The way I see it now,
John Edwards – Aggressive Progressive
Barack Obama – Passive Progressive
Hillary Clinton – Reluctant Progressive
There have been so many positive and negative diaries regarding the top three Democratic candidates; diaries representing hopes and fears of loyal followers. Belief in a presidential candidate will take us far in November, but only so far. Hard work down ticket will be needed, because the president is not the only one influenced by corporations, military industrial complex padding, and lobbyists. One term will not finish it either – it will require constant attention to reverse the damage done these last seven years plus.
For disclosure, I started by waiting for Al Gore, lined up Bill Richardson as a back-up pick (before the first of several debates). Then, in the early fall, I leaned toward Barack Obama for some time, but I chose and choose to support John Edwards – sending some of my wages and spending some of my time. Hillary Clinton is third in the wings.
I will campaign for, work for, vote for the Democratic nominee. There are choices in the primary season, but no choice in November except the Democratic standard bearer.
Iowa (where between 62 and 71 % chose some one other than one of those three candidates; another way to look at the results when no one gathers 50+ %) and New Hampshire allow Independent voters to participate in primaries. I live in a late primary state (Pennsylvania in April) so a lot will be decided by then. There are other states that are on the upcoming calendar that will be open only to Democrats and all three of the front runners will be in the mix until at least February 5th. I would hope until the convention that two would still be contesting.
Within Democratic primaries, I think that the dynamics will be different. Clinton is likely to have already lined up some super-delegates and there are states she will fair well in (NY, MI); Edwards may have a slight chance at exposure, since primaries see active party members and the contests are not solely dominated by the MSM and their willful under coverage of his campaign and message. (Really, if they can cover 5 Republicans, why can’t they cover 3 Democrats?). If there truly is a ‘change’ trend and vote, it will split between Obama and Edwards.
Mr. Edwards has pushed the discussion of important items to the left as a populist candidate. The convention will establish the platform. In reality, whoever the winner is will have to promote and illuminate the clearly defined core Democratic issues (though not limited to these): universal health care, ending the occupation of Iraq, repairing foreign relations, creating jobs (even if that means the government must start a works program), restoring the Constitution by rolling back the abuses of the recent years.