Edwards released this statement today:
"I saw that Senator Clinton gave a speech that talked about change versus status quo, and I agree that that’s what this election will be about. But I believe if you defend the system in Washington as Senator Clinton does, you’re for the status quo. If you want to continue the occupation in Iraq, you’re for the status quo. If you’re not willing to stand up to Bush and Cheney on Iran, then you’re for the status quo.
"We need change very badly. When I’m president, I will shake things up and end the corruption in Washington and say no to donations from federal lobbyists. I will end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. We need a leader with the strength to stand up and refuse to go along with the Bush Administration's aggressions against Iran. And as much as Senator Clinton attempts to blur the lines with this talk of change, I believe at the end of the day the American people understand the fundamental differences between the system she has chosen to defend and the change I will bring to America."
A recommended dairy by thereisnospoon determines that "Incremental Change" simply won't cut it and I couldn't agree more. The League of Conservation Voters/Grist forum this weekend showed us the differences between Clinton and Edwards.
Instead of reading about it, watch it yourself:
The simple truth is that John Edwards not only wants to bring big bold change to America, he knows how to do it.
Presidential Global Warming Forum: LIVEBLOG 2! by vernonlee
Q: Back to the pragmatic issue. You're taken some strong stands, but none of the bills that seem to have a chance of moving through congress without 60 votes. ed: why is it that we always need 60 votes and they don't?
A: Well, the beltway people think that the rest of America doesn't exist. The most powerful thing to do for a president isn't to sit around a conference table. It's the power to convince America, and to galvanize America around taking action. the one thing I'm certain of is that if we convince America together, and do what generations of Americans have done before us, the politicians will follow.
For anyone who believes in the Progessive Agenda--And I do--we need to strengthen Democratic numbers in the House. We won the 2006 election not because America fell in love with the Democratic Party, but because America wanted change. So if our candidate is all about big, bold change and transforming America. If that's what we're about, and talking about weeding out the corruption in DC, I'm absolutely certain that I can go into any swing district or swing state, and I will be helpful in our campaign to strengthen our numbers in the House and Senate.
The paraphrase above doesn't quite capture what he said. He has promised to bring a True Blue Majority to congress with him when he is elected president. He knows that getting super majorities in congress is the only way for real change, not incremental change, to be made on important issues like global warming.
More on the LCV forum:
I Saw Kucinich, Clinton and Edwards at the Forum by emmabrody
The panelists were clearly very excited and impressed with Edwards, they were all smiles. He gave a rousing, powerful case which went to the root of our problems. He looked down at the clock and seemed startled when he saw that he'd gone past his alloted time. He kind of jumped and modestly mentioned that he'd gone over. The audience laughed and applauded. And they were one their feet. He excited and moved them. Edwards publicly said the things few mainstream presidential candidates have ever said. This "Hillary" skewed crowd was charmed and invigorated..
I was struck by the differences, live, in person, between Senator Clinton and John Edwards. Senator Clinton clearly comes from a Beltway philosphy. She felt like the authoritarian parent who says, "vote for me and let us in Washington do the rest". I felt as if I was being talked down to.
John Edwards says, "Vote for me, let's walk together and get this done."
The difference couldn't be more clear.
John Edwards said that unlike Clinton, he understands that the real way to get things done is to move the American people to the right place, not congress. If the American people know where the right place is, congress will follow "like lemmings."
Presidential Forum on Global Warming and America's Energy Future: Post Debate Wrap Up by Devilstower
John Edwards hit the ground running -- almost literally. He tore into the subject at a pace that made me breathless just listening to him, and he was more willing than the other candidates to make definitive statements. He hearkened back to Kennedy, and made a call to national sacrifice, but he didn't spend all his time stomping the big emotional notes, and was ready with more information when it came to costs, funding, etc. Edwards also seemed the best informed on the latest UN report.
John Edwards has strong principles, but can't be summed up by calling him an idealist. He understands the realities and the hard facts surrounding the issues. He doesn't just promote what should be done, but how it should be done. He wants the American people to have the major role, not beltway forces.
The truth is that we have a big oportunity in this country right now. We can do what generations of Americans have done before us. When we see the future and see a need for change, are we going to make timid moves or are we going to have some backbone and do what really needs to be done? John Edwards is a leader who has backbone and will make bold moves to save the planet from the global warming crisis. He will make the bold moves necessary to get us out of the disastrous Iraq war. He will make the bold moves necessary to keep us out of war with Iran and stick up to the Neocons.
If you believe in bold moves with some backbone, then John Edwards is the candidate who will take the Democratic Party to the place progressives know it needs to be.
Shake it up: