Democrats like Hillary and Obama--the latter placing himself in that category because he is too quick to compromise with the fatcats; whereas both Edwards and Kucinich know that that's just another, slower way of selling your soul.

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Realism finally taking electoral form
[Report this comment]
Posted by: jearls on Aug 27, 2007 11:31 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think there is good reason for taking Edwards at his word. There is a heavy discontent in the US, and the rest of the world, because the candidates who finally get to stand for election are just slightly different variants of the same old policy. The relevant information, in Alternet, etc., is abundant and so are the polls showing ordinary peoples discontent with corporate democracy, ever more aggressive militarism, job outsourcing, abandonment of state obligations in health, education, etc. Edwards must be reading this information AND watching the polls on the issues. He must also recognise that the system has become totally unsustainable and needs a complete rational reorganization, or a real Hell is to come quickly. Also he has nothing to lose now, the official media are totally with the 2 corporate democrats, but unlike Kucinich he has name recognition and they can't ignore him. We can just hope he keeps on reading and analysing and keeping with the mass of the people's hopes.

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Why doesn't Edwards reject PAC money?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: mrjared on Aug 27, 2007 11:43 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's easy to say these types of things, especially when you are trailing so badly...but why won't Edwards come out and reject PAC money? Edwards populist "grassroots" message is hollow. There is only one actual grassroots campaign in the race, and it's Obama.

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YES!!!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tkwilson on Aug 27, 2007 12:10 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hope he makes it to the election. Better stay off small planes.

Comments are closed-

I already have an Edwards bumper sticker on my Jeep-
[Report this comment]
Posted by: WitchyNy on Aug 27, 2007 12:28 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
-I can just peel off the KERRY part...................

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What Edwrds should do........
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tap17x on Aug 27, 2007 12:40 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...........to make himself popular with voters and to tell corporate fat cats to go fuckthemselves is, in part:
1. Single-payer
2. Call for widespread dispersal of media ownership
3. Stop corporate welfare
4. Sharply reduce military spending (part of 3)
5. Improve the infrastructure
6. Other things too numerous to think of right now.

» Number One Posted by: EJW

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He's got the VP spot
[Report this comment]
Posted by: leafsong1 on Aug 27, 2007 12:42 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The DLC needs a democrat for the Democratic ticket, and Edwards is the closest thing. This move to the "left" means that he is confident that when either Clinton or Obama clinches the nomination, Edwards will be the VP candidate who gives the ticket a populist (not to mention southern) air and gets democrats out to vote for the Democrats. This was Gore's role once, and he accomplished very little with it. In the end, he lost his reputation and lost to The Worst President Ever.

» RE: He's got the VP spot Posted by: tap17x
» RE: He's got the VP spot Posted by: leafsong1
» Interesting... Posted by: american
» RE: Interesting... Posted by: leafsong1
» RE: Interesting... Posted by: Lauren
» No ... Posted by: Joshua Holland

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We have a two-party system in this country,......
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tap17x on Aug 27, 2007 12:45 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
..........Conservative and Right-wing. This must stop before the voters get even more disgusted than they are now.
We haven't had anything resembling liberalism since Kennedy and (part of) Johnson. I blame a lot of this on that lazy ignorant idiot, Reagan, who put it over on millions of imbecile voters.

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REpublicans are motivated by.........
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tap17x on Aug 27, 2007 12:55 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
.........love of guns, hatred of "the other," imbecile dogmatic religion, greed, and fear. Real responsibility is an alien concept to them, let alone concern for anyone but themselves.

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He Talks The Talk, But Will He Walk The Walk
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bcgirl125 on Aug 27, 2007 12:56 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lot of big words from the Edwards campaign, but will he really do anything different once he gets in, surrounded by lobbyists and corporate money? Unless the entire system is cleaned up, with public funding of elections and a ban on lobbying, any candidate who wins high office will be co-opted quickly by the shadow government and corporate powers, or assassinated if he or she refuses to play along. Politicians never keep campaign promises not just because they are deliberate liars, but because circumstances prevent them from doing so.

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It isn't the man (or woman) it's our entire CORRUPT SYSTEM
[Report this comment]
Posted by: WitchyNy on Aug 27, 2007 1:10 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So many here have said-"This speech sounds like a Kennedy"

Yeah---and remember what happened to them???

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Right on, Edwards!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: racetoinfinity on Aug 27, 2007 1:16 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Keep saying what you're saying, John!

Comments are closed-

People Easily Mislead by Edwards' rhetoric, 'charisma,' and looks
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Whitecliff on Aug 27, 2007 1:46 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Too many people (most of them women) are easily deceived by Edwards' flowery trial lawyer rhetoric, superficial charisma, and 'handsome' looks.

Don't fall for it. Kucinich, Gravel, or Paul are the only REAL candidates currently available.

It's too bad that the election has already happened, it's all been decided by the media and DC's think tanks...it'll be Hillary in 2008 (barring some freak accident or something).

» Right on Posted by: Ripcord

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Isn't Edwards the guy who...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: gvincent27 on Aug 27, 2007 1:58 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Pretty sure that this is the same guy that was investigated for breaking campaign finance laws during his 2004 campaign?
Pretty sure there's an article about that here

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MANUFACTURING SUPPORT
[Report this comment]
Posted by: dalea on Aug 27, 2007 2:31 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Will the real grassroots please stand up?

The number of contributions from individuals to Obama is impressive, however it masks a known corporate tactic to funnel money into all campaigns.

For a rundown on how these "individual contributions" account for substantial and hedged support by Wall Street for Obama, Clinton, and Giuliani (as well as Edwards!) see
this Washington Post report

Is it cynical to suppose that "Democratic frontrunners" Obama and Hillary both garner tremendous attention from the same corporate media that provides us with endless distractions (e.g., Paris Hilton, etc.) because neither have a shot in 2008?...and that this day-to-day coverage is in large part responsible for the "grassroots support" of Obama vs. Clinton?

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Shame, AlterNet!!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Flora Gael on Aug 27, 2007 3:45 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am so terribly sorry, but hasn't Edwards raised his money through largely **corporate** channels? If not, then will someone please enlighten me as to how he's raised so much? Because Kucinich is the ONLY Dem candidate, as far as I know, who actively REFUSES corporate money. Kucinich is the ONLY candidate who is the TRUE progressive, so stop trying to make Edwards out to be the one. He's Diet Kucinich, period.

AlterNet, you do so much right by exposing the TRUE news stories from a progressive perspective, but then you do so much wrong by refusing to focus on what you might term "fringe" candidates like Kucinich, and instead bolstering the business-as-usual CORPORATE candidates like Edwards. Edwards may be BETTER than Hilbama, but he's hardly pristinely progressive like Kucinich.

Kucinich is only a "fringe" candidate because true progressive media like AlterNet and so forth refuse to focus on him, perpetuating his pereceived unelectability. But Kucinich has won several prominent polls lately (the ABC poll, for one, which ABC promptly pulled down because DK is anti-corporate), and he always gets the biggest applause in the debates WHEN he is allowed to speak.

AlterNet, you have a DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITY to feature all candidates prominently, not just the moneyed ones, and you have a PROGRESSIVE responsibility to support candidates like Dennis Kucinich, because he is the only one whose views resonate with your own.

Shame on you for mimicking mainstream media.

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Edwards' Money Comes from the Wealthy and Corporate Interests
[Report this comment]
Posted by: dd555 on Aug 27, 2007 4:23 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I like hearing this rhetoric from Edwards, an ostensibly "viable" candidate. On the other hand, if you look at his funding resources at opensecrets.org, he gets his money from all the same establishment sources that Obama and Clinton get their money from. The lawyers, the real estate agents, the bankers, the health care industry, etc. It makes me more than a little skeptical of whether or not Edwards would really back up this rhetoric with action if elected.

On the other hand, I do think it's important to have these positions articulated. The discourse itself can matter, regardless of who is articulating itself.

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sounds like a load of C--P
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bluebirdella on Aug 27, 2007 5:08 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Edwards IS a corporate Democrat. Gimme a f-----g break.

People who CARE should be voting Kucinich.

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Edwards is a CHARLATAN!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Flora Gael on Aug 27, 2007 5:10 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So if Edward's money is from corporate sources, then he's a hypocrite, whereas Kucinich is not. And yet AlterNet - SO PROGRESSIVE, we are told - is endorsing Edwards over Kucinich, because he's more "viable." But DK would be viable if AlterNet and other likeminded media endorsed him! Besides, Edward's "viability" is a result of - guess what?? - his CORPORATE funding sources. DK has raised a lot less money, but it's all pure, not tainted by the corporate totalitarians who tyrannize our country.

Face it - our government is bought and sold by corporations. Either Edwards puts his money where his mouth is, or he needs to STFU and let the NON-charlatans like Kucinich do the talking AND the walking.

» AlterNet won't endorse ... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: AlterNet won't endorse ... Posted by: WitchyNy
» RE: AlterNet won't endorse ... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: dwards is a CHARLATAN! Posted by: JohnMucci

Comments are closed-

This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.

Comments are closed-

It's About Time
[Report this comment]
Posted by: coyote on Aug 27, 2007 8:17 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is what I have been waiting for. I'm getting out my checkbook.

Comments are closed-

Choose the Lesser of Two Evils and You Get
[Report this comment]
Posted by: mcartri on Aug 27, 2007 8:57 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Evil. I was a county coordinator for Obama in '04. He's a good man, but as I've watched the last few months pass, I'm believing John Edwards best represents my progressive views. I've listened to Hillary with an open mind and would love to see a woman or African-American President, but I view Barack and Hillary now as Corporate Democrats. Yes, that's better than any Republican running, but Edwards hammers the nail in-You cannot lie down with those lobbyists and not be their political whore. That the corporate media has chosen Clinton and Obama as our choices already infuriates me. An Edwards/ Richardson ticket would begin to return America to "We The People".

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2FedUp
[Report this comment]
Posted by: 2FedUp on Aug 27, 2007 10:05 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dennis Kucinich has been the only candidate who has consistently and uncompromisingly spoken the truth about what has happened, and what needs to be done. Unfortunately, the corporate media has refused to take him seriously. Can't they handle the truth? John Edwards' speech helps to bring it forth, and has given me some hope that maybe somebody besides DK is developing a spine. These are truly crucial times for our leaders to stand up & speak the truth about our role in world affairs and our rights as citizens.

» RE: 2FedUp... Right, but... Posted by: Pirate1

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We need to...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Pirate1 on Aug 27, 2007 11:12 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Start a movement to repeal the person status of corporations that Congress granted them during the 19th century. They have done nothing but abuse it and now the very planet we call home is in peril due to their excesses and mismanagement and manipulations. It's time to cut it off.

Comments are closed-

BOLLOCKS
[Report this comment]
Posted by: FeelingAMoment on Aug 27, 2007 11:24 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is a load of bollocks. Edwards is nothing more than a pretty boy populist. During the month of May, Edwards received $55,000 to give a speech, "Poverty, the Great Moral Issue Facing America," at UC Davis. The poor students who attended were charged $17 a ticket. Earlier this month, it was reported that despite the fact he denounces "predatory lending" and sub-prime mortgages for the poor, Edwards made nearly $500,000 as a consultant to a hedge fund involved in that business.

The former senator defended his gig on the grounds that he took the job to learn how financial markets relate to poverty. This is a bit like saying you frequent brothels so you can learn where babies come from. But here's the hilarious part: Edwards said he didn't know the fund was involved in sub-prime lending. If he was there to learn about poverty and finance, how did he miss this salient fact? He must be a very slow learner. No wonder his former political consultant, Bob Shrum, calls him "a Clinton who hadn't read the books.

Business Week magazine reports that Edwards launched a poverty center that conveniently worked out of the same office as his political action committee. The nonprofit center spent a staggering 70% of the money it raised on a speaking tour for Edwards and on salaries for staffers who in short order just happened to join his presidential campaign. This gives new meaning to the term "poverty pimp."

Now, of course, this doesn't mean that he doesn't care about poverty, and there's certainly nothing wrong with making money. Edwards has clearly convinced himself that he's done nothing wrong. He launched his fortune as an ambulance-chasing lawyer, after all, so he's good at convincing people, starting with himself, that he's on the side of the angels. But the story he tells to prove he's not a hypocrite is typically phony. For example, his 2004 presidential campaign highlighted the humble little house he led people to believe he grew up in. But the small home touted in commercials was Edwards' residence until he reached the ripe old age of 1. Then, his father the mill worker was promoted to management and the family moved into a more expensive home that never appeared in his campaign ads.

It's not that Edwards is a liar, it's that he's a toothy door-to-door salesman, seemingly hawking the issues when he's really just hawking himself.Sen. John Edwards has exploited the middle of his famous three H's -- his $400 haircuts, his hedge-fund consulting and his new 28,000-square-foot home -- to spread his fortune around a maze of trusts and accounts that total something between $29.5 million (his campaign's estimate) and $62 million (the high end of ranges described in his federal disclosure).

Barack obama on the other hand, is a better man.# He hasn’t accumulated a totally atrocious voting record: Politics often force a person to make deals that go against his principles and morals. Since he has only been in the U. S. Senate for 2 years, he has not truly sold his soul to the devil. It is sometimes easy to contradict yourself on the campaign trail when you say one thing and your voting record reads differently. His Intelligence: He is arguably one of the smartest Senators that the U.S. has seen in decades. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, were he was editor of the Law Review.

He also grew up poor, and unlike the other candidates, has lived outside of America. He would negotiate with other countries instead of engaging in xenophobic haraunging. He may not have that much experiene, but he more than makes up for it with youthful vitality. Obama has also raised $ 55.7 million, that is without the help of special interest groups and political action commites.

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Edwards v. Cheney debate(?)
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Col. Jackleg on Aug 28, 2007 1:22 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Anyone that saw the "brilliant trial lawyer" get his ass kicked by Cheney in the '04 "debate" better rethink this candidate as the best response to freefall under Bush. I would have loved the opportunity to rip Cheney on failing to register to vote for 12 years after leaving Washington to serve Halliburton's criminality and then running to Wyoming to register late and be able to dominate and cue card the Ticksass dimwit he serves. His Halliburton record is a field day in itself, but it was comped. His draft-dodging deferments were overlooked while he spouted his war bullshit to a moron that voted for all of it. Edwards flunked that test and lost my support, nothing has changed. One Democrat stands tall, consistent and spot on in his vision for change with meaning, purpose and dignity and he is DENNIS KUCINICH. I have said it before and I will say it again....he will never be seriously considered for the presidency because he is too perfect a choice to undo the carnage left by Reagan-Bush-Clinton-Bush that has unduly enriched and protected craven corporate greed and subjugated working Americans to third world status. We will get Hillary and some Republican half-ass in opposition and the result will be no different than 2004. Only the feckless Democrats could blow the 2008 election at every level and they will, the groundswell of progressive hope notwithstanding. Edwards is not the answer. He wasn't in '04 and he is not in '08.

Comments are closed-

Corporate Challenge
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ldasteelworker on Aug 28, 2007 2:57 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So John Edwards has gone after Corporate America and said in a speech that; "It's time to tell the big corporations and the lobbyists who have been running things for too long that their time is over."

I remember another Presidential candidate that went after Corporate America too. On December 18, 2003 he said; "...the new social contract must redefine the role of government in establishing appropriate limits for corporate behavior." And; "...in our nation, the people are sovereign, not the government. It is the people – not the media, or the financial system, or mega-corporations, or the two political parties – who have the power to create change."

It was Howard Dean that said that. And he proposed that; "The new social contract must include stricter accountability for corporate behavior, and a return to a stronger role for government in protecting the public interest." He went on giving details on how this could be accomplished...

Thirty days later Corporate Media showed who really has the power by making sure Dean would never win the nomination. Corporate Media's coverage of Dean's speech to 3,500 cheering supporters in Iowa consisted of an out-of-context, sound edited, and cropped so as not to see the crowd video clip in what has become known as the "Dean Scream." The video clip was aired repeatedly for days and weeks to make sure ( like over 630 times in four days sure ) that Howard Dean and anyone else for that matter would learn not to challenge Corporate America!

Of course after it was a done deal Corporate Media offered public apologies and admissions that they indeed may have "overplayed" the incident.

So now John Edwards wants to; "...end the game." and says that Corporate America; "...will not give up their power -- you have to take it from them." And I wholeheartedly agree with him when he says that; "...it is because we were not vigilant against the forces that have taken it from us. That their game has played on for so long is the fault of each of us -- ending the game and returning government of the people to the people is the responsibility of all of us."

Let's hope that Corporate America doesn't win this game again and call Edwards out!


See Also:

To Build One America; End the Game - John Edwards, 8/23/2007.

Keeping the Promise of America: Creating a New Social Contract for America's Working Families - Howard Dean, 12/18/2003.

Howard Dean Q&A - Part 3, Corporate Greed and Globalization - 1/03/2004

Statement of Former Governor Howard Dean After Placing Third in the Iowa Caucus Vote - Howard Dean, 1/19/2004

Dean's Scream: Not What It Seemed - Eric Salzman, CBS News, 1/26/2004.

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People Talking to People
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Posted by: MamaBear2008 on Aug 28, 2007 6:34 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
John is ordinary Americans' #1 advocate and this nation's best chance for healing.

The best way to spread his message and to combat MSM's goal to mock and trivialize John is people talking to people.

Share articles with all your friends along with your reasons for supporting John. Order T-shirts and bumper stickers from his website's campaign store at http://officialedwardsstore.com/. They are great conversation starters among people you meet in town. Volunteer locally by joining One Corps or starting a new chapter.

Our local One Corps chapter has held many events already, including several voter registration drives. When people hear John's message, they switch parties to vote for him!

As One Corps' motto says: TOMORROW BEGINS TODAY!

Spread the word!

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Respect His Hustle
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Posted by: HipHopHustler82 on Aug 28, 2007 10:18 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm not a huuuge supporter of Edwards, but I just read about this on Global Grind's myspace blog (blog.myspace.com/theglobalgrind) and I respect his honesty more than anything else. Everyone knows what a big election is and I feel like a lot of candidates are trying to take advantage of that and our feelings towards it. Everyone should try a little honesty like Edwards.

Alternet Comments:

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Edwards-Kucinich! The only better choice would be Stewart-Colbert.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: thoughtcriminal on Aug 26, 2007 11:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm only partially not serious. At the very least, I'd love to see Jon Stewart host both a Republican and a Democratic presidential debate. The deer-in-the-headlight glaze of the leading contenders would be priceless.

One point about Edwards is that his lead donor is ActBlue - the complete list of donors for all candidates can be found at Open Secrets.

It's instructive to look at the remarkable similarities in funding between Obama, Hillary, Romney, Giuliani and McCain, and to compare that to Edwards and Kucinich's sources. (Although I doubt that some of Edward's previous donors are too pleased about his recent comments...)

I think what we are seeing now is real effort by the corporate media to throw the race to either Hillary or Obama. This kind of coverage can't be bought - and anyone who looks at the ownership of the corporate media will quickly realize that they're just following the orders of their controlling shareholders - i.e. the very same investment banks that have thrown their weight behind Hillary and Obama.

For example, the ongoing stories about Edward's ties to hedge funds and the subprime crisis ignore entirely the fact that Obama's #1 donor is Goldman Sachs - the very firm that had set up a hedge fund to specialize in these loans, and which took a big hit as a result.

What's remarkable is the ongoing media attempt to portray Obama as a populist candidate, when in reality, he's at the top of the investment bank's list of preferred candidates.

"During the first quarter he nearly doubled Clinton's take from private-equity firms--$85,350 against $47,900, according to the magazine Private Equity Hub--and, with $479,209, he placed first among candidates from both parties in giving from investment banks, many of which run their own hedge funds and private-equity operations (Rudy Giuliani, the runner-up, got $473,442)."

However, regardless of who wins the presidency, ordinary citizens are going to have to keep a very close eye on politicians, the media, and corporate power centers - and will also have to involve themselves in the process to a far greater degree than has been the case. If that happens, we could see some real positive changes take place. Edwards would at least be something of an people's ally in that process.

» They at least APPEAR... Posted by: ABetterFuture
» RE: Don't do that to Dennis. Posted by: oregoncharles

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Is Edwards Credible?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: texshelters on Aug 26, 2007 12:06 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wasn't Edwards in the Senate when some of the current undemocratic legislation was passed? Wasn't he part of the Kerry ticket that was also loathe to support a populist agenda? Why should we believe him now? Kucinich is the real deal. However, better Edwards than the other front runners, whatever their names are...

Joe Tex

» RE: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: CatDad
» RE: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: greenthumb
» RE: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: peacefullaim
» Re: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: Conservasaurus
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: surfreality
» Typical Dino Posted by: Ellie1
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: CatDad
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: dlueth
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: drmflorida
» RE: e: Is Edwards Credible? Posted by: peacefullaim
» Kucinich? Posted by: Scientz
» RE: Kucinich? Posted by: lfranks
» RE: Kucinich? Posted by: magnolia
» RE: Kucinich? Posted by: sea4th

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Hallelujah!
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Posted by: ~Fiona~ on Aug 26, 2007 12:55 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Its about damned time someone told big business to stick their money where the sun don't shine.

I wonder if that corporate whore Hillary will change her tune when she finds Edwards gaining ground?

» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: deenie
» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: halg
» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: babs
» RE: Hallelujah! Posted by: racetoinfinity

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joyce
[Report this comment]
Posted by: joysea on Aug 26, 2007 1:11 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
At last! The campaign is beginning to sound exciting... and REAL! I so hope that Edwards is being authentic. and that he has the courage to hold his ground. He will be the target of so many greedy, vicious, complicit and unpatriotic people! May The Force be with him. Besides, John has such a handsome face, and his would be a nice replacement for Bush's asexual smirk.

» RE: joyce Posted by: Basenjis

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No other candidate
[Report this comment]
Posted by: hurricane hugo on Aug 26, 2007 2:00 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
paints as accurate a picture of where we are right now as Edwards does. Does that translate into being able to change the elements of that picture should he be elected? Who knows?
I'd like to find out, though.

plur

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Reminder
[Report this comment]
Posted by: PirateJesus on Aug 26, 2007 2:03 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Remember if you decide to throw your hat in with Edwards to donate if you can spare the money. There's a big gap in funding and though that does not necessarily break the campaign, it could.

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Agreed!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: porgygirl on Aug 26, 2007 2:33 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Donate to the Edwards campaign, and put a bumper sticker on your car/bike/backpack. The corporate media has been working hard to marginalize Edwards despite his strong support, and the more visible we can make that support, the better.

Edwards/Kucinich would be a dream. Although he hasn't been impressing me lately, I think Edwards/Richardson would be a good pair--Richardson's international and executive experience would be helpful, and Edwards has enough Elvis (as Molly Ivins would say) for both of them.

» Richardson is an idiot. Posted by: Obijuan
» RE: ichardson is an idiot. Posted by: Lauren
» nice, Lauren. Posted by: porgygirl
» RE: nice, Lauren. Posted by: drmflorida
» thank you hagwind! Posted by: dlueth

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Good ole fashion Convention
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Posted by: EJW on Aug 26, 2007 2:52 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Yes - now it gets interesting. Maybe we have have a rip roaring Democratic Convention like in the past. Politics hasn't been this entertaining in my lifetime. I just hope if Edwards or Kucinich makes it, they don't go the way of Robert Kennedy. Dennis Kucinich is a real fighter and it looks like Edwards is going there as well. Thank the powers that be that the blinders are coming off and the veil is thinning.

Transparency and public funding - have to do it if we want to survive as a country and a world.

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Sort of deja-vu'ish..
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Posted by: imjustanidiotidontknowanything on Aug 26, 2007 2:58 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
..a blend of ralph nader and jimmy carter. Yes he will not make it. Fact is that the forces,that he ,$23 mil. dollars and ..i don't know how many voters are up against, are too big!
change is hard.like fighting windmills.

» RE: Sort of deja-vu'ish.. Posted by: PirateJesus
» RE: Sort of deja-vu'ish.. Posted by: imjustanidiotidontknowanything
» RE: Sort of deja-vu'ish.. Posted by: Lauren

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I hope he's for real, but I'm skeptical.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: dlueth on Aug 26, 2007 4:42 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What's Edwards' net worth at these days? And how's his voting track record?

» Why is his net worth relevant? Posted by: may261989
» RE: Why isn't his net worth relevant? Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Here's a better question: Posted by: HeroesAll

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Edwards is Being Attacked Based on Stock Holdings
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Posted by: PirateJesus on Aug 26, 2007 7:38 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So, he owns stock in a mortgage company that's trying to stay afloat, just like any other mortgage company these days. What percentage of mortgage companies are completely shutting down these days?

Anyone have more information about this?

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Edwards, you got my attention
[Report this comment]
Posted by: peacelf on Aug 26, 2007 7:44 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I love Dennis Kucinich, and I'd vote for him any day of the week and twice on Sundays, if I was Republican and lived in Florida. However, Edwards, you got my attention. I know they call you a populist, but now you're talking my language:anti-corporation. Corporate power, or, more specifically, plutocratic power is on the rise since that famed neo-liberal of yesteryear, Bill, (I didn't have sex with that woman) Clinton fostered the spinachification of corporate power with NAFTA, CAFTA because I HAVE Ta'. The Corporate Blutos turned national wealth into international wealth, and now many of us stand by and watch with utter dispair.
Along comes Kucinich in 2004, shouting from the pulpit only to land on deaf ears (my apologies to the hearing impaired), and what, look up there!...in the sky! It's a bird!...It's a plane!, It's John Edwards flying faster than a speeding bullet, and not mussing up his hair, to save the day!
Help! Help! Please save me from my corporate master!
Please save us, somebody.

Peace

» RE: dwards, you got my attention Posted by: SusanForKucinich

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Nice and ok, but I seriously doubt he can match Kucinich or even Gravel and don't forget Huckabee.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: maxpayne on Aug 26, 2007 8:21 PM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If there is a contest between Huckabee and Edwards, Huckabee will have a better chance at get the populist vote over Edwards. Hint: Governor vs Senator. Now we all know that Governor beats Senator almost every presidential election.

» Hint, you're wrong Posted by: Phenix

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Same man I heard in 2003, people listening now
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Posted by: JohnMucci on Aug 26, 2007 8:44 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I supported John Edwards in 2003. I came to him first through his policy proposals. Then I went to hear him speak.

Today's John Edwards is really the same John Edwards I heard 2003. When he talked about corporate lobbyists then he thought we ought to "cut 'em off at the knees."

His policy proposals then were thoughtful as they are now. The difference today is that he has decided that the time has passed for the more incremental approaches he took in his last run.

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Same opportunity rhetoric as Andy Stern
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Posted by: charles on Aug 26, 2007 9:27 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Radical-sounding rhetoric, a reactionary "universal health care" proposal, and American dream opportunity terminology close to Andy Stern. For example,

Q: You have carved out a left-of-center position in the race for the Democratic nomination by talking about the growing disparity in this country between the haves and the have-nots—the Two Americas. With your millions in the bank and celebrated $400 haircut, aren't you very much one of the haves? So how sincerely can voters take your position?

A: Oh, there's no question that my family is a "have," absolutely no question about that. But I began in a family that had nothing. And because of hard work and luck, I've had a lot of success in my life, like lots of Americans have. So my view is that I have a responsibility, both as a citizen and as a Presidential candidate, to try to make the same opportunities available to others. That's at the heart and soul of why I'm running for President. I understand what the American dream is. I think it is important to embrace that aspirational component, to applaud those who have done well and give opportunity to everyone to do well.

--Interview in Business Week, Aug. 20

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Very tiring
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Captainmagic on Aug 26, 2007 11:25 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Just exactly when would it be that you Americans actually hold out both hands, palm upwards and look at one hand and then look at the other. Thinking for a moment...OK several moments.. and then saying to yourselves...Mmmmmmm..Bu$hCo- Edwards...Mmmmm...Bu$shCo.....Mmmmmm...Edwards...jee I wonder if we should trust Edwards?....Mmmmmmm....He doesn't seem to have enough amerikan $'s.
Dear people there seam's to be a man of some standing among you, who is offering something other than catastrophe for America.....Mmmmmmm...Bu$hCo.....Edwards....Elites/ greed or Edwards/ America....

Thank the gods I am not an American, who can't see an amerikan when he see's one....Psssssst (Bu$hCo)

I have always asked for "True America" to please stand up...

So what are you waiting for....STAND UP!!!!!!

Change your destiny...we of the rest of the world await you to "share" with us, all that we together, can be....>>

Regards Captain.

P.S. Please leave your bombs in the dustbin of history.

» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Tom Degan
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: OEST
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Lincoln fan
» RE: Very tiring: Lincoln fan Posted by: Basenjis
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Lauren
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: OEST
» RE: Very tiring Posted by: Lincoln fan

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David Scott
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Posted by: davedenali on Aug 27, 2007 3:28 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If the writer believes that attacking "corporate Dems" is going to make up a 25 point gap in the polls, I got news. It gets Edwards the Kucinich vote.

» RE: David Scott Posted by: solrev
» RE: David Scott Posted by: Basenjis
» RE: David Scott by choice Posted by: solrev
» RE: David Scott Posted by: jmp3954

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Bravo, John Edwards
[Report this comment]
Posted by: paul_revere on Aug 27, 2007 3:34 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I have been a fan of John Edwards all along. He was really disappointed when Kerry didn't pursue the investigation/recount after the election in Ohio. I could sense that he was truly on our (the peoples') side then. He actually seemed shocked that Kerry caved so quickly.

He's the person who is going to change this country. Everything about him is good except maybe the issues surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, he may feel a bit more sympathy for the Palestinians once he secures the Presidency. The AIPAC lobby can cause problems for any Dem candidate if you go against the Likud/Zionist policies, or at least seem to. I have hope that John will set the Zionist lobby straight after he's elected.

I am going to support Edwards all the way, and if I get to be a delegate to the Democratic Convention, I will not relinquish my vote to anyone else. Edwards is the best hope for our country. Period.

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Nice Rhetoric, but . . .
[Report this comment]
Posted by: EKSwitaj on Aug 27, 2007 3:37 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I would like some evidence that he will actually stand up and fight for his supposed ideals. His health care plan doesn't go far enough for me; as long as the profit motive remains part of the system, quality of care will suffer. And I'm not about to forget that he voted to authorize the war in Iraq.

» RE: Nice Rhetoric, but . . . Posted by: bkvwd57
» RE: Nice Rhetoric, but . . . Posted by: leafsong1

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I'm just sick and tired of the Corporatocracy!!!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: helgerry on Aug 27, 2007 3:41 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Mr. Edwards, if you're serious, YOU GOT MY VOTE! As a democrat, I was beginning to loose hope in the Democratic Party. Hillary? Corporate whore! Obama? He's been bought and paid for as well (I'm a black person, however I do not feel any obligation to vote for him at all)!
I'm so disillusioned that I've been considering voting for Ron Paul. But Mr. Edwards, if you really mean what you said in that speech I will vote for you... Please do not disappoint me sir.
I'm just sick and tired of the Corporatocracy!!!

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the truth resonates no matter who tells it
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Suzon on Aug 27, 2007 4:40 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We can enthusiastically support those who want to restore the idea of "liberty and justice for all" whoever they may be.

Americans may have been dumbed down through blatant misrepresentations, quasi-religious patriotic fever and fear, but "telling it like it is" can overcome this.

If the message is the right one, it doesn't matter who delivers it!

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Edwards all the way
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Shey on Aug 27, 2007 4:50 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I've been 100% behind John Edwards since he announced and every time I hear him speak, I'm more impressed. He's saying all the things I so hoped to hear Kerry say when he was running, only to be disappointed time after time. Edwards may be our last hope, if we want to save what's left of our rapidly disintegrating democracy.

» RE: dwards all the way Posted by: SusanForKucinich
» RE: dwards all the way Posted by: SusanForKucinich

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God's Speed!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: williameon on Aug 27, 2007 5:46 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There is a new wind blowing!
We must ride it to
Victory in 08
If we all work hard enough in solidarity
We will effect positive progressive change.
I am starting to hear some very progressive ideas expressed by the
Democratic Candidates.
This is very uplifting to me.
Our voices have been heard.
There is a lot of Reptilian Selection Machinery to overcome.
Rigged machines
False Flag Operations
Caging lists
Packed courts
Unlimited funds
and
The Faux Media.

Our work is cut out for us.
We must stop!
The War Machine first.
Then change the system that created it.
It is a abuse of power.
Accountability is Job One.
They must be held responsible for their crimes.
Corpirate power must be curtailed.
Their political shills removed from office.
Their strangle hold on the voice of freedom removed.
Disband
The Black Army and
Their Shadow Government

Help Stop!
These
Lying
Spying
Secretive
Greedy
Murderous
Torturous
Corpirate Crooks!

» RE: God's Speed! Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: God's Speed! Posted by: Lauren

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You Forget
[Report this comment]
Posted by: paschn on Aug 27, 2007 5:47 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Something. Ballot machines without paper. Here's why Mr. Edwards will not be elected, ( although I want him to be). The swine stole 2 elections already and Republicans being what they are, instead of being outraged at elections in this country stolen by the elite, they think it was "cute". Well, they've been able to distract the drones, ( not a difficult feat ), enough again to prevent mandatory paper trails on voting machines.
Edwards' plan for universal healthcare is insightful and could work but, as the drones did with Clinton, they'll bury their heads up their collective butts and not focus enough to elect him OR prevent the elite from stealing another one. The US sheeple wouldn't recognize a moral, concerned, compassionate candidate if one bit them on the ass. Like the little neo-con "deb" said during the Nixon/Mcgovern campaign when asked why she knew Nixon would win; " Just look. All the Nixon supporters drive BMW's and Cadillacs. McGovern's all drive Chevy's and Volkswagens."
Eisenhower said in a letter to his brother that any candidate foolish enough to meddle with workers' rights or social security would NOT be a politician long. He forgot one key thing. The sheep mentality of the drones in this country.

» RE: You Forget Posted by: OEST
» RE: You Forget Posted by: JohnMucci

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End of Edwards...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Ydotheyhateus on Aug 27, 2007 5:52 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Corporate Amerika is going to destroy Edwards. The weapon of choice will be main-stream media. Get ready for new attacks on Edwards about such trivial issues like his 'hair-cuts'.

Edwards must know that now he doesn't have a chance at all to win the nomination! He understands the true master of democratic amerika is the military-industrial complex that feeds holds the purse strings of the political campaigns!

» RE: nd of Edwards... Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: nd of Edwards... Posted by: Lincoln fan

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Why Edwards has a chance, and what he must do.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: KeepsonTickn on Aug 27, 2007 5:55 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's important to consider why Congressional approval ratings are hovering around 20% now. People don't "disapprove more of Democrats than Republicans," they have just discovered that too many Democrats are not much different from the Republicans.

That same concern holds true for Presidential candidates, and can bring John Edwards the nomination, if he is willing and able to really get the message out. Hillary defends lobbyists, and Obama wants to partner with them. We need someone who will show them the door.

I want to see John Edwards get the nomination, but I was disappointed when he backed off from the "bumper sticker" comment. I believe he should have pressed it and further explained himself, rather than leaving to to the media to present it as an "Edwards faux-pas." He should have noted that the "War on Terror" turns "criminals" into "warriors," and has elevated the status of terrorists throughout the middle east.

The media will find some negative sound bite here as well; to counter that, Edwards must follow through on the point, and continue to hammer it. One thing Bush knows (and maybe the only thing he's ever been right about) - when you market something, whether it is toothpaste or a war, constant repetition is what sells.

Edwards should also talk about public financing and clean elections, which is the only way the corporate stranglehold on politicians can be broken. Tell us how to fix to the problem - most people don't have a clue.

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talking about corporate democrats....
[Report this comment]
Posted by: eosrk on Aug 27, 2007 6:22 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...and he's sporting a 400 dollar haircut.

» HAIR! HAIR! corporate democrats.... Posted by: alternetrose
» Unless Posted by: hurricane hugo
» As somebody mentioned above... Posted by: MatthewSavage

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Edwards' Window is Closing
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Mike5000 on Aug 27, 2007 6:23 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Edwards had his chance to be a progressive president but his window is closing. He talks the talk but his policies are the usual corporate welfare (check his website.).

Iraq: Edwards only removes combat troops. He would continue air strikes, special ops, mercenaries, military advisers and trainers, logistics, all the (don't call them "combat") troops needed to protect the above and their (many decades but not "permanent") bases. Most importantly, Edwards would protect war profits.

Health: No solution, just a morass of legalize and a requirement that more of us give money to insurance companies.

Peace Dividend: No way. Gotta feed the Military Industrial Complex. Edwards wants to modernize and rebuild our armed forces. We're already more powerful than the rest of the world combined. Is he planning on attacking Mars? No, just keeping the good ole corporate boys happy.

Civil Rights: An after thought. With Busheviks rigging elections and shredding the Constitution, Edwards has no civil rights agenda, just a meaningless footnote to his plan for more fascist fatherland security.

We were early supporters because we liked his rhetoric. He ought to have plans to halve the pentagon budget, prosecute election riggers, break up monopolies, and recover hundreds of billions of dollars from war profiteers. But he doesn't. If he can't control his DLC policy wonks now, he'll never be a populist in charge of the White House.

Questions? Check his website.

» RE: dwards' Window is Closing Posted by: tommy_slothrop
» RE: dwards' Window is Closing Posted by: JohnMucci
» RE: dwards' Window is Closing Posted by: tommy_slothrop
» Good point Mike Posted by: WitchyNy
» RE: Edwards' Window is Closing Posted by: Earthian

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This is what we have all been wishing for is it not?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: american on Aug 27, 2007 7:04 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Let me tell you one thing I have learned from my experience," Edwards said last week. "You cannot deal with them on their terms. You cannot play by their rules, sit at their table, or give them a seat at yours. They will not give up their power -- you have to take it from them."

Wow! This is "downright revolutionary" and gets people killed in other countries...wait...it gets them killed here, too.

"John Edwards is becoming a very different kind of candidate, and his growing message of empowerment and attack on the corporate class may prove to be the most interesting story of campaign 2008."

More than that: it will be the most interesting story of the first half or the 21st century. He will be this century's Theodore Roosevelt.

'Bout time.

» Yup Posted by: american
» Oh, THAT Theodore Roosevelt! Posted by: hagwind
» "Muscular Christianity" Posted by: hagwind

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OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING !
[Report this comment]
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Aug 27, 2007 7:16 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So I turned my computer on at 9AM Eastern Time. Gonzo finally quit and John Edwards suddenly broke away from the pack. Looks like our military will be pulled from Iraq. Sarkoszy finally spoke up. Then I read all the comments on this site to find that the majority of readers favor Edwards. He is seriously all about the American people. He's a real charmer but he doesn't kiss anybody's butt. Underneath the boyish smile is a tough smart guy who doesn't cave in. ANNA

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OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING !
[Report this comment]
Posted by: VZEQICVA on Aug 27, 2007 7:16 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So I turned my computer on at 9AM Eastern Time. Gonzo finally quit and John Edwards suddenly broke away from the pack. Looks like our military will be pulled from Iraq. Sarkoszy finally spoke up. Then I read all the comments on this site to find that the majority of readers favor Edwards. He is seriously all about the American people. He's a real charmer but he doesn't kiss anybody's butt. Underneath the boyish smile is a tough smart guy who doesn't cave in. ANNA

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GOOD FOR EDWARDS. I AM RUNNING TO DO THE SAME IN NC's
[Report this comment]
Posted by: poppop_schell on Aug 27, 2007 7:21 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
12th Congressional District. I have promise NEVER to take a PAC donation from either companies or abor unions but will from special issuses PACS like those who seek to protect the Environment.

Anyone wishing to help make sur Edwards has a Congressman to support him wen he is elected, conatct schellforcongress@hotmail.com

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good grief folks the idiot we have now was "the white knight"
[Report this comment]
Posted by: MAD on Aug 27, 2007 7:52 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Edwards came out and made a proposal to the American "people" and so many of you nay sayers are dregging up all your own little piss ant reasons why to sniff your noses at him. Ride the horse until he gives you a reason to get off. If you follow some very simple things like push the envelope when it presents itself the media will have its hand forced. Get the ball rolling is as simple as that. SIMPLY PUSH THE ENVELOPE. EDWARDS has mad a huge decision that others won't do, the ball is now in the court of the people to pick up. Hound the media. Crazy Carlos

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Republicans and Corporate media want Hillary to win. . .
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bowriter on Aug 27, 2007 7:59 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the nomination knowing she can't win the general election against the likes of a Fred "Regan Copy Cat" Thompson or even that ass Rudy. Edwards, Kucinich et. a.l be damned in the process. . .Dems better wake up and nominate someone who can win. I almost guarantee Hillary would lose the general election if nominated: Rush and co. will have a field day. . .they'd rather see the reincarnation of Hitler take over than see Hillary as President. Even if she won, it would be a bruising 4 years. . . An Obama/Edwards ticket with Kucinich as a future Secretary of State would be a power house and the repubs and conservatives would have little dirt to dig up and throw around with that ticket. . .they would but it would be a lot less than Hillary Bash '08. . .THINK DEMS THINK

» Karl Rove wants Hillary to win. . . Posted by: KeepsonTickn
» Exactly! Posted by: CatDad
» But wait! There's more! Posted by: KeepsonTickn

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Kucinich hasn't been heard by Alternet in decades
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Ripcord on Aug 27, 2007 8:07 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Josh, I thought that only your boss deliberately ignored
Kucinich to campaign for Edwards

» Absolute nonsense Posted by: Joshua Holland
» nice snow-job Josh Posted by: Ripcord
» Quality Article Posted by: Phenix
» RE: Quality Article Posted by: Joshua Holland
» In your own world Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: In Edwards' world Posted by: Ripcord
» RE: In Edwards' world Posted by: Joshua Holland

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Davy
[Report this comment]
Posted by: davy on Aug 27, 2007 8:46 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The more I read about corporate america the more I realize that there are 2 americas, the people and the corporations. When the corporations say, something/someone doesn't support america they mean corporate america. Better wake up soon. If you think this isn't real look to central/south america. The terrorists are us folks.

» RE: Davy Posted by: solrev
» RE: Davy Posted by: Lauren

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How Much Reform Will The Dem Party Allow?
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Posted by: Moe Snodgrass on Aug 27, 2007 8:47 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sure, Edwards and Kucinich are preferred but remember, they're still Dems, the party that got into bed with the Repubs to create the Commission on Presidential debates, to eliminate third parties and to sanitize and control the content of the televised debates.

I don't know the answer so I'm asking: exactly how much influence will the Democratic Party have concerning meaningful reform at the end of the day? Is it just up to Edwards/Kucinich or are there stronger powers at work in the party?

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JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: AlohaTerry on Aug 27, 2007 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
To me, Edwards invokes memories of JFK and RFK--he is sincere and is definitely our clear choice to defeat the RepuKKians and the Global Corporate Technocracy!! IMPEACH BUSH/ CHENEY NOW!! DO NOT LET THEM START WWIII by BOMBING IRAN!! ELECT EDWARDS!! I, for one, will work my butt off for John Edwards!! I don't care who is VP--Hillary or Obama--but seriously, Edwards is the MAN that RepuKKKians and Rove FEAR the Most!

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Finally a breath of fresh air
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tim_s_eb@yahoo.com on Aug 27, 2007 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am delighted to read what Edwards had to say about what really is ailing America today, standing firm against corporate and the wealthy is admirable and a noble cause. I hope it isn't empty rhetoric and that he stays the course to bring about real democracy and people power.

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He Voted for the Protect America Act
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Posted by: whoisjoe on Aug 27, 2007 9:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The quote in the third-to-last paragraph mentions spying on Americans, implying that Edwards is against this.

If that's true, why, oh why did he support the Protect America Act???

Most disappointing.

» He didn't vote for it Posted by: Joshua Holland

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If we think small, we'll just get smaller
[Report this comment]
Posted by: hagwind on Aug 27, 2007 9:20 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Some people see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say why not?"

It's going to be hard to let go of the nit-picking and the nay-saying and the conspiracy-theorizing, but if we start practicing now, maybe we'll be at least able to fake it by the time primary season starts. Deal?

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Sounds promising
[Report this comment]
Posted by: arclight on Aug 27, 2007 9:26 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In 2004, I supported Kucinich in the primaries as a means to influence the party's direction. In 2007/8, I'm looking for an actual candidate. John Edwards seems like that candidate so far. I would love to see an Edwards/Kucinich ticket, or even an Edwards/Obama ticket. This piece just furthers that feeling.

» RE: Sounds promising Posted by: Lauren

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Don't Blame Edwards for Kerry's Loss
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Posted by: JackieGiles on Aug 27, 2007 9:36 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Do not imagine that as Kerry's running mate, Edwards had anything like an equal voice re: policy, issue emphasis or, for that matter, public exposure! He was kept out of sight to avoid outshining Kerry.

I sent Edwards an e-mail and as large a contribution as I could 2 days ago, as a retiree on a fixed income. My e-mail supported his attack on corporate lobbyists and I am thrilled that he has spoken out so clearly and unequivocally about taking away lobbyists' power.

I believe he is sincere, and I hope everyone who shares my opinion will send him a contribution as large as you can manage. This is a critical time in the nomination race, and a groundswell of contributions might just make the CORPORATE MEDIA grudgingly admit that it is not just a two-"horse race" between candidates "blessed" by the Washington insiders. Anyone who believes that Hillary's and Barak's campaign money from corporations and the financial establishment will not affect their policies is naive beyone belief. There is no "spoon" long enough to justify supping with the corporate "devils" and their lobbyists.

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Edwards and Kucinich point the way
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Posted by: Democritus on Aug 27, 2007 10:02 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Since 2004 Edwards has talked about "the two Americas." Now he's narrowed the scope down to "the two Democratic Parties." Progressives have a choice: Kucinich or Edwards. Edwards is more telegenic than Kucinich, and he has more money. But it's good to know that they're now both running against corporate Democrats like Hillary and Obama--the latter placing himself in that category because he is too quick to compromise with the fatcats; whereas both Edwards and Kucinich know that that's just another, slower way of selling your soul.

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Realism finally taking electoral form
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Posted by: jearls on Aug 27, 2007 11:31 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think there is good reason for taking Edwards at his word. There is a heavy discontent in the US, and the rest of the world, because the candidates who finally get to stand for election are just slightly different variants of the same old policy. The relevant information, in Alternet, etc., is abundant and so are the polls showing ordinary peoples discontent with corporate democracy, ever more aggressive militarism, job outsourcing, abandonment of state obligations in health, education, etc. Edwards must be reading this information AND watching the polls on the issues. He must also recognise that the system has become totally unsustainable and needs a complete rational reorganization, or a real Hell is to come quickly. Also he has nothing to lose now, the official media are totally with the 2 corporate democrats, but unlike Kucinich he has name recognition and they can't ignore him. We can just hope he keeps on reading and analysing and keeping with the mass of the people's hopes.

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Why doesn't Edwards reject PAC money?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: mrjared on Aug 27, 2007 11:43 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's easy to say these types of things, especially when you are trailing so badly...but why won't Edwards come out and reject PAC money? Edwards populist "grassroots" message is hollow. There is only one actual grassroots campaign in the race, and it's Obama.

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YES!!!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tkwilson on Aug 27, 2007 12:10 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hope he makes it to the election. Better stay off small planes.

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I already have an Edwards bumper sticker on my Jeep-
[Report this comment]
Posted by: WitchyNy on Aug 27, 2007 12:28 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
-I can just peel off the KERRY part...................

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What Edwrds should do........
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tap17x on Aug 27, 2007 12:40 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...........to make himself popular with voters and to tell corporate fat cats to go fuckthemselves is, in part:
1. Single-payer
2. Call for widespread dispersal of media ownership
3. Stop corporate welfare
4. Sharply reduce military spending (part of 3)
5. Improve the infrastructure
6. Other things too numerous to think of right now.

» Number One Posted by: EJW

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He's got the VP spot
[Report this comment]
Posted by: leafsong1 on Aug 27, 2007 12:42 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The DLC needs a democrat for the Democratic ticket, and Edwards is the closest thing. This move to the "left" means that he is confident that when either Clinton or Obama clinches the nomination, Edwards will be the VP candidate who gives the ticket a populist (not to mention southern) air and gets democrats out to vote for the Democrats. This was Gore's role once, and he accomplished very little with it. In the end, he lost his reputation and lost to The Worst President Ever.

» RE: He's got the VP spot Posted by: tap17x
» RE: He's got the VP spot Posted by: leafsong1
» Interesting... Posted by: american
» RE: Interesting... Posted by: leafsong1
» RE: Interesting... Posted by: Lauren
» No ... Posted by: Joshua Holland

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We have a two-party system in this country,......
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tap17x on Aug 27, 2007 12:45 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
..........Conservative and Right-wing. This must stop before the voters get even more disgusted than they are now.
We haven't had anything resembling liberalism since Kennedy and (part of) Johnson. I blame a lot of this on that lazy ignorant idiot, Reagan, who put it over on millions of imbecile voters.

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REpublicans are motivated by.........
[Report this comment]
Posted by: tap17x on Aug 27, 2007 12:55 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
.........love of guns, hatred of "the other," imbecile dogmatic religion, greed, and fear. Real responsibility is an alien concept to them, let alone concern for anyone but themselves.

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He Talks The Talk, But Will He Walk The Walk
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bcgirl125 on Aug 27, 2007 12:56 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lot of big words from the Edwards campaign, but will he really do anything different once he gets in, surrounded by lobbyists and corporate money? Unless the entire system is cleaned up, with public funding of elections and a ban on lobbying, any candidate who wins high office will be co-opted quickly by the shadow government and corporate powers, or assassinated if he or she refuses to play along. Politicians never keep campaign promises not just because they are deliberate liars, but because circumstances prevent them from doing so.

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It isn't the man (or woman) it's our entire CORRUPT SYSTEM
[Report this comment]
Posted by: WitchyNy on Aug 27, 2007 1:10 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So many here have said-"This speech sounds like a Kennedy"

Yeah---and remember what happened to them???

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Right on, Edwards!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: racetoinfinity on Aug 27, 2007 1:16 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Keep saying what you're saying, John!

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People Easily Mislead by Edwards' rhetoric, 'charisma,' and looks
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Whitecliff on Aug 27, 2007 1:46 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Too many people (most of them women) are easily deceived by Edwards' flowery trial lawyer rhetoric, superficial charisma, and 'handsome' looks.

Don't fall for it. Kucinich, Gravel, or Paul are the only REAL candidates currently available.

It's too bad that the election has already happened, it's all been decided by the media and DC's think tanks...it'll be Hillary in 2008 (barring some freak accident or something).

» Right on Posted by: Ripcord

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Isn't Edwards the guy who...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: gvincent27 on Aug 27, 2007 1:58 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Pretty sure that this is the same guy that was investigated for breaking campaign finance laws during his 2004 campaign?
Pretty sure there's an article about that here

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MANUFACTURING SUPPORT
[Report this comment]
Posted by: dalea on Aug 27, 2007 2:31 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Will the real grassroots please stand up?

The number of contributions from individuals to Obama is impressive, however it masks a known corporate tactic to funnel money into all campaigns.

For a rundown on how these "individual contributions" account for substantial and hedged support by Wall Street for Obama, Clinton, and Giuliani (as well as Edwards!) see
this Washington Post report

Is it cynical to suppose that "Democratic frontrunners" Obama and Hillary both garner tremendous attention from the same corporate media that provides us with endless distractions (e.g., Paris Hilton, etc.) because neither have a shot in 2008?...and that this day-to-day coverage is in large part responsible for the "grassroots support" of Obama vs. Clinton?

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Shame, AlterNet!!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Flora Gael on Aug 27, 2007 3:45 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am so terribly sorry, but hasn't Edwards raised his money through largely **corporate** channels? If not, then will someone please enlighten me as to how he's raised so much? Because Kucinich is the ONLY Dem candidate, as far as I know, who actively REFUSES corporate money. Kucinich is the ONLY candidate who is the TRUE progressive, so stop trying to make Edwards out to be the one. He's Diet Kucinich, period.

AlterNet, you do so much right by exposing the TRUE news stories from a progressive perspective, but then you do so much wrong by refusing to focus on what you might term "fringe" candidates like Kucinich, and instead bolstering the business-as-usual CORPORATE candidates like Edwards. Edwards may be BETTER than Hilbama, but he's hardly pristinely progressive like Kucinich.

Kucinich is only a "fringe" candidate because true progressive media like AlterNet and so forth refuse to focus on him, perpetuating his pereceived unelectability. But Kucinich has won several prominent polls lately (the ABC poll, for one, which ABC promptly pulled down because DK is anti-corporate), and he always gets the biggest applause in the debates WHEN he is allowed to speak.

AlterNet, you have a DEMOCRATIC RESPONSIBILITY to feature all candidates prominently, not just the moneyed ones, and you have a PROGRESSIVE responsibility to support candidates like Dennis Kucinich, because he is the only one whose views resonate with your own.

Shame on you for mimicking mainstream media.

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Edwards' Money Comes from the Wealthy and Corporate Interests
[Report this comment]
Posted by: dd555 on Aug 27, 2007 4:23 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I like hearing this rhetoric from Edwards, an ostensibly "viable" candidate. On the other hand, if you look at his funding resources at opensecrets.org, he gets his money from all the same establishment sources that Obama and Clinton get their money from. The lawyers, the real estate agents, the bankers, the health care industry, etc. It makes me more than a little skeptical of whether or not Edwards would really back up this rhetoric with action if elected.

On the other hand, I do think it's important to have these positions articulated. The discourse itself can matter, regardless of who is articulating itself.

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sounds like a load of C--P
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bluebirdella on Aug 27, 2007 5:08 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Edwards IS a corporate Democrat. Gimme a f-----g break.

People who CARE should be voting Kucinich.

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Edwards is a CHARLATAN!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Flora Gael on Aug 27, 2007 5:10 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So if Edward's money is from corporate sources, then he's a hypocrite, whereas Kucinich is not. And yet AlterNet - SO PROGRESSIVE, we are told - is endorsing Edwards over Kucinich, because he's more "viable." But DK would be viable if AlterNet and other likeminded media endorsed him! Besides, Edward's "viability" is a result of - guess what?? - his CORPORATE funding sources. DK has raised a lot less money, but it's all pure, not tainted by the corporate totalitarians who tyrannize our country.

Face it - our government is bought and sold by corporations. Either Edwards puts his money where his mouth is, or he needs to STFU and let the NON-charlatans like Kucinich do the talking AND the walking.

» AlterNet won't endorse ... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: AlterNet won't endorse ... Posted by: WitchyNy
» RE: AlterNet won't endorse ... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: dwards is a CHARLATAN! Posted by: JohnMucci

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This comment has been removed from the site due to non-compliance with AlterNet's community policies.

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It's About Time
[Report this comment]
Posted by: coyote on Aug 27, 2007 8:17 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is what I have been waiting for. I'm getting out my checkbook.

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Choose the Lesser of Two Evils and You Get
[Report this comment]
Posted by: mcartri on Aug 27, 2007 8:57 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Evil. I was a county coordinator for Obama in '04. He's a good man, but as I've watched the last few months pass, I'm believing John Edwards best represents my progressive views. I've listened to Hillary with an open mind and would love to see a woman or African-American President, but I view Barack and Hillary now as Corporate Democrats. Yes, that's better than any Republican running, but Edwards hammers the nail in-You cannot lie down with those lobbyists and not be their political whore. That the corporate media has chosen Clinton and Obama as our choices already infuriates me. An Edwards/ Richardson ticket would begin to return America to "We The People".

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2FedUp
[Report this comment]
Posted by: 2FedUp on Aug 27, 2007 10:05 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Dennis Kucinich has been the only candidate who has consistently and uncompromisingly spoken the truth about what has happened, and what needs to be done. Unfortunately, the corporate media has refused to take him seriously. Can't they handle the truth? John Edwards' speech helps to bring it forth, and has given me some hope that maybe somebody besides DK is developing a spine. These are truly crucial times for our leaders to stand up & speak the truth about our role in world affairs and our rights as citizens.

» RE: 2FedUp... Right, but... Posted by: Pirate1

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We need to...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Pirate1 on Aug 27, 2007 11:12 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Start a movement to repeal the person status of corporations that Congress granted them during the 19th century. They have done nothing but abuse it and now the very planet we call home is in peril due to their excesses and mismanagement and manipulations. It's time to cut it off.

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BOLLOCKS
[Report this comment]
Posted by: FeelingAMoment on Aug 27, 2007 11:24 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is a load of bollocks. Edwards is nothing more than a pretty boy populist. During the month of May, Edwards received $55,000 to give a speech, "Poverty, the Great Moral Issue Facing America," at UC Davis. The poor students who attended were charged $17 a ticket. Earlier this month, it was reported that despite the fact he denounces "predatory lending" and sub-prime mortgages for the poor, Edwards made nearly $500,000 as a consultant to a hedge fund involved in that business.

The former senator defended his gig on the grounds that he took the job to learn how financial markets relate to poverty. This is a bit like saying you frequent brothels so you can learn where babies come from. But here's the hilarious part: Edwards said he didn't know the fund was involved in sub-prime lending. If he was there to learn about poverty and finance, how did he miss this salient fact? He must be a very slow learner. No wonder his former political consultant, Bob Shrum, calls him "a Clinton who hadn't read the books.

Business Week magazine reports that Edwards launched a poverty center that conveniently worked out of the same office as his political action committee. The nonprofit center spent a staggering 70% of the money it raised on a speaking tour for Edwards and on salaries for staffers who in short order just happened to join his presidential campaign. This gives new meaning to the term "poverty pimp."

Now, of course, this doesn't mean that he doesn't care about poverty, and there's certainly nothing wrong with making money. Edwards has clearly convinced himself that he's done nothing wrong. He launched his fortune as an ambulance-chasing lawyer, after all, so he's good at convincing people, starting with himself, that he's on the side of the angels. But the story he tells to prove he's not a hypocrite is typically phony. For example, his 2004 presidential campaign highlighted the humble little house he led people to believe he grew up in. But the small home touted in commercials was Edwards' residence until he reached the ripe old age of 1. Then, his father the mill worker was promoted to management and the family moved into a more expensive home that never appeared in his campaign ads.

It's not that Edwards is a liar, it's that he's a toothy door-to-door salesman, seemingly hawking the issues when he's really just hawking himself.Sen. John Edwards has exploited the middle of his famous three H's -- his $400 haircuts, his hedge-fund consulting and his new 28,000-square-foot home -- to spread his fortune around a maze of trusts and accounts that total something between $29.5 million (his campaign's estimate) and $62 million (the high end of ranges described in his federal disclosure).

Barack obama on the other hand, is a better man.# He hasn’t accumulated a totally atrocious voting record: Politics often force a person to make deals that go against his principles and morals. Since he has only been in the U. S. Senate for 2 years, he has not truly sold his soul to the devil. It is sometimes easy to contradict yourself on the campaign trail when you say one thing and your voting record reads differently. His Intelligence: He is arguably one of the smartest Senators that the U.S. has seen in decades. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, were he was editor of the Law Review.

He also grew up poor, and unlike the other candidates, has lived outside of America. He would negotiate with other countries instead of engaging in xenophobic haraunging. He may not have that much experiene, but he more than makes up for it with youthful vitality. Obama has also raised $ 55.7 million, that is without the help of special interest groups and political action commites.

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Edwards v. Cheney debate(?)
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Col. Jackleg on Aug 28, 2007 1:22 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Anyone that saw the "brilliant trial lawyer" get his ass kicked by Cheney in the '04 "debate" better rethink this candidate as the best response to freefall under Bush. I would have loved the opportunity to rip Cheney on failing to register to vote for 12 years after leaving Washington to serve Halliburton's criminality and then running to Wyoming to register late and be able to dominate and cue card the Ticksass dimwit he serves. His Halliburton record is a field day in itself, but it was comped. His draft-dodging deferments were overlooked while he spouted his war bullshit to a moron that voted for all of it. Edwards flunked that test and lost my support, nothing has changed. One Democrat stands tall, consistent and spot on in his vision for change with meaning, purpose and dignity and he is DENNIS KUCINICH. I have said it before and I will say it again....he will never be seriously considered for the presidency because he is too perfect a choice to undo the carnage left by Reagan-Bush-Clinton-Bush that has unduly enriched and protected craven corporate greed and subjugated working Americans to third world status. We will get Hillary and some Republican half-ass in opposition and the result will be no different than 2004. Only the feckless Democrats could blow the 2008 election at every level and they will, the groundswell of progressive hope notwithstanding. Edwards is not the answer. He wasn't in '04 and he is not in '08.

Comments are closed-

Corporate Challenge
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ldasteelworker on Aug 28, 2007 2:57 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So John Edwards has gone after Corporate America and said in a speech that; "It's time to tell the big corporations and the lobbyists who have been running things for too long that their time is over."

I remember another Presidential candidate that went after Corporate America too. On December 18, 2003 he said; "...the new social contract must redefine the role of government in establishing appropriate limits for corporate behavior." And; "...in our nation, the people are sovereign, not the government. It is the people – not the media, or the financial system, or mega-corporations, or the two political parties – who have the power to create change."

It was Howard Dean that said that. And he proposed that; "The new social contract must include stricter accountability for corporate behavior, and a return to a stronger role for government in protecting the public interest." He went on giving details on how this could be accomplished...

Thirty days later Corporate Media showed who really has the power by making sure Dean would never win the nomination. Corporate Media's coverage of Dean's speech to 3,500 cheering supporters in Iowa consisted of an out-of-context, sound edited, and cropped so as not to see the crowd video clip in what has become known as the "Dean Scream." The video clip was aired repeatedly for days and weeks to make sure ( like over 630 times in four days sure ) that Howard Dean and anyone else for that matter would learn not to challenge Corporate America!

Of course after it was a done deal Corporate Media offered public apologies and admissions that they indeed may have "overplayed" the incident.

So now John Edwards wants to; "...end the game." and says that Corporate America; "...will not give up their power -- you have to take it from them." And I wholeheartedly agree with him when he says that; "...it is because we were not vigilant against the forces that have taken it from us. That their game has played on for so long is the fault of each of us -- ending the game and returning government of the people to the people is the responsibility of all of us."

Let's hope that Corporate America doesn't win this game again and call Edwards out!


See Also:

To Build One America; End the Game - John Edwards, 8/23/2007.

Keeping the Promise of America: Creating a New Social Contract for America's Working Families - Howard Dean, 12/18/2003.

Howard Dean Q&A - Part 3, Corporate Greed and Globalization - 1/03/2004

Statement of Former Governor Howard Dean After Placing Third in the Iowa Caucus Vote - Howard Dean, 1/19/2004

Dean's Scream: Not What It Seemed - Eric Salzman, CBS News, 1/26/2004.

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People Talking to People
[Report this comment]
Posted by: MamaBear2008 on Aug 28, 2007 6:34 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
John is ordinary Americans' #1 advocate and this nation's best chance for healing.

The best way to spread his message and to combat MSM's goal to mock and trivialize John is people talking to people.

Share articles with all your friends along with your reasons for supporting John. Order T-shirts and bumper stickers from his website's campaign store at http://officialedwardsstore.com/. They are great conversation starters among people you meet in town. Volunteer locally by joining One Corps or starting a new chapter.

Our local One Corps chapter has held many events already, including several voter registration drives. When people hear John's message, they switch parties to vote for him!

As One Corps' motto says: TOMORROW BEGINS TODAY!

Spread the word!

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Respect His Hustle
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Posted by: HipHopHustler82 on Aug 28, 2007 10:18 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm not a huuuge supporter of Edwards, but I just read about this on Global Grind's myspace blog (blog.myspace.com/theglobalgrind) and I respect his honesty more than anything else. Everyone knows what a big election is and I feel like a lot of candidates are trying to take advantage of that and our feelings towards it. Everyone should try a little honesty like Edwards.

 
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