An Iowan for Edwards Endorses

I have lurked on this site for the past seven years. I've read your postings with elation, despair (November 2004,) anger - the whole gamut of emotions. However, what it comes down to, simply, is that postings are just opinions, no different than likes or dislikes in music. With that said, here's mine.

I caucused for John Edwards this past January 3rd in Iowa City. My town is the home of The University of Iowa and a very liberal oasis surrounded by corn and soy fields. To say we're liberal here, understand this, our newspaper, in one of its endorsements backed Governor Huckabee simply because he was the only Republican candidate to respond to it.

Though Mr. Edwards lost on that fateful evening, I cannot put into words the sense of change and destiny - the sense of "something in the wind" that enveloped our caucus. Though much criticized, the Iowa caucuses are the rawest form of pure democracy. No voting machines, ballots or curtains. Just standing with your fellow neighbor by preference. Please realize, we had these candidates in our backyards, dens and coffee shops for the better part of a year - even more so than New Hampshire. I think I speak for my state in that we accept this honor and responsibility with awe and reverence. However, we also feel damned qualified. Imagine a base that didn't factor in (well, for the most part) race or gender in our thought process. We simply listened, asked intelligent questions and decided.

I don't think I overstate the importance of this upcoming election. I truly believe it is a pivotal point in our nation's history. I hear the word experience brought into the equation and find this almost inane. Lincoln was a failure in many many of his endeavors and no one could have predicted what he turned out to be in the greatest calamity this country has ever faced. JFK had no experience. Had he not been assassinated, I firmly believe he would have accomplished a great deal more than what he set into motion. Yes, I have his portrait on my bedroom wall along with Abraham and Saints John, Paul, George and Ringo.

In the end, it's always a roll of the dice. Bill Clinton was. Jimmy Carter and, most certainly, George W. Bush were. So, what's it all come down to? It's probably no more than a gut feeling not unlike the sense one has of love. Hence, the emotional postings of late on DU. It's obvious that all of these candidates have the ability to lead or they wouldn't have made it this far. But, I think the real question is who will take this country to the next level of greatness that we know exists?

My candidate, John Edwards, ended his run today. Even though I think he should have endorsed one of the remaining candidates in his speech (time is short,) I respect him for not doing so. It was his and his family's moment. So, I'll do it for him. Our Constitution allows me this right.

I have a feeling (the best Beatles song, by the way) that Senator Barack Obama has the heart, soul and ideas to inspire the United States and make us again, respected in the eyes of the world. I think given the chance to vote in this election, the majority of the world would agree. So, I reiterate with my fellow Iowans that we indeed sent the best man for the job forward. Though, I think this is Iowa's last shot at being first, I think we did alright.

Thanks and Gobama!

Shoutout to a fellow Iowan. We did good.

:toast: :toast: :toast:

C'mon over to the Iowa forum and join in. We will be having some interesting state races this year.
I live near IC and caucused proudly for JRE. I can take either of the two left, but I wanted the best.

Thanks for the welcome. The best is obvious now. It's time for folks to do some soul searching.

Haven't posted much since the 2004 heartbreak. Just dipping my toes back in the waters. I appreciate the well wishes. Oh - as for JRE - no question he was the best hearted soul.

and not a conquest!

I agree with that....In fact I feel like it is nearly essential for us to win.

That being said. I wonder...one of my daughters caucused in IC for Edwards too. She lives near West HS.....anyway I'll be interested in discussing with her the feelings she is having about today. I am curious to hear her views and which way she may lean now.

I'm happy you made your decision and good luck at the county convention..

Hillary wasn't even viable in my precinct on the first count. How about your daughter's?

I remember her telling me it was mostly Obama and Edwards supporters....I can't answer that for sure though.....She said there was something like 500+ in her precinct......huge increase from last time

An audible gasp went through the room when Hillary wasn't viable. My precinct was huge too. Also over 500.

Iowa City is the progressive capitol of Iowa....doesn't really surprise me....:)

I caucused for Dean 4 years ago. I'm tired of this kind of thing. Glad you could make another choice, though.

And welcome to DU from another Iowan (native of Davenport).

Think of it this way, only the world's fate hinges on your vote. {{humor}}

They've killed the candidacy of yet another progressive.

However, an upset of epic proportions could help cure those ills.

I've already voted for Edwards. So, I have many months to watch the children play, and figure out what to do next. IF I vote for either of these two, I'll do it holding my nose.

I could not agree more. After how many years of appeasement, I am exhausted with compromise. I was looking for a fight. I may not need to hold my nose exactly, but I may need to exhale long after leaving the voting booth. That's if, if it's Obama. Hillary? That might hurt a bit more.

Where in Iowa is your home?!

another liberal from the Oasis. Iowa City. As for those critters of yours...cats? They're my weakness.

but as long as people keep NOT spaying and neutering, I'll probably end up with both. I used to be on the board of the Humane Society of Wright County--and took some souvenirs when I moved :)

My precious darlin's are all rescues, too. Like many here in IC, I'm not very familiar with anything outside of my safe confines. Where is Wright County?

I lived in Eagle Grove. Clarion is the County Seat. Beautiful, flat open country. I loved it--but could've done without the factory farms.

still miss that red, red dirt. BUT - Iowa farm country is about as beautiful as it gets.

Listen up. Michael Jordan said it best, there is no I in Team, but there is in W-I-N.

with us? That's what scares me about Obama, the naivete of his followers.

Zero sum game. Obama? Hillary? Which one stands a chance against those Repugs we can agree to loathe?

It's not about surviving. It's about having a spine. I don't see much of that in Obama. Hillary has one, but I'm afraid of what she'll do with it. I can't support either of these.

What are you saying? Are you sure it's Hillary's spine and not Bill's?

don't have to talk openly about making nice with republicans. They've been doing it under the table for years. Remember the Welfare Reform Act in '96?

Not a farthing's worth of difference between 'em.

Who on the republican side is lighting your fire?

Just wish I had a Dem I could vote for.

I respect your opinion, but we'll need you come November. Your call, of course.

I've voted, and the media and corporatists have told me my vote doesn't count. Neither do my priorities. That's gonna take some time to get over.

My grandmother always said, "if wishes were horses..." I'm looking forward to voting for Obama in November. I ain't done voting yet.

I'll tell you this. I work with folks who couldn't spell vote if you spotted them the v-o-t. However, they would cross the river Styx to vote against her.

unlike many around me, I have not drunk the Obama kool-aid. He's a smart man and a brilliant orator. But hardly a real progressive. That said, Hillary? My little white arse. I really don't want to have to vote for her just 'cause she's the last democrat standing.

Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton. Better get the next Bush ready because that's where we're heading.

me. The fact of the matter is that I will vote for Obama if he is my choice in November. And I will "hope" (isn't that his big word?) that it is Obama. In the meantime, don't try to tell me on how he is the new Messiah. He's just the last best choice a gal's got.

Isn't the best choice a little desperate? What are your motives?

My motives are 1) electing a Democrat in November 2) making myself a good stiff drink and 3) going to sleep. This battle will rage on long past my bedtime. sweet dreams.

Yes, indeed! Tomorrow night we have a crucial debate. The free world depends on the outcome. Barack- Its one on one time as we say in roundball speak.
Kick some Ass!

But I'm nowhere near as certain as you. I like Clinton on some issues (healthcare), Obama on others (campaign finance reform, minimum wage, original position on the war). I think that Hillary has a part of the edgy attitude that my boy Johnny E had, but her advisors scare me. Obama has relatively better advisors, but I don't always trust him not to fall under the Broderian Beltway Kool Kidz spell. They like to talk about bi-partisanship too. Hillary has her nastiness on race and her anti-gay endorsers, Obama has McClurkin (though he's given some indication that he's learned from that experience).

Come on! Their approach to the issues are virtually the same. Charisma is what's going to take this election. Hillary has none.

Charisma only goes so far.

n/t

Obama is no JFK. He's never even run a hard fought campaign until this one.

Gotta go.

What battle did he wage before his election? His Catholocism?

I am duly impressed.

As Country Joe said at Woodstock, "There are two million of you fuckers out there. How do you expect to change the election if you're not raising your voice?" That's us new people.

Thank you, sir. I appreciate the sentiments!

and you've got style! It's so nice to see someone repeatedly express their opinion and be polite. If I had to move I think I'd move to Iowa.

(and I'm from Illinois originally, so I can handle midwestern weather) I wouldn't.

This winter especially. We froze the media's ass off three weeks ago. I think the candidates will someday reflect on their experience here!

Thank you,sir, however, I'm a transplanted eastcoast democrat who landed in Iowa City! Is this heaven? I truly think so.