A vote for EdwardsChristopher Cook, one of my predecessors as city editor of the Bay Guardian, sent out one of the more intriguing appeals that I've read today (among the many election eve missives that have been sent my way). It's a call to vote for John Edwards, even though Edwards dropped out of the race. While I still happily voted for Obama, I think Chris makes good points about the need to keep pushing the Democratic Party candidates to adopt more progressive positions, something that will become even more important in the coming months if Obama and Clinton remain neck-and-neck and we head into a brokered convention.
Dear Friends,
Please pardon this last-minute note on the elections, I hope you can take a
quick glance before heading to the polls.
Politics is about negotiation, leverage, power and ideas, among other
things. In my estimation, both Obama and Clinton have failed to exhibit a
strong consistent commitment to progressive ideas--and thus need to be
pressured on this front, and held as accountable as possible to progressive
ideas such as universal healthcare, strong sturdy anti-war policies, and
economic justice. Neither candidate (not even Obama, who has since voted for
war payments) has been clear and consistent on the war and when/how to end
it. Neither candidate has taken a strong clear stand on a universal
healthcare plan that truly breaks the insurance industry's hold over
America's healthcare system. To the extent that either has mentioned issues
of poverty and workers' rights, and corporate greed/power, it has been by
virtue of prodding by the Edwards candidacy. Both these candidates have
consistently shown they are willing to sell out progressive causes in the
name of power politics and centrism, or, in Obama's case, some vague appeal
to moderates and Republicans.
This is not an anti-Obama or anti-Clinton appeal; rather, I encourage you to
consider voting for Edwards tomorrow on the basis of representing
progressive ideas in the electorate, and sending as many delegates his way
as possible, in the hopes that he will be that much more empowered to exact
some pledges for his endorsement of either candidate.
I believe progressive ideas win only when they are strongly represented, not
when they are tucked in the back pocket and slipped in on the margins later,
if at all. Politics is largely about the bargaining and wielding of power
and ideas; you don't start the negotiation by bargaining away your ideals,
you start with your ideals and work back as little as possible. It may seem
that the pragmatic thing to do tomorrow is to support Obama or Clinton and
rally the party toward a quick nomination of one or the other; but if we
want progressive policies to be promoted by either of these two, they need
to hear from us -- and tomorrow we can speak through our votes by telling
both of them that they need to be more accountable to the progressive ideas
promoted by Senator Edwards.
Ultimately Democrats will rally behind whoever takes the nomination -- but
right now, in the primaries, this is an important time to impact not only
who gains that nomination, but what they say they stand for, and to whom
they are accountable. So I say let's bring a little pressure on these two
and vote for Edwards tomorrow -- and as his pile of delegates continues to
accrue, even at small levels, so will at least some small measure of
pressure for more progressive policies in the party platform.
Thanks for listening. Happy voting!
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Comments (18)
Very sound reasoning. If you really want to make a difference in this election, I too would encourage you to cast your vote for John Edwards in the Primary.
Posted by pmorlan | February 5, 2008 03:12 AM
I agree. Democrats need to send at least two messages to the Party: one, that we will hold whoever the nominee is to the promises made on ending the war, making ending poverty a priority, dealing with global warming & reducing dependence on foreign oil, creating a "green" economy, etc. We will not tolerate a platform that is "just a little different" from the Republicans'. One sure way to do that would be if thousands & thousands of Edwards' supporters voted for him today and in upcoming primaries where his name remains on the ballot.
Secondly, we need to show the DNC that we refuse, now and in the future, to have our choices limited to the party's and the media's darlings. It is abhorrent that there's an insistence on "knowing" the nominee this early in the process. In 1968, the year Bobby Kennedy ran and, tragically, was assassinated, there were three strong candidates, and there might have been a brokered convention. Alas, the "wrong" candidate was nominated and we lost. Never again should we allow choice to be taken from us--not by the Democratic Party nor by the media. A vote for Edwards stands up for these ideals.
Posted by A Cook | February 5, 2008 04:42 AM
Don't be sheeples and vote for whom you think will win! Vote your conscience. If John Edwards was the candidate who most closely mirrored your political leanings, then he still does, does he not? So, vote for him.
Posted by A M Mangefrida | February 5, 2008 04:59 AM
ABSOLUTELY - Edwards has "suspended" not "ended" his campaign and is eligible for delegates. VOTE EDWARDS!
Posted by sjames | February 5, 2008 06:00 AM
Total agreement. Edwards is the proactive progressive, not the reactive one. By voting for him, you will make the Party and the constituents keep their eyes on what is important. We need Big Change, not Chump Change.
Posted by Gtash | February 5, 2008 06:15 AM
After considering Edwards my best choice (based on what my TV told me) I finally did my own research and found that Ron Paul was actually stronger in the government reform area. I urge everyone to at least look over his platform. He has massive support from both sides plus the center because he's NOT aligned with the current republicans, not that the news would ever acknowledge that.
I feel so strongly about wanting my country to get back on track and end the political games that all the other candidates play so my kids don't grow up in a world like the book 1984. It's amazing how close we are now and how every candidate, including my 3rd choice, Obama, has so many 'programs' to give government more money and power over my life.
I'm not telling anyone how to vote. After fully understanding each stance on each issue, you can make a more informed vote on your own.
Posted by Todd McKissick | February 5, 2008 06:22 AM
Bless you for this article. John Edwards has touched so many, motivating people who never were politically active before, to stand up, take action and work for their beliefs. If one man can motivate so many to bring him back, without money or support, he must be an amazing person. If he can move the American People to this much action, then imagine what he could do if he reached the White House.
Yes, Please vote your conscience, and if John Edwards has put an impression on you for real positive change, plase vote for him. Your vote won't be wasted.
He's been dubbed The People's President. With that, how can we go wrong!?!
Posted by Lisa | February 5, 2008 06:38 AM
Thank you, Christopher Cook!
Well said. You express why I voted for John Edwards in the Texas primary (absentee ballot) yesterday. I think we need to make our voices heard. As you say, Edwards can still win delegates and give us leverage at the convention.
I urge Edwards supporters to vote for JRE.
Posted by Linda Peacock | February 5, 2008 06:58 AM
My vote, my voice, my choice. I just proudly voted for John Edwards, I'm not settling for second best anymore!
Posted by destiny | February 5, 2008 07:12 AM
I'm voting for John Edwards as well. He is the only candidate who gets it. Nothing, short of a strong commitment to Edwards' stance on the issues, and I would love to see him offered the VP position, would get my vote.
Posted by Jenny | February 5, 2008 09:18 AM
I will be voting my hopes, not allowing the MSM to intimidate me into voting for one of the two corporate controlled dems in name only.
That said, the ball is in their court, and they could have spoken out on the issues. Both Obama and Clinton refuse to provide details on their so called plans.
I agree with Jenny, either commit to Edwards platform or don't ask for my vote.
Posted by Mares | February 5, 2008 09:33 AM
I'm voting John Edwards!
Obama's record? Tony Rezkin, ripping off programs for elderly & poor housing, lying to the public. Taking millions from the nuclear industry and weakening safety & monitering legislation. Millions from the health care lobby & promising the industry they can write legislation. Pro-outsourcing.
Clinton's record? Tied to corporation interests. She calls herself the Senator from Bangalore and is an outsourcing & visa proponent. Takes millions from Monsanto, health care lobby, nuclear industry, Bush's business partner and contributer from Haarken Energy, big oil, the Saudi government.
These 2 are supposed to be democratic?
Posted by Rick | February 5, 2008 09:43 AM
I know that John Edwards "suspended" his run for the race, but does anyone know if he can still enter the race at a later date, so we can vote for him in the national election? I read that as long as he suspended his race, the only thing he can not do is CAMPAIGN,OR RUN ADS,so can he still get in based on the amount of delegates, or do they have to be split between hillary or obama? I am a bit confused on this one, can someone who knows, let me know!! I believe that he suspended his race because of not having enough funds, so maybe if he gets enough delegates, he can come back into the race, what do you think? LETS VOTE EDWARDS TODAY!!
Posted by Brenda M | February 5, 2008 10:26 AM
Brenda, Edwards' campaign is only suspended, not ended. He could get back in if he chose to. All votes for Edwards count, so vote your heart and your mind, vote John Edwards (I did, and it felt great!)!
Posted by Mary | February 5, 2008 11:20 AM
Brenda, votes for Edwards count, so vote your heart and your mind, vote Edwards, I did! Encourage others to do the same as well.
Posted by Mary | February 5, 2008 11:23 AM
I decided to vote for John Edwards months ago. I am still voting for him. He is by far the most progressive candidate and the most willing to fight to push through a progressive agenda. I believe he had to suspend his campaign due to lack of media coverage and problems with public financing. I don't want those factors to determine who I vote for. I like your idea about prompting Hillary and Obama, both of whom have real problems in my mind, closer to a progressive agenda. My ultimate hope though is that voting for Edwards will get him delegates, so he can get him back in the race if there's a brokered convention. Neither Obama nor Hillary did as well as Edwards in head-to-head polls against Republicans. In the coming months, Democrats may realize they need to position themselves better to win the general election. I hope Edwards will reemerge as a candidate. I don't think we should have to restrict our votes so severely at the level of the primaries. I'm voting based on my convictions, go Edwards!!!!
And thanks for this rare pro-Edwards column!!!!
Posted by Nina | February 5, 2008 11:49 AM
I am SO thrilled to see this. I was just reading everywhere I could on the net to see if I still voted for Edwards today if it would make a difference...you have confirmed my gut instinct.....
Thank you. Now the key is to get Edwards NOT TO ENDORSE either Clinton or Obama. He does not need to play that game-and no endorsement gives him more leveraging power.
Please go to the Edwards08 website and post a comment for John Edwards -
TELL HIM NOT TO ENDORSE CLINTON OR OBAMA!
Posted by EDWARDS DO NOT ENDORSE Campaign! | February 5, 2008 11:59 AM
Hey everyone!
You still have a chance to let Edwards know you support him!
Sign this card: http://www.squidnote.com/c/oPNfJ9csVcK
We will send it along to John in a few days!
Posted by Patti | February 6, 2008 06:03 PM