Obama is far out ahead in South Carolina in the polls, but we may have a different second place contender. The day after the debate John Edwards was polled within four points of Hillary Clinton in South Carolina. The average polling for the three days had Edwards at 15% but the debate may have had an effect on voters.
Many people are focusing on how far ahead Obama is, which is understandable considering his numbers in SC. For us Edwards supporters there is also hope for us too! The polling just one day after the debate shows Edwards debate performance struck a chord with voters. The polling the day after the debate shows Edwards up to 18%, just four points behind Clinton. Here's a snippet from Zogby:
"Obama holds a 43% to 25% lead over Clinton, with Edwards at 15%. But that does not tell the whole story here.
"Yesterday alone, Obama led with 39% with Clinton 22% and Edwards at 18%. One day does not make a trend, but the potential is there showing that Edwards may have scored some points in the Monday CNN debate and in his campaigning.
As of right now, 14% of South Carolinians are still undecided and nearly 20% of voters say they could change their minds. Those are good numbers for Edwards. Monday's debate turned into hours of the media covering Obama and Hillary fighting. Edwards definitely looked like the only Presidential candidate on the stage. It may be a long shot, but Edwards could continue to make inroads with South Carolina voters and come out with a surprise upset against Clinton. This should be good news for not only Edwards supporters but Obama supporters as well.
The Back Roads Back Home Barnstorm
Edwards has numerous events in South Carolina just days before the primary. He's hitting towns and cities like Seneca, Bennetsville, Lancaster, Greenwood and Gaffney S.C. Edwards is keeping the focus on working families and the economy. Here's a recent quote by Edwards:
"If we want to stop saying goodbye to South Carolina's manufacturing jobs, we need to start with a real stimulus package that creates new jobs and puts money in the hands of working families," Edwards said. "President Bush's proposal is swiss-cheese stimulus that leaves out millions of hardworking Americans while toeing the line of right-wing ideology at the expense of smart planning for America's future."
Facing oil that has topped $100 a barrel, the burden of an unemployment rate that rose 0.7 points to 6.6% for December, the largest one month gain in 17 years, and following the loss of 90,000 manufacturing jobs under the Bush presidency, South Carolinians are ready for president who will fight for them. Edwards proposed a short-term economic stimulus plan in December, leading both his opponents and the White House with a smart plan to put money in the hands of people who need it the most and who will use it within their local economies.
The Edwards plan would:
* Provide about $1.5 billion to South Carolina
* Expand benefits for about 9000 long-term unemployed workers
* Provide fiscal relief for the state of South Carolina – which is facing a $430 million deficit next year, according to the state Board of Economic Advisors.
I love how Edwards calls Bush's economic stimulus plan swiss cheese. I also love how he addresses the true nature of what Bush is proposing. Edwards isn't holding back at all. I also think it's very smart for Edwards to get specific on how his proposals will directly affect South Carolinians. Here's more information about his upcoming events in S.C.:
http://www.johnedwards.com/...
The Race is Far From Over
Now that Edwards may have a shot to upset Clinton, we have to do everything we can to help Edwards in South Carolina. If he can beat Clinton, his candidacy will get a much needed boost. Many of us here are sticking with Edwards through to the convention. While it's admirable that Edwards has so many dedicated supporters, myself included, we have to take action now. Edwards is climbing because of his debate performance and I'm sure his recent visits to the state are helping as well. There are also murmurs that Clinton may take focus away from S.C. and start campaigning in Feb. 5th states. Clinton is leaving us an opening to help push Edwards past her. So, what are you going to do about it?
Volunteer!!
We're only a few days away from the S.C. primary, if you live in S.C. or nearby volunteer for Edwards:
http://www.johnedwards.com/...
Virtual Phonebanking for Edwards in South Carolina
It doesn't matter if you live in Pennsylvania, or if you live in Texas or Washington. You can help Edwards in South Carolina! Go here:
http://www.johnedwardsphonebank.com/
Donate to Edwards!
We in the netroots helped deliver one of the biggest fundraising days for the Edwards Campaign. I'm proud to be amongst so many dedicated activists here at Daily Kos. We've got to keep it going. We're already proving that by working together we can make a real difference in the political process. So, give a little if you can and keep the Edwards Campaign going!
http://johnedwards.com/...