Welcome to another edition of the Edwards Evening News! A lot going on so this is a long EENR. But that's okay because we've got a marathon to run and Edwards knows it.
"It's not a sprint; it's a marathon." - John Edwards
Here's the big news for the day:
1. Edwards Statement In Commemoration Of 5-Year Anniversary Of Iraq War Authorization Vote
2. Edwards likely to get early state SEIU endorsements
3. Edwards Statement In Support Of Striking Chrysler Autoworkers
4. Edwards cultivates grassroots in Iowa
5. Edwards continues to dominate in state GE matchups
6. Kentucky hearts Edwards: video on his visit.
Follow along over the fold!
1. Edwards Statement In Commemoration Of 5-Year Anniversary Of Iraq War Authorization Vote
How did John Edwards react to the 5th anniversary of the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War Authorization Vote? He once again was honest enough to apologize for his mistake and made it crystal clear that Bush should not be trusted on Iraq - or Iran (or on pretty much anything else for that matter). Check out be inspired's diary on this for more, but here's some of what he said:
Five years ago tonight, Congress voted to authorize the president to use force against Iraq. Unlike Senator Clinton, I have apologized for my vote in support of that bill. This war has become one of the greatest disasters of American foreign policy.
snip
That is why I have made it clear that I oppose the Iraq war, why I have offered a specific plan on how I will end this war as president, and why I have made my position very clear on Iran.
and forcefully challenged Clinton's position on prolonging our involvment in Iraq with no exit strategy:
Senator Clinton has described multiple missions that would require us to keep combat troops in Iraq—from protecting the Kurds to countering the Iranians to training Iraqi troops to protecting oil to a vague need to 'protect our interests.' These missions would just be excuses to justify continuing George Bush's failed strategy in Iraq.
Edwards also notes that the administration is actively pursuing plans to attack Iran and makes it clear that Democrats should not be enablers for Bush's Iranian misadventure. Give Bush an inch, he'll take a mile:
I learned that if you give President Bush even an inch of authority, he will use it to sanction a war.
Its pretty clear what and who he's talking about. As they say, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
I believe we must not allow the president to use force against Iran when so many other diplomatic and economic options are still available."
2. Edwards likely to get early state SEIU endorsements
Some good news on the SEIU front. As most know, despite winning the members straw poll by on overwhelming margin, SEIU has decided not to endorse for the primary. However the state chapters have been freed to endorse and odds are excellent the most important ones will go Edwards way:
New Hampshire--leaning strongly towards Edwards.
Iowa and Nevada--Edwards
So, at least in early states, Edwards would appear to have the advantage.
Illinois--Obama (duh)
California--Edwards (this is not particularly new information--that's been rumored before)
New York--neutral
Pretty good stuff. California might be a surprise to some, but it shouldn't with all his labor support there and his string of straw poll victories among democratic leaders. And New York being neutral shouldn't be a surprise either - especially considering how the NY-based Transport Union went for Edwards.
But the big fish are the early state endorsements and Edwards seems close to locking those up. It may not play big nationally, but it will be huge locally. And local is what matters most.
3. Edwards Statement In Support Of Striking Chrysler Autoworkers
Edwards strongly supported U.A.W. members on strike at Chrysler plants across the country:
I stand with the 45,000 men and women of the U.A.W. who have taken action today. I know that they are walking the line for what workers across this country need and deserve – fair wages, health care for their families, job security, and a retirement with dignity including affordable health care coverage. I have walked picket lines with workers all across America who have led this same fight for our nation’s working families.
snip
America’s workers are getting cut out of their share of the American Dream by a government increasingly controlled by corporate insiders from both parties. I am running for president because I want to end the game in Washington that is rigged against regular Americans."
4. Edwards cultivates grassroots in Iowa
While other candidates have been putting millions of $$ into TV advertising in Iowa, Edwards has been focused on grassroots - meeting people, looking them in the eye, winning over voters one-by-one, and building his organization.
Asked about that, here's what Edwards had to say:
"I think both of them have spent millions of dollars on television," Mr. Edwards replied to the woman. "But if they don’t spend most of their time answering your questions, they are not ready to be president."
And Iowans seem to like what he has to say. While he will start running ads eventually, he knows from experience that Iowans prefer getting to know their candidates up close and personal.
"But I think what is much more important to Iowa caucusgoers is seeing you in the flesh," Mr. Edwards added. "Seeing you stand before them, look them in the eye and answer their hard questions."
Iowa too far away? Hop on over and see what John Edwards has been up to.
5. Edwards continues to dominate in state GE matchups
Despite spin to the contrary, state GE matchup polls contintue to show Edwards as our strongest GE candidate against most Republican candidates in states all over the union, blue, red and purple. Even RealClearPolitics agrees.
Here's the bare numbers that a lot of diaries on this today haven't wanted to show you. In Quinnipiac University's latest polls of Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania:
Clinton Obama Edwards
vs.
Giuliani
FL 46-43 39-42 41-43
OH 46-40 44-38 46-36
PA 48-42 43-45 43-44
Thompson
FL 48-39 45-36 44-36
OH 50-36 44-33 48-31
PA 50-39 45-37 47-34
Romney
FL 48-37 43-36 47-33
OH 51-34 47-31 50-28
PA 49-37 49-33 49-32
McCain
FL 46-42 39-41 42-40
OH 48-38 43-39 46-35
PA 48-41 45-41 47-39
I've bolded the highest margin winners in each head to head. Out of 12 matchups Edwards dominates in 8. And still comes out ahead or trails within the margin of error in the other 4.
6. Kentucky hearts Edwards: video on his visit.
Here's a nice video from Edwards recent trip to Kentucky, where over 1800 people (in a town of 200) showed up:
And if you missed it (or just love to hear it again like me) here's his speech:
And its a good reminder for Edwards supporters about what this campaign is all about, despite some of the violatility here on Kos. What the big picture is and why we advocate for Edwards. Edwards wants real change in America - he's determined to win and is running for ALL of America. I know in my heart that he's the best candidate we have and am determined to support him all the way to the White House and beyond.
The marathon is starting folks. It won't be easy, but it will damn sure be sweet. Time to get your shoes on and tighten up those laces.