Edwards' pitch to NC voters

This morning, my husband, oldest son, and myself all received an e-mail from the Edwards' campaign seeking money. We didn't sign up on any of the 2008 candidates' websites (we're all undecided, unimpressed with the 08 candidates at this point), so I assume we were e-mailed from the 04 campaign lists.  No harm, no foul, on that count, though.

The e-mail, which appears to be targeted towards North Carolina voters, is printed below the flip...

For years, I worked with voters like you to build a better North Carolina. We accomplished great things together, and I couldn't be prouder of my state—or more thankful for your partnership. Now, I'm running for president and I need your help once again to make bold change—this time for the whole country.

I'm writing you at a crucial moment—just 6 days until June 30th—the most important fundraising deadline of the campaign so far.

To keep this campaign on track, we've got to reach $9 million by June 30th, and it's going to be close. Every dollar could be the one that puts us over the top—and so I'm turning to you help make the difference. Please give whatever amount you can afford, at:

www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/form <http://johnedwards.com/r/20251/1112727>

As the end of the quarter draws near, the media is increasingly obsessed with the money race, and you're going to hear a lot about that on the news. But we don't need to raise the most—we need to raise enough: Enough to pay for all the town halls, TV ads, phone lines, clip boards, and field staff that we need to reach voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and other key states nationwide.

Everywhere we take our message of change, people sign up to join our cause.

Some are working for universal health care, so we never again have to worry about our families getting the care they deserve. Some are working to stop global warming, so that our legacy for our children is not global catastrophe. And still others are working to end the injustice of poverty and bridging the opportunity gap that still divides us into two Americas.

If we can reach all the voters who share our values, who are also ready to work hard for the America we believe in, we will win. But we need to raise enough to make that happen, and that's $9 million before June 30th.

www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/form <http://johnedwards.com/r/20252/1112727>

I need you to continue the journey we started together right here years ago to build a better America—one America with opportunity for all. I know North Carolinians are up to this challenge, and together I know we will succeed.

Thank you,

Anyone notice that Iraq is missing from the laundry list of issues that he's working on?

I sure did, as did my husband and son.

I'll be keeping my money for now, as will they.

•  If you wanted a kitchen sink memo

  I'm sure the campaign would have been happy to oblige.  However, requests for money tend to be brief and to the point.

  Since it's Iraq that you're concerned about, this is issue #1 on the Edwards issues page:

  Restoring America's Moral Leadership in the World

  America's leadership role in the world has grown out of our compassion and moral strength, as well as our unparalleled economic and military strength. We can be proud of our long history of using our strength to fight for the freedom of others, but our standing in the world has been badly tarnished. America can once again be looked up to and respected around the world. The first step is by immediately withdrawing 40,000-50,000 troops from Iraq, with the complete withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq within 12-18 months -- allowing the Iraqis to assume greater responsibility for rebuilding their own country. It also means working to restore our legitimacy by leading on the great challenges before us like the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the genocide in Darfur, extreme poverty, and living up to our ideals in the fight against terrorism.

  More details.

  by mini mum on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:26:47 AM PDT

  •  Targeted marketing

    He missed his target here. Sorry.

    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:27:41 AM PDT

    •  Nonsense

      I've seen enough of these to know that various issues are cycled through fundraising memos.  

      by mini mum on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:28:31 AM PDT

    •  Sharon

      the email notwithstanding do you already know what Edwards' positoin is on Iraq?

      by talex on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:47:18 AM PDT

      •  Which one?

        There has been an evolution in his position. I'd like to see the most current detailed iteration of it.

        by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:00:40 AM PDT

        •  An Evolution?

          How far back are you going? If you are going back to his vote then yeah there has been an evolution. But if one looks at his position since starting his official run for 2008 he has been pretty consistent most people would say whether one agrees with it or not.

          So you are saying you are not familiar with Edwards' position on Iraq that he has held for months now?

          by talex on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:08:44 AM PDT

        •  Dear Sharon,

          Since our sons and their friends have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, I chose Afghanistan.  The Afghans are sliding backwards and we need to deal with that issue immediately and get our troops the hell out of Iraq, ASAP. (hard poll answer)  Love, mjd

          by mjd in florida on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:58:00 AM PDT

          •  US troops aren't the answer in Afghanistan

            A faster pace of economic development is what Afghanistan needs. One in four children die before the age of 5. Per capita income is more than double what it was in 2001, but still less than $400 per year.  Life expectancy is 41 for men, 43 for women. Afghan women on average will experience 12 pregnancies, of which only 6 will result in live births...and statistically, 1.5 of these children WILL die before the age of five - and the most common cause of infant death is dehydration.

            Afghanistan is the fifth poorest country in the world.

            The best way to solve their problems is by massive infrastructure improvements and encouraging entreprenuership through microfinance and micro-lending initiatives.

            by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:42:11 AM PDT

            •  But our tax dollars need to arrive, w/o

              the Cheney/Bushco War Profiteering and their War Crimes. (bombings for expediency)  Our entire military is worn out but we still need them there to help the ANA with the Taliban.    Love, mjd  

              by mjd in florida on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:17:18 AM PDT

        •  read here

          http://johnedwards.com/...

          by philgoblue on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:34:59 AM PDT

    •  Don't you support

      General Clark anyway?

      I just don't understand this diary.  So don't give money.

      by TomP on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:08:59 AM PDT

•  Tips

  For the record, I think Iraq is the key issue - look at all the money and resources that would be freed up to fix other problems if we got out of that mess.

  by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:26:52 AM PDT

  •  No.

    by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:33:50 AM PDT

  •  Iraq is very important

    Budget and fixing the debt/deficit problems is key to our national security in much bigger ways.  We have the coming China wars to think about and owing them all that money is a big big problem.  

    by ljm on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:52:37 AM PDT

•  I wonder if

  Edwards' call to use the power of the purse has been determined by his campaign to be not so much of a winner when dealing with folks outside the Netroots?

  Not sure why he'd turn away from that refrain if it was such Political Gold?

  by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:27:24 AM PDT

  •  I wonder if...

    His e-mails to voters in other states say other things. I'm sure several other Kossacks will be getting e-mails from him asking for money. Perhaps they can shed some light on this.

    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:29:03 AM PDT

    •  Maybe

      Just seemed Iraq was the one issue where he can distiguish himself in the most clear way compared to the other candidates.

      So while I understand Poverty is extremely important to him, if he wanted to get some donations, I would just think he'd lead with his best foot forward.

      by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:40:59 AM PDT

      •  Iraq isn't his strong point--domestic issues are.

        Logical that he wouldn't make it his centerpiece.

        by Geekesque on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:45:00 AM PDT

        •  I was wrong then

          I thought the challenges he was making to Dem Congressional Leadership (by proxy the other candidates) were what fueled most of his support.

          At least on the Blogs.

          by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:49:39 AM PDT

    •  From Michigan

      With 7 days left until the end of the quarter, we are closing in on $7 million and everyone is doing their part. Small change for big change is working.

      But while thousands of people are building up this campaign, the Washington establishment is trying to write us out of the race. And their reason? They say it's MONEY - they don't think we are raising an obscene enough amount. But the truth is, they don't want people to hear what John Edwards is saying, because it will mean the end of big money's stranglehold over our government.

      Our plan calls for raising $9 million this quarter and if we do - no matter what the chatter boxes say - we will be ahead of pace to have the resources we need to compete and win in the early primary states. That's when the Edwards campaign will have our day in the sun, but we need your help to get there.

      We have 7 days to reach $9 million and every dollar counts. Please give what you can:

      http://johnedwards.com/...

      If you're ready for big change on the issues that matter, your time is now.

      End this war. Take on poverty. Build one America. Work for economic justice. Stand up for truly universal health care. Take action on global warming.

      The policies are real. And John Edwards is the candidate who is leading on every issue.

      But only you can make it happen.

      Please do what you can today to help take the next bold step for real change.

      Because in a time when millions have lost faith in Washington, we are building faith in each other. What you do today matters. This campaign we are building together matters.

      And your time is now.

      Help us reach $9 million in 7 days:

      http://johnedwards.com/...

      Thank you,

      -Joe Trippi
      Saturday, June 23, 2007

      Sharon, not to be rude, but anyone who pays the least bit of attention knows his position on the war.

      by greee on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:52:36 AM PDT

      •  Similar e-mail

        Thanks for sharing. There are a few differences, but none that were significant between the MI and NC pitches.

        I was sort of hoping for more fire and brimstone being pitched to a bluer state than NC.

        by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:07:41 AM PDT

•  Oh please...

  "He didn't mention my pet issue.  WAAAAAAAAAA"

  He's been speaking out on Iraq for years.  He also has other foci, and his point is that it is those foci which the MSM is beating him up about.

  You are making a mistake withholding money from this good man.

  Should I go point out to you all his statements on Iraq since he announced his candidacy?  There isn't room on the DailyKos servers...

  by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:33:39 AM PDT

  •  WAAAAH

    Yeah, it's a pet issue. My son served in Iraq. Six of the ninety-six kids in his unit came home in flag-draped caskets. I attended four of the funerals.

    Great job alienating an undecided voter in 2008, DrFrankLives.

    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:37:08 AM PDT

    •  yep

      3,560 pet issues and counting.

      by Plutonium Page on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:50:42 AM PDT

      •  ridiculous

        by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:52:43 AM PDT

        •  Pet issue

          

          Your comments are callous.

          by Plutonium Page on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:54:34 AM PDT

          •  Pet issue

            Here's my son (then aged 18) holding a puppy in Baghdad, maybe this is what he was referring to (NOT) - David said that caring for stray dogs was the only thing that kept him sane as he watched people of all ages die every single day for no damned good reason.

            

            by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:59:17 AM PDT

            •  Great photo

              And good for him.  Animals can make just about anything better.

              That photo is so cute it should be a crime.

              by Plutonium Page on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:01:06 AM PDT

            •  Again, I honor your son's service and thank him

              I lost a friend in Iraq.  So don't tell me I don't care as much as you do.

              You said you wouldn't send money to a political candidate who shares your view on the issue because he didn't address it in one of what must be 10,000 different campaign emails.  I find that ridiculous.

              by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:03:28 AM PDT

              •  Some of my best friends died in Iraq?

                I lost a friend in Iraq.

                pffffttt...

                Stop digging... seriously... step away from the jackhammer and belay insulting a military mom, doctor...

                by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:07:21 AM PDT

                •  I didn't insult her

                  I called her out for an unfair and ridiculous diary.

                  That's not an insult.

                  And if you choose to belittle the loss of a soldier by typing "pffft..." then you reveal yourself more clearly than you might have thought.

                  My friend was (and I believe still is) one of the highest ranking Americans killed in action in Iraq.  He's a hero.  As is Sharon's son, and his men who did not return.

                  You?  Not so much.  But I am sure your album is great.

                  by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:14:37 AM PDT

                  •  I'm belittling your condescending reference

                    to the loss of a soldier...

                    Which forward operating base are you posting from?

                    And yes, my album kicks ass... you probably wouldn't dig it though... no banjo...

                    by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:29:21 AM PDT

                    •  ah, a redneck joke.

                      how clever.

                      I'm sure you'll sell a whole 15 copies.

                      by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:30:43 AM PDT

                      •  Which forward operating base are posting from? nt

                        by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:33:51 AM PDT

                        •  what the hell is that supposed to mean?

                          I don't recall asking you to get involved in this conversation, but since you have, I think I'll point out that Muzak is best left to instrumentalists.

                          by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:37:59 AM PDT

                          •  In reference to this comment:

                            He's a hero.  As is Sharon's son, and his men who did not return.

                            You?  Not so much.

                            Again, which forward operating base are you posting from...

                            And I'm curious what bearing my album has on this discussion other than your lame attempt at insulting me personally... I take it you've listened to it?  Are you a music critic AND a war hero?

                            Oh no, you've cut me to the quick.. I may very well weep...

                            by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:43:11 AM PDT

                            •  it's just not very good

                              at least from the excerpts on your website (to which you linked, so I didn't exactly google you to find out who you are).

                              But hey, as my Dad used to say, there are no bad notes, only ones played at the wrong time.  Keep at it!

                              by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:45:53 AM PDT

                              •  Like I said... I may weep...

                                You're not very smart... the record's skewed a great deal higher than the lowest common denominator (i.e. you)... not surprising you wouldn't get it...

                                Way to veer the discussion into personal attacks completely unrelated to the subject though... you're a worthy representative of Senator Edwards... and hopefully not representative of his supporters at large... I happen to like him a great deal...

                                You?  Not so much...

                                by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:51:23 AM PDT

            •  Sharon, did you see

              this story?

              She was born in Iraq, rescued by soft-hearted American troops and flown across the Atlantic Ocean by a network of people driven to help the family of a fallen Newport soldier. Yesterday, Hero, a stray mongrel puppy, was delivered to the family of Spc. Justin Rollins at the Concord offices of U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes.

              Rollins found Hero in a litter of puppies outside an Iraqi police station when he was on patrol with his squad. The pictures he took with the puppy were the last his family saw before his was killed March 5 by a roadside bomb in Samarra.

              The family of Rollins, 22, finds solace in having one of the last things he touched with them.

              "It's the last bit of happiness that we knew Justin had," said his fiancée, Brittney Murray. "We're just excited to have something that brought him happiness with us."

              by MissLaura on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 12:10:53 PM PDT

              •  I hadn't see this

                Thanks for sharing, MissLaura.

                The guy at the post office use to laugh at my customs declarations for the care packages I'd send David:

                Cookies, magazines, cocoa and apple cider mix, flea collars, dog biscuits, tennis balls, tug ropes, bones...

                by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 12:40:05 PM PDT

                •  That's so sweet.

                  Cocoa, though?  Does it get cold there enough to want to drink that?

                  Here's Paul Hodes, Hero the doggy, and Brittney Murray on the day Hero arrived in New Hampshire:

                  

                  by MissLaura on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 01:08:08 PM PDT

                  •  Yes

                    It gets cool at night in the desert (not much in the summer, but in the other months).

                    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 01:43:34 PM PDT

          •  for crying out loud

            overreact much?

            by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:02:16 AM PDT

        •  Why was that troll rated?

          The word "ridiculous"?

          My God, is everything to be troll rated now?

          He was criticizing the argument, not those who died.

          I uprated.

          by TomP on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:11:42 AM PDT

          •  Very bad taste

            Both his comment and your uprate.

            He responded to a comment about the number of war dead with one word - "ridiculous."

            And then, he compounded it later by continuing to be an asshole, by insinuating that Sharon was using pictures to gain sympathy.  "War porn."

            by ChiGirl88 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 12:25:24 PM PDT

            •  Sharon didn't post the picture

              I was referring to.  So take your Troll rating and shove off.

              And what is ridiculous is jumping from a dispute over political strategy to throwing the number of war dead at me.  I think that is a ridiculous and overreacting way to argue.

              Now that you have completely misunderstood me, I hope you would undo your troll rating.  It is clear you misread the posts.

              by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 01:34:59 PM PDT

              •  Certainly not after you just told me

                To shove off.

                by ChiGirl88 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 05:40:06 PM PDT

    •  I honor your son and his colleagues

      but you do not by using your first blog post in two months to attack the guy who wants to bring them home, just because in a letter focused on domestic political issues he did not harp on the war.  

      Come on, Sharon, surely you can see that there are other issues at play in addition to the war.  And moreover, you can see that John Edwards wants to end the war - more quickly than either Hillary or Obama.

      by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:51:39 AM PDT

      •  Fuck you very much for your condescension

        I'm also a veteran in addition to being the daughter, wife, and mother of veterans. I need not be lectured by you about how to honor the troops and their sacrifices.

        by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:55:26 AM PDT

        •  I'm the son, grandson and nephew of veterans

          Do I count?

          by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:01:04 AM PDT

        •  Saying

          "Fuck you" is worthy of a troll rating. I won't bother.

          I respect your right to dislike John Edwards.  I have read your comments before.

          Telling people "fuck you very much" does not belong here.  

          Weird diary; weird flame war.

          Maybe General Clark will run and you can be happy with a candidate.

          by TomP on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:14:54 AM PDT

    •  you hardly sound undecided

      but you can hold up that little figleaf if you think it helps your argument.

      by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:52:20 AM PDT

    •  Undecided my ass.

      You're decided against Edwards, as this "diary" demonstrates.

      What a worthless piece of crap and waste of bandwidth.

      by ThunderHawk13 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:40:36 AM PDT

  •  Iraq's a pet issue now

    Uh Oh!

    by Edgar08 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:41:53 AM PDT

  •  if by pet issue you mean

    Cost of War

    Casualties & Injured3560 US Only & 34,650

    Did you want us to troll rate that comment for you as a    favor & try to help is disappear?

    Hey by the way I just heard a 27 year old friend of mine who I lost touch with a few years ago enlisted, went to Iraq, saw combat, came home, couldn't find work (had previously worked as a cable installer), parents were down on him, girlfriend left him, blew his brains out in a barn - no big deal though

    by velvetdays on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:52:27 AM PDT

    •  ridiculous - taken completely out of context

      The equivalent would be me saying that 37 million americans without health insurance is completely unimportant to you.  

      Little boy died when his toothache spread to his brain.  Didn't have insurance.

      You must have wanted him to die...

      Right?

      by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:59:37 AM PDT

      •  Quit diggin', dude. n/t

        by Caldonia on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:01:25 AM PDT

        •  no, i won't quit

          because this highlights a real issue on these boards.  Disagree about anything and you are immediately pelted with accusations that you want the war to continue, or you hate America, or you want little kids to die.

          I personally think poverty is a more important issue than the war.  Why?  Because if we addressed global poverty in the right way WE WOULDN'T BE AT WAR.

          by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:05:18 AM PDT

          •  Whoa there

            You were the one who started with the vitriolic crap here. If you sling shit instead of engaging in constructive and facilitative discussion, don't be surprised when you get buried.

            by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:09:27 AM PDT

            •  I don't recall posting pictures of dead children.

              to make a point.

              by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:10:44 AM PDT

              •  No you referred to them as "war porn"...

                presumably to make a point... do you recall that?

                by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:10:01 AM PDT

                •  yeah i do. because that's what it is

                  It was intended to shock, offend, and what else, titillate?

                  It was a completely inappropriate use of the picture.  

                  I fail to see how calling it that was as offensive as using it.

                  by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:07:12 AM PDT

                  •  I know you fail to see it...

                    it wouldn't show up on a colonoscopy...

                    I submit that your use of the term "war porn" war was solely intended to insult the poster... a military mom whose diary you attempted to hijack and, failing that, subsequently took a dump in... and on...

                    by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:26:52 AM PDT

                    •  well, since she didn't post it,

                      I guess you'd be wrong in your submission.

                      by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:29:52 AM PDT

                      •  She posted the diary in which you've shat..

                        I'm correct in my submission and in my assessment of you...

                        by ThatSinger on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:33:10 AM PDT

                        •  this could go on for days

                          I post something, you make a catty little remark, complete with meow.

                          I've got better things to do with my time.

                          by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:39:55 AM PDT

                          •  Great. Do us all a giant favor and

                            go do them and stop taking a dump in this diary.

                            by Pager on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:50:43 AM PDT

                  •  someone is a little zero happy

                    man, i'm shattered.....

                    by DrFrankLives on Tue Jun 26, 2007 at 12:11:38 AM PDT

          •  Eh hem

            you wrote:

            I personally think poverty is a more important issue than the war.  Why?  Because if we addressed global poverty in the right way WE WOULDN'T BE AT WAR.

            While I definitely agree that we need to address global poverty, I'm a bit confused by your assertion that addressing it would end war.

            Filled your car at the gas pump lately?

            People fight over oil sometimes.

            Seen any environmental refugees lately?

            People fight over resources sometimes.

            Listened to a speech by a religious extremist lately? (insert religion of choice here)

            People fight over belief systems sometimes.

            Studied history?  All those past dictators?

            People fight for their lives sometimes.

            There are many reasons people go to war.

            by jhritz on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:45:58 AM PDT

            •  you think we'd be in Iraq

              if our true focus was on human rights and alleviating global poverty?

              by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:33:02 AM PDT

              •  I think we're there

                because someone wanted the oil.

                by jhritz on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 12:19:40 PM PDT

      •  right, except

        I never said that about 37 million americans without health insurace because it's way too ignorant for me to have ever thought, let alone said, whereas you actually called Iraq a "pet issue."

        I didn't say anything remotely like you describe, because I know better. Apparently, you don't.

        by velvetdays on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:05:55 AM PDT

        •  But you support a blog post

          that implies that issue shouldn't be mentioned because Iraq is more important.

          Frankly, I think most Democrats agree the war should end and the sooner the better.  The real differences are on other issues.

          by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:08:01 AM PDT

  •  comeon man. unnecessary.

    by samwithans on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:08:27 AM PDT

  •  Pet issue?

    My dead friends are not a pet issue.

    by clonecone on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:10:04 AM PDT

    •  I didn't say they were

      Geez, can't people read anymore?

      If the word "pet" is getting you all hot and bothered, then please, replace it in the above post with "issue I think is most important."

      Same thing.

      by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:11:56 AM PDT

•  Education & Poverty

  by Sargent Pepper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:44:57 AM PDT

•  big deal

  I mean, we're only losing two wars & flirting with a third while ignoring the real threats.

  Lighten up, will you?

  by velvetdays on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:46:55 AM PDT

•  Sharon, would you have donated to him

  anyways?

  I suspect that the email is targeted towards people already firmly in his camp, not undecideds.  The return rate on emails is low anyways.

  I agree with you that Iraq is the sine qua non of fixing our country.  No positive movement can begin until we get the hell out of there.

  by Geekesque on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:47:03 AM PDT

  •  I dunno

    I feel like I (and the rest of the country) are just wandering aimlessly in the desert, trying to stave off disaster and death daily. Where the Hell are Moses, Gore, or Clark when we need them?

    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:50:07 AM PDT

    •  Gore hasn't been that outspoken on the Iraq

      situation--generally deferential to Reid and Pelosi.  So has Clark been.

      Moses is retired from politics.

      by Geekesque on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:56:04 AM PDT

      •  Gore endorsed DEAN in '04

        BECAUSE he was against the war.

        Lest we forget recent history.

        by polecat on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:52:42 AM PDT

    •  unfair to both Gore & Clark

      we are, though, wandering in the desert

      Gore speaks much about the dynamics that went into creating the witches brew that resulted in Iraq in The Assault on Reason - read it if you have not, while it doesn't address much of it head on, it is clear where Gore stands - Clark - as you know very very very well is out there on a daily basis working his rear end off- and he has not stopped working or advocating for the right things to happen since he left the race

      Clark is still trying to find a door to open, Gore may be that door

      I'm out of patience too- many are looking to the fall & watching this manufacturing consent primary set up with  our breath just caught in our chests

      by velvetdays on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:02:45 AM PDT

      •  You misunderstood me, I think

        I wish either Gore or Clark would actually run themselves.

        I see the same sort of MEH reaction among Republican colleagues to their slate of candidates, too.

        Maybe running for President just sucks too much for people to want to do it.

        by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:06:12 AM PDT

        •  nah

          same page, I know.

          by velvetdays on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:06:50 AM PDT

•  What your click finger is broke

  If you would click on John Edwards Web Site you will find more detailed info than any other Candidate.
  If the War was your pet issue then you would already know where all candidates stand on the issue. You already have your mind made up on Edwards.
  Hmmm you are probably going to see a few more funerals if anyone other that Edwards is elected. He is the only one with a get Most of them out in a year.
  So be pissed that a stupid email did not rub you the right way. That will help your sons friends.

  by SkiBumLee on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:48:20 AM PDT

  •  UM

    His campaign spammed me asking me for money. His fundraising efforts would be more successful if they were better targeted towards the issues important to the recipients, don't you think?

    I'd love to have a candidate to support like I did in 2004. I want to be motivated to give and to work. So far, though, my response to all of them is varying degrees of MEH.

    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 08:52:31 AM PDT

    •  One email is not a spam

      if you actually did want to know his position on Iraq, its easy to find out. And would take a lot less time than writing this diary.

      And from your comments above, you still don't know his position. Its hard to take your diary at face value.

      by okamichan13 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:01:01 AM PDT

•  JRE's campaign probably

  made a conscious effort to emphasize domestic policy, as he's not going to win a broader argument that he's stronger on foreign policy than the other candidates. He's outflanked on his left and right by various Dem candidates.

  by Newsie8200 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:04:26 AM PDT

•  The email I just recieved

  Dear Steve,

  What happens when the candidate who will shake up Washington the most also has the best chance of getting elected?

  Everyone who likes things just the way they are gets scared and goes on the attack. If they can't attack the substance, they'll create "scandals" any way they can.

  We are fighting back hard but we need your help. If we hit our second quarter goal of $9 million in the next 6 days we can break through to voters with our real message of change. It's up to all of us to do our part. I just gave $100—can you please give whatever you can afford today?

  www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/ring-the-bell

  The whole Washington establishment wants our campaign to go away, because they know that John Edwards means the end to business as usual. The Washington lobbyists and PACs don't want us to win because John is the only candidate who has never taken money from them. The political mercenaries and the chattering class don't want us to win because they can't imagine a president who doesn't play by their rules. And you can bet that the big corporate interests—from the insurance companies to the drug companies to the oil companies—don't want us to win because John has been taking on special interests his entire life. So they attack him—personally.

  It's classic—they don't want the American people to hear the message, so they attack the messenger. They call him a hypocrite because he came from nothing, built a fortune while standing up for regular people during some of their toughest times, and—heaven forbid!—he has the nerve to remember where he came from and still care passionately about guaranteeing every family the opportunities he had to get ahead.

  Enough is enough. Together, we can put substance above cynicism and beat back these desperate attacks.

  Your contribution, combined with donations from hundreds of thousands of others, has tremendous power. All our small change can add up to big change for America and the world. So please give what you can today:

  www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/ring-the-bell

  Like many of you, I've been with John since 2004. The same folks who are attacking him now went after him then. You know why? Because the Bush inner circle sensed what the polls tell us today—that John Edwards is the best general election candidate we've got. Last time they attacked his hair; this time it's his haircut. But it's the same sad game. And this time, we can beat it.

  For all the reasons we got into this—to bring our troops back from Iraq, to solve global warming, to guarantee universal health care and to eliminate poverty—and because we believe the politics of substance and purpose must trump cynicism and personal destruction—this is a fight we must win. And together, we can.

  Please give whatever you can afford to help us hit our $9 million goal by June 30th:

  www.johnedwards.com/action/contribute/ring-the-bell

  Sincerely,

  --Jonathan Prince
   Deputy Campaign Manager
   John Edwards for President
   Monday, June 25, 2007

  P.S. Last week The New York Times ran a story suggesting that it was wrong for John to have spent the last three years raising awareness of poverty and advocating for solutions. As if there's any way to draw attention to poverty without publicity! And to make matters worse, the reporter just refused to even talk with any of the people who benefited—like any of the 200 young people who got scholarships through the College for Everyone program, or the 700 students who went to New Orleans with John to help rebuild. So we really need your help to get our message out; please, give what you can today.

  by refinish69 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:07:18 AM PDT

  •  Thanks for sharing

    This would have been a better e-mail to have received. Pass the word onto the campaign, would you?

    by Sharon Jumper on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:12:25 AM PDT

  •  wait wait - he didn't mention it

    UNTIL THE LAST PARAGRAPH!!  HE IS UNWORTHY!!!

    by DrFrankLives on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:13:00 AM PDT

  •  Beaten down by "The Man"

    Wow. The tone of this one makes it sound like poor John Edwards ("the little guy") is being beaten down by the big, bad forces of evil.

    What's next? A class action lawsuit on behalf of losing candidates everywhere?

    Does he really think that that the other candidates aren't being subjected to media scrutiny? Obama is getting killed by the Chicago papers looking into his political ties. And, my memory is foggy, but I seem to recall Hillary Clinton being the subject of a few attacks here and there.

    by hwc on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:25:23 AM PDT

    •  So you'd rather he didn't

      call them out and tell the truth about their motives?

      How very Shrum of you.  

      by ThunderHawk13 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:47:21 AM PDT

      •  Whose motives?

        It's a political campaign. Part of the deal is being subjected to scrutiny from the other candidates and media. I haven't seen anything out of line regarding Edwards. Relatively speaking, he's gotten off lightly.

        The biggest hit he's taken on issues is being tagged as soft on terrorism. That's his own fault; nobody forced him to say there is no war on terror. That was just a self-inflicted blunder.

        He's made his founding of a "poverty center" a key talking point on the campaign trail. Looking into that is certainly legitimate.

        He's also gotten tagged for "Breck girl" vanity. Although somewhat superficial, it's a criticism that is again self-inflicted. At the very least, his campaign should have seen it coming (the "I'm So Pretty" video has been on You Tube since the 2004 election) and taken steps to counter it.

        Again, I don't see any level of scrutiny that goes beyond what every Presidential candidate should expect. If anything, Edwards has gotten pretty soft treatment overall.

        by hwc on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:28:10 AM PDT

•  Iraq is a key issue and John Edwards has been

  fighting to bring the troops home as hard if not harder than the rest of the field.  I get the sense from your comments above that you were extremely unlikely to give to Edwards with or without the inclusion of Iraq in the email, which is fine, but why do you suggest that it was the email which made you not donate?

  by jsamuel on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:33:29 AM PDT

•  A bit of false outrage - his plan on Iraq

  is right smack on the first page of the website. After all he's said lately on Iraq, including tv and newspaper ads, hardly seems a fair conclusion that he's running away from the issue.

  by okamichan13 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:54:48 AM PDT

•  What kind of emails are the other campaigns

  sending out?  Is the focus Iraq?

  I haven't seen any and am curious.

  by pioneer111 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 09:58:14 AM PDT

•  In the ammount of time it took

  to write the diary you could have easily learned about his position on Iraq and also how vocal he has been on the issue including TV ads and newspaper ads.

  And from some of your comments here, you still don't know his position. Its hard to take your diary at face value. I would guess it doesnt really matter what he email he sent to you, your reaction would have been negative.

  Instead of the email rage, why not take the time to learn where the various candidates stand on the issue that seems to be most important for you? Actually knowing where he stands and then disagreeing with that position (or even agreeing?) would seem to be a more informed basis for not supporting his candidacy.

  by okamichan13 on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 10:05:49 AM PDT

•  More important issue: THE CONSTITUTION

  Civil Rights, the Rule of Law, preserving the Republic.

  Yes, the Occupation comes in shortly afterwards, but if we don't do something to restore our Democracy, ultimately we're screwed.

  by polecat on Mon Jun 25, 2007 at 11:45:25 AM PDT