Throughout my comments I've posted lately and in my last diary, I've comitted myself to Edwards "til the bitter end." I recognize, as Joe Trippi even conceded today, that Edwards is a longshot at best. Still, however, I recognize that the populism that he represents needs to stay in the debate. Edwards is a legit third voice in the primary and represents a much needed brand of populism that Obama and Hillary have not made the focal points of their respective campaigns. But here's my problem:
Bill and Hillary completely lost any and all respect I've ever had for them. The racial politicing in SC was disgraceful but my view of the Clintons went from relative indifference to intense dislike after Hillary's disgustingly classless reaction to her third place finnish in Iowa. Every day it seems, Bill or Hillary does something to make me dislike them even more (if that's possible). I will (and want to) remain comitted to John Edwards as long as he does not hurt Obama's chances of becoming the nominee.
Since Edwards' message is distinctly different from that of Hillary or Obama, I've never thought that we would break heavily in favor of either Obama or Hillary. From what I've seen, us Edwards supporters are very enthusiastic about our candidate and strongly prefer him to Hillary or Obama.
Nevertheless, I have a ton of respect for Barack Obama and more importantly, I think he would make an excellent President (two things I can't say for Hillary). Still, however, I don't see my level of admiration in too many other Edwards supporters.
Edwards and Obama aren't merely the anti-Clinton candidates. I don't see all of us breaking heavily in favor of Obama just to knock off Hillary. I appologize for the short diary but my question is pretty simple: Is Edwards decesion to stay in race going to give Hillary the nomination? If the answer is yes, count me in as an Obama supporter.