January 1, 2008
Posted: 04:31 PM ET
Elizabeth Edwards isn't happy with Michelle Obama.

Elizabeth Edwards isn't happy with Michelle Obama.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The sharpened rhetoric between Democrats John Edwards and Barack Obama isn't just limited to the candidates themselves — the two hopefuls' wives are also getting in on the action.

Elizabeth Edwards isn't happy with what Michelle Obama is saying on the campaign trail about the effects of John Edwards' decision to accept federal matching funds for his presidential campaign.

"I'm surprised and disappointed in Michelle," Mrs. Edwards said at a campaign event Monday night.

Mrs. Edwards comments were spurred by a voter recounting a conversation Mrs. Obama had with his 17 year-old daughter, claiming the Illinois senator's wife told his daughter not to support Edwards because the spending caps he is subjected to for accepting federal campaign money will seriously hinder his chances in a general election.

For his part, John Edwards discounted the argument that his limited campaign funds are hurting his presidential bid.

"It scares them to death, because what they know is, what this candidate and this campaign stands for is working," he said. "Can I ask you a question? If they have more money, and money's what matters, then why are they worrying about me?"

– CNN's Kevin Bohn and Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Iowa • John Edwards


Craig, Carlsbad CA   January 1st, 2008 10:17 am ET

With both Clinton and Obama becoming Edwards obsessed it looks like their internal polls are showing him ahead

susan   January 1st, 2008 10:19 am ET

This is news???? We looking to you as a source of reasonable information in the face of selecting a new leader of the free world. This is what you decide is worthy of precious time and effort? C'mon CNN … the political machine landed us in this 8 year disaster … is this really the caliber of information you think will revive our country???

Kim   January 1st, 2008 10:23 am ET

Elizabeth I wasn't happy with you when you said that John can't help it that he isn't Black or a woman. So please don't go after Barack's wife Michelle with disappointments b/c I have been disappointed in you throughout this campaign.

Lisa   January 1st, 2008 10:35 am ET

Q: "If they have more money, and money's what matters, then why are they worrying about me?"

A: Because by taking public funds, Edwards may have plenty of money now, but will run out well before he can dip into funds for the general election. This will hurt the Democratic Party if their nominee has to remain silent while being attacked by the Republican nominee.

I wish Edwards would give voters credit for being smart enough to understand and absorb the facts. Instead, he relies on trickery and emotional appeals.

IOWA   January 1st, 2008 10:42 am ET

I like John Edwards but Obama is my firdt choice. John didn't help Kerry in 04. Also Cheney punked him at the Veep debate and he is just week. Plus he wasn't going to win re-election in NC. Edwards claims to fight, but was has he fought for big insurance co.

James, Houston,TX.   January 1st, 2008 10:48 am ET

Elizabeth Edwards is disappointed with Michelle Obama because "Blacks" have come this Far! "Voicing Opinons" without being ARRESTED! And, Run for President? Whew; the South will Rise Again!
Elizabeth might be asked, Whats eating within YOU these days?

Mike, Conway, AR   January 1st, 2008 10:49 am ET

I don't get why she would be "disappointed". What Michelle said was true. And John's answer was wonderful. So why did Elizabeth have to ruin it with that negative attack on Michelle? I love her and respect what she's gone through, but I think she could be a real liability for John.

Dan (Baltimore, MD)   January 1st, 2008 10:50 am ET

The whole country is worried about you, Senator Edwards. Your blatant socialist policies and the idea that property rights ought to be abolished in this country is a clear and present danger. No matter how slim your chances of succeeding, any chance at all is plain frightening.

Nando,Florida   January 1st, 2008 10:55 am ET

Well its true, and she better be glad that Michelle didn't bring up the support he is getting from 527's which he claims he is so opposed to.

Mia, Stafford, VA   January 1st, 2008 10:58 am ET

Here is a clear indication that he WON'T tell the truth. The bottom line is, it takes money - BIG MONEY to play and win in the general election, and the FACT is he will be limited by choosing to go with public financing. If he won't admit something small like that, what does that tell you?

The other thing that bugs me about him as I watch CSPAN and the stump speeches he brags about NEVER taking money from lobbyist and special interest, but has taken over $2 million from 527's according to an article I saw in some paper yesterday. The last time I looked a 527 is a special interest group, and while I agree he can't control them, I find it interesting that his former campaign manager, who was his campaign manager as late as last April is heading the main 527 spending the most money.

I think John Edwards is full of crap, I don't trust him.

Molly--IL   January 1st, 2008 10:59 am ET

How many more days of this?

Josh   January 1st, 2008 11:00 am ET

Elizabeth Edwards always comes out with some unsubstantiated claim or rambles on attacking others–I guess she can't take the heat!

Chima   January 1st, 2008 11:07 am ET

Yawn…

ROB, Baltimore MD   January 1st, 2008 11:08 am ET

This is a Joke..and Edwards talking about the 2 Americas..well when this elections over we know what America he's going back to..the rich and the priv…give it a rest….he took matching money..least Romeny used his own…Obama 08

donna L.   January 1st, 2008 11:08 am ET

So folks — CNN is the only major news outlet on the web that is not reporting on a major story in Iowa. Hmm… Last night the Des Moines Register delivered their poll — widely considered to be the most accurate:

Here are the numbers:

Barack Obama 32%
Hillary Clinton 25%
John Edwards 24%

"The findings mark the largest lead of any of the Democratic candidates in the Register's poll all year, underscoring what has been a hard-fought battle among the three well-organized Iowa frontrunners."

"Obama's rise is the result in part of a dramatic influx of first-time caucusgoers, including a sizable bloc of political independents. Both groups prefer the Illinois senator…."

Michelle Obama said and earned Elizabeth's scorn for is that its the TRUTH. Edwards will not be able to compete because he legally tied his hands by accepting federal matching funds. He didn't do it for noble reasons — he did so because his campaign was strapped for cash because not enough folks were not interested in donating to his campaign. Now his campaign is being run on millions of your tax dollars and he won't even get anywhere. As a result, Elizabeth Edwards is obviously starting to lose it. Here she makes some pretty bizarre remarks about Senator Obama that have racial undertones:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1207/Elizabeth_Edwards_Yes_to_afros_no_to_conciliation.html#comments

Elizabeth Edwards drew a direct comparison between her husband and Obama.

"There was a New York Times article fairly early in the race," she said. "It had a picture of Obama with an Afro — that a lot of people had then, it was nice looking, not odd looking — at Harvard Law School, being asked to voice an opinion at a meeting of people with respect to tenure for African-American professors. He spoke, and spoke eloquently, and when he left, both sides felt he agreed with them."

This was not a good sign, Elizabeth said. This was an example of when a "desire for conciliation becomes more important than getting a particular result."

She also said that being too conciliatory "is not what we need right now" and that "John believes we have to fight."

J Williamson Buffalo, NY   January 1st, 2008 11:09 am ET

The lastest poll has John Edwards leading Hilliary and Obama! The media focus has been largely on the latter two and I hope the Edwards campaign gets more of the spot-light during the last days of the Iowa contest. Thanks Iowans! Edwards is the most electable - he can win states in the south and west that I don't believe the others can. It's all about Nov. 2008 and who will be the strongest Dem - the Repubs will pull out all the dirty swift-boat garbage (they're so good at it, I have to at least give them that much) and Edwards will not back down or try to "ignore it" with the hopes it will go away. Thanks to the Edwardses for all their hard work - it's about to pay off.

CAREN   January 1st, 2008 11:12 am ET

Some guy stands up & says he 17 year old told him something & Elizabeth Edwards responds, so where & how is this news? It certainly isn't a headline kind of story.

Next thing, it was just fine when she was calling Hillary Clinton out but Michelle Obama is off limits? Are you members of some cult called Obamaites? Michelle Obama is not above being called out, if she's going to stick her two cents in then she take the lumps like everyone else does. What is this breastfeeding need people have with the Obama's?

donna L.   January 1st, 2008 11:18 am ET

CAREN — CNN is pushing sympathy stories for John Edwards now because his continued presence in the race draws votes from Obama and ends up helping Hillary. They are afraid of Obama prevailing in Iowa because it puts to rest her inevitability. Cnn has been shilling for Clinton since this race started — "reporting" all sorts of ridiculous smears — hey "just saying what others are saying" Yeah. Its been disgusting.

S.K.M. Boston Mass   January 1st, 2008 11:19 am ET

I'm an Obama supporter, and let me say this; Michelle is fair game. She is. There's no doubt in my mind. Hillary has Bill, who's sometimes good and sometimes controversial. John has Elizabeth, who's probably the most popular spouse in this race. Obama has Michelle, who's pretty popular herself and like Elizabeth is active.

Michelle was pointing out a true fact. Edwards is cash strapped. Elizabeth responded because, let's face it, it's a damaging fact. People are making too much of this.

Obama '08

Jeff from Jersey   January 1st, 2008 11:19 am ET

What a great campaign tactic.Instead of a dogfight,let's have a public cat fight instead.Maybe the WWF could put it on pay-per-view with the winner getting the whole prize purse for their husband or wife's campaign and the loser dropping out of the elections.Maybe we could do it like that for both parties in every election.Have a couple elimination rounds leaving only one candidate in each party to meet in the BS BOW with the winner taking office.
It would not only save tons of money,it might drastically reduce the influence of special interest groups,religeous,corporate and all those othe lobbies that have dictated policy and completely corrupted our government.
It would also spare us more than two years of campaigning with the endless empty promises,vicious attacks and those cadidates that run for office just to get their name in the news every day and feed their egos.
It might even be fun!

Pedro, Las Vegas, NV   January 1st, 2008 11:21 am ET

I love how CNN completely prescinds (and rather conveniently at that) from the fact that in the latest Des Moines Register Poll–which includes both Republican converts and Independents–Barack Obama has a seven-point lead over Clinton and an eight-point lead over Edwards. Which, in essence, tramples in its tracks whatever infinitesimal hint of a story there was in regards to John Edwards ever surging in Iowa. It is interesting to note also that this poll accurately predicted the Democratic nomination last cycle, in 1992, and several times even before that. But no, CNN is far too preoccupied giving Chelsea Clinton blaringly false compliments (calling her "tall and attractive" while she satisfies neither characteristic), bloviating as to Ralph Nader's trifling, throw-away endorsement of John Edwards, and prattling aimlessly on about Elizabeth Edwards's minor and withal insignificant disagreement with Michelle Obama on what is really a non-issue in this race… One need only look at their news for the past week or so to discern a manifest precedent–that they are tireless in their allusion to an Edwards surge, which effectively distracts from the fact that Obama is the real leader of the pack. And of course they are pining for one, seeing as, if Edwards wins, Obama becomes unviable and the choice comes down to either Clinton or Edwards–a white trial lawyer or a woman married to Bill Clinton–making history versus more of the same… And when it comes down to that kind of a choice, we all know whom it is the American people would through their weight behind–the slimy, profligate Clintons. C'mon, America. Can't we see through the thinly-veiled legerdemain and outright mendacity of the Clinton News Network? If we can't, then I suppose we deserve the cackling shrew… Who is, incidentally, already talking about a second term.

How self-important and pretentious is this family? Pretty soon, we'll all be voting Chelsea in for Senator… Ask yourselves–what would Hillary be were it not for Bill? Nothing. She'd be a plutocrat in word and in deed. The only difference between that and the status quo is that today, she's a democrat in word but a plutocrat in deed.

Trisha   January 1st, 2008 11:21 am ET

THAT IS NOT NEWS, GET THIS OFF. YOU SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT OBAMA'S LEAD, CNN (CLINTON NEWS NETWORK)

Joe Ossai, Bedford, NH   January 1st, 2008 11:24 am ET

Elizabeth you are a good person, but who wears the pants in your family. ( hint: the lady)

WM in North Carolina   January 1st, 2008 11:35 am ET

If John Edwards wants "fight" so much he should stay home and help her fight her cancer. It scares me death that he may become the nominee and puts his ambition before his own family. I have had cancer hit my family two times and both times required the full attention of all family members. How can you consider having a President with family problems like that and little children to raise and really believe that his full attention will be on America's issues? He should just bow out. I have zero respect for him. He couldn't even get re-elected as a senator and that says alot.

MAH   January 1st, 2008 11:36 am ET

the CNN is just becoming Clinton News Network. I am surprised to see how CNN is trying to promote Hillary by highlightinh the feud between Barack and Edwards. Also, Elizabeth responsding from heresays proves her incompetency as a potential first lady in white house…

Go for OBAMA….

DJ, new york, ny   January 1st, 2008 11:42 am ET

both loud mouth wives

greg,new york   January 1st, 2008 11:43 am ET

WOW I did not know OBAMA had such a huge lead this morning.
I just learned about through some of the comments on here.
WOW thanks guys for letting the rest of us know.I guess I i was waiting for CNN to tell me the news I might be waiting until friday morning.

Let the Leaders Lead, Arcadia, Iowa   January 1st, 2008 11:47 am ET

If the campaign is only about the dollars, then Obama and Hillary will win hands down. It is about more than that, substance. Although both have outspent John Edwards three to one it is still a dead heat. John has substance and a clear plan for America. He has laid his plan out in an early publication and has held to it. The choice is clear, elect a president who is controlled by the insiders and big money interests or elect John Edwards. Easy choice for me and it should be for you. This race is not about a man versus a women or a black versus a white yet each candidate has used their role as a crutch. It is about electing the best person president of the United States.

MAH   January 1st, 2008 11:47 am ET

Folks, help me undersatnd!!

Isn't voting Hillary means voting Bush again? I was not quite able to figure out how they differ from each other on any issue that matters most for the country (iraq war; stance on iran; funded by lobbyist group, typical politicians, and interest groups; lack of intelligence, unable to comprehend the complex situation…)…i think she will even be worse than Bush (i.e., big government, tax increase, flip flop, etc… ;)

alessandro   January 1st, 2008 11:48 am ET

From a foreigner point of view, edwards will be your next president, he's the quintessential american, republican discontents will not vote either hillary nor obama, your country isn't ready for a black or a woman president, just face it, America it's a socially backward country still in it's core, otherwise you wouldn't even think about having a serious candidate like huckabee who is, for god's sake, a "creationist"!
a debate that is put to rest even by the church a hundred years ago.
Not to mention that you were able to RE-ELECT bush, no comment….
Alessandro, italian living in Canada (where I happily emigrated after bush 2)

PW Va   January 1st, 2008 11:49 am ET

I think Elizabeth's biting remarks on the campaign trail will cotinue to be a liability for her husband. She should just pack it in, go home, take care of herself and their children. This would probably be more beneficial to the candidate at this juncture.

Daniel, NY   January 1st, 2008 11:51 am ET

A just released Insider Advantage poll from Iowa has Edwards keeping his lead, up 11% when second-choices are thrown in.

Ajay Jain, Garland, TX   January 1st, 2008 11:52 am ET

"Former" Senator Edward can honk/attack and suggest ALL the programs all he wants from the "outside" and Hillary will get things done from the inside by becoming our President in 2009!

Thats called a polite political SLAP in the FACE Mr Edwards! Edwards can run all the 527 third party ads, but with public money he is no match for Hillary and/or Obama in 2008.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 1st, 2008 11:54 am ET

I wholeheartedly agree with WM in North Carolina. Even if Edwards were a Republican, as I am, I would NEVER vote in a person whose spouse has terminal cancer. I feel bad for her, for the whole family. But during these next few years John needs to spend his time with Elizabeth and their children. I don't agree with his political views, but with all that aside, I am frustrated at why he thinks he should be President while his wife succumbs to the suffering of such a horrific disease. Our country desperately needs someone who will be able to commit 100% to the job of President. If he chooses that over his wife and children, well that speaks volumes to his character. We all know that in the USA, family comes first (except for the Clintons and the Kennedy's).

John TN   January 1st, 2008 11:55 am ET

Catfight!!!! Yeah!!!!

melissa   January 1st, 2008 11:57 am ET

Barrack Obama does not have enough experience to lead this country with so many problems we face. Edwards was wrong with taking the federal money, I agree, but at least he cares about the main things that affect us all. Clinton has made some terrible choices, but she has also done some very good things. We all know she has the experience and that she can withstand attacks from Republicans, she's been doing it for years… Exactly how would Obama ride out the negativity he would face in the general election? My guess is not very well. He says he has lived in a foreign land, so therefore has foreign policy experience….. What I see happening with that is the Republicans will turn it into him being of muslim decent, I mean come on when you look at his name even it's so similar to Osama, that type of a name…. He will be a mistake and if nominated, you can just look forward to another repulican president. And another 4 years of turmoil.

Tia   January 1st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Don't worry about what Michelle says, All I want to know is what is she going to bring to the table to support her husband, instead of worrying about what others are saying

E. C., Houston, Texas   January 1st, 2008 12:06 pm ET

What a stupid, nonsense article. You call this newsworthy? Forget it, Mooney!

Steve DeMaio   January 1st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Michelle Obama has also been making a more subtle attack on John and Elizabeth Edwards. On Monday at a campaign stop in Grinnell, Iowa, Michelle Obama lied and said that she and her husband are not millionaires, even though their millionaire status has been widely reported. The remark seemed to be a subtle dig at John Edwards and an attempt to cast the Obamas as the more authentic political couple, closer to the people, than the Edwardses. True, John and Elizabeth have many more millions than Barack and Michelle do, but the Obamas are indeed millionaires, and Michelle's lie about that fact needs to be exposed.

Incidentally, I think Obama would be a better president than Edwards (though there are several in the Democratic field who are better than both of them). I still believe, however, that Michelle Obama needs to be called out on the merits of her lie.

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 1st, 2008 12:10 pm ET

melissa, with the right Republican President, our country may just get OUT of the turmoil that the Clinton's and Bush got us into. Just like Reagan did.

Gil - California   January 1st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Lizzy can say or do anything she wants, it is not news and nobody cares. If Edwards is on the ticket it will be as VP again with Obama filling the top spot.
If Lizzy wants to help her husband she should be attacking the Former First Lady, or the Former First Lady's husband.

Lillz   January 1st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Hey Jen in Cedar Falls. Explain to me how family comes first with all those out there who kill their kids and spouses. Singling out two (democratic) families and stating the family comes first with everyone else other than them in the face of recent news stories of daughters slaughtering their families on Christmas Eve and dead babys in plastic bins is NOT making your party of choice look all that bright with folks like you in the ranks.

E. C., Houston, Texas   January 1st, 2008 12:13 pm ET

What is so disgusting in this Caucus? The fact that the Democrats are ignoring the two most prominent and experienced Senators in the race who should be 'leading in the polls.' Biden and Dodd are the two who should be leading the race and these well qualified men to lead this country are not even in the race. Why? Instead, the Media has chosen the three candidates…….the Clinton and Obama Roadshow that is ONLY qualified to 'entertain.' Neither should be President nor are Either Qualified or Presidential Material. Of the three in the news, Edwards is the Only Viable Candidate in the race. It's shameful and disgusting that Voters have rejected two strong men of character, experience and integrity who have served this country the longest. Why are these men given some space on 'the Ticker?' Because, the Media has chosen 'the Road Show!'

Adam, Pittsburgh PA   January 1st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

CNN must be bored.

jay   January 1st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

In other "Making of the President 2008″ news, Mike Huckabee's dog doesn't much care for John Edwards' dog, who has lately been snippy with John McCain's dog. And all three run away just as fast as they can whenever Mitt Romney approaches.

Lynn, Reno, NV   January 1st, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Edwards does have a problem with money which he seems to be countering with a half a million dollar contribution from Oak Springs Farm LLC for a 527 that is running ads for him. I don't understand how he can be slamming corporations and then turn with his hand out to one. Obama is the only candidate not getting all this 527 last minute, who-knows-where-it-is-coming-from dollars being spent. And how will Edwards directly respond to Republican attacks if he has spending limits in each state. He will have to rely on 527's, which completely trashes his claim to want campaign finance reform. It is a big problem for Edwards and Clinton too. She is getting a huge amount spent through 527's as well. So how are they going to really change the system?

Adam Smith   January 1st, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Edwards will win the Democratic nomination for president and defeat the Republican nomineee by exposing the worthlessness of corporate owned polititians

julie slc ut.   January 1st, 2008 12:28 pm ET

HOW WOULD YOU KNOW IF THAT'S ACTUALLY WHAT MICHELLE SAID???

What kind of shoddy reporting IS this?

I can't believe you posted this without verifying it.

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   January 1st, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Hey Lillz, so you are blaming the Republicans for the Christmas Eve slaughter? Oh, you are bright!? Speaking of dead babies, the Dem's throw thousands of babies out with the trash before they're even born. You make no sense here blaming the Republicans when your Dem's are actually in control (can you spell Pelosi?). btw, I tried to keep it short, so Presidents while in the White House that slept with women other than their spouses was my closing point. You must be too bright to 'get that'. And yes, with Elizabeth dying of cancer, I stand by my opinion that even if he were MY candidate, I promise you I would not vote for this type of turmoil in our White House. John's young enough to run in the future. His kids and wife need him these next few years more than our country does. My point? He's a husband first, a father second and a politician last. You argue that?

Mario   January 1st, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Who cares what Obuma's wife said!! Edward's old lady likes to stick her nose into everyopne's business, sticking up for her old man. Gutless John or the Breck girl as I've heard Rush Limbaugh call her always looks for his old lady to stick her nose into this election, she isn't running for office, Johnny boy is! What will happen if he wins to be president then? His old lady will be another Hitlery, that is all we need. Old lady Edwards go back to the pasture and chew your cud!

E. in Dallas   January 1st, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Way to pick a picture of Elizabeth that doesn't make her look like a looney tune. Geeze. How can anyone say anything bad about Mrs. Obama? She is amazing. CNN- you're really pulling all the stops you can to stop Obama because you're baby Hillary hasn't been doing so well. Why so scared, boo?

Enough Already   January 1st, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Both of these fine ladies disappointment me this New Year's Day. I have the utmost respect and admiration for both. Michelle is probably close to the mark on the campaign financing issue. Should Edwards be the obvious nominee, he'd be out of funds to counter any and all GOP ads against him. It is a huge handicap in a general election.

True or not, it did not need to be stated, but, in the end, is a non-issue and falls under the category of pre-caucus sniping. Hopefully, this is the end of it.

Vancouver   January 1st, 2008 12:49 pm ET

It kills me that NADER gets any press at all in the USA. His ego put W in the White House!! Thanks for IRAQ, Ralph. As an outsider looking in, I have seen things go
from bad to worse in the USA.

America has become the evil empire!!

Jim, Columbus, OH   January 1st, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have BAGS AND BAGS of money and they are worried about Edwards….I wonder why? Edwards is the ONLY candidate who's campaign is not taking money from corporate lobbyists and they know it. The federal money he is taking is entirely within the rules and would be available to any candidate if they so chose. The argument about Edwards running out of money is a fallacy. He said he would take federal money IN THE PRIMARIES, but didn't rule out other options in the general election, if that's what's necessary. For the lady here who cited poll numbers, people can cite polls all they want…Recent MSNBC/McClatchy, Lee Enterprises Newspapers and Insider Advantage polls say the race in the Iowa caucuses is too close to call…and they don't put your big money candidates in the lead…go check those out and then try to tell us that Edwards isn't viable….

Not fooled   January 1st, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Obama says he is for change and that he hasn't been influenced by politics. Well, the fact that he is running a campaign like one of the 'good old boys from Washington' says he is full of it. His 'change' message is just a poor excuse for inexperience. Edwards may not have much more Washingon experience, but he is running on a platform of indepth and well communicated solutions …and experience (with a track record) of fighting tough battles. I respect that he is using public financing for his campaign…..this is the only way to reduce corruption from special interests that fund campaigns such and Obama's.

Lisa Salt Lake City, Utah   January 1st, 2008 12:58 pm ET

I am disappointed that Mrs. Edwards would accept a rumor of what Mrs. Obama said without confirmation. What if the person repeating this was # 1 wrong with whom he claimed said it, # 2 made up the story to cause a rift. It doesn't seem very presidential or first lady like to go on the attack without knowing if what you are hearing is actually the truth.

Lu Clinton   January 1st, 2008 1:02 pm ET

We have been watching the election bowl 2008 and I have to say the time is not equal among all canidates whether you are a republican or democrat. Obama has had more air time than any canidate. Is this equality or is there a message from CNN here.

J, Seattle, WA   January 1st, 2008 1:03 pm ET

This is very shoddy reporting. The fact remains these are both lovely and well educated women, whose purported comments are not only out of context but obviously, THEY DON'T MATTER. What matters is this, who will fight for 'the cause' and who will fight for YOU? We have to get this country back from BIG MONEY. If it takes David to get past Goliath, I suggest that you vote for the guy with the smaller pockets. He has less room to steal from you.

Steve   January 1st, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Are these guys such serious losers that their wives have to fight it out for them? The one has no serious experience in national politics and the other is an ex-ambulance chaser who wants to convince middle class America he is one of them while he basks in the millions earned by stealing from them. Well, I guess I answered my own question. Please. The best thing that could happen to this country would be for them all to just go away.

Dee, Plano TX   January 1st, 2008 1:14 pm ET

JOHN EDWARDS HAD HIS CHANCE ..HE COULD NOT EVEN HELP JOHN KERRY WIN IN NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA IN 2004.

MELLISA…
ON THE QUESTION OF "EXPERIENCE", IN 2000 THEN VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE HAD MORE EXPERIENCE THAN THEN GOVERNOR GEORGE W. BUSH BUT STILL LOST THE ELECTIONS. WHY WAS "EXPERIENCE" NOT HIGHLIGHTED IN 2000 ?

MELISSA YOU NEED TO GROW UP.
AMERICANS ARE SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW THAN NAMES DO NOT MATTER. AMERICA IS A NATION OF NATIVE AMERICANS AND IMMIGRANTS.WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT NAMES. NOT EVERY ONE HAS AN ANGLO-SAXON NAME.
ACCORDING TO THE US CONSTITUTION ANYONE CAN RUN FOR PRESIDENT IF THEY ARE A "NATURAL-BORN" US CITIZEN AND ARE OVER 35 YEARS OLD. I DID NOT SEE ANYWHERE IN OUR CONSTITUTION WHERE IS SAYS ONE HAS TO HAVE AN ANGLO-SAXON NAME.
SEN BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN AND HAS EVERY RIGH TO RUN FOR US PRESIDENT. WHY DON'T YOU RUN FOR PRESIDENT IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BETTER THAN HIM ?
FOR YOUR INFO
- BARACK MEANS "BLESSED" OR ANNOINTED",
-HUSSEIN IS ARABIC FOR "HOSEA"-" HOSEA" WAS A PROPHET MENTIONED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
-OBAMA -IS COMMON A LAST NAME IN KENYA.

adams   January 1st, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Amiture feather weight Obama is taking a spanking in the Iowa political arina, by heavy weights Hillary and Edwards.

We all know who can beat the Republicans.

Brian Little   January 1st, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Do I detect a hint of bias towards Clinton from CNN? I have not seen any report on the Des Moines Register poll which is very odd!

stan fisch   January 1st, 2008 1:25 pm ET

as an independent, I find liz' shrill speech/screech less than informative and indicative of a lack of substance to reveal. a trial lawyer out of cash and with all those special interests floating dirt on his behalf…she has the nerve.

I'll predict hill will take a spill in iowa, but edwards will end up bow[wow]ing out. class warfare, trial lawyer mold/patina, and below the surface plantation subtlety about race will never sell outside a few dems. nader's endorsement is as much a symbol of his irrelevancy as liz's is a desperate act.

it is more like wwe every day where the accessories make more noise than the wrestlers, and all become caricatures. obama or kusinich vs. ron paul would be good for the country.

holly   January 1st, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Are we supposed to believe that this wasn't Camp Edwards playing the ol' dinosaur political game to get news coverage as the Iowa caucus looms? Also, where are the journalistic standards on this report? There is no comment from Michelle Obama or any indication that she was asked to respond.

PW Va   January 1st, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Wait a minute…did I miss something??? Elizabeth Edwards is having a hissy fit over a conversation between a 17-YEAR OLD (who is hardly politically savvy at this point) and another individual? And to top it off, this is SECOND-HAND information??? Like I said in an earlier post, it's time for Elizabeth to pack it in and go home.

Fred   January 1st, 2008 1:31 pm ET

John Edwards is hands-down my choice for president.

It's time we got someone electable who can run for the democratic party.

Clinton and Obama are not electable. Hillary is way too divisive and would be very bad for this country, and mainstream America won't vote for Barack Obama. Put either of them up in the November election and you could end up with Huckabee or Romney in the White House.

The negatives for Clinton and Obama are not the reason to vote for Edwards, though. Edwards is sharp and will work to eliminate the special interests that are destroying this country. Your Congress is not working for the working American. They are on the payroll and working for corporate America - doing what they want to maximize their profits at your expense.

You will never get our troops out of Iraq, good schools, rebuilt infrastructure, or sanctions and better testing for hazardous Chinese products with the likes of Hillary, Romney, Juliani, Obama, etc.

John Edwards. He is the only one with the integrity and electability we have to have to fix this country.

sherry stearns   January 1st, 2008 1:38 pm ET

While watching your news coverage today I noticed that you gave Hilary Cliton, more national air time, then you did for Mr. Obama, and further more while he was speaking you, you intrupted his time by covering other canidates. I am wondering who decides how much air time a canidate gets, as I see it everyone should get equal air time as we are picking our next president. And as a voter in this country I and many others wish not to have another president like George Bush.
And by the way you cover the canidates you promote as if Hillary was going to be the next president.

Lynn   January 1st, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Clinton's husband is fighting for her so why shouldn't the other spouses campaign as well??

Lisa   January 1st, 2008 1:49 pm ET

How does Elizabeth Edwards know that the "voter" wasn't a plant in the audience and that he was using her to get a fight between Edwards and Obama for Hillary's sake. Why are earth would she be so dumb to respond as if anyone relating what someone else said to an allege 17 year old daughter would be accurate? If she was White House ready - she would have responded only to the issue of matching funds, and leave the personal stuff out of it.

Pat   January 1st, 2008 1:52 pm ET

All the more reason for me to leave the Democratic Party. Bad enough that neither candidate is presidential material, but now their wives are attacking each other instead of using positive postures to relate the issues their husbands stand for. There's not one Democratic candidate who is worth their salt in the bid for this year's presidency. If Ron Paul isn't nominated on the Republican ticket, I'll write him in.

Joe Ossai, Bedford, NH   January 1st, 2008 2:00 pm ET

It looks like Elizabeth wants the WH more than her husband..

Larry Buchas, New Britain, CT   January 1st, 2008 2:00 pm ET

John Edwards makes it sound like we're all headed for the poor house. Get a grip, Americans. This is not quite 1928. We have been heading in the wrong direction. But the poor house?

Hey John,

How many Southern states did you help turn blue in 2004? Your powers of persuasion didn't work last time. What makes you think it will this time spreading the same message?

As bad as Chimpy McSmirkster has left us, I prefer a message of hope, not the doomsday chronicles.

Regina Davis   January 1st, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Why would Elizabeth Edwards, be upset? Mrs. Obama, is merely doing to her, what, she has been doing to Mrs. Clinton, but not as loudy as Elizabeth?? I have watched, hardly missing any of this campaign, and it really has turned me against most of the candidates. They can stand on a platform, and preach about the middle class, poor, and below poor, people. Isn't it ironic all the candidates are very wealthy. It just proves, this country is for the RICH !!! They will say anything, to get voted in. Mitt R. didn't do any of his speaking in a middle class house, they were all wealthy. John Edwards really is someone, that can double talk, listen to what he says, and look at how he lives? He remembers his childhood, he hasn't lived it all his life. Be True to Yourself…

From Indiana (the state that doesn't count)

Nita   January 1st, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Michelle Obama doesn't know when to keep her big mouth shut. I laughed when I first heard about this last night. This woman is so full of it. This is what she is teaching her kids. Then again look at the chruch they have their children involved. Very intersting - looked it up yesterday. I encourage more people to read about more about Obama and his wife.

Margaret   January 1st, 2008 2:12 pm ET

How can conservatives who oppose abortion support the death penalty? Does the sanctity of life begin at conception and end in a courtroom? When you question candidates on their beliefs regarding abortion, why don't you follow up with a question about support of the death penalty?

alan   January 1st, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Like it or not, Obama on the ticket is a loser for the democrats. Their (Barak's and Michelle's) relative inexperience on the national level will ultimately become an inescapable liability in the general election. America is not going to elect a less-than-one-term junior Senator as President. The fairy tale just doesn't end that way.
It will be Clinton-Biden on the ticket. Hillary and Bill's raw muscle, money and savy, tempered by Biden's character, integrity and competence in foreign affairs,
and they'll win it.

EJ, Yorktown, NY   January 1st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

You are absolutely right DJ, NY!
These wives do no have what it takes to be
our First Lady.

Dee, Plano TX   January 1st, 2008 2:18 pm ET

–adams January 1, 2008 1:19 pm ET–
You wrote
"Amiture feather weight Obama is taking a spanking in the Iowa political arina, by heavy weights Hillary and Edwards."

"We all know who can beat the Republicans."

-WE WILL SEE IF YOUR CLAIM IS TRUE IN LESS THAN 72 HRS.

I can tell you are illiterate - OBAMA has a Law Degree. What professional qualification do you have ? Are you smarter than a 5th Grader ?
****You can't even spell "amateur" and "arena".******pathetic.

Jeff from Jersey   January 1st, 2008 2:18 pm ET

If you are getting your information about the completely fictional huge lead that some mis-guided Obama supporters dream that he has from this site then you are even more clueless than they are.I can understand why they completely distort those numbers since some of them clearly still "inhale" but not those whose only source of "information" comes from them.Maybe it's "second-hand smoke" or just a holiday hangover.
John Edwards used to be a lawyer,who are often reffered to as a "mouth-piece" but it is clear that Elizabeth is running her husband's campaign,which just proves that Edwards is nothing more than a puppet,which is very bad news for the country if he ever becomes President.
The only difference between Obama and the other candidates,including Edwards,is that his very carefully crafted image has done a better job of hiding the strings but make no mistake,he is a politician cut from the same cloth.Just because he constantly says he's different,he's not.That's like Bush saying over and over that Iraq has nuclear weapons.He figured if he said it often enough that would make it true which has been proven to be a very,very costly lie.However all that repetition got him helped him get re-elected and proved that if you say something often enough you can fool enough people to get elected.That is what the Obama campaign is banking on.
Everyone has always known that Hillary wears the pants in her marriage so that her run at the whitehouse,if nothing else, has that degree of honesty about it.She is speaking her mind and Bill is toeing the line and not the other way around.
Conservatives that complain about CNN should go back to FOX and get their daily dose of brainwashing.

Aware   January 1st, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Good for you Elizabeth. Michelle Obama is part of the sneaky team, and you caught her!

Liam   January 1st, 2008 2:21 pm ET

So, Mrs Edwards is disappointed that Mrs Obama does not want voters to support John Edwards. What a shocker. Is Elizabeth Edwards telling voters that they should vote for Obama!. I am very disappointed in Elizabeth Edwards. She wants to be allowdd to persuade voters to not vote for someone other than her husband, but Mrs. Obama is not supposed to do the same thing. Looks like Edwards is showing signs of desperation.

John Edwards has been telling voters not to support Obama because he is "too nice", but Mrs. Edwards feels that the Obama family have no right to tell voters why the should not vote for her little John Boy. How is that for hypocrisy!

David   January 1st, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Does it really mattter?

Why? Why? Why do we care about what there wigves say to or about each other or there husbands campaine? The only thing I care about is what are they whoare really running going to do to me, or perhaps in this day and age what are they NOT going to do for me.

I have in the last 8 years become so jadded that I no longer ask my"political leader" not to do somthing for me At this point I just don,t want them to da anything to me.

Leve there wives out of the news. Ask thme questions aout things that matter. I don't care about what God they like or how ofter they go to church. I want my contry back I want to trust the federal Goverment again I want the bill of rights I DONT WONT TO KNOW ABOUT THERE WIVES

Wale   January 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Let the best candidate win this election, CNN should do fair reporting and stop armtwist the American people.
It is obvious who the best candidate is for the Democratic party nomination, that is all things being equal!
There is no stopping an idea whose time has come, CNN please join the band wagon and report fairly and accurately what is really going on in Iowa.

matchu   January 1st, 2008 2:35 pm ET

All the negative posts are ridiculous, get over it. We'll see who the clear and apparent winner is on thursday, whether or not they got help or not from their wifes. sheesh…

Ron   January 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Go get it done Elizabeth….you and your hubby are good born Americans….hope we don't lose out to the ______ jumpers and ______chunkers.

Rob   January 1st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

CNN you censored my comments about your choice of epic news stories.

Charles in Salt Lake City, UT   January 1st, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Well, I've just lost respect for Elizabeth Edwards.

If she wants to be critical of Obama's record — as Mrs Obama recently was of her husband's — then fine, that's legitimate. But to "call out" another person for voicing their concerns about a candidate… Sorry girl, that's low class. And desperate.

Elizabeth, you should recover your dignity while you can and apologize.

AJ, IL   January 1st, 2008 2:49 pm ET

These are very well educated and admirable women. Even though Michelle Obama only stated a very obvious truth, the focus of the election should mostly be on the candidates. Michelle is an asset to Obama on the campaign trail, and Elizabeth is at times an asset, but some times her public comments make her a liability to Edwards's campaign.

Honestly, other than ego, I don't know why Edwards is running for president again after his wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2004. They have small kids 7 to 9 years of age. Instead of spending quality with his family knowing his wife has an uncurable form of cancer, Edwards is spending too much time on the political campaign trail. I mean where is Edwards's priority, choosing politics over family?

Surrealist, Fort Myers, Fl   January 1st, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Federal matching funds are contributed by all Americans–primarily through filing of income taxes. All candidates in the national presdidential election will be eligible–and only the really stupid ones, or the very rich ones will not accept. This is not the same as PAC or special interest group funding.

Even alluding that accepting the matching funds is somehow wrong, or corrupt is ludicrious. Just shows that not only Obama but his wife are unaware of how our tax system and our political system functions.

Jim   January 1st, 2008 3:08 pm ET

99 - 44/100th percent of Americans tune this stuff out. It is just members of the political class talking to themselves. A pox on all of them!

Jimenez   January 1st, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Alan you are so right! Obama cannot make it. His wife is an anchor to him. She just weighs him down. This is how unexperienced she is. What will come out of her mouth next. Someone put on muzzle on this woman.

Jen, Gainesville, FL   January 1st, 2008 3:16 pm ET

First, Mrs. Edwards needs to check the facts: find witnesses to verify the claimed conversation. Second, it the conversation is true, the Edwards campaign can issue a statement to argue why they do not agree with Mrs. Obama on the statement. You can not shoot people without asking. Be mature amd be civil. By the way, I personally think that there is nothing wrong with the content of the claimed statement.

Suzie   January 1st, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Wow! I'm amazed to hear anything on CNN about John Edwards. All I hear is Obamo and Hitlery. I intent to vote for John Edwards. He is the most electable. He is charming and intelligent, and CNN is so afraid to report on him. They don't like anyone who pulls themselves up by the bootstraps and becomes wealthy. I love John, and let me tell you - he isn't even showing half his charisma. Probably because he is so worried about Elizabeth. But wait- this isn't really about John Edwards is it? It's about his wife Elizabeth. She is an American and she can speak her mind as well as sour puss Obammo's wife. Good going Elizabeth. Hey via your remarks we finally get to hear about John Edwards on CNN. It is might refreshing to this gal, cause I am so sick of Hitlery and Obammo whom are both liars and slick as greased owl poop. I don't know for sure, but I believe that Hitlery and Obammo were both druggies in college. Obammo has admitted to snorting coke, because he knew he would be found out. And there is plenty more on this guy I bet, considering the sour look on his wife's face.

Nick, Rochester, NY   January 1st, 2008 3:26 pm ET

PREDICTIONS

Here are my predictions about the Democratic caucus results, as an impartial (openly Republican) observer. If Edwards finishes in third place he is out. If Obama finishes behind Hillary he is out. If Hillary finishes first ,or second to Edwards she is inevitable. If Hillary finishes second to Obama she still survives. If she finishes third with Edwards second and Obama first, she is done.

Who do I want to see as the Republican winner? I can vote for Giuliani, Romney or McCain. If the Republicans nominate anybody else, I defect to Hillary.

Tom_Iowa   January 1st, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Shame on Michelle Obama, and those who know her better in Illinois know how much she is sold to corporate America as Obama was during his time as Illinois Senator, and those are facts!! It wasn't until he got into Washington and launched his run for the Presidency when he stopped taken money directly from lobbyist; but he still sold to the Chicago machine and Illinois lobbyist. Obama will the puppet of t corporate America in D.C

An Obama win will show that MONEY can buy media and manipulate democracy by bringing untested, inexperienced candidates WITHOUT proven business or political leadership to the front line, and that is a risk!. Obama is a "nice" but risky proposition to our country.

A Clinton victory will reinforce that the establishment machine power still alive and combined with money can still overshadow the voice of the people

An Edwards win in Iowa will make the Democrats race a real contest and that will be good for the party. He probably doesn’t have the same amount of money than Hillary or Obama; but he has name recognition for real and people can easily be motivated to support his candidacy. he has the best progressive ideas, real agenda and is working hard for the nomination. Edwards wants to change and re energize the Democratic party from the base up, the middle class across party lines; he is fighting for a real chance…no just slogans, his message is clear and sound. When the big press give him enough coverage his message will reach across party lines to independents and some republicans fed up with Washington gridlock and the powers of big corporations and BIG MONEY.

Go Edwards! show that no one can buy the nomination, not even with the Washington oiled machine, lobbyists, big powers or big TV celebrities or big Hollywood and the controlled media. NOT even 200$ million dollars plus free press and oiled Washington or Chicago machines will buy the Presidency!

Tim, Minnesota   January 1st, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Who cares what these 2 think, we have real candidates which need coverage. No wonder why Ron Paul can't get any coverage, you guys are tripping all over the non-stories.

Surfermaw   January 1st, 2008 3:45 pm ET

The remarks that Mrs. Obama is showing just how green Obama and his wife are even thought they are running for the highest office in the United States. What is more intresting is how quickly Mrs. Obama advanced in her job after the Senator was elected, and some say over people more qualified

Regina Davis   January 1st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

The more I listen to this New Years Day Campaign, I really don't understand, what these people are voting for?? The Top 3 doesn't hold a candle to Joe Biden. This man is honest, and says it like it is. He is so experienced. Are we voting, on the Rock Stars,(or so they think, with their big showers) or a real educated, in all area's man?? I really do appreciate CNN, and think they do a great job. I would hate to think I had to watch ( FAIR & BALANCED) FOX ha ha ha

Indiana

Biden Backer/Seattle   January 1st, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I like Edwards, but not the wife. Who cares what this chick thinks or who she's disappointed in? Just knowing how meddling she'd be in the White House ensures Edwards gets no vote from me unless he were facing a scumbag like Giuliani.

Go away and shut up now, Lizzy.

Al McMullin   January 1st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

So, this whole election is about how much money one can raise? The VAST majority of Americans do not contribute to political candidates. In one sense, large dollar contributors are a special interest group. Those who are able to contribute usually do not simply throw their money towards a lost cause. They would not be rich if they did that in their real lives.
My particular point is there are some very good candidates who are not able to raise the money Clinton, Edwards and Obama have. The only reason candidates such as Chris Dodd and Joe Biden lag behind in the so called polls is their lack of ability to get fair and EQUAL press coverage.
Anyone who thinks Clinton has more experience than either Dodd or Biden is an idiot. The press has ignored this blatant lie.
As for Obama, it is all well and good that he touts his opposition to Iraq. Easy to say when no one cared what he had to say because of the position he held when he said it.
I agree this potential cat fight between the Edwards and Obama spouses is not newsworthy. I state, with much sadness, that CNN no longer cares about newsworthiness. It is a shell of what Ted Turner created. I say this proud to live in Georgia and work about three blocks from the CNN offices in Atlanta.
This low-lite trend is not limited to CNN. FOX & MSNBC are right down there too.
We need to wake up and expect and demand that the news organizations give us the facts and let the viewers make their own decisions. This story is just a sad continuation of a sad state of affairs amongst US news reporting agencies.

patrice   January 1st, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Up until a few months ago i was excited about Obama, and may have been able to vote for him, despite his only being in the national scene for a couple of years. That is until he started to sound phony. He and his wife are beginning to sound too preachy for my tastes, i simply could not take 4-8 years of that. He also has taken to moving in and out of a southern accent, depending on who and where his audience is.
This could be overlooked if he didn't present himself as a true and new type of politician who would not use the tactics of the "professional" politicians. I was against Hillary because I was believing that she was such a politician, that is until I gave her time and a couple of events in person to hear her out.
I was for Obama a year ago, but Hillary won me over with these events and hearing her speak on numerous interviews and debates. She is so smooth and the information flows seamlessly when answering questions or stating her positions. Obama, when questioned, speaks in three and four work spirts, this, and the monotone delivery, makes it impossible to stay interested. He is fine with prepaired text, but press conferences will be just as brutal to listen to as it is now with President Bush. We need someone who oozes competence and poise, and that person is Hillary Clinton. Meeting her is the only way I got to feel that warmth and sincerity. She truly could be one of the best we could ever elect to the Office. Obama lost my support before I gave Hillary a chance, but now I am glad I did.

I would rather take my chances with someone such as Hillary Clinton and her known baggage, because i believe that she is a true idealist who has taken to some of the usual tactics in order to win so that she can do what she really is on a mission to do.
That is, i believe, to bring back the traditional democratic causes and make the unfulfilled promises of her predecessors come true.

Finally, as a woman, she is our best and most real opportunity to elect a woman. If we miss this chance, it might be a decade or two before we have another chance to put a woman in the White House. It will forever show ourselves, our daughters, and women the world over, that we can truly "grow up to be president"

Finally, If you as voters simply cannot support Clinton, please, at least, support someone with real experience, such as Biden, Dodd, Richardson, or Kucinich.

Suzie   January 1st, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Gotcha Ron! Great post, and I thoroughly agree with you that John and Elizabeth are good born and raised Americans who could make real Americans proud.

hkeith   January 1st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

So Michelle says that the fact that Edwards has accepted matching federal dollars will hurt Edwards if he is the nominee in the fall. That's right isn't it?

I like Mrs. Edwards — but she should stick to discussing issues not try to pick fights. No one outside of political junkies knows what she meant anyway.

Lisa   January 1st, 2008 4:17 pm ET

TO SUSAN:
Amen to that!

rdierker   January 1st, 2008 4:19 pm ET

So Michelle isn't allowed to say factually correct things about Elizabeth's husband? How is this "calling her out" exactly? CNN, do you know the meaning of that expression? Why isn't there a headline that reads "Michelle Obama Points Out Potential Weakness In Edwards' Presidential Bid"? It seams like that's what this story is really about. The fact that Edwards uses his wife to defend himself is just a trifling detail.

Mike   January 1st, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Let me say something to Obama's supporters.

You guys need to back off little bit, show some respects to fellow Americans. It is way out of control. You guys are 24/7 here, 24/7 on MSNBC, first read, …..But any blogs site is for all comments posted by voters, whether they vote Obama or not, you should expect that there will be different, THANKS GOD, THIS IS AMERICA, NOT ALL OF US ARE VOTING FOR OBAMA, RESPECT TO EACH OTHER. Please watch the way we talk to each other, the way we talk about our candidates. That is all I ask for.
God bless you all and Happy New Year !

Surfermaw   January 1st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Edwards can restore the FDR coalition by running as an economic populist. He can win in places like North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Virginia and Oklahoma. Edwards might even win in places like Texas. He can win without abandoning Democratic traditional values. Edwards can carry rural communities and small towns without going Republican-lite. Edwards will carry all the traditional Democratic areas and much more because he truly represents Main Street instead of Wall Street.

Mati   January 1st, 2008 4:29 pm ET

donna L.

"So folks — CNN is the only major news outlet on the web that is not reporting on a major story in Iowa. Hmm… Last night the Des Moines Register delivered their poll — widely considered to be the most accurate:
Here are the numbers:
Barack Obama 32%
Hillary Clinton 25%
John Edwards 24%"

If you read all the information about this poll you'll find that it was oversampled with Independents and Republicans.. only about half of the interviewees were Democrats. So that poll is not representative for the real population who will caucus on Thursday night.

Have a good day and a good 2008.

Hillary or Edwards will win Iowa.

KC   January 1st, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Wow, I was a republican but after hearing Obama, he is wonderful. God Bless you Obama, tell the truth and you will go far in life. May God Bless our world.

Obama 2008!!!!!

Marge Hibbing Mn   January 1st, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Well I suppose Obama wasn't doing what his wife wanted him to do and she got testy with Edwards…after all she c alls the shots. We were told she wanted to be first lady more than Obama wanted to be president and that she would trample anybody in the way….

I suppose she thinks since Obama is getting a pass from the press because they don't want to be considered racist, the same will apply to her. And of course she is jealous of the devil that he listens more to Oprah than he does her. She is a manipulater clear and simple. Obama didn't seem like the type of person to let her have him jump thru hoops.

Mat   January 1st, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Her calling Mrs. Obama out may fluctuate the price of tea in China…..IF SHE WAS RUNNING FOR OFFICE! Someone take her away please. I am sick of this woman and her ploy to get the pity votes for her husband. He was my choice, until she opened her mouth…again…and again..and again….Please!

Phil Memphis, TN   January 1st, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Edward's wife was simply responding to a comment by someone attending an event. If you want to split hairs, maybe she should have said "if" Michelle said that I am very disappointed. What did you expect her to say? "Michelle is correct, my husband, while being the only truly honest candidate in the running (unfortumately, I can not consider Biden or Richardson to be in the running, maybe McCain would be an exception) doesn't have a prayer of having enough money to truly win the election". At any rate, this isn't news.

Obama gives a great speech, but has no buisiness being prez. Romney is just what he seems, a phony. Huckabee is conniving and will run the country as if it is his church. Giuliani is morally bankrupt. McCain is honest, but physically and mentally not up to the demands of the office. Of all the front runners, that leaves Clinton (who admittedly is a little too much of the status quo) and Edwards.

It is sad that the great men and women in our country are no longer involved in politics, and that the few decent choices we have (e.g. Joe Biden and Edwards) are ignored by the press, and therefore, by the public.

Hope   January 1st, 2008 4:43 pm ET

There is a big difference from knocking someone being called too nice to talking a about how the candidates finances are. Michelle Obama a graduate from Harvard can't even say the right things. Go figure how she graduated.

John W. McAllister   January 1st, 2008 4:48 pm ET

John Edwards fooled the people of North Carolina with his snake oil sales pitch once. He was the worst senator to ever represent our state and his attendance record in the senate was one of the worst ever! We now know him for what he is. He could not even be elected dog catcher in North Carolina We have too much respect for dogs. I have yet to have any person tell me of a single bill that he sponsored on his own while in his very few appearances in the senate that was passed into law. His entire 6 years in the senate was spent promoting John Edwards and not the citizens of North Carolina. Edwards, Obama and her majesty are the most power possessed people on the face of this earth. To even think that perhaps any of these three have suckered in their supporters is enough to make one puke. Snake oil is alive and well in Iowa.

xtina chicago IL   January 1st, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Why not focus on what qualifies these people to be President instead of all the other drama surrounding the campaign? Mayor Guiliani, for example removed 640,000 people from welfare in NY who were able-bodied to work. That's the kind of leadership we should be debating, since most of us agree that Washington and Congress earmark too much of our hard-earned tax dollars for waste. Guiliani accomplished this, while say for example, Edwards sat in on hearings and sat on committees and raised taxes to implement more entitlement programs.

demgirl   January 1st, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I cannot believe the rude comments people are making about Elizabeth Edwards, she is the nicest, most intelligent and courageous woman I have ever met or spent time with. She has every right to defend her husband when someone is not telling the truth about him. Elizabeth is John's secret weapon and will be a grand first lady. John Edwards stands for everything that we need to get our country back on track. He will be the person to make our country have pride and be admired once again. John Edward's is the person I am working for to win the Iowa caucus, then the nomination for president for the democratic party and then to the white house. I think anyone who is making these terrible remarks about Elizabeth should be totally ashamed. It takes a lot of strength and courage to be on the campaign trail and do what she is doing. It also takes a very unique type of person to work for her husband and want him to become the president of the united states because she knows how much our people need them in the white house. Only God knows how long we will be here and it does not make any difference if Elizabeth has been diagnosed with some illness. They have made this decision together and they will see it through together. Any ones family member or spouse could have something happen so don't even go there on that one. Elizabeth is the best and John Edwards is the best candidate for the democratic nomination for president in 2008. GO JOHN AND ELIZABETH, GOD BLESS YOU BOTH

Suzie   January 1st, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Where is Loud Dobbs when you need him?

marsha   January 1st, 2008 5:11 pm ET

A couple of weeks ago Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Obama, were on a platform together. When they were saying the Pledge of Allegiance, Obama
did not have his hand over his heart during the pledge. How come? I find that
very un patriotic, especially with our troops over there giving there lives to protect
and stand up for the very american values that we believe in.

J   January 1st, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Hey Chuck in SLC, What's with all the need from Mormons to receive apologies? Why don't YOU apologize to all of us that read your posting, since apologia is so important to you. Elizabeth is brilliant. And you? Not so much… (Get a grip)

Suzie   January 1st, 2008 5:19 pm ET

CNN- Censoring News Network. Yeah!

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 1st, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Edwards wins this one, in part because is a better lawyer than Obama or Michelle. If you win primaries, the money will come from all the Obama and Clinton supporters when the Kool-Aid wears off and they find their horses have scratched.

Suzie   January 1st, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Quoting Fred:

John Edwards is hands-down my choice for president.

It's time we got someone electable who can run for the democratic party.

Clinton and Obama are not electable. Hillary is way too divisive and would be very bad for this country, and mainstream America won't vote for Barack Obama. Put either of them up in the November election and you could end up with Huckabee or Romney in the White House.

The negatives for Clinton and Obama are not the reason to vote for Edwards, though. Edwards is sharp and will work to eliminate the special interests that are destroying this country. Your Congress is not working for the working American. They are on the payroll and working for corporate America - doing what they want to maximize their profits at your expense.

You will never get our troops out of Iraq, good schools, rebuilt infrastructure, or sanctions and better testing for hazardous Chinese products with the likes of Hillary, Romney, Juliani, Obama, etc.

John Edwards. He is the only one with the integrity and electability we have to have to fix this country.

I totally agree with you Fred. We are of one mind on this issue, and furthermore everyone I know here in Oklahoma loves John Edwards. He will be president. Hitlerry and Obuma will lick their wounds and cry foul.

Corey, Manchester, NH   January 1st, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Jim,
I really don't think you should be wishing poxes on people. Not very New Year like.

Again, my comment to everyone is this…….we need to get together rather than fight. It's about gaining the White House back and regaining strength again as a country.

Gary   January 1st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

These comments are both revealing and disappointing. It shows me how in some cases people are still very bias. I too have been watching CNN today. It has truly disappointed me that they have given Hillary and Edwards so much air coverage as if Barack Obama is an afterthought. As many have mentioned, they have barely mentioned the Iowa poll taken today that has shown Barack Obama leading by as much as 7 points. I was able to get more coverage about that poll on both Fox and MSNBC. That's disappointing to me because I’ve always thought I could count on CNN for balance coverage. The other thing that bothers me is why everyone always refers to Barack Obama as an African American. His mom is white, and his dad is from Kenya. He happens to be a biracial American, which I do think is an asset. He brings so many perspectives to the table. I ask everyone that wants a president that is a bridge builder to ask the question, who would best fit that mold of what this country needs right now as it’s president? Hands down, it's Barack Obama. Not to take anything from either the Clinton camp or the Edwards camp. They are both good people, but I do think that we are ready for something other than business as usual in Washington. Finally, we should all be more positive as we comment about these democratic presidential candidates and their families. Any of them would be better than what we have now, hands down. I hope this country can look beyond the fact that someone can be our president other than a while male. I like to think that we are now a better people than our history would suggest.

Good by and good riddance George Bush and your old cronies!

colette. seattle, wa   January 1st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

I don't trust Edwards at all. I'm for Ron Paul (even though his chances are, well…slim). I'd much rather have Obama be in office.

Griselda Brown   January 1st, 2008 5:42 pm ET

This is for Michelle Obama, the rear view mirror image of John Edwards is closer than you think……If John Edwards is not a threat to Mr. Obama, why is his wife attacking him with lies….Shame on you Michelle Obama, I thought you had better class than that. If Obama wins the nomination for the democrates, I will vote for the other side.

From Galveston, Texas

Jacque Bauer, Los Angeles, CA   January 1st, 2008 5:53 pm ET

I am so sick of these Deomocratic surrogate candidates (Elizabeth, Michelle, Hillary). Why don't they just leave the politcal business to the REAL candidates. You don't see any of the Republican candidate's spouses trying to grab the spotlight, because they know that this is highly inappropriate.

Elizabeth Edwards is even more frightening than her linguini-spined husband.

Ken, Caldwell - NJ   January 1st, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Useless article. Who cares! Why don't you talk more about Edward's policies seeing as they are the most completed and extensive of anyone running. And I'm not even sold on him!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK   January 1st, 2008 6:20 pm ET

I CANT BELIEVE THE DEGREE OF THESE REDICOULOUSLY NASTY REMARKS ABOUT JOHN EDWARDS —

THERE MUST BE A PACK OF RETARDS READING THESE STORIES….YOU SHOULD HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR JOHN EDWARDS YOU MISERABLE PACK OF FREAKS — HIS WIFE HAS CANCER, HE LOST ONE OF HIS CHILDREN, HE DOESNT COOME FROM A PRIVILEGED BACKGROUND AND YOU'RE WRONG WHEN YOU STATE THAT HE DIIDNT HELP JOHN KERRY — THAT ELECTION LIKE THE PREVIOUS WON WAS STOLEN — MORON ; KERRY ACTUALLY WON BUT DECIDED NOT TO DISPUTE THE QUESTIONABLE RESULTS…

FURTHEMORE JOHN EDWARDS JUST GOT BACKED BY RALPH NADER!!!!!

YOU'RE ARGUEMENTS ARE STUPID AND ACTUALLY SOUND CHILDISH AND SOMEWHAT RACIST….OBAMA'S APPEAL IS THAT HE IS RIGHT ON THE ISSUES, WHATEVER HAPPENS AT THE CAUCUASES THE TRUTH IS THAT EDWARDS HAS BEEN SHOWN IN THE POLLS TO BEAT ALL THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES IN THE ELECTION, NO OTHER DEMOCRAT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO DO THAT — SO THE TRUTH IS HE HAS AN EXTREMELY GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING — IF THE ELECTION ISNT FIXED AGAIN….

AS FOR NOW — I JUST DECIDED NOT TO CAUCUS FOR OBAMA SINCE I HEARD HIM TODAY PANDERING TO THE RIGHT AND CALLING AMADINEJHAD A "NUT" — THIS REMARK PROVED,TODAY, TO ME THAT HE WILL NOT PROVE TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LEADER INTERNATIONALLY …YOU DONT TALK ABOUT IMPLEMENTING DIPLOMATIC STRATEGIES AND REFER TO THE PERSON YOU ARE TRYING TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT WITH AS A "NUT."

ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT "SO CALLED" "NUT" WAS DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED….AND MOST OF THE STORIES THAT YOU READ IN THE PAPER ARE FALSE - MAINLY BECAUSE HE IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF ANY UN REAOLUTIONS OR INTERNATIONAL LAWS , AND READ THE NIE REPORT , DUMMY THEY HAVENT BEEN PURSUING NUCLEAR WEAPONS… A COMMENT LIKE THAT MAKES ME THIN K THAT OBAMA IS A NEOCON.

WHILE I INITIALLY SUPPORTED OBAMA — I HAVE DEFINITELY COMPLETETLY CHANGED MY MIND IN FAVOR OF EDWARDS; ESPECAILLY WHEN I READ SUCH SAMLL MINDED VICIOUS COMMENTS….I HAD BEEN DECIDING BETWEEN THOSE 2. –

eddie   January 1st, 2008 6:23 pm ET

AND PLEASE GIVE ME A BREAK JOHN EDWARDS GET A $400 HAIR CUT WHILES SOME KID IN NEW ORLEANS IS HUNGRY. HE IS OVER 25O MILLION DOLLARS RICH AND OWNS HEDGE FUNDS AND THEN TALK ABOUT COORPERATE GREED. YOU MUST BE STUPID TO VOTE FOR HIM. THE CONSTITUTION SAYS CONGRESS MAKES THE LAW AND THE PRESIDENT SIGNS OR VETO JOHN EDWARDS CANT DO ANYTHING UNLESS HE HAVE MAJORITY IN CNGRESS BOTH HIM AND HILL WILL LOOSE THE CONGRESS. CUZ THEY ARE TOO DEVICISE…..

Terri Canaday   January 1st, 2008 6:23 pm ET

BRAVO!!!! Elizabeth. I'm an Edwards supporter and I am very greatful that Elizabeth Edwards has the moxy to speak the truth in the face of a party that is becoming increasingly nonresponsive to its foundations. Help, the democratic party has been jijacked by the raging liberals riding the PC bandwagon. Thankyou, Elizabeth, for your voice of reason.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK   January 1st, 2008 6:27 pm ET

ALSO — THERE IS VERY LITTLE HOPE FOR EITHER OBAMA OR EDWARDS -

MARK MY WORDS THE PROCESS IS RIGGED FOR HILLARY CLINTON…..I DONT SUPPORT HER AT ALL BUT THE POWERS THAT BE - THE CORPORATIONS — WILL GET HER THE NOMINATION

Nicholas in Atlanta   January 1st, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Ok, fair question…being that I've only been able to vote for a short time…but WHY EXACTLY am I supposed to CARE to hear from the candidates WIVES? Now don't get me wrong, I know Hillary is trying to use her time as First Lady as foreign policy experience, but I could care less if the President's wife is a house wife or a cashier at a grocery store or a lawyer with some large law firm in DC…who cares. I'd much rather have the candidates answer some questions that they don't have to have 24 hours in advance so that they may sit down with their speech writers to go over what answer to give and when to tear up or seem angry. I want a President who can think on his feet, who is more concerned with the safety of our nation than writing discrimination into our Constitution and who can at least name some of the current foreign leaders. It would be nice if he could keep up with current events on his own as well, you know a self-starter. I don't want a President who needs to be fed current events and his current beliefs, daily.

Elizabeth, Philadelphia, PA   January 1st, 2008 6:34 pm ET

I have given money to Obama's campaign three times, but I would LOVE Hillary as President. I just fear the GOP's slimy attacks; I think they will do her in–despite the fact that she is a genius, has years of experience, and a great man beside her (Bill was the best president we've had in far too many years and doubtless Hillary helped him, too.)

I really like Edwards, but I worry that he won't win these primaries, so I feel like it is a moot point to discuss him now. Yes, he could win the South, and a Dem will have to do that.

I like them all…I really think Joe Biden is great, but you never hear anything about him, unfortunately.

It all comes down to who can win. Let's get hte most electable Dem as our nominee. Democrats need to work together. Give money to the DNC, the DCCC, whomever you believe can win this. We MUST take back America.

William   January 1st, 2008 6:51 pm ET

I know she is getting cancer treatments, but Elizabeth does need to spend more time on her hair and makeup. She looks terrible, and really should be home with her children, instead of promoting her shady husband, who hopefully will never get elected.

aware   January 1st, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Vancouver writes: It kills me that NADER gets any press at all in the USA. His ego put W in the White House!! Thanks for IRAQ, Ralph. As an outsider looking in, I have seen things go from bad to worse in the USA.

As a former Vancouverite, I agree! I am now an American and I want to see things get better in the USA. Go Hillary!!

Todd   January 1st, 2008 8:17 pm ET

All I'll say is Good Bye George Bush and Hello Barack Obama!

Sheldon   January 1st, 2008 8:32 pm ET

I think that John Edwards should just give it up and support Obama. I think that John Edwards would make a good Vice President for Barack Obama, and a lot better one that Hillary Clinton.

With their experience with corrupt Washington they will be able to give Barack Obama advice on how to dismantle it since they know so much about it.

Linda, Chandler AZ   January 1st, 2008 8:35 pm ET

You are basing this story on a conversation that Michelle Obama "supposedly" had with a 17 year old girl??? I'm sorry, this is not credible. I don't even believe Michelle Obama said that in the first place. Shouldn't you have checked with her before you printed this drivel???

FV, Tampa, FL   January 1st, 2008 8:39 pm ET

Obama is an amatuer and a schmuck.

just remember THIS Iowans….

HILLARY was meeting with World leaders

when Obambam was still smoking pot in College.

He's Nowhere near as qualified as Clinton is.

PLUS add to the fact she's got the MOST SUCCESSFUL PRESIDENT OF THE LAST FIFTY YEARS sleeping on the other side of the bed.

Don't be a stupid Corn head…

VOTE FOR THE MOST QUALIFED!

VOTE FOR HILLARY!

Emmanuel.   January 1st, 2008 8:49 pm ET

All the politicians who believe the only way to win elections in the US is by smearing and name calling and falsely attacking their opponents usually who are better than them often do not accomplish anything, if you want evidence look at George Bush and the republican party who spent most of their campaigns attacking and destroying the character of John Kerry and John Mccain then. Tell me what have they accomplished for this country or regular Americans after nearly 8years in office.
And for you folks who don't love yourself let alone anybody else or who don't appreciate any good thing cos you're incapable of doing any good; you can call Senator Obama all that you want but the truth remains that it does'nt change any bit the fac