It brings me to John Edwards.
'If 2008 is different, it will be largely thanks to Mr. Edwards. He made a habit of introducing bold policy proposals — and they were met with such enthusiasm among Democrats that his rivals were more or less forced to follow suit.
It’s hard, in particular, to overstate the importance of the Edwards health care plan, introduced in February. ... ..
... .. Furthermore, to the extent that this remains a campaign of ideas, it remains true that on the key issue of health care, the Clinton plan is more or less identical to the Edwards plan. The Obama plan, which doesn’t actually achieve universal coverage, is considerably weaker.
The Edwards Effect'
He didn't get near the support he deserved from progressives. He worked for it too. You can quibble about a lot of things regarding Edwards as a senator. If you want to talk in adjectives alone, calling Edwards slick or whatever slam you want to bring, I'd say just take a look at Obama's record. You'll find that and more. But during the primaries, when compared to Obama, if you're looking for an anti Hillary, Edwards was the guy. Few seemed to care. He didn't get the coverage and he didn't have the flash (or the cash). Oh, but he did have one thing: IDEAS. Isn't that something progressives are supposed to covet? Clinton's got ideas too, lots of them, but if you don't like her as a candidate, you had to choose. So they did. Barack Obama over John Edwards? I don't see it and don't understand it and never will. Maybe someone can explain it to me.
But until that happens, all I see is progressive confusion. Good meaning people falling for glitz, glamour, facade and flash over substance, whether you're talking Clinton or Edwards. I'm proud to stand independent of that herd."
2 comments:
Well, I am more than SOMEWHAT disappointed to have been in the middle of that herd for the past year and a half trying to talk policy and going after the Bush Admin while my peers seemed to follow the bright lights of Rockstars and Establishment clones.
We live in an American Idol country. I am more than a little pissed now that Edwards didnt keep on til at least Super Tuesday. Obama wants to come back to the Middle. But I don't think its My middle or your middle. I believe that he is already in the middle. Edwards was far left compared to Hill or Obama. I think any step back towards Signing Statements, endless war, Bankruptcy bills, tax cuts for multimillionaires, and tax breaks of oil companies is a wrong step. But now, I've got nothing except the candidates in the "middle".
(And I am sure you realize this comment is in no way directed towards YOUR middle ground, but the fake Middle of the Politicians)
I know exactly what you mean. I want someone to do something-- not someone to hope to talk about doing something. I'm not convinced it's too late, but one thing is for sure- time is wasting.
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