I apologize in advance for the short diary.
Let me explain. I still support Obama and plan on voting for him in my home state of Wisconsin. That being said, while I may have taken a different tone in the past, I think it can only be good for the democratic wing of the Democratic party for John Edwards to compete all the way until the convention.
The DLC must be stopped from regaining control of the party apparatus. If Hillary gets the nomination, I will vote, donate, and volunteer for her campaign. I don't have a problem with Hillary, but I have major problems with her supporting cast. Terry McAuliff, Mark Penn, Al From (especially Al From), and the whole bandwagon of corporate apologists.
Corporate power is clearly the log jam of American progress. When John Edwards ran in 2004, he spent a lot of time talking about poverty and the Two Americas. Now he's talking about why there are two Americas.
I know what the Edwards supporters will comment in response to this.
Why don't you just vote for Edwards? Why the fence-sitting exercise?
The reason is that Obama is a fresh face and his charisma has a certain je nais cest qua that will appeal to people who have opted out of the political system. Yes, Edwards also has charisma, it's my personal opinion that he has less. Sorry.
But nothing pisses me off more than having 'very important people' trying to pick and choose the candidates from who I can pick and choose as a voter.
That means you, NBC (GE). That means you, Nevada Supreme Court. And to a greater extent, that means you, Al From. As most of you are probably aware from This fine diary in the rec list Al From et al are pressing the 'Two candidates' meme down America's throat.
I don't know if he thinks he's going to gain kudos from Obama supporters, but I can you me reaction was quite the opposite.
Furthermore, I have come to the realization that Edwards' candidacy will only help Obama come convention time (or vice versa). Does anyone on this site, really think either of these fine candidates would throw their support to the candidate who would undo everything Howard Dean has done in the last four years with the party infrastructure? Neither do I.
Furthermore, Edwards anti-corporate-power rhetoric and positions will keep the Democratic Party's focus right where it needs to be to ensure that we will remain a true party of opposition to top-down class warfare.
I am anticipating an Obama/Edwards or Edwards/Obama coalition at the convention. I hope other other Obama supporters will realize that Obama's war chest is doing fine for now and that their dollar will gain much more leverage going to Edwards on today's fundraising blitz.
Obama supporters (and anyone) can Help John Edwards raise $7,000,000 right here.
Oh yeah, and we can't let Ron Paul hold any fundrasing records.
Peace.