My paper California primary ballot arrived on Thursday, so I sat down and voted today after breakfast - for John Edwards. Yeah, I know, he's mired is 3rd place, doesn't have a chance, yada yada yada. But he got my vote anyhow! Follow me below the jump for why.
I grew up in Mississippi in the 50s and 60s. I learned early about strategic voting - things like "hold your nose and vote", "pick the lesser of two evils." I didn't have to do either of these this time (thankfully!) - like kos sez, any of the Democratic candidates will more than do.
If I were to vote for the candidate that most closely reflected my values, it would be Dennis Kucinich. I visited several websites that allow you to plug in your stands on various issues and then they rate the candidates according to your values - Kucinich got 95% on both sites. Bill Richardson finished second and Mike Gravel was third.
On both sites John Edwards finished ahead of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton - clearly Edwards is the one of the big three who most closely matches my values. But that's not why I voted for him. I supported Edwards in the 2004 primaries - because I felt he was the most electable. But that's not why I voted for him today.
During this cycle, I started backing John Edwards long ago - even before he came out with his health care plan. Tho I admit his health care plan sure solidified my support for him. But even being a long time supporter was not why I voted for him today.
I voted for John Edwards today because he has made a difference and can continue to do so. After his health care announcement, I noticed each of the other Democratic candidates put forward their health care plans. He has raised the issues I care most about during this cycle and has forced other candidates to address these same issues. I voted for John Edwards because he was big enough to admit his vote for the Iraq war was a mistake.
Quite simply, I voted for John Edwards because he is a leader whose positions I admire. And maybe I'll (we'll) get lucky and he will emerge as the nominee - I'd sure hate to think I threw away my opportunity to contribute to that chance. But even if he doesn't win the nomination, he will continue to have a strong influence on the Democratic Party and the stands it takes.
Right now, none of the front runners for the Democratic nomination has it locked up or even looks like they will have it locked up before the convention in Denver. Somebody might get to play "prez maker." If it can't be President Edwards, then I'm happy to vote for "Prez Maker" Edwards!