REALLY BREAKING: Edwards Out

Per Chuck Todd on this mornings MSNBC Morning Joe, John Edwards will use his mike in New Orleans today to bow out of the race.   This should finally answer the question of who will inherit the very significant and motivated Edwards supporters.

While his supporters here at Kos are largely Clinton Contrarians (a complement...don't hate me) as a whole they are white, working class unionists so this could help Hillary as well.

Be prepared as pollsters will be burning up the phonelines to measure this HUGE development.

•  I am just so sad

  thats all. just sad.

  by jezlin on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:12:03 AM PDT

  •  It is sad, I feel a little sick about it myself.

    He did have a very positive impact on the race though.

    by jay w on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:13:33 AM PDT

    •  I never even got the chance to vote for him

      This makes me sad, but I accept his decision.  I can't imagine he made it without a lot of soul searching and agonizing.  It will take me a while to recover and get on with the job of putting a Dem in the White House in January 2009.  Doubling down, that's all we can do at this point.

      by vigilant meerkat on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:28:14 AM PDT

      •  You can still vote for him.

        His name will be on the ballot.  I probably will vote for him on Tues. anyway.  

        by Boston Boomer on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:44:50 AM PDT

        •  True

          I haven not discarded that option.  I'm waiting to see what he has to say.  I'm assuming I'll have a bit more clarity after hearing his reasoning, even though it would have been impossible not to see the writing on the wall.  Someone else suggested he is ahead of the curve and the nation was not ready for what they perceived as the harsh reality framing his positions.  Denial is an amazing thing.  I predict we will see the day when some will regret not having more fully appreciated his message.  

          by vigilant meerkat on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 10:23:53 AM PDT

•  Link

  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...

  by Marcus Tullius on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:12:32 AM PDT

•  Senator Edwards

  ... deserves credit for pushing issues others would not.

  Sorry to see him go.  Good luck, John.

  by JekyllnHyde on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:12:46 AM PDT

  •  I say delete the friggin poll

    This hasn't even been confirmed yet.  Way too soon to be asking Edwards' supporters who they may or may not support.  If this were Obama, I'd be devasted.

    by pamelabrown on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:24:11 AM PDT

    •  Thank you

      I'm literally unable to make a move to another candidate at this point.  I'm glad I haven't sent in my absentee ballot yet, and I'm not sure by whose name I will connect the arrow.  

      by vigilant meerkat on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:31:24 AM PDT

    •  i agree 100%

      i don't mind the idea of a 'poll' -- but THIS poll is way to polarizing ...

      i think a valid poll question would be -- Would JRE's endorsement of a candidate sway You?

      by josephk on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:45:07 AM PDT

      •  It won't sway me.

        I'll still vote my own conscience.

        by Boston Boomer on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:46:03 AM PDT

•  What does he do now?

  by bugscuffle on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:13:14 AM PDT

  •  Perhaps Attorney General?

    But I am sad to hear this news.

    by ssuba on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:17:50 AM PDT

    •  I wonder if hillary or obama made him an offer?

      by byteb on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:20:44 AM PDT

    •  I am absolutely certain

      that, as he frequently assured his base, he will be just fine.  Edwards has many talents and his time on earth is not ending.  He will keep doing what he needs to be done, just as Gore did.  I expect him to remain a force, because he is one in his own right.

      by vigilant meerkat on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:33:54 AM PDT

  •  Take care of Elizabeth and his kids.

    My guess is this has something to do with her health.  Why else would he quit when he has just raised record amounts?

    by Boston Boomer on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:47:23 AM PDT

•  A hat-tip to Johnny

  I'm an Obama guy, but I have to say that my respect for Edwards is really immense.  He's someone who made a positive, substantive contribution to the campaign.  I'll miss him...here's hoping he's not done in politics for good.

  by EliWho on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:13:19 AM PDT

  •  I'm an undecided,

    and I'm bummed.  I'd hoped he stay in through Tuesday or maybe even the convention.

    As for a hat tip, well, this'll do.

    

    by Marcus Tullius on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:16:56 AM PDT

  •  I have to agree with you.

    I've not commented until today.  While I wasn't planning on voting for him, I've had the utmost respect for Edwards.  I'm sorry to see him drop out.  Like you, I hope he's not done with politics for good.  

    by FrugalGranny on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:19:09 AM PDT

    •  Fortunately, there's more to life than politics

      I expect him to keep fighting for the common good.  That is what he has always done.  

      by vigilant meerkat on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:36:41 AM PDT

  •  The ONLY good thing about it

    is personal ...

    i am guessing that i could have stood in the voting booth all day trying to figure out who to pull the lever for ... JRE or Obama

    i have immense Love and Respect for JRE and Elizabeth

    and to be clear -- i have in the recent past drifted to Obama -- but this whole time i have continuously supported JRE's run and found other people urging him to get out of the race as offensive ...

    anyway ... like many here, my heart sinks a bit at his departure ...

    by josephk on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:33:07 AM PDT

•  Wow!

  he could significantly help either candidate by endorsing. My bet is that he will not endorse anyone unfortunately. If he were to endorse Obama that could really push him over the top.

  by HarlemUSA on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:14:39 AM PDT

•  Obama Supporter

  and Edwards passion and convictions will be greatly missed in this campaign. It is gonna be a lot uglier without John there...

  by antigonos on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:14:40 AM PDT

•  Good timing on Edwards' part for this

  Takes some of the wind out of Ghouliani.  If he must bow out, good to do it in a way that knocks the Republicans off the headlines a bit.

  by Dartagnan on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:14:53 AM PDT

  •  Actually, I think this'll steal more attention

    from the Democrat's half of the media cycle...

    Clinton's victory party in Florida lasted from last night until... about 20 minutes ago. At the very least, this diverts attention away from FL results. At the very best, Edwards endorses Obama and it's yet another positive media cycle for Obama before next Tuesday ^_^

    (at least, that's the perspective of this former Edwards supporter, current Obama supporter)

    by Mardish on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:28:39 AM PDT

•  The dream shall never die

  As Senator Kennedy will say ...

  For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.

  Thank you Senator Edwards for running, I wish you well.  

  by Eloy on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:15:03 AM PDT

•  Super Tuesday

  Hopefully most of his supporters now migrate to Obama. This could really help on Super Tuesday.

  by Pupmonkey on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:15:20 AM PDT

  •  I don't think so.

    I think this will put Hillary over the top, unfortunately.

    by Boston Boomer on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:49:20 AM PDT

•  Deciding on whether to vote for Edwards on Tues

  or just stay home.

  To the Clinton and Obama fan base: y'all can have your poo fight without me. I've been completely disgusted by the behavior of both of these candidates. I will vote for whoever the Dem is in November but honest to God I cannot support either of these people during the primary.

  by grannyhelen on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:15:26 AM PDT

  •  With You GH

    The Corpratists are the only winners on this.

    by mattman on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:18:48 AM PDT

    •  same here...in the end MONEY carries the f*ing

      day..

      I hope JOhne Laesch comes out ahead on teusday..otherwise I'll be talking to a shring

      by daddy4mak on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:27:29 AM PDT

  •  Just my opinion

    but you should vote for him anyway. You are one of his biggest supporters and I don't think you should just stay home. As I said it's just my opinion and I know how sad and disheartened you are but voting for him is a mark of respect for his efforts.

    People still are voting for Richardson and Biden and I forget how long ago they dropped out.

    by vcmvo2 on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:24:54 AM PDT

  •  I'm voting for Kucinich as a write-in.

    Obama and Clinton have never earned and shall never earn my vote, given their incessant, childish behavior and corporate-friendly records and rhetoric.  And now that Edwards is out, I have no one else to vote for who even comes close to matching my beliefs.  Well, there is Mike gravel, but I don't even know if he'll be allowed on Ohio's ballot in March.  He's been shut out completely.  Hell, maybe I will vote for Gravel if he's still in the race by then.  However you cut it, we've lost the White House.  Obama and Clinton are going to blow it for us.

    by Archangel M on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:28:29 AM PDT

  •  me2

    by hester on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:38:57 AM PDT

  •  Same here.

    I will probably just vote for Edwards Tuesday.  I don't want to stay home, because there is a guy who is running for state rep who helped me shovel my driveway out after a big storm, lol.  I want to vote for him.  He was passing by while getting signatures, and offered to help me shovel.  Can you believe that?

    by Boston Boomer on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:51:13 AM PDT

  •  Judge the candidates not the Supporters

    i am guessing that some of this feeling of Yours is coming from how the supporters on this site (and, in all honesty, their respective media surrogates) have behaved -- to which i agree 100%

    i have waffled between JRE and Obama for awhile -- and recently tipped to Obama -- and i was mad as hell at the Obama supporters 'urging' JRE to drop out -- i thought it was despicable, and i find it even more embarrassing today especially

    John has a beautiful message -- his emphasis on poverty and justice touches me profoundly ... and i will sincerely miss him if that part of his message fades ...

    Anyway ... i really and truly do feel for You ... i think he has demonstrated that he is a deeply decent man (and i can not even begin to tell You how much Elizabeth means to me -- i am literally tearing up at what a profoundly decent person i think she is -- in fact, if it was her running ... man ... i would have been an Ed-Head through and through ... and probably felt to be in the same position You are in now)

    by josephk on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:54:37 AM PDT

•  Duplicate

  The original diary already has 100+ comments. Dupes should be deleted.

  Original:

  http://dailykos.com/...

  by Michael D on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:16:37 AM PDT

•  Sorry, but this is complete bullshit

  The MSM wants JRE out, so they are reporting that he is out, and everyone is repeating it.

  by bear83 on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:17:21 AM PDT

  •  Stage One:

    denial

    by bugscuffle on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:18:30 AM PDT

•  this sucks

  I am disheartened and disillusioned because he said he was in till the 5th. I expected him to be there and to push the other candidates to address the issues he was raising.

  It feels like a Paul Hackett moment where the big boys wanted a better "narrative" and essentially pushed him out. Or a Dean deal where he'll end up somewhere in the party machinations essentially out of sight and out of mind.

  I am not saying that is what happened, it just feels like it -- I feel like I lost my voice because he was the only one addressing things I wanted addressed.

  by rumbacher on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:17:28 AM PDT

  •  rumbacher, i know hou you feel

    but...remember. JOhn's gota sick wife...and should he really 17 hour days for months just to give us a voice?

    I'm really thankful for all that he has done....and don't hold it against him

    by daddy4mak on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:29:16 AM PDT

•  Whither John Mellencamp?

  by bugscuffle on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:17:53 AM PDT

•  Duplicate n/t

  by jmknapp on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:17:54 AM PDT

•  I decided on Obama 7 or 8 weeks ago but I really

  love Edwards and I think his insistence that Americans turn around and LOOK at the poor people in our midst has been courageous, effective and authentic.

  I also want to offer my sincere condolences to Senator Edwards' backers.  As a persistent supporter of tough causes I've suffered this particular heartbreak too many times.  I salute you for your loyalty to Edwards and to America's poor.

  by St Louis Woman on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:18:02 AM PDT

•  THIS OBAMAMITE REGRETS HIS DROPPING OUT

  I even just gave 50$ a few days ago to support him

  by wuod kwatch on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:18:38 AM PDT

•  This is not a Fugazi diary nt

  by iconoclastic cat on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:18:47 AM PDT

•  I liked Edwards the best, but

  at least by dropping out now he leaves Tuesday to the two front-runners. It should be a real show down.

  by shigeru on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:21:41 AM PDT

•  This makes my decision easier

  From the beginning of this campaign I have been torn between two great candidates, each of whom would make an amazing president.

  I was drawn to Edward's emphasis on eradicating poverty, but had seen Obama up close and personal during the early days of his Ilinois Senate race.  

  Running into him at a DCCC fundraiser in 2004, he remembered me from an anti-war forum in 2003, proving it by saying, "you look better without the beard".  Sorry Barack, I've since grown it back.

  My one worry with Barack was that his instincts towards forging unity would mean not fighting as hard on crucial issues where Americans disagree.

  As I've reflected more on his background, his words and his character, I have come to reconsider this concern.

  I believe that Barack has truly progressive instincts.  I also believe he has the character and charisma, perhaps uniquely so, to build a broad coaliton in support of his progressive vision.  I hope he does more in the campaign to paint a portrait of that progressive vision, rather than forcing us to take it on faith.

  In politics as in life, we need to go with our gut.  My gut said that either Edwards or Obama could be one of the best presidents we have had in generations.  I had been leaning Edwards because of the poverty emphasis, but had leaned toward Obama because of concerns over Edwards's viability in NJ and because I was truly inspired (again) by Obama's speech in South Carolina.

  If Edwards is truly stepping down from the race, I am dissapointed, but also relieved.  It means I don't have to choose between the greater of two goods.  As hard as the choice was, and as relieved I am it has been made for me by John Edwards, it would have been a wonderful change from the lesser of two evils.

  by JoshAronovitch on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:26:46 AM PDT

•  Hopefully it will siphon some news cycle

  From the Republicans in relation to Florida, a state which I hope does not come back to reap spiteful revenge on us come the general due to its Democratic snubbing.

  This really blows ass in so many ways, but I'm going to hope that he garners himself some sort of deal that lands him in the administration of the nominee should he/she be elected. My preference is Senator Obama in this scenario. Perhaps that way I will only need to hold one nostril, instead of my entire nose, when I vote in the general.

  C'est la vie.

  by averageyoungman on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:29:21 AM PDT

•  Thanks John

  You made this a better race and a better country

  by justiceleague on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:29:32 AM PDT

•  Obama-Edwards 08'

  I will miss JRE in the race and still have hopes of him being VP or AG.   Do you think that JRE will endorse and team up with Obama?  They are such a great fit.

  -DNC Delegate for JRE in 2004 from MN

  Obama-Edwards 08'

  by eartha on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:31:39 AM PDT

•  Thanks Mr. Edwards.

  I hope that that your wife is doing well, and that whichever Democrat wins the next election, you will be given a position of authority and prominence.

  by sap on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:34:40 AM PDT

•  I believe

  that this afternoon we are going to lose our last, best chance to get our country back.

  However, if Edwards is out, I will do everything in my power to get Barak Obama nominated and elected.

  by DixieDishrag on Wed Jan 30, 2008 at 06:52:41 AM PDT