[...] 1. Washington Post 2. CNN.com 3. Monsters and Critics 4. New York Times 5. Chicago Sun-Times [...]

Maybe she forgot about the disadvantages. For example, how a significant proportion of Americans said they would not even consider voting for an African American or how much reverse racism Obama has faced from black people in this country.

Instead of criticizing Elizabeth consider what she said. Do any of you really believe that what she said isn’t true? Could it be possible that Clinton and Obama are in fact getting money from women and black citizens? How can that not be true? Why wouldn’t any reasonable person expect that? Are you really that surprised?

Denying reality has not worked for our country. Look at the entire Bush administration and what has happened to our country (and other countries) under his reign.

Is it Obama’s reality that when he hails a cab, he may not get a ride? Is it Clinton’s reality that she is told she can’t be President as she is a woman? Is it a reality that Edwards has to find a different money pool? What is wrong with stating the facts? Have we really gone that far backwards that we can‘t accept reality any longer?

When anyone is faced with a decision…….Please remember that having one option is having no choice at all. Having two options is a dilemma and having a third option is a real choice. America has endured the country’s worst president in history. If we eliminate any candidate based on unrealistic truths then we get what we deserve. Just another Dubya!

First and foremost race or skin colour shouldn't be an issue at all.Consider yourself very narrow minded if this is an issue to you.To the point, Obama is black, but above all he is an American, learned and cultured, and eloquent.He is presently Black America's best shot at the presidency.So strengten him, not wear him out with this issue of blackness or whiteness.Blood is red,wether flowing in a black or a white.Think my people.

Absolute outrageous. What a sarcastic comment about race and gender. I am ashamed of Ms. Edwards, and John Edwards would do well to keep her from spouting off. If you all want real change for America and not just 'politics as usual'… VOTE for DENNIS KUCINICH!! And his wife would make an excellent first lady as well!!
http://www.dennis4president.com

Lowry Helseth's absurd attacks on attorneys are typical Republican Talking Points. And like just about everything the Republicans support (Iraq War, Big Oil, hostility to minorities and immigrants, etc.) the GOP's anti-lawyer Jihad is WRONG!

Abraham Lincoln, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were ALL ATTORNEYS.

These four giants of humanity ended slavery, dismantled Soviet Communism, liberated India from British colonialism and peacefully abolished white racist Apartheid.

Their training as lawyers enabled them to work within a system of laws and rules and mobilize huge numbers of people and moral force to their crusades. Hey Lowry, were Lincoln, Mandela, Gorbachev and Gandhi wrong?

Lawyers also bring economic justice by helping people who are hurt or killed to get their days in court. When a trial lawyer beats Ford Motor Company for covering up the Ford Explorer/Firestone tread separation crisis, we ALL win because a dangerous product is removed from the marketplace.

If America's civil legal system is so bad, why does EVERY country in the world want to export to us? Because it is that very same legal system that protects corporate intellectual and contract rights.

Message to Lowry Helseth:
Close your mouth and open your mind.

If Edwards wants to win here are some ideas. Quit getting $400. hair cuts.
lower the pay congress gets,
ie: Give a paycut to the elected officials who represent each state, down to the average income of that state.
By doing that give the lower and middle class families the extra money to help them with the health care and rising cost of living.
Maybe that is the direction that the up coming president should go instead of basing it on gender or color of ones skin.

Also put GOD first in all events.
God bless America.

To Rodney,
If you are refering to me, when I saw first what i mean is the firts to have a real chance. We both know that Jesse Jackson unfortunately didnt have a real chance at presidency. But youre right, this situation isn't a true first

Mrs. Edwards should apologize immediately for such an ignorant, polarizing statement.

Mrs. Edwards conveniently forgets she has battled breast cancer. Did Senator Edwards receive more attention on the healthcare issue because of her? Absolutely not! Senator Edwards has consistently been mentioned as a top 3 Democrat in this campaign because he's focusing on the issues – Senators Clinton and Obama are just a bit better at addressing the issues. They're NOT getting a free pass or attracting more attention and donations because of race and gender.

Again, Mrs. Edwards should apologize. A failure to do so will definitely tank Senator Edwards' campaign.

When Mrs. Edwards first started speaking out, what she said was considered kind of cute. I doubt anyone has taken her too seriously. Now she's not cute anymore, just boring and more ridiculous as she tries to outdo herself. Edwards would be better off if his wife would talk like an intelligent potential first lady than a schoolgirl making nonsensical analogies. I cringe to say this, but I think she's not nailed to the wall with her behavior because of her illness.

Oh, brother…CNN is at it again…Sound bites and sensationalism…Instead of covering Senator Edwards' bold, substantive plans for working families, they have tabloidesque news…

What Mrs. Edwards is saying is true–the campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are attracting some money simply because of the historic nature of having an African American and a woman running for president.

That being said, let's cover the issues, CNN. John Edwards is the best person for the job because he has the integrity, character, and courage to offer bold, detailed plans to help working families–universal health care, taxing the rich so they pay their fair share, a strong living wage, workers' rights, halting global warming, re-vitalizing rural economies, and creating equal opportunity for all.

This doesn't sit well with corporate America or the mainstream media (which is corporate America). That's why you will continue to see stories focusing on sound bites instead of substance. Corporate America is scared to death of having a trial attorney who fought corporate abuse in the White House. That's why we need John Edwards as president. Go, John!

Shame on you, CNN, for posting the inaccurate, mean-spirited comments that you claim you have "reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting."
Really.

The second comment–just one example– states erroneously that John lost his congressional seat. No, James. No, CNN. Get your facts straight. (I can understand a reader wanting to comment with little research under his belt–but what's CNN's excuse for publishing this libel?)

FACT: After serving his full six-year term, John had the integrity not to run for a second term while he campaigned on the Kerry/Edwards ticket, so as not to be a part-time Senator.

John and Elizabeth Edwards are a solid, committed, family-oriented, community-serving, generous couple. Their vision for the future is what this nation sorely needs to heal. And from readhing some of these comments, I do mean sorely.

There is little that could possibly help Edwards' Campaign in my view. But possibly if Elizabeth would go sit in a corner until the Campaign is over he might at least rate fourth.

I'm sure she means well but many who have meant well have done more damage than good.

John and Elizabeth Edwards are both Rich, Ambulence Chasing Lawyers, who are both extremely part of the reason the Medical Insurance in this country is either un-obtainable or un-affordable by the majority of Americans who cannot affort health insurance. I hope the people of America see through John Edwards Smoke Screen!!! Check out the FairTax Act, go to FairTax.org.

No, Elizabeth, you can't make him black and you can't make him a woman. Why not ask him to step up and be a man…to go home and be a husband and a father!

[...] the latest screw-up comes from his attack dog wife, Elizabeth Edwards, who came out with these whiny words just a few days ago: “We can’t make John black, we can’t make him a woman,” said Edwards, referring to Illinois [...]

Eric Schultz, a spokesman for Edwards’ campaign, told CNN Tuesday that Elizabeth Edwards was “noting what countless reporters and pundits have said for months, that Senators Clinton and Obama get a lot of media attention, and deservedly so, because of the potential ‘firsts’ of their candidacies.”

I quoted this because, if you follow this logic, Clinton and Richards would have the best campaign financing just by the sheer numbers of women and Latinos. Blacks make up only 11% of the country. But Obama isn't raising funds so well and Clinton is not the front-runner because they're black and female, because actually Obama is doing quite well with white, middle class men and women, and Clinton has a strong influence with the black community, not just the power brokers but the common working black woman (a powerful voting block itself). so edwards isn't lacking in the polls because he's not black and female, he just hasn't connected with these voting blocks to the same extent that these politicians have.

Yes, Hillary and Barack are getting a lot more attention, as they should. I prefer to look at Hillary's gender as a positive thing. She can make history if she becomes the first woman to be nominated by the Democratic party as president, and can make more history if she is elected. That is worth noting and talking about and it's perfectly legitimate. It is a wonderful thing to see a woman as a serious contender for the presidency.

Barack's ascendancy is also exciting and noteworthy. I prefer to turn Elizabeth Edwards' argument on its head. It's great to see an African American running for the presidency. This kind of diversity should be celebrated. However, whoever gets the nomination needs to get it on merit. I am proud that my Democratic party has room for all ethnicities and for women. Just look at all the Republican candidates the next time they are lined up onstage ready for another debate. All older white males, one after the other. No surprise there, after all it is the Republican party, the most exclusive club in politics.

I think Edwards deserves his share of attention, but he will have to earn it with good ideas, innovative solutions to our overwhelming problems and the vigor to make his case. It's true he doesn't have the advantage of being different, but if he has something worthwhile to say, the American people will listen.

Since when does being black automatically get you fundraising dollars? Oh how people's perceptions have changed.

Dear Mrs. Edwards,

I think what you were trying to say was merely that you can't make your husband as charismatic and powerful as Barack Obama. Because, you see, it isn't because he is black that he is receiving such accolades. No one wished to make your husband black when Al Sharpton made his bid in 2004. The reason your husband is trailing is simply because Mr. Obama is a powerful orator, a strong personality and a born leader who, through no doing of his race or religion, has propelled himself into the hearts of millions. Also, if you're interested, there are operations that can make your husband a woman, but I don't think that will help him edge out Hillary.

Doe she realize how silly he looks with his wife speaking for him so much. He has he confront Coulter? She says things about Obama and Hillary he can't.

The only thing worse than her ignorant bigotry is the blatant bigotry being expressed here by so called "enlightened progressives". Hate is hate, from the right and the left. There is no differece..

I know John isn't black, but like most democratic males he is a little sissy boy who does what women tell him to do.

Not really sure what all of the outrage over the comment is for. She does have a point. I mean, if I had a quarter for every time that the media mentions Obama's race or Hillary's gender, I could quit my job. If CNN is allowed to have entire stories about "Whether Obama is Black Enough," what's wrong with E. Edwards commenting about the affect that it has on media coverage and fundraising?

For those of you who mentioned past minority candidates like Ferraro, Sharpton and Jackson, you're missing the point. Ferraro was a VP candidate and the other two are so divisive that they never had a chance at getting a Democratic nomination, let alone run against a Republican.

Also, in the Democratic party, being a minority is more of a help than being a white male. Both Clinton and Obama have a lot of positive qualities that would qualify them regardless of gender/race and sorry to make it sound un-PC, but the novelty of a black or female President is alluring to many people, as it could open the doors to many other great candidates in the future.

I remember a guy named Jesse Jackson
running for the office'was he black',so,this isn't a first as you stated. Or, did you mean first time these two have run for president,wrongly stated again. Who
else is a first time bidder for this office this campaign year.

Let's see… How can I put this succinctly? Ah yes! Elizabeth, shut up! You're perhaps the biggest detriment to your husband's campaign.

There is some truth to what Mrs. Edwards said. She didn't insult women or African Americans. She simply stated a fact. I don't understand the outrage at all.

I applaud Mrs. Edwards for speaking her mind but I wonder about her sense of perspective and proportion. It does not appear that John and Elizabeth have sat down and seriously strategized on how best to win the presidency. Her diatribes are alienating Democrats. It makes you wonder who's in charge. Then again, these outbursts of hers may be entirely planned. A smart woman (or man) would wait until the race is won; then their words and opinions would have greater force and effect. If nothing else, we at least have a glimpse of what we can expect with Elizabeth Edwards as a First Lady. If John Edwards ever wants to know who shot his presidential campaign in the foot all he has to do is look in the bed beside him.

"John Kerry and John Edwards were the winners last election. Our country would not be in this mess if Bush/Chaney had not cheated!!
I am praying that John Edwards will be our next President of the United States. I like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama but I feel that John has the best message and interest for not only our Country but individually in all aspects."

umm joyce, how did dem boys bush/chaney cheat?? Did they "steal" the elecshun?

How exactly does john have "the best interest for our individually in all aspects"? (not sure what you're even atempting to say – but I'm sure your clarification will be entertaining)

why does she look like she could be his mother?

Elizabeth is silly and the spokesman (Eric Schultz) for Edwards' campaign is wrong when he said, "Senators Clinton and Obama get a lot of media attention, and deservedly so, because of the potential ‘firsts’ of their candidacies.”

Geraldine Ferraro (woman) ran for the Presidency years ago

Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton (black) have both made serious attempts to earn the democratic party nomination in years past.

Hillary and Obama have not blazed a new path. Elizabeth needs to realize she is HURTING her husband's campaign and "put a lid on it".

I have to agree with Anthony from Orlando:

This is the first time I’ve seen people so vehement in defending the media’s penchant for sensationalism. Normally that shoe is on the other foot.

The Edwards’ camp was not out of line or voicing a far-fetched summation of the Clinton and Obama campaigns in the above story. Hillary does owe a great deal of her public and political success to having been married to easily one of the greatest Presidents in the last century – a crutch and talking point she could not have claimed if it weren’t for an XX chromosome.

And overlooking the relative inexperience of Obama for a second, he is not half as charismatic or refreshing as most starry-eyed Americans seem to think he is. His political ideology is far from unique – the only difference is that most candidates are canny enough to realize they can never deliver 1/10th of what he promises and still keep a handle on American and foreign affairs. If you aren’t voting on his grandiose, out-of-touch-with-reality espoused ideology, then you are voting for him because he’s black.

All of which does nothing but validate the simple fact that the media can only sell what they can sensationalize enough to be interesting, and I believe that is all Elizabeth Edwards was trying to say. Is she whining? Sure. Who doesn’t listen to their spouse or friend’s bad day without immediately following their plight with a tale of their own? Edwards’ campaign is flagging, and I believe he will fail again, but his wife’s knee-jerk reaction to blame the media (not the other candidates) is perfectly human and should probably have been predicted.

After all, what will Clinton and Obama’s excuses be when one or the other fails to gain the Democratic nomination? America wasn’t ready for a woman President? America wasn’t ready for a minority President?

We should strive to get the best person for the job as president or any office. It is too bad that the way people get elected is by how much money they can raise and spend on their campaign. We should change this process to equal the playing field to elect our officials. We live in an age where we can give each canidate a limited amount of money, have a number of debates and then have the election.

Why does John Edwards keep bring up this 55 year old woman with the pencil in her head, and how our health care system let her down. She is from Germany!!!

John Kerry and John Edwards were the winners last election. Our country would not be in this mess if Bush/Chaney had not cheated!!
I am praying that John Edwards will be our next President of the United States. I like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama but I feel that John has the best message and interest for not only our Country but individually in all aspects.

Mrs. Edwards sounds bitter…

First of all, this quote was taken out of context and it would have been appropriate, if the author of this hit piece ahd linked to the whole article. Wonder why that was not done? There was yet another smear piece on John Edwards the other day, about him being a Southern white man, implying he is a racist. Does anyone listen to what John Edwards says? He said in the You-Tube debate that if anyone wanted to vote for him because he was not black or not a woman, he did not want their vote. Keep on telling it like it is Elizabeth Edwards. You have truth on your side no matter how dirty minds try to twist your thinking.

Its the truth

I expect more from CNN than hot button issues with partial coverage. Is CNN so sold out to the sound byte that not only is the article woefully under-inclusive, but further responses are encouraged!

I agree wholeheartedly that there isn't any way Mrs. Edwards intended to disparage any segment of the population.

Shame on you CNN.

Can't make John relevant or president either.

Elizabeth Edwards needs to stop making public comments that could get her and possibly her husband into hot water. As a young college student, I see that politics have become more about who's more popular than the other candidates rather than the important issues at hand. With her making that comment as to why her husband is not receiving more money, it just shows that maybe her husband is not what america really wants. If he were really a front-runner then he would have more money than Obama or Clinton but since he does not-instead of saying ignorant things, accept the fact that Edwards is not a front-runner. He needs to work harder and stop hiding behind his religion and make some important decisions about his campaign, i.e. stop allowing your wife to make public comments that make you and her look insensitive.

Obama may be black, but Mrs. Edwards forgot that he's also white. Bi-racial means 2 races — not one or the other.
I for one am glad that Elizabeth made the statement — it tells me exactly the type of president her husband would be — a shoveler of excuses. No thank you. You don't automatically win by being born white and male anymore — you actually have to be QUALIFIED for the job. Get over it, Elizabeth. Your husband has only one person to blame — himself.

Amen, Anthony! I totally agree.

On one hand she is right. The idea that we as a nation might have our first African American or female president does attract the media, as it should due to its unprecedented nature.

On the other hand she should keep comments like this to herself. White males have had more privileges, by law and not preference, for the longest time in this nation’s history. The very instant one falls behind she wants to start complaining? That is ridiculous.

I don’t feel sorry for him. It would behoove her to figure out a way to help rather than sit on the side lines complaining.

Up until now I had respect for Elizabeth Edwards, but it appears that she is indeed a sore looser! I can't respect anyone who is a cry baby and blames others for their lack! Tell John to step up his A-game.

If by past accomplishments, you are referring to suing OB/GYN doctors for millions of dollars based on junk science and continually opposing legislation that would cap damages in liability lawsuits, one of largest reasons our healthcare costs are out of control……….then yeah, John Edwards is full of accomplishments.

That was a stupid move on Mrs. Edwards' part. She's not doing her husband any favours.

Canidates may receive more money because of their race, gender, and other deciding factors. But they also are defered money due to those same reasons. Edwards doesn't receive as much money because Americans want a change, and he doesn't seem to adhere to that need. AKA: Stop your whining Elizabeth, and get your man to do what's right for this WORLD.

If you don't think Clinton gets attention because she is a woman and the Obama gets attention because of his race, your CRAZY!

I can't believe that Hillary is doing so well in the polls. PEOPLE WAKE UP!!
She uses her husband as a asset to her campaign. In the general election he will be a liability. Don't just remember all of the "good times". Remember the scandals. The RNC will be showing Bill saying "I did not have sex with that woman" over & over again.
It will be 10 times worse than the swift boat commercials.

People want change. The democrats will win the election this time, unless they pick the wrong candidate.

Obama will also have a difficult time in the general election. I live in IL. I'm tired of everyone saying how great he is. He's a good speaker. But he hasn't done much of anything for us. He's had very little experience. He was in the state senate longer. But during those years our state has been a mess! It wasn't all his fault, but he didn't help.

Vote smart, vote for Edwards!

The truth is the newspapers and national news stations provide the mojority of coverage to the leading candidates. Watch a replay of the coverage after the latest Dem debate and see who they talk to and about. It's so unbalanced it is sickening.

Or perhaps the real reason is that Edwards was merely a lackluster, mediocre, nothing special, single term senator who can't muster excitement about his running for president. In any event, Mrs. Edwards' comments are unfortunate, in that they can be easily taken as racist, and yes, despite her being a woman, sexist too.

I can't believe all the asinine comments I'm seeing. He's not saying its hard being a rich, white man, he doesn't want you to feel bad for him. His wife didn't make a racist or sexist comment, she is simply saying that the media is transfixed on the other 2 candidates because one is black and the other is a woman. If you're too blind to see that, I feel bad for you. And don't say the others are getting more attention because of their past accomplishments, Obama barely has 2 years of experience.

okay, short and sweet
RE: "Can't make him black…woman"
Why the urgent need to make him either or? If you could, you would? and would he be black or woman permanently or just until the Black & Women voters help hire him as president? That last one is a national tradition, you know? "I care for the poor, the Blacks, the Latinos and other underrepresented groups until amnesia kicks in. Please be yourselves and be happy for what you have to offer.
Thank you!

awww.. poor whitey Edwards.. You didn't make enough money suing doctors??? poor guy.

Mrs. Edward's remarks are way off. If 'color' were the reason for Obama's fundraising dollars, then what happened to Jesse Jackson's funding years ago, or the Republican candidates in the last two elections?
"Color" may be a factor for some voters, but Mr. Obama has a way of transceding that so-called barrier due to his message, not his skin-color!
Raymond

To reduce the broad voter support of Obama and Clinton to a color and a gender is insulting and revealing of Ms. Edwards own lack of depth. To be sure, both Obama and Clinton have exceptionally strong life experience and unique perspectives that far outshine the majority of current and past white male candidates. One thing is for sure, there are plenty of Blacks and women (and a lot of Black Women) who might have been a better choice than the fool in there now.

Just because we may not want to believe these comments doesnt mean they arent true. Elizabeth Edwards is correct. John gets far less money and publicity because he is not a woman or black.

For insntance Oprah is doing her first ever presidential fundraiser for Obama. Thats not a coincidence!!

Also for those who say there have been plenty of white males to get publicity/money .. they are negelcting the fact that those white males never ran against a woman or black man.

Its an unsettling fact but it is true.

Who's running for President? Mr or Mrs Edwards? It looks to me that Mrs Edwards is doing the talking for Mr Edwards…. If John gets elected who would be making the decisions? He or she?

Although the less savvy minority pundits will posture as if they are truly enraged, Mrs. Edwards is absolutely justified in her presumption of the media's behavior. Refreshing to see someone like Mrs. Edwards express a potentially unpopular opinion (that just happens to be correct).

Hey anon in SF,

I can't stand Edwards but in his defense, he did not lose senate re-election. He did not stand for re-election due to running for VP in 2004.

His real failure is that he is a divisive candidate that is counting on populism to sweep him into office. The American people typically reject populist messages.

Elizabeth is right. In Iowa it is not about how many people attend your rallies or give you money, it is about how many will leave their homes on a cold winter night to stand up for you at their caucus. Democrats are blessed with an "all of the above" group of candidates while the Republicans have a "none of the above" situation. For Democrats the challenge is like Goldilocks' dilemma: you have to pick someone who is "just right". For me that is John Edwards. Hillary Clinton is a little too much yesterday; Barak Obama is a little too tomorrow; I think John Edwards is just right NOW! He is clearly leading the field in concrete policy proposals. Every week he makes a major policy address while others have rock star rallies with nothing but cliches. Edwards reminds me of Bobby Kennedy in 1968, appealing to Americans for their ideals not just their votes. I will stand up for him in my caucus,and I will continue to support him on this journey to get America's soul back.

Elizabeth Edwards is pitiable. She is afflicted with a most serious illness and thus one feels for her. However, it is becoming very clear that, for whatever reasons, she has resorted to very desperate measures to propel edwards to the presidency. At this rate, she will lose my respect sooner than later.

Hmmmm, not exactly the smartest thing to say, I think.

If you want your husband to get publicity, how about some fresh ideas or saying things that stand out which he hasn't done up until now, for his wife's comments.

Elizabeth, you CAN make him a woman!

That was really a stupid thing to say.
Over the past 200 years…white males have always had ( and still do have ) the greatest advantage for everything in this country except jail, low wages and poor housing. If John had something fresh to say people would listen.

It's nice to know that John has his wife to help out with his campaign (insert sarcasm here)

Whine, whine, whine…

"It's all their fault that he's not higher in the polls!"

Yes, but not for the reasons you seem to think, Liz…

I'm a Black man and I understand what she was trying to say. But in the world of media sound bites, this will not play well.

You know, she raises a very good point folks. Take away the uniqueness of the top two, and what do you have? I know i am starting to see some tarnish. I'm lking Edwards more every day.

I would like to see Edwards and Clinton get on the same team. I believe they would make a dynamite duo to run against and BEAT the Republicans. Stop bickering, unite so you are able to do good for your country.

Yes, heaven forbid the white candidate is in the minority and gaining less attention.

Do you know what I find interesting about that statement? She didn't give any credit to those candidates regarding public policy being the reason the others are getting more attention. She went directly for their aesthetic features. I understand that she's simply doing what she can to help her husband, and that's cool, but she's beginning to hurt him rather than help. Perhaps she should chill for awhile.

Other than the inability to be black or woman, he also cannot wipe out his past failures (in the VP election, and senate re-election), and his experience of international politics. He also cannot tackle the controversies himself without the help of mommy Elizabeth.

Please don't find excuses for your Johny boy.

Are you joking? Is she saying that because he's a white male he's at a disadvantage? is she crazy? I've never met a white male who's at a disadvantage. Try another one lady.

Can't argue with that.
She has a point. He is just a typical candidate with no unique spin.

Thank you Mrs Obvious.

If anything, Barack has to work harder because he is black.

John Edwards has been campaigning for 4 years and has basically lived in Iowa. He should he happy that he's received this much attention.

Really poor form by the Edwards'. I'm sorry its hard being rich, white and male John. I feel for you.

could it be that, John Edwards do not get much media coverage is because his wife would take over the interview. Mrs. Edwards continually put her foot in her mouth about her husband. We would like to hear his view not her's. Is she running for predency or his he?. No he does not have to black or an woman what he need to be is a Man.

Sorry Liz, you can't make John interesting either.

Mrs. Edwards just doesn't get it. It's her husband we don't want and it has nothing to do with race or sex. If she were correct, I can only assume Carol Mausley-Braun would have outraised everyone when she ran for President. I think it's time to take her off the campaign trail…she is becoming a liability at this point.

John, with all due respect. Can you run your own campain? Your lagging behind because it seems to me has if your wife is tyring to be the President and it appears that your just a puppet.

I used to be fans of the Edwards but they are digging deeper holes by the minute.

What does RACE and GENDER have to do with anything? Obama and Clinton have the smarts and political savvy to run this country. Race and gender SHOULD NOT be an issue.

The Edwards need to focus on the issues and less on "mud slinging" because that it's bringing down their ratings.

I supported Edwards in 2004 and I remain interested in him as a candidate, but I must say that I am getting tired of his campaign's attitude which suggests that he is somehow being wronged because the media is paying attention to Clinton and Obama. His poll numbers can't have anything to do with the fact that he had a relatively inconsequential record in his one senate term, no political experience before coming to Washington, was admittedly wrong on what he describes as the most important vote he ever cast in the senate, and has made several public relations mistakes already in this campaign season (mishandling the hedge fund employment issue and his haircuts come to mind). No, those things don't matter. He's behind because he's not black or a woman. I guess that's why he lost to Kerry four years ago, or why Cheney just about cleaned his clock in their debate. Everyone knows that it's easier to win major office as a woman or a black candidate. Just ask all of the blacks and women in the senate and governor's mansions. Isn't he the one that is going around saying quietly that he's a "general election" candidate because of his "southern" background? Mr. Edwards can't have it both ways.

To all of my fellow Americans.

I am an Afro-American Rock/Pop & Soul musician and World Peace advocate, and it is my sincere opinion that in light of the fact that Al Gore is still not slated to run for the U.S. Presidency, that all persons seriously interested in acheiving truly diplomatic solutions to the current state of near absolute chaos that the world is experiencing, there is only one clear contender for this incredibly difficult job.

It is Senator John Edwards, without one doubt in my mind.

Please take a moment to study the situation in depth, and if you are of a balanced and sincerely understanding temperament, you will most certainly arrive at this very same conclusion.

Good luck to you Sen. Edwards.

Anonymous.

Edwards stands for a lot of important issues such as health care etc. He is almost pushing too, too hard and try to capture the attention of anyone who will listen. He's the underdog and he knows it. Hillary did TERRIFIC on MSNBC debate last nite.

That's funny that Mrs. Edwards says that because Edwards gets a disproportionate amount of press coverage for a person with at most 11% of potential democratic votes.
Instead of complaining, she should be encouraging her husband to have more substantitive things to say. Then he would get even more coverage.
There is a reason he couldn't carry his own state in the 2004 elections!

It's sad racism, ignorance and plain stupidity comes in many different forms. In John Edwards case it's his wife.

This is sad, does she think that her husband is not getting press (besides his haircuts) because he is not black or a female….wrong. Maybe he simply is not that interesting, maybe people are not into his rhetoric, maybe people say him stumble and fumble in the youtube debates, maybe people in this country need change and don't feel that he is the one to bring it about. Maybe people just are not into her husband, she should think of these things before grasping and straws that only cause more division.

Does Mr. Edwards realize that his wife may be more of a liability than an asset. Quite frankly she seems to want the presidency more than he does.

To vote for Hillary or Obama, to me, would be a streak of insanity and I am sane, so, looks like you get my vote John, wishing you the best and I hope, politically, you are as clean cut as you and your wife appear to be,think of those in need, not those who already have as I seem to have seen in the past few years with former presidents.

I think she's gonna sink him lower and lower with remarks like this. I'm not black or a woman and I feel insulted!

Elizabeth Edwards is an idiot. Since when do upper class white men get the short end of the stick in this country? He's getting less attention and campaign money because he is BORING lol.

Poor woman,
try hard, very hard indeed
to help her man

“The idea that you have people standing between you and the voter is diminished, and the capacity to speak directly empowers candidates to trust their own voices,” she said.

Well if thats the case lizabeth – then stop doing all of the talking and let us hear from him…

I don't know what country the Edwards live in, but she's diminishing Obama's accomplishments significantly with her comment that "his blackness gets him a certain amount of fundraising dollars". Mrs. Edwards, let me inform you that Obama is getting the dollars "despite" his race not because of it. His message is resonating with millions of people and that's why he's getting the dollars. It's interesting to see the white male candidate in the role of underdog. They don't take it very well. To me that's because they have a underlying sense of entitlement and aren't used to sharing power.

I am black and take offense to this. Perhaps Edwards just doesn't connect with the everday voter – I still can not believe he pays that much for a hair cut.

Elizabeth Edwards comment is ignorant and insinuates that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are getting attention because of their "potential firsts" rather than their qualifications. I submit they are getting more attention and greater funding because they are better candidates then her husband and that is where her focus should be.

She is desperate for her husband to be President so she can be the first lady. Elizabeth is becoming more and more crying wolf…

Elizabeth Edwards is ABSOLUTELY correct! The media, in its typical sensational fashion, has chosen the politically correctness over substance. If Osama (Obama) wasn't black or Hillary wasn't a woman, they would barely receive coverage. After all, Osama (Obama) would be dismissed as a political novice with only 1 1/2 years in the Senate and having no business running for president at this time.

Rock on Edwards. You know you're going to be president. Don't be coy about it. I just can't imagine what is going to happen to the other two candiates to propel you upward. I'm all about you reaching the top. I just think it's amazing what planning it takes to make these political shows work. Very Interesting!

Any number of political candidates have received support through the years from blacks and women without being such. Instead of making excuses, the Edwards campaign should be asking why John Edwards is unable to elevate his message over the others… why his voice is so muffled. I think it comes down to personality. It's hard to believe he was such a successful trial lawyer when I find him so unconvincing even when his message may be right on point.

Is it just me or did she word what she was trying to say so awkwardly?

I understand that Mrs Edwards has been through a great deal of stress during the campaign but has she forgotten that every president ever elected to office has looked much like her husband rather than the two candidates that she claims are eating up all of the press–Has she considered that they are just more compelling candidates?

Wait! Let me understand this. Edwards can't raise money because he's a white male. Plueeze! Someone has some serious amnesia.

Elizabeth should have added…we can't make John a supporter of tort reform either.

Give it up John.

Being Black or a Woman has nothing to do with John Edwards not getting the attention his wife feels he deserves.
It is funny how white men (and their wives) complain about being white and feeling as if they are somehow being discounted. I have to laugh because in our society we all know white men are still is at the top of the food chain.

With John Edwards, it is more of a been there, done that kind of thing. John Edwards seems to be a nice person. His time has passed, however.

Unfortunately John or the other candidates are not strong contenders for the Presidency.

But he does have Elizabeth who seems to get more media attention than John. The question is… is that a good thing?

Elizabeth Edwards needs to sit back and let her husband John Edwards run his campaign. By making the statement saying her husband is not Black nor a woman is being very narrow minded. What about when Rev. Jesse Jackson or Rev. Al Sharpton ran for president. Elizabeth, maybe your husband is not doing as well in this campaign because you are doing the talking for him. Maybe you should run for president instead of your husband.

If I were John Edwards, I would ask my wife to shut up.

Elizabeth Edwards….hmmm. I would think in her position that "Mum's the word" would be her best position…she does not make things better for husband and candidate John….she is strident, and he is smooth…is she really wanting or wishing she was running for office…..hmmmm…anyway, "Go home, Elizabeth, and tend to your health issues…in case John becomes President and needs a wife in the White House!!

I think it's great that being a woman or a black is no longer a drag on fundraising, but Mrs. Edwards is stretching things a little in suggesting that the reason they are getting so much money and support is because of the fact. Not only is that a stretch, but it is insulting to their donors (as well as donors to Bill Richardson, a Hispanic whose name Mrs. Edwards is ironically careful never to mention as Richardson has pulled up to the point where he is threatening to pass her husband and move into third place.) People donate to a political candidate because of what that candidate says and stands for, not what their gender or color is.

Media attention certainly does matter– exhibit A is Obama, who even before he announced was getting wall to wall media coverage that pushed candidates who had been working on building campaigns for months to the sidelines, but it's not like Democratic primary voters don't know who John Edwards is. If the 2004 runner up and Vice Presidential nominee is not connecting then maybe he needs to look at why people who already know him and have heard his message are supporting other candidates.

I think it has nothing to do with Hillary Clinton being a female while Barack Obama being Black. Look at Bill Richardson. He is Hispanic. He is not getting enough media attention like John Edwards. I think that John Edwards is not working so hard. I think we should not focus on their sex and race. We should look at their qualifications, experiences, education, and skills. That is it.

I'm sorry, but does anyone believe Mrs. Edwards is "First Lady" material? Perhaps in her quest to be percieved as healthy she has gone a bit overboard. All I hear is pettiness. She can not force people to like her husband, let alone vote for him…

I think the undertone is there, and it is starting to rear it's ugly head. It is called racisim and just because Edwards did not get what he wanted, he has his wife instead of his Mommy stand up and say That's Not Fair. Sit down…

And what was Edwards excuse the previous election? Clinton and Obama are not the first minority candidates to run for office and those previous candidates did not receive the same campaign cash and media attention. To blame his poor success on the "burden of being a rich white guy" is a cop-out at best.

The corporate media are promoting Obama and Clinton instead of the candidates with some of the best ideas, such as DENNIS KUCINICH. Of course they are focused on the two candidates who have uniqueness — one, a woman and the other, an African American. It's about time to promote diversity in politics.

However, in the 2008 election I am strongly supporting Kucinich!!! Kucinich is the only candidate working for single payer healthcare, against NAFTA and such misguided policies as the "Security and Prosperity Partnership, for ending the wars for profit, and other progressive programs. We need Kucinich at this time!

Keith Olberman did a great job!

To me that sounds like her saying that the support that Hillary and Obama are receiving are result of their race and gender. I think the voters see beyond those things. Personally I am not moved by Hillary because she's a woman, or Obama because he's black. I look at the merits of their arguments and also how convincing they are. It's funny to see who's using the race/gender card in this instance!!

Sorry mrs Edwards i sincerely appreciate your support and sacrifice for your husband's campaign but this topic is completely irrelevant for this debate, what actually it does is promoting racism and sexiesm, those attributes ironically is working against Hillary Clinton for not being mannly enough and Obama not having all the support he needs because some People doubt if at the end of the day racism won't topple the entire show. We must stand by our convictions and hope which is the driving force behind Obama's campaign. I sincerely think John Edward still has a fair shot and could still make a good president if we should stop looking at trivial issues which does nothing to enhance this debate like u must be 10 yrs in the senate to have leadership skills or about the amount of money your hair cost.
WAKE UP AMERICA.

Elizabeth, you can't make excuse with race and gender. There's the main reason why your husband is behind. Honestly you hurted(big and foolish mouth) him more than any thing else. You made your husband disable man, how could people trust him or depend on him as our President? The Clintons are different with any other candidate's couple, because Hillary is smarter than others, plenty of experiences and she is stronger, so she could handle any situation by herself, but John couldn't do without you by your action. Don't blame media because media is the business, they have to publish what people want to hear and see, people are interested in Hillary and Obama more than John. John failed his own State in 2004, started the campaign with your cancer as weapon, you made a slip of the tongue several times(repeated at Larry King's interview), you and John picked on Hillary illogically. If you and John make another improper remark, your hope will be hopeless.

Probably some truth to this statement… but still smacks of racism/sexism/bitterness.

This could be a statement that comes back to haunt Edwards if the media chooses to smell the blood and start chomping

Wow…Edwards is being discriminated against because he's a white man. His wife needs to learn to be quiet.

So the insinuation is that Clinton and Obama get more attention than Edwards because of their gender and race, not because they are better qualified ? Somebody needs a MUZZLE.

Oh no not the race card AGAIN! I respect the candidate. He may even get my vote. The Clinton News Network is really disappointing me with this garbage. Why are you all reporting this mess. Shame on you!

Wahh. My husband cant raise money like a woman or AA. Maybe he should use some of his lawyer money to fund himself. Why does this guy keep on sending his wife out to plead for him? It smacks of desperation and a campaign coming off the tracks.

Wow, I'm so surprised at her bluntness. She really is gutsy.

While I can understand the interest in Clinton given her husband's success and her success, the way the media appointed Obama as a front runner should be mystifying but unfortunately the phoniness of those in the media makes the media's appointment of Obama all to transparent. Obama's major accomplishment is being black and for the media and way too many liberals that is enough.

He gets to live his life as a privileged white man how dare her be so ignorant. Its about time someone else gets the attention they deserve. The woman and the black man are the better canidates. She sounds more and more ignorant every time she opens her mouth fighting against Hillary and Obama.

And no matter what Mrs Wdwards says, she can't make John win the nomination. It simply will not happen, and he should withdraw now.

Considering the American biases AGAINST a black or female president, I am happily surpised that Obama and Clinton have been getting press coverage.

Black and female candidates have run before Obama and Clinton, but this is the first time people seem to be looking beneath the skin for a quality candidate.

Frankly I found Elizabeth Edwards comments offensive. I don't think she is helping her husbands cause at all.

Women are told all the time to stop making excuses why they can't go further in a business, so why can't we expect the same from the white male candidates. Do something interesting and valuable enough for the American public to pay attention to you? If you can't do that then you don't deserve to be president.

I don't think Al Sharpton, Elizabeth Dole, or Carol Mosley-Brown, prior presidential candidates whose nomination bids floundered, would agree with Elizabeth's theory as to why John Edwards is not receiving the same amount of media attention as the two Democratic front-runners. And I'm thinking that her comments would be getting a lot more scrutiny if she were, let's say, the wife of a Republican candidate.

First, I personally think Edwards gets plenty of coverage. But there's another, less provocative explanation as to why he is lagging in coverage, polling, and fundraising. He's a retread candidate–he's seen as one-half of the Dem's 2004 losing ticket yet he's running on the same themes in 2008. He's become a bit boring. Sure, the "firstness" of Obama and Hillary is noteworthy. But the news media has 24 hours to fill every day, and, if Edwards was bringing something fresh or bold or provocative to this campaign, it probably would make the news. It's not rocket science.

So Barack and Hillary have nothing to offer the American public other than the fact that they're Black and female respectively? Get real Mrs. Edwards. They are both talented and articulate people, who have a message that resonates with the American people.

For centuries Blacks and women had no forum through which to express anything, let alone political positions and their abilities to lead the American people. Just because the playing field is a little bit more even, it doesn't invalidate the abilities or talents of people who were previously disenfranchised.

Mrs. Edwards seems to want the playing field to be as unequal and uneven as it was back in the days of slavery and before women's sufferage. Too bad that Mrs. Edwards' husband doesn't have a message that resonates with America like Barack and Hillary. But she needs to stop blaming it on the ethnicity or gender of her husband's opponents. That's just jealous and callous, and shows that Mrs. Edwards and her husband have no platform to run on.

I have a lot of respect for John Edwards, and I have always thought highly of Elizabeth Edwards, but this comment is over the top. To suggest that the principal reason Senators Clinton and Obama are getting the attention they are is because they are female/black is just insulting.

Elizabeth is right. I am a woman of color and I have discussed the same issue with people. While I think it is great to have a woman president and/or minority president nominees and potentially a woman/minority president, Obama's and Clinton's campaign is very much an extension of the "all about me" culture that is so pervasive in our culture right now. The presidency is bigger than that, and that is why I am voting for Edwards.

Uuuhhh, no he is neither Black (or African-American, thank you Mrs. Edwards) nor is he a woman. But he is competent, qualified and experienced. That is reason enough for him to warrant coverage. Bill Richardson is the most qualified, experienced executive type in the campaign and one of if not the first hispanic descended candidate, but he does not get the coverage the warrants. Go figure.

When all is said and done and the election is behind us, the media will realize they missed the boat again. Frankly, his wife gets more coverage then he does, but only because she is controversial, not because she is competent or cares about the lives of people. Strange…

So, why not post the QUESTION from the interview that she was responding to instead of just floating her answer around as if it is a standalone statement.

For example, what if she was responding LIGHTHEARTEDLY to a question about whether it was ironic that John Edwards as a white male may be hurting him this year.

The thing about this is that we get no sense of the EXACT QUESTION that she was responding to, or the tone in which she made the statement.

Both matter, otherwise, it's just a smear.

What a joke. No class whatsoever. I can't see Barack or Hillary turning this around and saying, "Cancer will get you a certain amount of fundraising dollars." Edwards' message appeals to a minority of Americans. This is why his fundraising numbers have been so weak.

Oh, poor little white guy.

Wow…why am I not surprised. As "progressive" as John Edwards seems, it is obviously not above his wife to make underhanded comments–however true they may seem to be–about his political opponents' race and gender. It's a darn shame.

The Rich White Man Blues
Please spare me Elizabeth. I'm really not in the mood to hear how it's so hard to be a rich white man in America. The reality is that John Edward's populist message of Two Americas has not caught on with a majority of the voters. The fact that she would play the race/gender card is telling, to be sure.

Wow. I really like Elizabeth Edwards, but she may have gone to far. I can't imagine this sort of complaint is going to go over well with the liberal base.

I see her point, and maybe Obama's blackness is part of the reason I support him. But I think she's over simplifying things. If Edwards was black, would he have been elected in North Carolina in the first place?

Regardless, if he gets the nomination, or is elected president, it will be fun to hear his wife express her views.

I remember a comment she made a few months ago that was similarly in questionable taste. She implied that the old testament suggests that living a good life will lead to a long life. Then she said that 'turns out not to be true.' Well, aside from the inaccuracy of her analysis (at least I don't think the old testament makes any such claim), I was surprised that the wife of a man running for president would slam the old testament. I agree that the Bible is hogwash but I thought she was being politically unwise in deprecating the Bible in a religious country where her husband wants to be president.

Still still, I like her guts.

I wish Elizabeth Edwards would run for POTUS. Since the return of her cancer she's just been speaking her mind with an honesty and candor that we so seldom see these days. I'd love to hear her ideas on the war, the economy, and health care.

Is this a back door way of questioning whether Americans are ready to elect a woman, a black or an hispanic? I don't think they are, but no one other than candidates' pollsters seems to be asking this important question.

You can't make him believable either as He's a world class phony.

I maybe wrong but she being a sexist and a racist? Well the democrats best choice for president might as well pack it up because the America I live in has no room for hatred like that.

Been poking around here and can't find the coverage and polls like CNN has after it's own debates

I don't know what Mrs. Edwards means. I don't think that were John Edwards black, or a woman, or a black woman, that he would be generating the buzz of Hillary or Obama. He is not as controversial, competent, or imposing as Mrs. Clinton. He is not as compelling or exciting as Obama. And he carries Election '04 baggage. I'm sure it was not Elizabeth's intent, but to even leave room for the implication that the main reasons for Hillary's or Obama's buzz are their respective gender and race opens a whole can of worms that the Edwards campaign ought not touch.

Wow, and here I thought that being a white male was an advantage when you ran for president, given the fact that, oh I don't know, 100% of previous presidents have fit that description. Elizabeth Edwards needs to be more careful, or her husband will go right back to $400 hair cuts in NC instead of DC.

Why can't Obama and Clinton just be getting more attention because they have a more compelling platform? Look who is playing the race/gender card now!!

Mrs Edwards should know better than that. I have a great deal of respect for her and John, but it saddens me that she will debase our public discourse in such manner. I was outrage when Ann Coulter said those mean things about John and I thought she was well within her rights to confront Ann. Now she's the one playing the race and gender card. Shame on you Mrs Edwards.

Welcome to America, 2007 : Where your race is more important than being a good candidate.

Right on, Elizabeth. You tell it and you keep on telling it – It doesn't matter if John's a man or woman, blue, black, orange, or green. What matters is one point and one point alone: John Edwards is head and shoulders above ALL other candidates and he will be a fantastic president. Anyone who pays even the tiniest bit of attention knows that.

Good grief, have we learned nothing from the disastrous election of 2000 and 2004.

Elizabeth Edwards' bizarre claim that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are getting attention and fundraising because they are, respectively, "black" and a "woman" is outrageous and bigoted.

Mrs. Edwards complained that she can't make "John black or a woman" and Mr. Edwards is thus disadvantaged in his Presidential campaign push.

As a racial and religious minority myself, I can assure Elizabeth Edwards and other ignorant fools that being white is a HUGE advantage.

And dismissing Barack Obama's strong candidacy soley as the result of his being black is something a GOP racist would utter. Obama was the first African American Editor in Chief of the Harvard Law Review, a huge scholastic achievement.

Hillary Clinton's battle to overcome anti-woman political bias is not as severe as the anti-black bigotry Obama has faced but Hillary's struggle is also compelling.

Shame on Elizabeth Edwards for expressing such bigoted, ignorant and destructive comments. Good-bye John Edwards!

That is funny. Is she trying to say that being a white man is working against John Edwards in a Presidential race. She does know that every single President in US history has been a white man doesn't she?

While I admire Elizabeth Edwards (particularly in light of her health struggles), I have to say that this comment is outrageous. It does a serious injustice to both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama — both are popular for reasons other than simply their gender or race. I'd hope she would apologize to both of her husband's opponents.

Dear Elizabeth, So if all the women and blacks are attracted to other candidates, do you think your husband's support is coming from latent misogynists and racists? The poor white man! Let me set you straight — lots of democratic voters just didn't think John was all that impressive last election cycle when he was the preferred candidate of the centrist DLC and was parading about as the new Bubba. All the while Bush was sounding the drumbeat for the Iraq war, John never objected. He just fell into lockstep and in every interview I heard with him, he preferred to harp on free college when it obviously was not a high priority for the country when faced with a looming war. Now that John has apologized for his whopper mistake, please understand if we think he is just attempting to pose again — this time lefter-than-thou. So which is the real John?
I am truly sorry for your illness, but that doesn't automatically give you credibility. Furthermore, it is a tragedy that your cancer was most likely induced by fertility treatments. For heaven's sake, why aren't you speaking out about the dangers of hormone treatments and warning other women!?! Instead you have chosen to sacrifice yourself again and you are squandering your precious time to satisfy your husband's narcisism. Its really a pitiful shame for your children — they are so young and need both their parents more right now than the country needs your husband.

Elizabeth Edwards is a complete moron.

Thankfully, she won't ever be First Lady, since her husband has no shot at being President.

But this comment is insulting. So much for the Black vote.

Edwards would make a hellova president, and I'm glad to see he's recently been injecting some good doses of rightous anger into debates. We need it and his current status as an underdog lends itself to this.

However, to me, he is less electable than Obama is because he was the vice presidential candidate last time around. He needs to overcome the stigma of this if he's to ever rise above Obama and take the nomination.

I would actively support Edwards as a candidate, his head's on right and he's talking about issues that Clinton glances over. At the moment my only issue with Edwards is that Obama feels more of the moment, fresher and more alive than he does.

I loved Edwards in '04 and wish he'd been the nominee, but because I'm already so familiar with him, it makes me more eager about Obama, who still has unlimited potential in the eyes of the world.

My problems with these candidates are wonderful problems to have, as I think Edwards, Obama or even, to a lesser extent Clinton would do well.

It is nice that a African person and a woman are getting more attention, usually they don't get anything.

You also can't make him smart. Something isn't right upstairs if you think working at a hedge fund will make you savvy on poverty.

He may have some good ideas, but having a few good ideas doesn't make you Presidential material.

Elizabeth,

Good Job blaming your husband's lagging campaign on being a white male. It wouldn't have anything to do with his becoming the butt of political jokes ($400 haircuts, learning how to switch gears from Lance Armstrong, whispering with Hillary to limit 2nd tier candidates) and the basic disconnect he has with most Americans. John wants to divide America by class – whereas Obama and Hillary divide by ideology, race, and sex.

Edwards is a lightweight. Lost his congressional seat. Lost his bid for VP with Kerry. And will lose his bid for this nomination. Hard issues to come to terms with, Elizabeth, huh.

What a turn off…

Is poor Edwards a victim of reverse discrimination? Even so, I think it's time he manned up and spoke for himself rather than have his wife make excuses for him. It didn't work with Theresa Heinz Kerry and it won't work for Ms. Edwards. Best to put a sock in it, Elizabeth.