I just donated another $25 to Edwards campaign. I am happy about tonight's finish, though not as happy as if he'd won. I think him taking the lead over Clinton, even if only by .3% is still excellent. But every article I've read so far is using a 2nd place finish against two very well funded campaigns (one of which he beat) as a reason to knock his chances. More after the fold...
Here's the first, from http://www.kansascity.com/...
Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards' bid for the White House hung in the balance Thursday as he appeared headed for defeat in the crucial Iowa caucuses.
The article goes on to talk about how he must regroup in two states where he's behind in the polls against Clinton and Obama who are better funded. Obviously, the writer misses the point that he was underfunded in Iowa too.
Then there's the New York Times, whose lead website headline reads "Obama Triumphs in Iowa Contest as Clinton Falters; Huckabee Rolls" (no mention of Edwards there) and though the article that follows mentions Edwards, it is basically to claim that his second place finish may finish him.
And from msnbc.com, "Obama turns back Clinton to win Iowa caucuses: Huckabee defeats Romney; Dodd, Biden drop out of Democratic race." Here he doesnt make the sub-heading. The first paragraph reads:
DES MOINES, Iowa - Sen. Barack Obama, bidding to be the first black president in American history, won the Iowa caucuses Thursday night, pushing Sen. Hillary Clinton back to third place in the opening test of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination
Edwards isn't mentioned until paragraph four.
And I'm sure there are more like this. Every time I read one it makes me mad. I suppose I should be used to it, even expect it, but I want Edwards to get the press and momentum that he deserves out of tonight's victory. MSM sucks.
UPDATE
Just saw a Newsweek article with the title: "Who can beat Obama?" The author's point ends up being, only Obama, by screwing up his sure victory now that he's taken Iowa. There is even this choice quote:
Sources within John Edwards's campaign tell me that if Edwards drops out (unlikely before New Hampshire), he will throw his support to Obama. Should the Illinois senator win New Hampshire and South Carolina, it will be next to impossible to prevent him from becoming the nominee on Feb. 5, Super Tuesday.
Yeah, Edwards just had a great showing in Iowa so let's start talking about who he'll throw his support to when he drops out. Ridiculous!