John Edwards: A Personal Sense of Shock and Disappointment

When John Edwards burst on the national scene, I became a fan!! He was eloquent, he was a "fresh" face and was in fact in the position Barack Obama was now. Making the "right" moves gave him an opening to launch his bid for the Presidency in 2004. He ended up as John Kerry's running mate. They did lose the elections to George W. Bush. But, John Edwards resurrected himself as a populist and began his campaign to combat poverty in America. He talked about two Americas. He was ridiculed by conservatives, but his message went to the core of where this country was to go. He understood that there were many who were not as fortunate and needed the opportunity. That's why he went to the country and reminded the country of it.

I heard him speak at the California Democratic Convention in San Diego last year. I could sense his passion and his committment. I was a proud contributor to his blog because the forum exercised that sense of democracy that other campaigns (including Senator Obama's) have learnt from and have adapted. When he withdrew and subsequently decided to formally endorse Senator Obama, I remember driving and had to pull over to listen to it. It was one of the most eloquent speeches I had heard. It clearly laid out a compelling case for Barack Obama to be elected President of the United States. Little did I know how he was to betray all that he had done.

I read his statement, briefly listened to his interview on ABC and read Mrs. Edwards' statement. It is a tragedy for him and his family. I do hope that Mrs. Edwards realizes how profoundly disappointed those of us who believed in Senator Edwards were because of his sin. It showed a total lack of judgement. If he was the Democratic Nominee, the Democrats would have been doomed. On this very fact, I agree with the Pundit Corp (which is my new term for the punditry that are on television every day and every week). I would be extremely surprised if Senator Edwards comes back on the National Scene. I only hope that he would at least work feverishly to redeem himself by the work he has continued to do to elevate the level of discourse on Poverty. I wish him well.

My First Day Visiting the Obama Campaign Website

Today was the first day I began a blog at Barrack Obama's Website. I had made periodic contributions to the John Edwards & Hillary Clinton Campaign Blogs. I urged the campaign to take note of two things: 1) The expected attack from the right-wing & 2) The repudiation of Presidential Signing Statements. The expected attack from the right-wing will be relentless. Already, for instance, Human Events has put out a 37-page book with all kinds of stuff on Barrack Obama. I sent that to the Campaign. I am sure that the Obama Campaign is smart and resourceful enough to be ready to deal with such issues. It will be a interesting campaign to watch!! I can't wait.....

Edwards endorses Obama

The talk of the political world yesterday was on John Edwards endorsing Barrack Obama. This image is courtesy of the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk, retrieved May 15, 2008). The writing is indeed on the wall that Barrack Obama was the nominee and it was only a matter of time. John Edwards made quite a speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The speech was about the "two Americas" that is haunting this country. Barrack Obama has tapped into that yearn for change. The people seem to be responding. The writing seems to be on the wall for the GOP after the loss of 3 special house elections. It will sure be an interesting election. It is the most interesting election of my lifetime, maybe even surpassing the election of 1992 when the country was trying to decide between more of the same and a new way. The country chose a new way then and I believe it will do so, again.

Iowa...and all the possibilities.....

Well, Iowa is now over and some things have become clearer. The campaign for the day after George W. Bush has begun..and not a day too soon...

Barrack Obama won the Gold for the Democrats, (As Mitt Romney called it) but John Edwards showed that he's in it for the long haul. Chris Dodd and Joe Biden are pulling out. If a Democrat wins the White House in 2008, that Democrat will be crazy not to consider these two outstanding Americans for Secretary of State, Attorney General or Secretary of the Treasury. I think that it will be a competitive race at least for a while yet on the Democratic Side.

I think the Democratic Party will be stronger for it and will be able to effect the change that is necessary for us all. What is going on now cannot continue. As John Edwards said, we're a better country than to tolerate people with no health insurance, allow children to go to bed hungry and allow over 200,000 veterans to be homeless. Yes, Mitt Romney, there are two Americas and we have to bridge the gap for the sake of the future.

I am not impressed by the Republicans nor particularly care for them because of what they have done to this country over the past eight years. I admit I was surprised when I saw Mike Huckabee win Iowa. I think at least Iowa showed that even the Republicans are looking for more straight talk and fresh ideas...or at least a fresh face, not more of the same. The struggle is on for the future of America and to a large extent, the world. America still matters and everyone needs to realize that.