John Edwards began his campaign in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans where he spotlighted his fight for economic and social justice. Since that time, Senator Edwards has run the most dignified and honorable campaign, never waivering in speaking truth to power. From the onset, John's campaign has not been about himself, but about giving voice to the voiceless.
Edwards has shown the determination and fight that we need, to bring about real change in our nation always leading on the issues, from Universal Health Care, to Ending Global Warming, as well as Ending Poverty and Strengthening the Middle Class.
Today, announcing again from New Orleans, Edwards stated that while he is suspending his race for the Presidency, he will continue the fight for economic justice.
"We will be strong, we will be unified and we will take back the White House."
Edwards reminded us again today, that, 'fighting against poverty is the cause of his life.' He is dedicated to building "One America that works for all of us" and has asked both Obama and Clinton to pledge to make ending poverty central to their campaigns. More importantly, he asked them to pledge to ending poverty and creating economic equality, central to their Presidencies. Both have agreed to do so. "The work goes on."
Thanking supporters, Edwards promised that he will continue to speak for us and all those who have struggled to have their voices heard: "We see you, we hear you and we will never forget you."
Your Voice Will be Heard
It's difficult, today, to express what an honor and privilege it has been to be a part of the John Edwards for President campaign as I am deeply saddened by the news of John's campaign being suspended, but at the same time, I remain hopeful and am so thankful to John and Elizabeth for their good works, which has already helped "America to Rise."
I choose to be inspired.
Like all of us, I have learned a lot of lessons in my life. Two of the most important are that first, there will always be heartache and struggle — you can't make it go away. But the other is that people of good and strong will, can make a difference. One lesson is a sad lesson and the other's inspiring. We are Americans and we choose to be inspired.
We choose hope over despair; possibilities over problems; optimism over cynicism. We choose to do what's right even when those around us say, "You can't do that." We choose to be inspired because we know that we can do better — because this is America where everything is still possible.
What we believe is that you should never look down on anybody, that we should lift people up. We don't believe in tearing people apart. We believe in bringing people together. What we believe — what I believe — is that the family you're born into and the color of your skin in our America should never control your destiny.
~John Edwards
As Senator Edwards stated today, "America's hour of transformation is upon us." We will continue to fight on for the progressive causes that are so important to us.
Being a long term Edwards supporter along with countless other dedicated supporters, I know that I speak for many of us when I say, we are so grateful for the good work that John and Elizabeth have done and look forward to continuing to support their work for progressive causes.
Thank you, John and Elizabeth. We love you!
"Let's get to work."
UPDATE 1 Video clip below of Edwards discussing why he left the race, given on CNN, immediately following his concession speech.