He's fought the good fight, but I think he needs to throw his support to Obama. (I am assuming, of course, that he has more political affinity with Obama than with Clinton.) I wouldn't be too surprised if word got out that the Obama camp is pinging Edwards about this very thing, in the classic gambit of political horse-trading and uniting against a common opponent. You know it has to be going through the minds of the Obama brain trust. If it's not, it should be.
But (bluntly stated), given his family situation, I think Edwards is nuts if he continues. No one would criticize him for lack of effort.
Anything to contest Hillary's "inevitability." I'd vote for her if she wins the nom, but I sure as shit won't work for her or contribute to her.
Here is what needs to happen:
If Hillary gets the nom (a prospect that we should take seriously, and that should now scare all of us who support Barack, particularly in California, into furious action. I know the people at the local Obama precinct were using exactly those words - a lot of folks thought New Hampshire was in the bag), the netroots needs to refocus its attention on local and statewide races to boost turnout. Because Hillary will probably not have a good effect lower down the ticket. So it would be up to us to help our people win.
Basically, it comes down to this: 2006 was to a considerable extent a netroots victory. You know, we can do the same thing again and must do so in 2008, no matter who's the nominee (and at this point is there any doubt that it's come down to two people?).
Over the next several weeks, I'm going to be contributing to Barack's campaign and spend what few spare hours I have working the phones in the precinct near my office. Mercifully, after February 5th I suspect we'll be able to take a break and assess the results.
Yes, Hillary would be an upgrade over the Worst President In Modern Times.
But this time I'm sick of half a loaf.
**UPDATE** Something weird's going on with the site. Comments are disappearing from my browser. I know I'm getting quite a bit of abuse here, and I know that other diaries have been published saying pretty much the same thing. I feel strongly that I have a right to air my views. Redundant or not, they're not redundant to me. :d
Besides, we are all friends here. I will always respond with the utmost civility to those who disagree with me.
I want to respond but right now the site's so squirelley (due to the sheer crush of packets) that I can't get things to display consistently. Back in an hour or so.