From Political wire:
Iowa Independent: "Gov. Bill Richardson's campaign is expected to direct their supporters to caucus for Sen. Barack Obama in the second round of voting at Thursday's caucuses in precincts where he is not viable. Two sources familiar with the plan told Iowa Independent that the New Mexico Governor's organizers have been instructed to direct supporters to Obama in the places where they fail to reach the 15% threshold for viability."
The last Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby tracking poll before today's caucuses shows Sen. Barack Obama and John Edwards gaining ground overnight with Sen. Hillary Clinton faling four points to third place -- "a finish that, if it held, would deal a dramatic setback to the one-time Democratic front-runner."Obama leads with 31%, followed by Edwards at 27% and Clinton 24%.Said pollster John Zogby: "There is a clear Clinton fade. None of it has been dramatic, but it has been steady."
I have also thought about the progressive campaigns of Obama and Edwards. Why people are so adamantly for one or the other. I think it is one thing and one thing only. With Obama it is about the messenger and with Edwards it is about the message.
In Obama, supporters (which I am one) feel he is a once in a life time candidate, Kennedyesque or even Abraham Lincoln qualities. After all Lincoln was a one term failed congressman who lost almost every election until becoming the greatest American President. Obama stands out in his thoughtfulness, his kindness and his imaginative oratory skills. He also stood against the war and stands for change. Some Edwards supporters might say change in what? Is it the politics of derision or division or is it going to be a progressive agenda? Obama supporters are for him and for him alone.
In Edwards, supporters see a message that they have been looking for in a top tier candidate. The economic populism that he is so eloquently speaking about, reforming a system that is all about corporate greed (this to me is the #1 problem in this country). It spills into the war with contractors, FEMA with New Orleans, and just about everywhere in the business sector. Giving health care to all, and taking a real stand on the issues such as the war (albeit a bit late).
So, the question is are you about the messenger or the message?
2 comments:
I'm not sure I agree. I think the fundamental difference is that Obama supporters (of whom I am one) are tired of the hatred and vitriol in American politics over the last 20 years. Edwards supporters are excited by a candidate who is not afraid to directly attack "the enemy".
Both candidates want to achieve progressive change, and recognize 2008 as our best opportunity for over a generation. Obama wants to use this chance to bring new voters on board with our values. Edwards wants to take the opportunity to finally say what we have been unable to say for a while.
I do like hearing the red meat lines from Edwards. For me, this is a party realignment year. Obama's inclusiveness can win a majority for progressive policies and values - and isolate conservatives as they did us for a generation.
I totally agree on your last point and was saying the same thing last night that Obama is becoming the most electable of the three because of the "big tent" approach. Edwards as he goes with this strategy will alienate some (though I agree with what he is saying completely).
We shall see tonight, though I know you are awaiting NH.
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