|
|
Post by GSC Admin on May 16, 2003 21:18:57 GMT -5
www.johnedwards2004.com/index.asp Senator John Edwards -- one of the earliest hopefuls to start criss-crossing the nation for the 2004 Presidential race -- filed federal paperwork to launch his campaign in January 2003. Edwards -- a popular, telegenic, multimillionaire trial attorney -- first gained national attention on his first bid for political officer in 1998 when he ousted GOP incumbent US Senator Lauch Faircloth in a major upset. After spending less than two years in the US Senate, Edwards surprisingly made it onto the final short-list of 4-5 names for the Gore VP runningmate spot on the 2000 Democratic ticket. Since then, Edwards has been making a large number of politial trips to Iowa, New Hampshire, California, Florida, New York and other key early contest states. Edwards also appeared for a while in 2001 to be a favorite of the party's wealthy liberal donor base -- and implied he was locking up some good support in early states -- but much of that now appears to have been hype. He has also made no secret of his ambitions to be President and has cultivated a populist image. As for ideology, Edwards falls in the liberal-to-populist range (pro-choice, environmentalist, pro- health care reform, etc.). In what will likely be a distraction for his otherwise focused Presidential campaign campaign, Edwards must also face re-election in 2004. He is certain to be a national GOP target in his conservative home state. Edwards' campaign manager and a top field organizer defected to Senator Bob Graham's rival campaign in March 2003, which was certainly a set-back to his Southern strategy. However, Edwards still raised an impressive $7.4 million as of the close of the March 31, 2003 federal reporting period -- better than any other Democrat in the race -- and that doesn't even county the $1.4 million he rolled over from his US Senate campaign. Edwards' fundraising prowess has also caused him new problems in the form of a US Justice Department investigation. It was launched after news reports alleged that some big name trial attorneys gave thousands to Edwards beyond the legal limit by using surrogates to write the checks (and promising to later reimburse them). To date, Edwards has returned at least $10,000 in questionable contributions.
|
|
|
|
Post by ErinB on Jan 11, 2004 11:17:46 GMT -5
EDWARDS? There may be a brokered convention yet! apnews1.iwon.com//article/20040111/D800MAHO0.html?PG=home&SEC=newsIowa's Largest Paper Endorses Edwards Jan 11, 10:01 AM (ET) (AP) Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards is greeted by supporters as he arrives for a news... Full Image DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa's largest newspaper endorsed North Carolina Sen. John Edwards for the Democratic presidential nomination while three other Iowa newspapers went for Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry in weekend editions The Des Moines Register backed Edwards and called him a cut above several well-qualified candidates despite the fact that he doesn't have as much experience as other Democrats. "John Edwards is one of those rare, naturally gifted politicians who doesn't need a long record of public service to inspire confidence in his abilities," the newspaper said in Sunday's editions. The Register wrote that the major contenders aren't far apart on repealing the Bush tax cuts and redirecting the money into health care and education and conducting a foreign policy that engages rather than isolates other nations. Howard Dean's slogan is to "take the country back," the Register said, "but it is Edwards who most eloquently and believably expresses this point of view." The Quad-City Times in Davenport, the Iowa City Press-Citizen and the Hawk Eye in Burlington endorsed Kerry, saying his foreign policy experience makes him the best candidate to face President Bush in the fall election. The Quad-City Times cited another Kerry quality: an ability to listen. "He ponders questions, asks follow-ups and answers thoughtfully," the newspaper said. "That quality and extraordinary record of public service make him the best potential president among the crop of contenders in Iowa." --- Sen. John Edwards challenged his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination on Saturday to join him in signing a pledge never to accept money from Washington lobbyists. "I am promising and making it clear to every American that I will never take any money from a Washington lobbyist," Edwards said. "I never have. And I would challenge the other Democratic candidates to make the same promise." Edwards attacked the Bush administration for allowing lobbyists to "get every wish granted" and vowed to undertake a series of reforms to change the atmosphere in Washington. Among the ways he said he would strip power from lobbyists are to ban them from giving money to political candidates, prevent government officials from becoming lobbyists, and pass a sunshine law requiring lobbyists to disclose their activities with top government officials every two weeks. Edwards said he also wants to crack down on pork-barrel spending, in which lawmakers sneak pet projects into big spending bills at the last minute. He said he would require those bills to be finished seven days before a vote. The plan includes ending "war-profiteering" in Iraq, which Edwards said extends beyond Vice President Dick Cheney's former company, Halliburton. "Look at contributions made by companies that have gotten reconstruction contracts in Iraq," Edwards said. "Take a wild guess who the leading recipient is - George W. Bush." Edwards said he would stop firms who are bidding on and getting contracts in Iraq from making political contributions at the same time. |
|
|
|
Post by PaulaB on Jan 23, 2004 13:58:31 GMT -5
New Hampshire debate mini-scorecard.... by Tom Schaller Fri Jan 23rd, 2004 at 02:52:57 GMT Clark (B) -- He's reading his resume too much, and gets visibly jittery on most domestic issues. And although he did a decent job deflecting the issues related to his Democratic cred, he cannot wiggle out of his multitudinous positions on the war. Dean (B) -- Self-effacing about the Primal Scream, and more consistent on making his points about having shown courage to take tough stands. But he's de-fanged. It's hard to look at him and not think about the Val Air Ballroom, um, "concession" speech. And what a shame: Nobody riffs better about the need for Democrats to redefine, and recapture from the GOP, the very definitions and terms of our most important public debates. Edwards (A) -- Watch out for Edwards. Repeat: Watch out for Edwards. He was sandbagged about the Islam question, and yet still managed to be quite self-effacing and nimble on his feet. He has the right answers on the 2nd Amendment, and his talk about poverty is nothing short of courageous because there's no pandering to people who basically do not vote. He could move up into second in NH just as he did in IA. Kucinich (D) -- Well, you've locked up the maple syrup vote, Dennis. But do you really think you can build a foundation among the waffle and pancake constituencies to win? Kerry (B) -- Playing safe is smart, and all Kerry needs right now are "B"'s to stay at the head of the class. It's far easier (and much smarter) to run out the clock in the mere seven days between Iowa and New Hampshire, than to do so for the seven or so weeks of Dean's front-runnership leading into Iowa. Lieberman (C) -- Can the Senator please answer a question without telling people how well he knows himself, and how everybody from George Bush to burly labor goons thinks he's just peachy? I just think he's just preachy. Though my least favorite candidate, I would vote for him if he went through one debate without going over the time limit more often than not. But he can't, because Joe has all the answers. Sharpton (F) -- Guess what, Al -- Jesse did do better than you will Tuesday, and not just because he knows the difference between the Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund. Stop cutting jokes, and start answering the questions you're asked. Or get off stage to leave time for those who have more than platitudes to offer. www.dailykos.com/story/2004/1/23/25257/9248I don't know if anyone has seen Edwards speaking on c-span while campaigning in NH, but I have become quite a fan as of late. He has a good message. He is someone worth watching. I'm not sure he can make it this time but he is a real hope for our future. Paula |
|
|
|
Post by PaulaB on Jan 23, 2004 14:53:35 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by GoreSupporterNJ on Jan 23, 2004 14:57:45 GMT -5
Gore/Edwards. I still say that would be a great ticket for 04. Jan
|
|
|
|
Post by PaulaB on Jan 23, 2004 15:07:37 GMT -5
Me too Jan  |
|
|
|
Post by PaulaB on Feb 11, 2004 17:52:41 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by ErinB on Feb 11, 2004 18:22:07 GMT -5
With Clark out perhaps Edwards has more of a chance now for the anti-Kerry vote. Dean is still in this...all of the voters have not spoken yet.
|
|
Julia
GSC Senior Member
GO GET HIM AL GORE!
Posts: 85
|
Post by Julia on Feb 11, 2004 18:27:23 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by ErinB on Feb 11, 2004 18:56:03 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by PaulaB on Feb 11, 2004 20:35:40 GMT -5
With Clark out perhaps Edwards has more of a chance now for the anti-Kerry vote. Dean is still in this...all of the voters have not spoken yet. I do think that Dean is done. I also believe he is about to throw his support to Edwards. He has been sending out personal emails to some of his supporters asking what he should do, and several people who are now working for Edwards have responded back to him. They said it was really sad to admit to him that they have moved on, but said they thanked him for inspiring them to stand up and fight for their country. Anyway, I think after what he said today, he will drop out and embrace the Edwards campaign. Also I found this statement tonight on the Edwards site about Gore's speech in NY last Year Edwards Statement On Former Vice President Al Gore's Speech Senator John Edwards (D-NC) released the following statement today about former Vice President Al Gore's speech in New York: "Al Gore today delivered an important message to all Americans about the shortcomings and myths perpetrated by the Bush administration. Al Gore continues to be an important voice in our national debate and is uniquely positioned to critique an administration that just can't seem to come clean with the American people on important issues at home and abroad." Paula  I have missed all you guys and I trust that you are all well...  |
|
Julia
GSC Senior Member
GO GET HIM AL GORE!
Posts: 85
|
Post by Julia on Feb 11, 2004 21:14:44 GMT -5
Paula. you were gone too long! Everyone keep getting on board here and speak out. Just dust yourself off of doubts, put those possibility thoughts straight into your vision, and just get on board. He's going to have the opportunity for a speech at the general convention if I'm not mistaken. Wow, what a glorious moment that will be. Watch the leader of the Democratic Party stand up there with the whole world watching and say what he is so knowledgeable of. Power to you Al Gore. You will have many many proud comrades all around you. The truth will rise again.
|
|
|
|
Post by PaulaB on Feb 12, 2004 0:32:02 GMT -5
Paula. you were gone too long! Everyone keep getting on board here and speak out. Just dust yourself off of doubts, put those possibility thoughts straight into your vision, and just get on board. He's going to have the opportunity for a speech at the general convention if I'm not mistaken. Wow, what a glorious moment that will be. Watch the leader of the Democratic Party stand up there with the whole world watching and say what he is so knowledgeable of. Power to you Al Gore. You will have many many proud comrades all around you. The truth will rise again. Thanks, but I have really been busy the last couple of weeks. This week has been crazy because I live here in WI and our primary is next Tues. I have made more phone calls that I care to mention. I just wanted to come by and say HI  to everyone. I do miss all you guys. Paula  |
|
|
|
Post by GoreSupporterNJ on Feb 12, 2004 8:28:59 GMT -5
With Clark out perhaps Edwards has more of a chance now for the anti-Kerry vote. Dean is still in this...all of the voters have not spoken yet. I hope Dean, Edwards, Kucinich and Sharpton stay in it to the end. The American people need a choice. They shouldn't have it shoved down their throats. The media and the DNC however, did a good job of eviscerating Dean and in just making the others seem unimportant. How American of them. Jan |
|
|
|
Post by GoreSupporterNJ on Feb 12, 2004 8:29:48 GMT -5
I do think that Dean is done. I also believe he is about to throw his support to Edwards. He has been sending out personal emails to some of his supporters asking what he should do, and several people who are now working for Edwards have responded back to him. They said it was really sad to admit to him that they have moved on, but said they thanked him for inspiring them to stand up and fight for their country. Anyway, I think after what he said today, he will drop out and embrace the Edwards campaign. Also I found this statement tonight on the Edwards site about Gore's speech in NY last Year Edwards Statement On Former Vice President Al Gore's Speech Senator John Edwards (D-NC) released the following statement today about former Vice President Al Gore's speech in New York: "Al Gore today delivered an important message to all Americans about the shortcomings and myths perpetrated by the Bush administration. Al Gore continues to be an important voice in our national debate and is uniquely positioned to critique an administration that just can't seem to come clean with the American people on important issues at home and abroad." Paula I have missed all you guys and I trust that you are all well... We need a Gore/ Edwards ticket! Jan |
|
