| Yet these individuals who will not forgive Dennis from his 2004 endorsement have no problems at all forgiving John Edwards for his vote to authorize force in Iraq, being a proud co-sponsor of the bill and pushing the continuance of the war all the way up to the end of 2006. It is really remarkable how many New Jersey activists I spoke to 2007, who said they can't support Kucinich because of what he did 2004. Others said they couldn't support him based on his electability. That even though they agreed on his platform, electability was their primary issue, not getting the issues that Dennis Kucinich represents into the party debate (marriaqe equality, ending NAFTA/WTO, ending the war in Iraq, repealing the Patriot Act etc.) By the way, for those who argue Edwards is the only candidate that is electabile in the general election, every poll showed John Edwards trailing by 10 to 20 points, even a University of North Carolina Poll down by 20+ points in his 2004 re-election to the senate.
He was not going to be re-elected and hence why the Republicans took Edwards seat by more than 160,000 votes. Edwards on the ballot in North Carolina did not even help him in 2004 - Kerry/Edwards lost North Carolina by more than 12 points and lost Edwards' birth state of South Carolina by more than 17 points. His name on the ballot didn't even help his slate in North Carolina whom all lost local seats.
Looking at Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina and New Hampshire - Obama won a strong number of votes from Independents and Republicans. His election can change the image of America forever. Despite his faults, which are many, he's not Washington politician - he had the judgment to oppose the war in Iraq and predicted what would happen after we entered. He doesen't flip flop on the issues and he's principles with judgement. His support from independents and his ability to get things done will be big. Edwards continuing to run in this race after only getting 3% in Nevada and 17%, a last place showing (aside from Sen. Gravel), in his birth state was not too hot.
Polls show he is at around 5% to 6% in New Jersey. He only helps Hillary Clinton in New Jersey. If Edwards' wasn't in the NJ race, his support would go to Obama.... The danger he presents is the same argument folks used to make to me about Dennis Kucinich. This is a 2 person race in New Jersey and a vote for John Edwards is a vote for Hillary Clinton. The possibility of Clinton as the nominee is scary and I think Edwards supporters understand that.
Don't get me wrong, had John Edwards' gotten the support and became the nominee, I would have been excited to volunteer for him - It is a different ballgame now with 7 days left. John Edwards will not get more than 5% or 6% in New Jersey - It will be a race between Obama and Clinton. John Edwards, at least in New Jersey (not talking about the other states even though the polls there don't show much better), will be a spoiler helping Hillary Clinton.
I'm proudly going to vote for Barack Obama because he represents authenticity and judgement...Something that John Edwards simply does not represent. I'd like to point out below, the Edwards' record....a record that progressives want to turn the other cheek to.
THE JOHN EDWARDS RECORD
PATRIOT Act ok, if watchdogs protect civil liberties. (May 2003)
Voted for the Bankruptcy Reform Act
Worked on a Hedge Fund all the way up to 2006 before he flipped his position
Voted to Authorize the war in Iraq and fully supported it in 2004, 2005 and 2006 - Did not called for an end to the war until 2006 when he decided to run for president
Strongly supports death penalty (2004)
Opposes legalization of marijuana despite admitting to have often smoked it as a youth (2007)
Opposes lowering drinking age to 18 (2007)
Voted YES on Bush Administration Energy Policy (2003)
Voted for China Trade
Voted and continues to support NAFTA and the WTO
Co-Sponsor of the bill to authorize force in Iraq and Patriot Act - said in his speech how much he trusts George W. Bush and why he was proud to be a co-sponsor on the bill with Rick Santorum.
Rated 37% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
The Israelis do not have a partner for peace right now. (Oct 2004) ---(What does he think the US is)
Voted for China trade, but Bush has not enforced obligations. (Nov 2007)
Right to bear arms protected by Second Amendment (Mar 2004)
Guns are about independence-don't mess with that. (Oct 2003)
Med-mal cases are about accountability for mistakes.
Cap on damages for personal injuries is discriminatory.
Healthcare Coverage only for children or else we are going towards socialism (Mar 2004)
Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
Lawyers help people, lawmakers help many people. (Dec 2003)
Proud Member of Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). (Nov 2007)
Don't negotiate with Arafat, but build trust with envoy. (Jan 2004)
40,000 troops out by 2009, but no pledge for all out by 2013. (Sep 2007)
No funding for the surge, but continue funding the troops. (Feb 2007)
Supporting Iraq war OK, but how war was conducted not OK. (Feb 2004)
Irresponsible to not fund troops; also to fund Halliburton. (Sep 2003)
Problems in Iraq are because Bush has not led. (Sep 2003)
I refuse to apologize for my vote in Iraq. It was the right thing to do and I am convinced of it. Good leaders don't second-guess themselves 2 years after a vote (2004)
On voting for Iraq War: "I was wrong". (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
Voted YES on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo. (May 1999)
Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
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I wish progressives would look at John Edwards' record and why he chose to position himself the way he did in 2008. He didn't do it because he changed all of his opinions on every issue. He did it because it was politically convenient.
I am proud to support Senator Obama, and as Congressman Kucinich's former National Campaign Coordinator, while I urge other Kucinich supporters to cast their vote for Barack Obama, I hope John Edwards' supporters in New Jersey will look at the facts and take a second look at Barack Obama and the stakes of this election on February 5th.
I think the facts speak for themself.
--
Vin Gopal
Former National Campaign Mgr.
Kucinich for President |
