It has been a couple of exciting and satisfying weeks for the supporters of John Edwards. Despite considerably less media coverage than his two major rivals, and despite spending considerably less money that his two main rivals, the Edwards campaign has experienced a very real surge in Iowa and NH. It seems that his positive message of change and of building One America for all is taking hold the old fashioned way, face to face.
Despite the naysayers who have said all along that Edwards is losing ground in Iowa and NH and would fall out of the race, this campaign is still going strong. Depending on which poll you read, Edwards is either leading or tied in the consensus view. Even the MSM pundits have been forced to cover the Edwards campaign more now that it appears a distinct possibility that he could pull a couple of monumental, grassroots fueled victories in Iowa, and possibly NH.
Now most people knew that Edwards was strong in Iowa, and would close the gap in NH, but what of the main argument being put forth lately by supporters of Obama and Clinton that Edwards has no prescence in the Feb. 5 states? Well, today Edwards decided to discuss that subject. From his website:
Today, the John Edwards for President campaign announced key leaders and advisors in nine states that will hold presidential primaries and caucuses on February 5th. These current and former elected officials join the campaign's team of state advisors in all 22 February 5th states, who are already working to help the campaign build on momentum coming out of the nation's first contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.
It seems as Edwards may have more organization and support in these states than many will concede. Lets look at some of the Edwards strength in these states:
State advisors in all 22 February 5th states
Endorsements from seven labor unions that together represent more than 1.5 million members in February 5th states
Endorsements from a majority of State House and Senate Democratic legislators in North Dakota and Oklahoma
706 One Corps chapters, the local service arm of the Edwards campaign, in February 5th states
Statewide grassroots organizing calls held with advisors and supporters in all 22 February 5th states this month.
People are soon to forget the strength of Edwards union support, potentially 1.5 million members who will be working and voting for Edwards in these states. Another aspect of the Edwards campaign is his many OneCorps chapters of volunteers, 706 chapters strong in the Feb. 5 states. As a OneCorps member in Western Kentucky I can attest to the activism and enthusiasm of these groups.
David Bonoir had this to say:
"There is no question John Edwards is surging in Iowa and New Hampshire," said Edwards' national campaign manager Congressman David Bonior. "And that momentum is only going to keep growing, as we head into Nevada, South Carolina and the February 5th states. With the help of the labor community and others, including the list of experienced leaders we are announcing today, the Edwards campaign has built a strong national organization with a wide base of support. We are well-positioned to capitalize on the momentum coming out of strong finishes in the four early primary states and turn it into victories for John Edwards in the February 5th states."
Ben Jones, who played "Cooter" in the Dukes of Hazard T.V. series had this to say about the excitement Edwards brings to the table. He is a Feb. 5 voter in Georgia:
"I am honored to join Senator Edwards' team of advisors in February 5th states," said former Georgia Congressman Ben "Cooter" Jones, who has campaigned for Edwards in both Iowa and New Hampshire. "Poll after poll shows John Edwards to be by far our strongest Democratic candidate in the general election. I'm not supporting John Edwards because of polls, but those same surveys show that John Edwards can win in the so-called 'red states' and that's exciting to me. His strength at the top of the ticket will help other Democrats on the ballot in the South and in the Heartland. John Edwards transcends the 'Blue State-Red State' paradigm. He will make the Democratic Party a truly national party once again."
http://www.johnedwards.com/...
While many people want to write Edwards off in these states as they did in Iowa and NH, the truth of the matter is that Edwards is poised for a victory in Iowa which could very well put the next three contests in play for him. After that, he has the time and resources to really make a run in the Feb. 5 states too.
The fact of the matter is that John Edwards is positioned very well to come from nowhere and win this nomination. Not only does he have the most promising vision for change for working Americans who are falling further and further behind, but he has organization to fall back on in the Feb. 5 states.
Don't believe what you hear about the Edwards campaign. The truth is Edwards is peaking at the right time. He may not have the money that Clinton and Obama have but he has enough to compete. If you compare money spent to position in the polls, then the Edwards campaign has been far more efficient and effective than that of Clinton or Obama. Isn't one of the marks of a leader to be able to do the most with the smallest resources possible?
So I would just like to conclude by saying that this campaign has been written off many times by many people. Over and over in this primary we have heard how Edwards couldn't compete. We have heard how his campaign was basically over. Despite that, here we are, two days from Iowa and this campaign is not dying, it is gathering strength. The loyal supporters and Americans everywhere have not allowed it to die, because more than anyone John Edwards gives us hope for a better America. I think that the other campaigns should resign themselves to the fact that they will have to compete with the positive message of hope and equality for all Americans, and common sense abroad in not only IA, NH, SC, and NV, but in all the Feb. 5 states to.
Our campaign is just getting started. Won't you join us in changing this country and the world?