I do not understand the Edwards v. Obama flaming that is endemic here. The attack diaries are tiresome enough, but it is almost impossible to read an informative diary on either candidate that doesn't devolve into nasty sniping. This is not dialectic, nor heat that sheds light, but rather a lot of wasted energy that convinces no one -- not the Edwards supporters, not the Obama supporters, not undecided voters -- of either candidate's merits. All it does is make comments a chore to read.
Clearly both Edwards and Obama generate passion from their supporters. Below the jump, I have a suggestion for how we can channel that passion in ways which would benefit the respective campaigns.
While I understand the logic of Edwards and Obama supporters bashing it out for the title of Who Is Most Progressive/Authentic/Electible/Presidential, I fail to see how the argument is productive. Since it is unlikely that flaming someone here will produce many swayed voters for your candidate, I suggest taking action that might. Fortunately, both candidates have ways to do so.
For Obama partisans: Camp Obama.
The purpose of Camp Obama is to give prospective volunteers an introduction to Senator Obama’s presidential campaign. The 2-day camps will focus on local grassroots organizing and its significance in this campaign. Local campaign experts will teach attendees what can be done on a local volunteer level, including how to effectively organize a canvass or phone-bank in your hometown. Also, members of the staff will be coming in to discuss their respective departments and how volunteers can become more involved with the campaign.
For Edwards partisans:One Corps.
John Edwards One Corps is the official local action arm of the campaign. Thousands of members in chapters covering all 50 states work to help get John Edwards elected president by organizing and attending local events to raise awareness about Senator Edwards and his message and reach out to voters in key areas.
These are by no means the only alternatives to the flame wars here, but why not give either a read and see if you might be able to strengthen your candidate's campaign? Either could take all the passion and energy everyone here has pent up. There is much work to do building these campaigns -- both need it given the challenges (Clinton, the GOP) ahead. Why waste energy trying to tear them down?