John Edwards placed second in Iowa. Many people in pundit land believed that it was the end of him, or at least they wanted you to believe that. After all, Edwards doesn't have the millions that the Hillary and Obama Campaigns do. He doesn't get nearly the amount of media attention that Obama and Hillary receive as shown here. Yet, his numbers continue to grow nationally and in New Hampshire. Maybe....just maybe, his message is starting to be heard.
I've argued incessantly here at Kos that the message and the messenger mean more than money. It's not to say that money doesn't play an enormous role in elections these days. However, as shown in elections past, money isn't everything. If we don't have a candidate who can galvanize the American public and a candidate who has the right message at the right time; we don't stand a chance. Kerry had plenty of money, so much so that he had leftovers after our loss. Huckabee won in Iowa despite being outspent, and IMO it was his message that focused more on pocketbook issues that gave him the victory. Change seems to be the central theme for both Obama and Edwards. It's pretty simple, the American people are sick to death of politics as usual and change is a winning theme for Democrats. I also believe that Edwards populist rhetoric which focuses on class issues, is the best message to partner with the change meme.
Polls Show that Edwards Has Grown Nationally and in New Hampshire
With such a tight schedule and the corporate owned media continuing on with their two person narrative, why does his numbers grow? Is it Clinton supporters who are deciding to veer to Edwards? Is it undecided voters? I'm not sure, but what I do know is that his support is growing.
Here is a Rasmussen poll showing Edwards jumped anywhere from 5 to 9 points nationally in the last week and a half:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/...
Edwards had never breached the 20% mark until January, this is good news for Edwards supporters. He's climbing even more in New Hampshire with this poll that was just released yesterday:
http://www.maristpoll.marist.edu/
There are other polls that show Edwards a little lower, but many show him at either 19% or 20%. In the Marist poll he's within striking distance of Hillary Clinton! This is amazing. He doesn't get the media attention and has been far behind her all along in New Hampshire. According to this poll he's only six points behind her. Nobody in their right mind should count Edwards out right now, or underestimate him. Edwards is a marathon runner. He's in it for the long haul.
Hey Primary Voters, Check This Out!
I've known all along that Edwards is the strongest candidate in a general election. I'm not saying that Obama or Hillary couldn't win a general election, I just believe that Edwards would win big. Whether it's the polls in red states like Oklahoma showing that he's the only Democrat who could beat the GOP. Or, this polling out of Ohio that shows he's the only candidate who beats all the GOP front runners. IMO, if McCain is the GOP nominee, Edwards is our best bet.
It's About the Cause
Some people here on Kos were asking Edwards supporters to jump on the Obama bandwagon after Edwards placed second. Why? Why would I jump ship, especially if I'm on the ship that I believe in? Edwards is steadily climbing in the polls, he's the strongest against the GOP and he's got the platform I believe in. Edwards proposals on UHC to poverty, will directly affect my life more than any other candidate. He's got extensive proposals to rein in on mortgage companies. Not to mention his plans to rein in on credit card company abuses. IMO, he's got the best UHC plan of the viable candidates. I also believe that his stepping stones jobs program and his green collar jobs program will lift millions of Americans out of poverty. These programs won't only lift people out of poverty, but will end the dismal cycle and provide a stable lifestyle. Why would I abandon my values? Why would I abandon the candidate I know will fight for people like me? Like Edwards, I'm in it for the long haul.
The Right Message....The Right Messenger
I urge you to watch this video:
Which GOP candidate could ever match that? Not a single one of them.
Donate to the Campaign
If you'd like to give a little money to the Edwards Campaign go here:
http://johnedwards.com/...
If you'd like to volunteer in Nevada go here:
http://www.johnedwards.com/...
If you'd like to volunteer in South Carolina go here:
http://www.johnedwards.com/...