Congratulations on running an aggressive and principled campaign. Edwards was always my #2, and I've been impressed with the enthusiasm of Edwards supporters. You're now in a position where you could decide the direction of this campaign.
Today's news must be tough, but hopefully this means that Edwards and Obama supporters can finally join forces. I fully recognize that Edwards must make his own endorsement decision first, and Edwards supporters then must decide whether or not to follow his advice. I'm as guilty as anybody else during the candidate wars of getting over-excited about my preferred candidate, and I understand that some Edwards supporters may be initially reluctant to support Obama.
But just to be abundantly clear...
Obama supporters are openly asking for your support. We need your help. We need your passion. We need your expertise. We need your votes. We need your volunteer labor.
A lot of my friends in Texas who preferred Edwards have told me that Obama is their second choice. We actually had a joint Iowa watch party in Austin at Scholz Bier Garten, and at the end of the night, a lot of my Edwards friends were grabbing Obama bumper stickers.
These Edwards folks are experienced politcal activists, and we need their expertise. The Texas election is coming up on March 4, and it'd be great to match up the political newcomers that Barack has inspired with the Edwards activists. In Texas, it's especially complicated because we have a hybrid primary/caucus system. Therefore, we need these proven Edwards warriors who have been to past caucuses to help educate our new Obama supporters who haven't particpated in the process before.
I hope what I'm seeing on the ground here in Texas is a trend that's happening across the country. I recognize that Edwards supporters now have a big decision to make, and I don't want to rush or pressure anybody. I simply want to communicate that the Team Obama is a big tent, and we would certainly welcome your support.
As Edwards said in the NH debate, both Obama and Edwards are change candidates.
In this debate clip, Edwards compares the prospects of Hillary bringing about change to believing in the tooth fairy.
Make no mistake. Obama can't defeat Hillary without the help of Edwards supporters. But if we can join together before Super Tuesday, we can effectively challenge the status quo DLC Clinton Machine. This will still be a long nomination, but an Obama/Edwards coalition can win the White House.
I'm a huge fan of Obama because of his principled and courageous stand against Iraq and because he can insipire a new generation of progressive activists who will take back our country and help build a governing majority that will get real results. But don't take my word for it. Here's a few recent testimonials from fellow Kossacks:
* Sorry Johnny, But It’s Time I Switch to Obama - justiceleague
* A Defense of Obama--By An Edwards Supporter - Tasini
* Ok, it is time: I am switching from Edwards to Obama. - Blue Wind
* If Edwards loses Nevada, I will start supporting Obama (Updated) - MisterOpus1
* Why I'm Switching From Edwards to Obama - davefromqueens
* Why I'm Jumping from Edwards to Obama - TheCrank
* Edwards and Obama: Two Sides of the Same Coin - OkieLawyer
Republicans are begging us to nominate Hillary to lift the spirits of their depressed base. Instead, we should sieze this opportunity to take the country in a different direction. If the Edwards and Obama teams work together, we can make that dream a reality.