Poll - Edwards Supporters ONLY

This is just a hypothetical straw poll, driven mostly out of curiousity (and a debate with a coworker) for Edwards supporters.

Who is your second choice?

Please note that I am not calling for him to drop out, just curious who Edwards' supporters second choice is. Edwards was my second choice in 2004 even though I was a diehard Deaniac.

I changed the wording of the question, so please disregard the last poll option and the question. This is a simple second-choice poll. Forget the language about if he were to drop out. It was poorly worded and I apologize.

•  The only stipulation

  I'd have is if Obama shows up to filibuster or Clinton shows up to filibuster with Dodd. As of right now I have no second choice if Edwards were to drop out and judging by what I have seen so far I'm not going to it's going to be a write in.

  by cwaltz on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 09:58:57 AM PDT

•  I think your poll is premature

  and I resent feeling that there are vultures circling.  I'm still voting for the person I think is the best person, and that is John Edwards.  

  by annetteboardman on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 09:59:20 AM PDT

  •  Thanks, annettboardman.

    My daughter made it to London, but they lost her bags.  :-)  Weather and various airlines.

    Hopefully they will show up.

    Stay warm!

    by TomP on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:00:30 AM PDT

    •  4 out of 5 of my chickens

      who came from St. Louis (to Cairo) had their luggage lost.  But it came a day and a half later.  I hope your daughter's comes quickly!

      Thinking around here is that Hulshof is going to run for governor.  Have you heard anything in your neck of the woods?

      by annetteboardman on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 12:00:39 PM PDT

      •  Just the names from the Post.

        She finally got her luggage today.

        I hear Steelman, Emerson, and Jettson considering.

        Talent says no.

        Pretty wide open. Blunt out actually helps them by giving a fresh start.

        Peter Kinder already is in.  He actually has decent relations with labor for a Republican.

        Hopefully they will destroy each other in a primary. :-)

        I heard specualtion tonight from a Dem state rep with whom I spoke that if Hulsolf does, Joe Maxwell might consider a run for Congress. That would be cool.  He spoke at the Edwards ecvent in St. Louis.  He was on fire.  Farmers and labor.  "It's our turn!!"

        by TomP on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 06:55:42 PM PDT

        •  I like Joe Maxwell

          Did you know he was a Truman grad?  He would make a great Rep from this part of the state.  I heard that his wife was sick and that was why he never pursued higher office.  Is she better now?

          by annetteboardman on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 08:17:17 PM PDT

  •  It was a hypothetical

    I clearly said IF he were to drop out, and that it was a hypothetical. I never said that people should not vote for Edwards while he remains in the race. I think he could even get second in South Carolina, which would be great for him and a big blow to Clinton. That was actually what caused me to post this - debating with a coworker how Super Tuesday would be impacted if Edwards got 2nd in South Carolina.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:05:24 AM PDT

    •  Maybe I'm naive

      but I would be estatic if Edwards got second, and you'd have to peel me off the ceiling if he came in first.

      by Terre on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:10:36 AM PDT

      •  I'd be ecstatic too

        If Edwards got second, it would put him back in the game and be a big blow to Clinton. Win-win in my book, as someone who really likes Obama and Edwards.

        by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:12:46 AM PDT

    •  Why didn't you ask that?

      That would be a more interesting (and relevant) question, in my opinion.  Oh well...

      by annetteboardman on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 12:01:30 PM PDT

•  If Obama dropped out,

  who is your second choice?

  If Clinton dropped out, who is your second choice?

  by TomP on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 09:59:23 AM PDT

  •  Edwards is my second choice

    And honestly, it is a tie between him and Obama for first. I only began leaning Obama after Iowa, when I started to doubt that Edwards could get the nomination. I think Republicans hate Clinton a lot more than Democrats love her, which is a really bad combination. Therefore, while I personally like a lot of things about Clinton, I believe that stopping her is the most important thing right now. I think Obama, Edwards, and Clinton would all make great presidents, and I'd be happy to vote for any of them in the fall (although Clinton's tactics have kind of put a bad taste in my mouth), so my focus is on which one has the best chance of getting there.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:02:30 AM PDT

    •  How many times

      have you heard that this is the primary.  You're supposed to vote for the Democrat you think best represents you.

      I've NEVER understood the mentality of voting for someone just because they get more votes in the early states, or because of poll numbers.

      If more people like you would stop questioning their heart and ideals, John wouldn't be subject to dwindling poll numbers.

      by Terre on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:15:16 AM PDT

      •  I was torn between Obama and Edwards before Iowa

        If I had favored Edwards over Obama I would still be supporting Edwards. But given that I really like both of them and was having a hard time making up my mind, it makes sense to go with the one who has a better shot, especially given the fact that I think Clinton has a lot of negatives that may prevent her from winning in November.

        by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:16:58 AM PDT

        •  That's what I'm saying

          Supporting a candidate because they "have a better shot" makes absolutely no sense to me.

          BTW, I would have voted in your poll, but you didn't include "No F**'ing Clue."

          by Terre on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:21:26 AM PDT

          •  Sorry

            I just figured people who didn't have an opinion wouldn't vote, but I guess I should have.

            by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:23:27 AM PDT

      •  And before you imply that I am a sellout

        you should know that I was a diehard Deaniac in 2004 and it wasn't until September that I decided I was even going to vote for Kerry in the general. I had planned to write in Dean until the Rethugs pulled their annual stunt of making New Jersey look competitive. Even though I didn't buy it, if Kerry narrowly lost NJ I could never have forgiven myself.

        by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:18:24 AM PDT

        •  Geeze - give me a chance to reply

          I didn't call you a sellout, nor did I have any intention of implying that.

          And, I wasn't a Deaniac FWIW, so that really makes no difference to me.

          by Terre on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:24:29 AM PDT

          •  My point is, I am loyal

            and I do pick my candidates based on who best expresses my views. In this case, Obama and Edwards both do, so all other things being equal, I may as well support the one who has a better shot. But if I go to South Carolina this weekend you won't hear me say a word about John Edwards...if I knock on Edwards supporters' doors, I wouldn't try to change their minds. I actually hope Edwards gets second in SC...it's looking like there's a chance.

            by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:27:13 AM PDT

            •  Well, I'll just say

              for the last time, that the reason you give (voting for someone who has the "better chance"), leaves me perplexed.  I don't think I'll ever understand it.

              by Terre on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:33:02 AM PDT

    •  Hmm just how valuable are the real issues

      to you?

      If Edwards was your first choice until Iowa you must have thought he was better on the issues or something right?

      If so why so little faith? Actually even if Edwards does not win but manages to hold a decent chunk of delegates by convention time, we will all benefit from his bing in all the way.

      The primaries are the time of voting with the goal of moving the one who best addresses your issues and principles ahead. When we forget that we tend to short change ourselves.

      Peace
      :)

      by eaglecries on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:09:34 AM PDT

•  My second choice is easy

  

  I'm voting for the bringer of Christmas Presents!

  Christmas Pootie!

  by funluvn1 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:01:23 AM PDT

  •  Awww, is that your cat?

    That's cute

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:03:42 AM PDT

    •  Yes. That's Cody.

      He's a Ragdoll.

      by funluvn1 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:05:17 AM PDT

      •  He's cute

        by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:06:49 AM PDT

  •  I just can't make up my mind

    

    or

    

    or maybe

    

    what to do, what to do?

    by edgery on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:26:48 AM PDT

    •  I vote for the dog

      although the horse is cute too.

      by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:27:48 AM PDT

•  The Bloomberg poll asked this

  From yesterday's poll:

  If your candidate dropped out of the race, would you support Hillary Clinton, or Barack Obama?

  Clinton: 39%
  Obama: 32%
  Would not vote: 10%
  Someone else: 9%
  Don't know: 10%

  by Partially Impartial on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:01:44 AM PDT

  •  misleading..

    ...they didn't identify which clinton you'd be supporting

    ;)

    by JedReport on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:04:08 AM PDT

  •  I need to bookmark this for all those

    Edwards needs to drop out diaries.

    by AUBoy2007 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:11:00 AM PDT

    •  Read the post

      I specifically stated that I am NOT calling for Edwards to drop out. I posted this poll in response to a discussion with a coworker about how the race would be altered if Edwards got second in South Carolina.

      by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:13:41 AM PDT

      •  Dude, calm down. I know you didn't.

        That why I said "those diaries" and not "these diaries".

        For your information, I'm not sure what I'd do.  But then again, for me, as I've already voted for Edwards in FL, it doesn't matter.

        by AUBoy2007 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:16:16 AM PDT

      •  Read the comment :)

        He said "all THOSE Edwards needs to drop out diaries" (emphasis mine)...if he had meant to include yours he should have said "all THESE..."

        What a difference a letter makes.

        by saodl on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:19:47 AM PDT

        •  Sorry, I misunderstood

          by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:20:55 AM PDT

        •  Thanks for helping clarify things. :-)

          by AUBoy2007 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:24:47 AM PDT

      •  If Edwards got second in South Carolina

        then this poll still doesn't make any sense.

        There is no need for anyone to have to make this choice.

        • Edwards has said he's in this to the convention.
        • His campaign is running on that presumption.
        • He's in the February 5th primaries.
        • His campaign is qualifying or already on most of the other primary ballots.

        What part of "this isn't a valid question" don't folks around here understand?!

        by edgery on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:30:43 AM PDT

        •  My assumption is

          that if he were to win South Carolina, he would get a bump going into Super Tuesday. I was trying to figure out whether that would hurt Clinton or Obama more. Obviously, if he were to then win the majority of delegates, it would become a moot point.

          by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:32:14 AM PDT

          •  Then THAT should have been your poll

            question.  If Edwards came in 2nd, who would it hurt more, Clinton or Obama?

            by Terre on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:36:39 AM PDT

            •  That's a different question

              That's asking people to play pundits. I was trying to figure out who it would actually hurt more by seeing who Edwards supporters' second choice is (and thus, which candidate Edwards might pull more votes from if he became more viable)

              by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:40:50 AM PDT

  •  That's a little surprising

    But not terribly, especially as the race has become more racially polarized.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:50:40 AM PDT

•  The poll is moot.

  Edwards won't drop out.

  EVER.

  He's going all the way to the convention, and he's going to win the nomination too.

  by leisure on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:02:16 AM PDT

  •  Never said he was going to drop out

    I said that it was a hypothetical

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:03:06 AM PDT

    •  I don't do moot hypotheticals.

      by leisure on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:03:45 AM PDT

•  Dean. nt

  by polecat on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:09:36 AM PDT

  •  I was tempted in 2004

    to write in Dean in the general instead of voting for Kerry. But then the Rethugs pulled their typical September stunt of making New Jersey look more competitive than it actually is, so I voted for Kerry. That's part of why I am hesitant to get too invested in a candidate this year...don't want to have so much trouble supporting the eventual nominee. Clinton isn't making it easy though.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:11:37 AM PDT

•  My second choice:

  Whomever the majority of other Dems agree to nominate.

  But I wouldn't be happy about it ... unless it was Al Gore!

  by JBL55 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:11:04 AM PDT

  •  To damn much like

    2004.

    by skwimmer on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:15:24 AM PDT

    •  Yeah ...

      ... it does feel that way sometimes.

      I didn't really answer the diarist's question.  If JRE drops out before the Maine caucus (which I have a hard time envisioning):

      1. I would go to the caucus with my plate of cookies,

      2. I'd listen to supporters of the other candidates,

      3. I'd weigh what they say against what I already think of each candidate based on his/her statements and records, and then

      4. I'd stand with those who ate my cookies swayed me.

      by JBL55 on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:29:20 AM PDT

      •  Cookies ARE diplomacy. n/t

        by skwimmer on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 01:58:55 PM PDT

•  You can't be serious

  Are you actually going to trust Obama supporters to be honest and not vote in this poll?

  These are the same people who state over and over not to vote for Clinton if she is the nominee. The same peoplde who state they would a)vote pug, b)not vote, c)vote indie, d) pout if they can't get thier way.

  heh

  by LaEscapee on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:13:08 AM PDT

  •  Why would Clinton supporters be any less tempted

    to do the same?

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:14:23 AM PDT

    •  Well you' re right

      But it is the Obama supporters whio keep threatening to not vote so, sorry if I have a lower opinion of them than I do people who realize it is more important to win than to punish the country for their feelings being hurt.

      by LaEscapee on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:17:18 AM PDT

    •  There are far fewer

      active Clinton supporters than active Obama supporters on dKos (for rather obvious reasons).

      by Inky on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:20:31 AM PDT

      •  True

        I never claimed this was scientific. What are the "obvious" reasons?

        by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:21:20 AM PDT

        •  I'm no Clinton supporter

          but the hysterical Clinton-bashing on this site of late has perversely made me more sympathetic to both Hill and Bill. One had to be a true glutton for punishment to be a Clinton supporter on dKos.

          by Inky on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:25:12 AM PDT

•  This is ridiculous

  1st off, how can you be sure that 'only' Edwards supporters voted.

  2nd, I ALREADY VOTED IN THE PRIMARY is not in your poll and I ALREADY VOTED FOR EDWARDS IN THE PRIMARY, so GROW UP ALREADY.

  by Newzie on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:19:24 AM PDT

  •  Why do you need to throw insults?

    I just posted a hypothetical question because I was curious...you don't need to attack me. I said in my post that people who already voted could vote too...it was a hypothetical. I wanted to know who your second choice was, hence why I did not include an option about having already voted for Edwards or planning to write him in.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:22:55 AM PDT

    •  Your diary is an insult to Edwards supporters

      by Newzie on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 02:56:33 PM PDT

•  I already voted for JRE by absentee ballot

  John Edwards for President
  http://www.johnedwards.com/

  by Pam from Calif on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:24:44 AM PDT

•  Dodd

  by anotherCt Dem on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:26:26 AM PDT

•  I'm already...

  Supporting Obama. I love Edwards and his message. I wish he would get more airtime.

  But, I'm young and I have a lot of energy. I don't see why I can't pull for both of them.

  by FinchJ on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:27:59 AM PDT

  •  I'm with you 100%

    I'm really torn between them. If Virginia's primary were today, I'd probably vote for Obama because I think he has a better shot, and I may go to South Carolina to campaign for him this weekend. But I like Edwards a lot and I am pulling for him too.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:29:28 AM PDT

•  ?

  North Carolina doesn't vote in the Primary until May.  Lots of time to make up my mind.  At this time I couldn't vote for Hillary and don't really know if Obama would be viable.  He speaks beautifully, but he doesn't seem to be able to think on his feet too well when in heated "discussions".  Don't know if he could stand up to all the dirty stuff the Republicans would throw his way.  And I doubt his "liberal" agenda - haven't heard much of that from him until Edwards' message caught the ears of Media.

  Edwards says he's in it for the long haul, so I hope his name is still on the ballot in May.

  by Aly on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:28:31 AM PDT

•  I will support the nominee

  In the primary, I support Edwards and only Edwards.  He is the ONLY candidate not compromised by the Wall Street wing of the Democratic party.  I live in downstate Illinois.  I voted for Obama for Senate.  He was instrumental in funding a local transportation project, but he was the same class of donors and consultants as Clinton.  He also tends to triangulate away from Democratic ideals too much for my taste.

  I am a Democrat.  But if Al Gore was to throw his hat in the ring.  I would reassess my support for Edwards.  However, at this time I support Edwards and only Edwards.  I believe he is the only candidate strong enough and free enough to destroy the current system of politics.

  by Illinibeatle on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:30:23 AM PDT

•  I do not have a second choice because ...

  I am voting for Edwards.

  Then I will support the nominee.

  Period.

  Edwards will not drop out (certainly not before super duper Tuesday and probably never). So your question is mute and I refuse to answer it.

  by TekBoss on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:32:23 AM PDT

•  You need another choice.

  If--God forbid--Edwards were to drop out, I'd write in his name.
  I think you should have a choice for that.

  by Mumphrey on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:34:50 AM PDT

  •  The whole point was to gauge second choices

    That option would have defeated the whole purpose of the poll.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:41:18 AM PDT

    •  What about those of us

      Who have no second choice?

      by Mumphrey on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:01:13 AM PDT

      •  Don't vote in the poll

        Nobody said you had to

        by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:02:44 AM PDT

        •  True enough.

          But I think it might be worth having it on there if you want to know what Edwards backers are thinking.

          by Mumphrey on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:04:38 AM PDT

•  with one caveat

  i think i'd write edwards in if he wasn't on the ballot just to make my point...heck i might even write him in in the general but maybe not...can't think that far ahead
  and for the record, i am so pro-regional primaries in the future...here in PA we moved our primary up from late May to late April humph...as if we're gonna make a difference that late (sigh)

  by Spedwybabs on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:37:40 AM PDT

•  Easy answer, not in your poll.

  
  Elizabeth Edwards.
  
  

  Thanks for your hypothetical concern.
  
  

  by two roads on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:40:28 AM PDT

•  Push Poll,,,,sniff, sniff, sniff along with this

  http://www.dailykos.com/...

  Or the diaries that go for the threats of "you have to vote.............."

  by deMemedeMedia on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:44:20 AM PDT

•  I changed the wording of the question

  or at least tried to (it wouldn't let me edit the part in the poll). Forget about if he dropped out - just a simple question, who is your second choice.

  by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:45:27 AM PDT

•  No, don't even ask.

  Bad questions should never be answered.

  Edwards is in it to win.

  And so am I.

  There will be NO second choice for Edwards.
  None will be needed.

  Ask Obama and HRC who they'll be voting for.

  by slowheels on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:45:41 AM PDT

  •  Forget the part about dropping out

    I should have worded the question differently. Just curious who your second choice is. Edwards was my 2nd choice in 2004 even though I was a diehard Deaniac.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:46:37 AM PDT

•  Good poll

  I don't see how some of the above comments critiquing the poll for whatever reason have any weight.  It is a simple little question that seeks to answer the question of who Edwards supporters like second best.  True to form, four out of five of us Edwards supports look like we would either support another strong change candidate.  This poll is further proof that an Edwards-Obama team would be the strongest force for progressive change our country has ever seen.

  by Soundpolitic on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:48:26 AM PDT

  •  I made the mistake of wording it

    as what would people do if he dropped out. I should have just asked who their second choice was, plain and simple.

    by democrattotheend on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:49:18 AM PDT

    •  Even asking about 'second choices' is distracting

      Ever wonder what it means to
      "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" ?

      It may seem silly,
      but the ONLY difference between winning and losing
      is that the winners kept stuff like
      "second choices"
      out of their heads.

      by slowheels on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:52:57 AM PDT

      •  Not distracting...clarifying

        Like Edwards said on the night of the Iowa caucuses:

        "Change won and the status quo lost."

        People have second choices.  And good politicians know this.  That's why Edwards will come to the aid of Senator Obama during a debate when Clinton tries to nab him.  I think he understands that together, the Edwards and Obama message creates a two-heads-is-better-than-one leadership team that could turn the Democratic Party solidly progressive.

        Keep your eye on the prize doesn't work.  If you're only focus is on the final trophy, you ain't gonna get even a base hit.  Keep your eye on the ball and you've got a chance at the grand-slam.

        by Soundpolitic on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:29:03 AM PDT

        •  No... it's like a horse race

          or riding the horse.

          If you're watching, you can think about the outcome,
          you might get excited,
          but keep a nice detached composure.

          You might even place a bet. Win, Place, Show.  

          Well, some of us are betting on the outcome.
          But SOME of us are riding the race.

          Perspective is everything.

          Like the old example of Interest vs Committment

          Bacon and eggs for breakfast.

          The chicken is interested.
          The pig is committed.

          Not ALL the people have second choices.

          For somebody COMMITTED to a candidate's race,
          there is NO TIME - now - to think about second place.

          Ask me later, I'm busy.

          by slowheels on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 05:50:45 PM PDT

•  Go home. n/t

  by hells kitchen on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 10:51:37 AM PDT

•  If Edwards is on the NJ primary ballot

  I will vote for him, no matter whether he's still in the race (and I fervently hope he still will be).

  I remain undecided on anything beyond that at this point, but I'm listening.

  by LisaR on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 11:28:39 AM PDT

•  At the moment I'd be at protest vote stage ...

  ... and I presume that here in Northern Ohio, there will be a Kucinich slate to cast a protest vote toward.

  But I'm not deeply entrenched and, in any event, its all hypothetical since I'm voting in early March, so Edwards will still be in the race.

  by BruceMcF on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 12:50:54 PM PDT

  •  I had to laugh ...

    ... as soon as someone comes into my second choice slot, that's the death knell. First Senator Dodd, now Congressman Kucinich. I guess that Senators Obama and Clinton know what they are doing as they each vie to be my third choice.

    (Add, PS, Thanks Chris Dodd!)

    by BruceMcF on Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 02:15:13 PM PDT