January 5, 2008
Posted: 09:31 AM ET

ALT TEXT

John Edwards is hoping to transfer his Iowa momentum to New Hampshire. (Photo Credit: AP)

(CNN) — Democrat John Edwards seemed to suggest Friday Hillary Clinton's third place finish in Iowa may have rendered the New York senator effectively out of the presidential race.

Speaking at an early-morning campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Edwards pointed to entrance polls indicating Iowa voters overwhelmingly listed "change" as the most important attribute they are looking for in a candidate. That means, he added, there are now only "two choices."

"What is clear is that [voters] are not interested in status quo," Edwards said. "They're interested in change. They want to see a candidate of change, and so they now have two choices in making that decision, and this choice is somebody who will fight for the change that makes America what it's capable of being.

Edwards also continued with his campaign’s standard populist pitch in the Granite State, telling Manchester voters, "I am not the candidate of glitz. I am not the candidate of glamor; nor do I claim to be. But what I am — I am the candidate for president of the United States that is the peoples' candidate."

The former senator struck a similar chord at a Nashua event later Friday. And in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Edwards sought to distinguish himself as a fighter for change while rival Barack Obama's approach is more "philosophical" and "academic."

Most current New Hampshire polls were taken before the Iowa caucuses, and show Edwards a distant third behind Clinton and Obama in the state. It remains unclear what effect his second-place showing on Thursday might have among Granite State primary voters.

Meanwhile, Clinton downplayed Friday her third-place showing in Iowa, saying the Hawkeye State was always a difficult one for her to win. She also dismissed Iowa's ultimate effect on determining the party's eventual nominee.

"Iowa does not have best track record in determining who the parties nominate, everybody knows that," she said at an event in Manchester. "You know, New Hampshire is famously independent, it is a place where people want to make up their own minds — they're not interested in what anybody else has decided.

"They want to look us up and down, make that judgment, and I welcome that," She added. "I think that's exactly what the New Hampshire process should be about."

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • John Edwards


Craig, Carlsbad CA   January 4th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

How is Hillary going to repackage something that has been repackaged so many times already?

Nelson, Colorado Springs Co   January 4th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Easy, hold on! Mr. Edward that a Caucus not a primary. Yes it set the tone but Mrs Clinton quit , she will fight all the way

Ben, Columbia, SC   January 4th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

OK Johnny. After you spent 4 years in Iowa…it's now you and Obama. Give it up…

Rich In Seattle   January 4th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Did you see the speech Obama gave, I don't see how Edwards can top that! Nothing says change than a black man running for President.

Independent in IA   January 4th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Sorry, Edwards….NH is not Iowa. They're smart enough to know that you and Obumble are nothing but fluff and folderol.

S.K.M. Boston Mass   January 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

First Barack Obama is a corporate sellout, and now Hillary Clinton is out of the presidential race? John, whatsup wit' this?!

kate   January 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Last I noticed, "america" and "united states" were capitalized….
Who are these people who write for CNN and where do they get their credentials to do so? Between lack of editing and messed up facts I'm ready to give up on CNN online…….

me   January 4th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

hmm… Shouldn't it be United States, President, and America?

veryTrue   January 4th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Yeah, nice work on the caps!!!

Tom Dedham, Mass   January 4th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

I don't agree with him alot, but he is TOTALLY correct in the "change" department.

The people do indeed want it, but not HILLARY as the agent for getting it done.

She should be real worried if you look at the demographics on who did and did not vote for her.

If the rest of the nation follows the same path you can just see the headline "Bill Clinton files for divorce from Hillary, caps off a bad year for the former inevitable President".

Ike Woodbridge VA   January 4th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

John Edwards is a desperate man. I will not vote for him. This is a man who in 04, could not even deliver his own state of North Carolina to Kerry. Edwards in fact should drop out of the race.

pam Eugene OR   January 4th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Right on the mark John. Time to send Hillary packing! She is the same old tired politics we are all sick of.
We want someone who will work with everyone to fix this broken country. Hillary openly says she wants a battle with the Republicans AFTER she is elected. We will have four more years of the same or probably worse. We can't afford her temper or dirty tricks.
Go home Hillary and leave us in peace.
PS Don't forget to take Bill with you.
Obama/Edwards 08
Edwards/Obama 08

Stopwatchingfoxnews, Rochester, NY   January 4th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

That's funny, I thought if you came in second in Iowa in 2004 and second in Iowa in 2008, wouldn't that be Status Quo?

Another Steve   January 4th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Yeah shows where Clinton arrogance has gotten the Clintons as well as supporters. She isn't electable and people are doing the math and realize if half the voters don't trust her or like her there is too much baggage for her to win the general election.

Ryan Indianapolis   January 4th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

You are about as much as the PEOPLES PRESIDENT as HILLARY CLINTON is the TRUTHFUL CANDIDATE….John you are not fooling anyone,,,lets call a spade a spade,,,you are an ex-ambulance chasing laywer that lives in a 28k sq foot mansion …..Please……………… with your poverty platform, it makes me sick.

OverTheRainbow, KS   January 4th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Delusional. Absolutely delusional. If he thinks Iowa will be the end of Her Royal Thighness, he REALLY doesn't understand how the Clintonistas play this game. They got money and they got dirt, and they're coming after youse guys. He and Obama better be prepared for the debates, and be ready to go after her, cuz this'll tick off the Clintonistas. Earth to Edwards? Earth to Edwards? You'll be gone within 2 weeks., and she'll be hailed as the Comeback Queen, as despicable as that is …….

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Only 2 people who won Iowa went on to become the President. GWB and Jimmy Carter. Don’t start counting your chickens John.

Steve, New York   January 4th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Only 2 people who won Iowa went on to become the President. Don’t start counting your chickens John.

Jenn   January 4th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Is he kidding? He only beat Hillary by 7 votes! I wouldn't say that's very definitive.

Joe in Vermont   January 4th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

While backing Senator Obama and liking Senator Edwards, he's now just had his name put on my list for Dennis Kucinich's UFO trip! Clinton is nowhere near out of it and a victory for her next Tuesday in NH would solidify this as a two person race (Obama & Clinton) headed into South Carolina. Here's my scenario and I grant I don't have the "Des Moines Register" and "Zogby" history of accuracy.

Obama five point sahead of Clinton then Edwards at least ten points in back of Clinton. He limps on through, and comes in third again, in South Carolina then folds as he's out of cash. It is also possible that his political career, sadly, is over.

Most pundits agree that we now have a two person race of Obama and Clinton. Never, ever count Clinton out! Sorry John, this one isn't flying.

Mike USMC 95-99   January 4th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Good strategy on Edwards' part…

I think the only ones who didn't know what he's talking about was the corporate (un)media….

I'll gladly support either Edwards or Obama in the upcoming election…

Two great candidates…

Jaik , chicago, IL   January 4th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Edwards would be a fantastic President, he could fix much of what has gone wrong in the last 8 years and better what has gone right. His career has always been about protecting people against the powerful, which is exactly the definition of good government. The blue collar folks who voted against their own interests to support Bush should respond well to his genuine concern for their well being. He would beat any GOP candidate, he's probably the best shot for the Dems, tho that's never stopped them from nominating goofs like Kerry or Mondale again and again.

Don   January 4th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Who cares what Iowa says, I'm in California. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Obama may not be my choice.

Nando, Florida   January 4th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

This is why Hillary and Edwards are cancer's to the Democratic Party!

Thank God Iowans Made the right choice.

Obama 08

Jaik , chicago, IL   January 4th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Edwards is mostly making this statement to make a point, it is what Clinton and her CNN puppet would have said about him if she came in 2nd.

Jay Smith   January 4th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Not so fast John. The people of Iowa chose those NEW faces who could bring change. You're old school; a has been that can't get elected. You had your chance and lost. Who wants a re-run?

Rodney Dallas TX   January 4th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Hillary will prevail. It's only a matter of time.

omar   January 4th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

based on the iowa cacus results americans want change and obama and edwards are the candidates for change . why not dont the two of them just merge .
obama/edwards'08 wouldn't that be nice.

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA   January 4th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

John Edwards, I love you, but c'mon, she pretty far from out.

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Wow.. Edwards… Weren't you the one that couldn't get electect the last time??? Oh wait, then you came in second bashing on clinton for 3rd… Seriously, stop using your sick wife to gain sympothy and face the facts… You WILL NOT be our next president, NO ONE WANTS YOU!!!

Barrister4Hillary   January 4th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Edwards stood up there last night, stumbled, stammered and ranted like a spoiled child. That's not what President sounds like. Edwards has no chance to get the Democratic nomination unless he learns how to articulate a message with the indoor voice.

Hillary is going to win easily in NY, CA, MI and even Illinois. The media wants to make this Iowa caucus more than it was…a dog and pony show.

Jay Smith   January 4th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

The people of Iowa chose NEW faces who could bring change. John Edwards is not a new face.

Pam Holt Los Angeles, CA   January 4th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

You can't call a wealthy trial lawyer (that lives in an extravagant 18-bedroom mansion) that votes many times AGAINST the people (such as his vote for big business to change bankruptcy laws), the "people's President". Only one candidate can call himself that, and that's Dennis Kucinich. Edwards is a Kucinich-wanna-be. He only wishes he had the voting record and the integrity and thoughtfulness that Kucinich has. Edwards is an arrogant fraud and a true politician through and through.

DJ, new york, ny   January 4th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

John Edwards is a joker or just naive as always. The only one that is going out is HIM.

Hillary is leading in over 45 state polls, while edwards is the running 3rd, and he is running out of money.

Wiser voters in other states will realise that Obama's or edwards' change means nothing without experience, qualifications and hardwork that only Hillary can deliver.

Chris in Orlando   January 4th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

John-boy must not read the paper, either… Mrs. Clinton still leads in national polls, and he places a very distant third to Obama's close second. To suggest that she's "out of it" would imply that he is, too.
You'll eat your words next Tuesday, Edwards.

Lisa   January 4th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

If HC landed in third place, then why does she have one more delegate than Edwards?

The eggs aren't even chickens yet. Check to make sure they aren't cracked!

Amused, Las Vegas   January 4th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

That's pretty big talk from someone who came in with not much better a finish than Clinton and significantly below Obama.

Doesn't the same logic indicate there would be only one choice since both he and Clinton were equally 'dissed'? (Or not, if you think that 29-30% is still a respectable showing.)

Ed Chapman   January 4th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Senator Hillary Clinton discovered yesterday that the majority of democratic voters in the Iowa caucas did not buy into her "I can fix all your problems if elected President" scenario! She would be wise to take the hint and quit the race and concentrate on representing the voters of New York who elected her to her current position!

Woodbridge,Va.

Lisla Lee, Dallas, TX   January 4th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

I'm amazed that people voted for John Edwards. He comes off to me as a prissy rich kid preaching to all the masses about what he considers right for them. What does he know about the average guy in America— he lives in a multi million dollar home and has always had all the good things in life at his doorstep and probably has never really "mingled" with middle class America. At least Hillary actually worked legal aide in her younger days… any pro-bono work from you, John boy?

I just try to imagine the U.S. in a really dire situation with some tough guy prez or pm from another country, and I just can't see John Edwards standing up to anybody like that. He looks like he would run scared the first time somebody hollered boo. If the Democrats want to guarantee giving the White House back to the Republicans for another 4 years, then John Edwards is their guy. I just don't think he would stand a chance in the national election. Personally, I think he was a liability to John Kerry last time around.

Mike, Eugene, Oregon   January 4th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Edwards is right. Hillary Clinton is dead. Look for the corporate money that has been her support to go to Romney. The greedy parasites of Wall Street know a recession is looming and that their sole hope for avoiding an end to their reign of greed and lies is with Clinton and Romney. Obama won the youth vote and independent vote in Iowa, the very same demographics that will enable him to win in NH. No. What the parasites are frightened of is a Huckabee win there, too. Huckabee is as much a foe of outsourcing, guest workers, that gigantic Ponzi Scheme known as "free trade", and every other form of corporate greed and excess as are Obama and Edwards. So, look for them to pull out out all the stops and place their bets on that guy who looks just like the "corporate executive who laid you off from your last job", Romney.

Go Obama! Obama-Edwards for a chance to rebuild this country.

GavinM   January 4th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Backstabbing, hypocritical John Edwards ALREADY LOST ONE ELECTION, how he has settle for a virtual 2-way tie in a state where he claims he had a 4-year old base.

John, you're broke, you had to quit the senate in 04 because you were facing defeat in your re-election bid…

You made your wife the "hatchet-man"

JOHN EDWARDS IS OUT.

4hillary08   January 4th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Edwards is the one that is out of it. Out of his mind that is.

Wufpakmom, Illinois   January 4th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Careful, John. Don't sell your soul to the Dark Side just yet. You may have need of it yet.

Or if you do, make sure you get a good price.

Ken   January 4th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

please be right, John.

Offended in Arizona   January 4th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Negative tact against any candidate is not going to get you any votes or any consideration for Vice President offers.

Les   January 4th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Clinton was third in Iowa BUT second in delegates, she received 15, Edwards 14, Obama 16. Obama spent close to $10 million in Iowa to get 16 delegates…..LOL

Hillary spent $6.5 million

Edwards a little over $3 million

Russell, NC   January 4th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Yes, Clinton is out of it. Most likely, Edward is too.

Bill, Commack NY   January 4th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Offended in Arizona apparently does not remember George I calling Ronald Reagan's plan for the economy "voodoo economics" and then ending up as his Vice President for eight years.

mike kaplan   January 4th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

I'd still probably take him over any Republican, but Edwards is annoying.

First of all, people, it's just Iowa. No matter how you look at it, iowa is not the whole country. Only a small fraction of people participate, in a state that is only a small fraction of the country, and this is supposed to end someone's campaign?

Personally, I'd be happy with either Obama or Clinton. After the last 8 years, either of them would be a welcome return to sanity and intelligence.

And a note to all you Hillary-haters out there: you just sound ridiculous when you post all this stupid nonsense about how Hillary is the devil……and you sound like THIRD GRADE when you say things like "Her Royal Thighness" (I'm talking about you, "Over the Rainbow"). I mean, grow up you morons. Your Hillary hatred is just so out-of-proportion with anything real about her, so out of scale with anything she's done or not done, that we just have to wonder what exactly is wrong with you anyway. Do you people know any actual lefties? Because if you did, you'd know that the left in this country doesn't really like Hillary, because they think she's a moderate. That's right, a moderate. She's a little too moderate for my tastes, and I'm a pretty moderate lefty. But you people just crow as if she's The Raving Queen of the 1968 or something. GET A GRIP!

Barbara Gordon   January 4th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

I think we could point to the White House with pride if the Obamas,the Edwards or the Clintons were the inhabitants. I don't feel the same way about many of the GOP candidates,Mr. Guiliani in particular. The Brits don't want Prince Charles' ex mistress to be the Queen of England and I wouldn't be too happy with Mr G's ex mistress as the first lady of our country. I hope the GOP moral majority thinks about the morals of The Giulianis' .

Gem   January 4th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

It ain't over til it's over.

Look at the result they're just 1 point apart of each other (in delegates). Obama's win is not landslide. He only got 38%.

I'll go for who can bring back the economy. Another trillion dollar surplus would be very nice. We had it before but the current administration spent it (in 1 year) like there's no tomorrow.

Charm, San Diego CA   January 4th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Is it just me or does Edwards sport a strong used-car sales man smile when he talks? Nothing against used car salespeople ofcourse. I definitely think Mr. Edwards is jumping the gun. Had the gap between 2nd and 3rd place been wider, then perhaps I could better understand the gloating. He needs to come out of fantasy land, there's still the rest of America he needs to convince, and so far, he hasn't convinced me of anything.

Anonymous, Somewhere, MI   January 4th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Some of us prefer a philisophical and academic approach.

Wm Colm McKeveny   January 4th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

He has to be as dumb as a box of rocks. In one can choose A or B OR C or D, one has TWO choices. If one can choose only A or B, that is a choice. Then again, we had a candidate for Vice President who spelled "potato" with an "e." Where do they find these people? I guess it is the Peter Principle.

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Oh Please, it is still too early to say that a Candidate is "out of it" or has "momentum". Settle down John and the News People.

Scott   January 4th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

The only arrogance I've seen is from Hillary's opponents and bashers.

hawk   January 4th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Clinton Supporters,

What experience does Hillary has? Is it taking more money from coporate lobbyist than republicans, is it voting to authorize war in Iraq without reading the national intelligence report, is it voting to give Bush and his NeoCons the power to authorize war in Iran, is it not realizing that elections in Pakistan is parliamentary not Presidental, is it to nominate Bill Clinton to be a Supreme Court Justice. Are you kidding me! Obama/Edwards 08 a winning ticket. Hillary has no chance in a General Election to polarizing. Obama/Edward 08

Laughing teenager in Iowa   January 4th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

This seriously reminds me of high school. Back stabbing, rumors, and talking bad about people… I think John has a point, and I sure hope she's done, but that doesn't mean that he should say it. Anyway, I'd sure like to see Obama win the presidency, but I'd be perfectly happy with Edwards, too. As long as it's not HIllary. And I think they're right about change being the issue, and not "experience."

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Edwards need to shut up and leave!

andrew k   January 4th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

i do not agree that clinton is out.. i hope so , but the clintons have too much money to be counted out yet.

i couldn't believe the "ready for change" speech clinton gave last night…

it was all true, we are ready for change, but she doesn't seem to realize that the people in iowa didn;t vote her to lead the way, because she is Washington… if she could change it she would have by now.

the people in iowa did not vote for obama last night, they voted for themselves.

and i am thankful they did.

bless them

peace

Aidyn   January 4th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Edwards needs to leave and shut up!

F.G.   January 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

i hope she's out of it. hillary is not fit to run for president.

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THIS GUY HAS SOME AMAZING IDEAS AND WILL CHANGE YOUR VIEWS ON THE WORLD! SHOW HIM SUPPORT!

Give me a break   January 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Nothing says change like a black man as President? How about a woman?

I'm totally offended that he would say this, it's one Caucus and Iowa doesn't speak for the country.

joe blow   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Naw John Boy – she’s sharpening the knives as I write this little screed. If nothing else, the Clinton clan has mastered the art of attack politics. Hil and Bill are going to be going negative on you and Obama and it ain’t gonna be pretty. Think of something along the lines of a continuous B52 strike – that’ll about be the size of it. Guess now we’ll soon see just how much you’re willing to “fight.”

smokey   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Mr. Edwards always suggests he's positive but always stams negative stuff against Hillary. Is this because he knows she is the threat not Obama! Its very early and I doubt anyone who can afford a $400 hair cut and claims to argue for poverty improvement has a lot of credibility. Yes, JE isa terrific orator but he can not win. I also seriously doubt an inexperienced Senator like Obama can…if the Dems want the White House, they best stick with Hillary .

Kevin,FL   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

EDWARDS YOU'RE OUT OF IT. NH IS A PRIMARY CLINTON HAS THE LEAD IN NH OVER OBAMA . CLINTON WILL WIN NH AND SC AND ON SUPER TUESDAY MOST OF THE STATES ARE IN HER FAVOR. NEVER COUNT OUT A CLINTON REMEMBER 1992? THEY SAID BILL WAS DONE,FINISH HE CANT MAKE IT.. AND LOOK WHAT HAPPEN HE WON AND SERVED AS OUR PRESIDENT FOR 8YEARS!!

Ted Ziolkowski   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Beware the momentum that Barack Obama continues to gain from all Americans. HOPE not worn out EXPERIENCE is what the citizens of this country now. Hilary stand aside or get knock out of the race before Febuary 8th 2007. John Edwards be careful who you attack, I would like to see you as Barack's Vice President the only truely avocates of CHANGE.

Reporter and Commentators, be careful what you report and how you report it, stop spinning for the Democratic Machine. If you do not then you will loose any remainging credibility you may have left. The average citizen is taking back this country from Special Interests and we are going to elect BARACK OBAMA to be our fearless leader.

Jacque Bauer   January 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Johnny "Universal Hair Care" Edwards is desperately seeking the #2 slot, since he cannot win. Trouble is that the only viable candidate (i.e. Obama) is on to him and he willl NEVER be considered as VP material.

Remember that John Kerry called Edwards' private remarks to him to be "chilling" because of how disingenous he was.

Mindy Chatsworth, California   January 4th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I think this is a desperate tactic on the part of John Edwards to try to make himself relevant in what is basically a two person race - Hillary and Obama. Sorry, but I am not buying it. The fact is that Iowa was Edwards' best shot and he came in a distant second to Obama and almost third in a close contest with Hillary. He will not be a factor in New Hampshire. His message is not catching on with voters. I can tell you that, as someone who cut her teeth campaigning for Bobby Kennedy in 1968, Edwards is a pale imitation of him. He tries to present himself as the candidate for the poor and downtrodden in this country, but almost forty years ago, Bobby was the real thing and no one has ever been able to replace him.

I am disappointed that Edwards has resorted to such tactics. Hillary is by no means out of this race. The race has only just begun. Obama won a convincing victory, but it was a caucus and not a true vote. We will have that next week in New Hampshire. If Hillary can come back strong, then we have an exciting two person race.

pam Eugene OR   January 4th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Her Royal Thighness! That's really funny…I love it.

besseme   January 4th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Edwards is, however, the candidate of the $400 haircut!!

David Lillejord   January 4th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Nice of Hilary to take a shot at the people of Iowa. It's amazing how interested she seemed in Iowa until the "vote" was taken.

Mike in Kentucky   January 4th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Let's see….roughly 10% of the population of a mostly rural state expressed a non-binding preference for a Presidential candidate (both Republican and Democrat) and now the race is over for Hillary Clinton? The whole "non-viable candidate rule" of the caucuses strikes me as the electoral equivalent of a do-over.

Iowa is not the United States. I do believe other contests are upcoming, where the electorate actually votes and do not just stand under a banner for a particular favorite( in the case of the Democrats) and can then "vote" again if their choice is not popular enough. I don't get to vote twice.

The secret ballot is my insturment of choice for elections, allowing voters to express their preference absent any pressure from friends, neighbors, co-workers or employers in attendance.

Time will tell, I would not count Hillary Clinton out just yet, no matter how much you want it to be true.

Maryann Faith IA   January 4th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

John..YOUR AN IDIOT IF YOU BELIEVE THAT ONE!

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Edwards is clearly stupid if he thinks that Iowa is the final vote.
This is just spin marketing.

Don Brabec   January 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

The correct spelling, for United States, is United States!

lou   January 4th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

You do not know the Clinton's…. Mr Edwards who crowned you?

Sophie D.   January 4th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

John Edwards should stay in the race as long as he's able. His message is important to me and many others who are tired of the media coronating candidates. Only in the bizzaro land known as the Beltway could a second-place finisher be washed up while the woman who placed third, who's hated by half of the country, be deemed fit to carry on.

Homer Simpson   January 4th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

DONUTS, IS THERE ANYTHING THEY CAN'T DO ?

Cameron,   January 4th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

SO HAVING A WOMAN PRESIDENT FOR THE 1ST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THIS COUNTRY IS NOT A "CHANGE"?
C'mon people don't let the media headliners and oneliners re-write facts.
So sad that most People go along with the Media Favorite and let the media dictate the political lanscape of this country the way they want it. Presidents are chosen by the will of the people, not by the corporate influnced media Giants and their so called Pundits and "journalist" who writes their opinions.

concerned citizen   January 4th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Note….If John Edwards expects to win his partys nomination, then He has to start talking about Iraq again and reminding people about whats going on there and what president Bush and his party did and are still doing there..etc etc etc.. If he does this, I think that He would have a good chance to be the party nomination.. People forget.. The war in Iraq is what started the republicans on a down slide, But if nobody mentions this, then who knows who will become our next president..? If someone besides me is worried about this issue and doesn't want to have another four years of the same thing that we've had, then I hope that someone, will let Mr. Edwards know about this subject… I say this because not enough is being said on this issue and little by little It's becoming a non issue…

E. C., Houston, Texas   January 4th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Of the three top contenders, Edwards is the best choice, for he knows how to identify the problems and solve them in the most efficient manner. As for Obama, he's too 'pie in the sky' and doesn't really connect in identifying problems and solutions. Besides this major issue, Obama will need 'on the job training.' As for Hillary, who can trust her to lead this Nation? She's too ill informed to be a Senator, so how could she function as President?

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Hillary's comments from today reveal a very cynical politican; until last night she was courting every Tom, Dick and Harry in Iowa. Today she's downplaying Iowa and doing the same kiss-up in New Hampshire.

danny   January 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Are you crazy? One little piss-ant caucus and she's out? DREAM ON EDWARDS!
You'll be lucky to make her short list…. ha ha ha….

I do think Hillary Clinton has a lot more stamina than what he suggests. And the Edwardians are just wishing it were so…

I for one don't know any one who'd rather have Edwards over Clinton. I would say that he's far better than anyone the Republicans seem to have in mind.

But the "bow-out" aria has yet to be sung. If he's wanting to hear it…he might just start warming up himself…New Hampshire is just around the corner…

CHEERS, AND MAY THE BEST WOMAN WIN!

Ducky   January 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Shouldn't countries be capitalized? IE: 4th paragraph, last line.

Ashley, Detroit   January 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

John Edwards, while the most electable in the general election, is gonna die once South Carolina and Nevada embraces Obama.

Unless: Edwards ties Clinton for 2nd in NH, which might happen, and then finishes a close 1st in Nevada (or win) and win South Carolina.

A hail-mary scenario that I hope comforts some of the Edwards faithful

quill   January 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

It's funny, a week ago she was telling Iowa voters that they were crucial and that all eyes were on them–and now she's like, "Iowa's never been that important, everyone knows that lol."

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   January 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

This is politics, and it will get nasty for a while boys and girls… these candidates sacrifice so much and they work so hard. may the best one win! actually I'm rooting for Hilary. There is hope for America people, we have a former Baptist preacher, a mormon, an ex-pow, a woman, an affrican-american, and a $400 haricut trial lawyer all in one race… wow! you can't write that script up ladies and gentleman…

Christian Democrat   January 4th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I like John Edwards, but comments like these are just so cocky! And hasn't he learned his lesson, after saying over and over again, on International media, that he knows "how to close in Iowa", and then coming in a distant second, that he shouldn't be saying these things BEFORE votes are counted?! I don't know, if I were in New Hampshire, comments like his would make me NOT vote for him, just to show him he can't be so darned cocky in my state! By the way, I'm in Oregon.

Dave   January 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Sounds like John needs another $400 hair cut to clean up his act :) Maybe he and Mitt can take their mud slinging to the backyard - go wonder twins!

Robert Bell   January 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

The Clinton News Network runs an article about "disgraced campaign contributor" Norman Hsu going to jail, WITHOUT MENTIONING HILLARY'S NAME EVEN ONCE.

So as a public service, here is the dirt on Million Dollar Norman:

Another friend of Hillary's behind bars. This is better than the Nixon Administration!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/04/democratic.fundraiser.ap/index.html

REDWOOD CITY, California (AP) — A former fugitive captured in Colorado has been sentenced to three years in prison — after a judge rejected his bid to throw out a 16-year-old fraud conviction.

Norman Hsu was convicted of fraud 16 years ago.

Attorneys for disgraced political donor Norman Hsu had asked Judge Stephen Hall to dismiss his 1992 no-contest plea, saying Hsu's right to a speedy trial was violated because authorities were not actively pursuing him during his years as a fugitive.

Hsu's lawyers said authorities could easily have arrested Hsu at one of the political fundraisers he hosted.

Hsu fled California before being sentenced in the 1992 case. He turned himself in August 31, then fled again.

He was recaptured in Grand Junction, Colorado, in September after trying to kill himself by overdosing on drugs aboard an Amtrak train

HOW MUCH MONEY ARE WE TALKING HERE, FOLKS???

According to the Wall Street Journal (now owned by Hillary Pal Ruport Murdoch):

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118835199704811801.html

Norman Hsu is one of the leading political fund-raisers in the country this year. In fact, many fund-raisers say he is one of a small handful of people capable of raising more than $1 million — a major feat considering the maximum donation allowed by an individual for 2008 races is $4,600 per candidate.

"ONE MILLION DOLLARS" — Dr. Evil

Norman Hsu also raised some money for Obama. About $4,500 when he was running for the Senate. Obama donated it all to Charity when he found out who Norman Hsu was.

Frank Rivas, Rockville, MD   January 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

this woman, Clinton, does not get it and will never get it, because of her selfishness that borders - to put it mildly- into stupidity. her comments about New Hampshire being famously independent (after her bitter defeat in Iowa, of course) makes it sound that Iowans are a buch of cows that are always being lead to the slaughterhouse. I wonder what she is going to say about the folks of New Hampshire when she ends up in tenth place.

Watchnwait   January 4th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

US is still capitalized in most of the country.

Goody Eugene, OR   January 4th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

There's no one who likes a good, hard-fought political race than the Clintons. BRING IT ON HILLARY!!!

Maria, Houston   January 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Academic vs. fighter? After graduating from Harward Law School Obama chose low paid work as a community organizer in Chicago South Side. John Edwards chose to be a multi-millionaire trial lawyer. Yeah, very convincing…

willie, united state   January 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Big O won in IA…. they freakout…. they cant type hahhaa… but they got big $ pay

CB   January 4th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Why say that Obama's win in Iowa is historical because he could be the first black president. Wasn't his mother white?

AJ, IL   January 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

If John Edwards thinks Hillary is out of it, he more delusional than Mike Gravel (D)and Duncan Hunter (R). In terms of organization and money, Hillary will see the nomination to the end, likewise with Obama. Edwards is low on organization and running out of money (he took $10 million is public campaign funds back in 2007). Edwards is trying to stay relevant in this race, first with negative attacks against Hillary and now negative attacks against Obama. Edwards has very very little chance of being a VP for either Obama or Hillary. The best scenario for Edwards in the next few primaries is:

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Edwards comes in distant 3rd behind Obama & Hillary
NEVADA - Edwards is dead last behind Richardson.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Edwards finishes distant 3rd behind Obama & Hillary or DROPS OUT!

Nancy Taylor   January 4th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

John Edwards is out of it — out of money and he ought to be out of words by now. The amount of bashing that Hillary Clinton has taken is ridiculous. As a woman she is a breakthrough candidate, and I guess that is what happens when you're the first serious female candidate.

m.   January 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Wow…Johnny sounds a little nervous. He's about as convincing now as he was when he debated Cheney. He's absolutely right though about the two choices: either vote for someone other than him or lose the election. The real question is can ANYONE from the Dems beat Huckabee/McCain?

inder johngiani   January 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Look at the history of women heads of state. they really can do the job. Mr Edwards, with all due repects, do not write her off. She is strong, and resilient.
She will survive. Why not re-energise your self, rather than berating her.

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

The headline on this article is ridiculous! If you read Edwards' actual quote it says nothing about Hillary being out of the race. He says that voters do not want the status quo and that is what Hillary represents. He does not, however, claim that she is out of the race.

Those of you who are stumping about how "dumb" he is should perhaps actually read his quotes and not just the headline.

Also, "Jay Smith," perhaps you should look up the CNN poll released last month that showed that Edwards is the ONLY one among the Democratic candidates who would win against ALL of the Republican frontrunners in head to head elections. That sounds "electable" to me.

It's time for the Democrats to try to win a GENERAL election for once!

Jed in Texas   January 4th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Wow how impressive all those polls were going into Iowa.Polls dont mean spit,nor do the MORONS who believe in them.Lets see how it all washes out when they get to the Nascar Nation.Zell Miller is going to call someone out before this is over,lmao.Let the comedy begin.

Ron White, Calgary   January 4th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

As a foreign national, my opinion may be moot, but is not Mr. Edwards also a blast from past, just like Mrs. Clinton? How can he be the agent of change when he has been there, done that and was not even successful in carrying his own state?

I saw Mr. Obama last night, very impressive speech. I still think the race is between Obama and Clinton for the Democrats. I'm not ready to call the Republicans but really does it matter this year?

Nord   January 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Give it up Edwards, you talk out of both sides of your mouth, and even your backside for that matter. You say your for the poor and middle class, how about giving up all those millions you made as a trial lawyer to charity. Hmmmm…don't think you have an intent on doing that after all who will pay Elizabeth'shealth care cost…oh yeah your Health Program will RIGHT??? Naw, you'll find some other way to file a lawsuit against someone and make a few more mill to pad your bank account. Go home John Boy…we really have no interest in you or anything you have to say. And you know what, your just another Ralph Nader looking to spoil America's real choice 'Hillary"

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 4th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

If Hillary wants to win any place else, I suggest she change her choice to words in reference to losing in Iowa. She sounds arrogant and condescending against the people of Iowa, and that's not good because that may be what caused her loss. As a woman, I would like to see Hillary win but she needs an attitude adjustment now that she's had a reality check.

linda hemmingsen   January 4th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

edwards is showing his arrogance again. He wants to act like common folk but just can't keep it up. He is a back stabber, and he will be gone soon. Hillary is winning in double digets in the national poll and leaves him in the dust so why would he say she is finished? wishful dreaming. and for the rest of you negative people out there hillary would make a wonderful. competent president.stand up for someone who can get elected president. i for one as a canadian would love you to bring someone with experience and not another guy who is running on change and who says he won't divide people but unite them guess we heard this before like bush. obama unfortunetly won't be able to do it .

Bob, Memphis   January 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Hillary is looking like the lead candidate for vice president now.

Sharon, Littleton, CO   January 4th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Why didn't Edwards didn't have a better showing, given that he has been campaigning in Iowa non-stop since 2004? Perhaps his attack-dog image is hurting him because the American people are sick and tired of all of the partisan divide and the politics of personal destruction. I think that Obama, wisely, used Edwards to tear down Hillary and the end result was that both Edwards and Hillary were weakened in the process. At any rate, Edwards should not be bragging about how he "beat the Clinton political machine." He and Hillary ended up in a virtual tie and BOTH were thumped by Obama.

Norman   January 4th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

The results in Iowa were interesting for both parties. However, it's 11 months to the National Elections. Whomever, the Republican or Democratic Presidential Candidate is they better be qualified to be President of the United States.

The last 7 years have been a national disaster. Gas and Oil prices through the roof with no real relief insight. Also there has been no national agenda except the IRAQ WAR.

I cannot wait for November to arrive.

Norman

cheryl, Mesa, Arizona   January 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Hillary has been a public servant all her life and know one seems to give her credit. At least she is a fighter. The media has been very hard on her and given Obama a free ride. When are they going to start questioning him? If I remember correctly GW Bush ran the same way as Obama about changing Washington and bringing people together. People liked him so they put him in and look where that has gotten us. Please don't listen to media do thorough research before you vote.

Moe   January 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

If anyone has actually checked out the "details", you will find that less than 10% of eligible voters participated in the Iowa Caucus! That means that Obama got 38% or 10% of Iowa votes. so by my calcualations, Obama received 3.8% of the eligible Iowa votes! Furthermore, 57% of those were voters aged 17-24!
On the other hand, Hillary picked up 46 % of voters aged 49 to 65+, with Edwards running second in this age group. Still a small percentage of the voting population in Iowa, but we all know that the older folks are the ones more likely to vote in a REAL election!

Megan   January 4th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

John is just showing how desperate he is. We do not need his anti-corporate, Wall Street bashing platform. He is out of touch. I don't even want him as Vice President.

Tony   January 4th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Let's not get too cocky Edwards. You got lucky in Iowa to do as well
as you did. But, your days are numbered until you're out of the primary race…..
….bet on it!

You talk a good game, like most politicians do. 1 good showing
doesn't make a campaign. Let's see who has the staying power.

R.K.Pudupakkam.M.D.   January 4th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Hillary is very,very smart but that does,nt cut it in this dirty politics.
It will be while before we can see a WOMEN president at the WHITE HOUSE.
Obama is too young and doesn,t quite will be the President either.

It will be either Edwards or Huckabee, but the latter does,nt quite have that PRESENDIAL last name either.

My prediction will be a Republican president for sure as we are more scared of TAXES than the WAR.

Dr.R.K.P.

James, Houston,TX.   January 4th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Hillary, its been said; "It a Marathon not a Sprint", You go Girl, Edwards and Osama lack the wind and Fortitude! And Edwards Continues to Pile On. But, You been There done That and again Iowa What? I see what's really good for this U.S.A. and it Hillary Clinton! In Houston, Hillary Your OK!

trent porter, tx   January 4th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

i agree with edwards - we do not want hillary.
she is paid for, just like bush.

Scott Austin, TX   January 4th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

My vote and financial support go to Edwards! He's the only candidate I trust. Go John, keep fighting the good fight!

B Foster   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

HA! HA! this cracks me up. With Edwards comment about "Clinton Out…" you would think he won by a landslide! Don't count Clinton out. Iowa had a caucus, not a primary. Plus historically, Iowa doesn't have a great record of voting for the person who ends up being the nominee. I'm ok with Edwards being the nominee. Obama is too naive and inexperienced to be president. Hillary can get the job done.

B Foster   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

With Edwards comment about "Clinton Out…" you would think he won by a landslide! Don't count Clinton out. Iowa had a caucus, not a primary. Plus historically, Iowa doesn't have a great record of voting for the person who ends up being the nominee. I'm ok with Edwards being the nominee. Obama is too naive and inexperienced to be president. Hillary can get the job done.

Anonymous   January 4th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Lisla You might not this don't know this but John Edwards worked for the UPS loading trucks when he was in collage. That is hard work, a lot harder than sitting behind a desk. Some one called him a ambulance chasing lawyer, well I don't call winning 25 million for a little girl that was hurt because a big corp. wanted to save a few dollors ambulance chasing. Unless all you dems. want another 4-8 years of the same stuff we've had for the last 8 years, you had better get behind John Edwards

Ohg Rea Tone   January 4th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

The Age of Obama is upon us. Edwards hope of the demise of Clinton is merely hope - what audacity. We have entered and era - ushered in ironically by George Bush conservatives - when the American Populace has had enough. The turnout strongly suggests that the pundits and statisticians will not be able to predict because their numbers are skewed.
Ohg.
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/01/04/an-american-revolution-2008/

Wynter, Loudon, NH   January 4th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Edwards has been reading to many of his own press releases if he thinks Iowa's results made any definitive impact on the race thus far.

There was no clear winner on the Democratic side of the Caucus as each of the top three showed that they were "equally" respected by the state. All you have to do is look at the three-way split in the delegate counts to realize that.

But on the Republican side, it's more of a Iowa mandate on Huckabee getting their nod.

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter
Loudon, NH

connie floyd, crockett,texas   January 4th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

yes not so fast john, I do like you over Obama, it looks like you made a deal with Obama. You and Obama are ridiculous. Your lies are going to catch up with you guys soon!!! Hillary 08′

Kelly   January 4th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

The Obama camp is going to rely on the same textbook campaign Barack talks against. Who tells them things will remain the same? They talk up change yet tell us that historically, you get a bounce from IOWA. Mark those words, Hillary was never competitive in IOWA and even after New Hampshire, the race is still very far from over. A win in Texas, California,or New York.
No matter what happens, Hillary will be very competitive till Feb 5.
Take one big look at the issues and know that this woman has worked her life out for America. You may hit at her personal life or the shortcomings of her husband but never take it away from her that she has been always working at finding real solutions to American problems.
Think of Universal health care at a time when most American Politicians were not for it. Even when it failed, she still kept on trying and in the process helped get insurance for more children.
Where was Barack Osama Hussein (a muslim who would be even far more polarising) while she worked her hearts out for Americans. Infact, I bet Hillary made a mistake by competing in IOWA. She would have made yesterday's results meaningless just like it is happening on the GOP side.

ChoHCM SucSanh Cong San   January 4th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Iowans, you choose change and hope over fear, You made the right choice, Congrad. to you all… and thank you all the volunteers, supporters…

Noreen Cardinale   January 4th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

Wow, how politically incorrect and foolish to make any such assumption. Iowa is hardly a litnus test either in size, or politics to the rest of the country. Boy, when I hear comments like that, I really get concerned about the intelligence and reasoning skills of the candidate.

Dan, TX   January 4th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Ok folks, look at the demographics from the Iowa caucus. Either Iowa is completely out of touch with the rest of the country or Obama is going to be pretty darn hard to stop.

35% of women voted for Obama. Wasn't Clinton going to win over 50% of women and 25% of republican women. She was wrong. VERY wrong.

She had poor judgment in expecting that.

Obama is not for me.   January 4th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

When you choose CEO of the company, who would you choose between experienced executive who has couple decades of management skills or some foot soldier/entry level employee without any experiences.
People need to wake up, especially young people who vote for Obama.
Managing big country like USA is not a job for a rookie who think he can tackle the job but has nothing to back it up.
Don't make a big mistake and elect Obama. That action is equal to electing Bush as president.
Obama said he'll bring change. What change he's talkign about. Change to the worst. I watch his interview. He's not very smart. He lost debates time and time again. While Hillary can answer questions in an articulate way. She's very intelligent. I would take Hillary over Obama any time of day.

Sophie D.   January 4th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Oh, please. John Edwards worked to get where he is, instead of being a spoon-fed little heir like that spoiled brat George W. Bush. John Edwards serves as an example of the American dream coming into fruition, for once, for somebody, and some of you want to slag on him for his accomplishments and the fact he's come so far without forgetting his roots?

Hillary Clinton is too hated to win the general election. Poll after poll proves half the country won't even consider voting for her. Love her or hate her, she's a loser. As for Obama, he's suffering from the same problem as Hillary, in a way: there's too much at stake in this election for the Democrats to nominate somebody who's symbolic of change because of his race or because of her gender. I want real change, not a symbol of change.

John Edwards can win in the general election and bring it. He's a nominee who'll put the GOP to bed, and his message speaks to plenty of people who are tired of money dirtying politics.

Jim   January 4th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Edwards' "philisophical" and "academic" criticisms of Obama would have worked better if he used them about, say, 3 months ago, before Obama hit his stride. His speeches aren't so academic anymore.

Linda, Chandler AZ   January 4th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Excuse me, Mr. Edwards….I am one of those "people" you claim supports you and you are NOT my candidate.

Obama '08

Tony   January 4th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Obama/Oprah 08

Seam, Philly, Pa   January 4th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Clinton is so SALTY right now. She can't stand the fact that she was beat really badly. She's so arrogant. Now, all of a sudden, Iowa doesn't matter. You can't trust this woman, because she is fake, and she will turn her back on people quickly. She's desperately trying to convince people of her so called 35 years of experience to create change. PLEASE! Stop your crap Hillary.

not from the mid-west   January 4th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Just because Obama uses the word "change" in his speeches doesn't mean he'll bring it. Take a look at his website–it's almost indistinguishable from Clinton's. Edwards is the only candidate saying he's going to take back our media, health system, electoral process and energy policy from monopolistic corporations. Get with the program progressives–Edwards '08!

Jo in NH   January 4th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

He accepts zero money from big business for his campaign. John Edwards is his own man and the people's candidate. What choice is there?

Samuel Adams,brewery nearyou   January 4th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

What this race is really all about is whether Americans can be folled into voting for another corporate sellout like they have done the past several years. Edwards should be elected on this issue. His stance on illegal immigration is not as good as Huckabees. A candidate who is anti corporate anti free trade and believes in sending employers who hire illegalsto jail will win in a landslide.
Huckabee and Edwards are Americas only true chance for change the rest are just masquarading as change and are actually the old corpororat status quo.

AARadio   January 4th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Go John!!! I'm afraid that Hillary is in for the long haul as much as I wish John were correct. In the end, Edwards/Obama would be the perfect ticket. The establishment has been waging class warfare on the working and middle class ever since old Ronnie stole the 1980 election and John is the only one standing up and saying that free trade, unionbusting and fed "wage deflation" policies are wrong.

Linda, Chandler AZ   January 4th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

To "Anonymous" - What CNN poll??? All the polling I've seen shows that BARACK OBAMA is the only democrat that beat every Republican candidate.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   January 4th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Edwarrds should remember that many's a team lost game 1 and came back to win the series!

Hillary's just fine.

Obama is the flavor of the month; New Hampshire will show that!

Remember folks, Hillary has the best trump card of all the candidates - Bill Clinton!!!

Janel, St. Paul, MN   January 4th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

If I were an Iowan listening to Senator Clinton's remarks that brushed off her loss in that state, I would be kicking up my heels over her defeat.

A key reason that I am not a Clinton supporter is her patronizing attitude towards other candidates, which didn't fare well for her.

As for Mr. Edwards, my hope is that he will give it up and throw his support to the real "change agent" in this race - Barack Obama.

anonymous   January 4th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

I am encouraged by the Iowa results, and pray very much that the country will stand for CHANGE and the backbone of America, it's middle class and working class, and poor.

We need to stand UNITED for Change, that means no Hillary, no Edwards, no Romney. Hillary's husband was a good president in my opinion, but that certainly does not automatically make her the best candidate…just look at her prior vote record in the senate.. and ultimately her reason for moving to NY any way. She and her family essentially abandoned the Arkansas people.

Obama 08

Colleen USA   January 4th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

And when Hillary looses in New Hampshire she'll dismiss their value just like she did Iowa's!.. Doesn't sound Presidential.

Walt, Belton, TX   January 4th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

I'll wager the messenger who told ole "iron pants" the bad news wishes he had found another vocation. Being around Hillarity when she's pissed has been known to be explosive, sometimes almost deadly. Yes, she's been known to shoot the messenger–ask her beloved Arkansas State Troopers.

Gracey Knowle, dallas   January 4th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Danny, it's not just preferring Edwards over Clinton. I would prefer Britney over Clinton!

Lee   January 4th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

What an idiot. It's Iowa. It's hardly representative of the entire country. Hillary finished barely behind him (and wasn't expecting to do much better), and until a whole lot more of the country has spoken, she's not any more "out of it" than he is!

Jack   January 4th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I would love to see Hillary Clinton out of politics forever. Although, I might vote for her for dog catcher… but nothing more.

Mike in Kentucky   January 4th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

There is an old joke that is appropriate to this discussion about youth vs. experience. I will attempt to clean it up a bit.

A farmer and his son were standing on a hill looking down at their herd of dairy cows. It had been a long day. The son was full of energy, bouncing all around and making all sorts of suggestions. Finally he says to his Dad, " Let's run down the hill and milk one or two of those cows!"

The Dad turns to him and says, "No, let's walk down the hill and milk them all!"

We live in a society where experience of life is a discounted commodity.

The wisdom that comes with living life for a while and recovering from its bumps and bruises doesn't seem to count for much anymore. not just in the political sphere but in our culture in general.

Having been around for a while, I would say that coming to Washington as the "outsider", as the "change agent" is a recipe for failure. One has to work within the system to change the system and to be able to do that, one has to know how the system works.

I can only say two words…Hillary Clinton.

Don't hate…Hillary in '08!

Jill Duncan   January 4th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Hey CNN,
You guys are still missing 5% of the GOP Iowa votes…can you please update that as soon as possible..it looks a little suspicious…like maybe RON PAUL come in 3rd and you guys are hiding the votes…?
Thanks,
Jill

zonie   January 4th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Yes… LAST MONTH, CNN reported that Edwards is the ONLY one among the Democratic candidates who would win against ALL of the Republican frontrunners in head to head elections. Unless you are a Republican or an idiot.. it seems to me you Democrats who care about winning this race, SHOULD BE PLUGGING EDWARDS! But Democrats notoriously shoot themselves in the foot by saying things like.. "he spent on his barber! eeew!" .. or "He's yesterday's news.. eeeww!" Go ahead and freak out and scream like girls for Obama, or dig your heels in for Hillary. Lose.

Christian, Tampa FL   January 4th, 2008 6:44 pm ET

Even if Hillary can somehow salvage the sinking ship that is her campaign and defeat Obama, she would most likely alienate so many independents and even a lot of Democrats that her general election campaign would be extroardinarily difficult.

Obama has the Big Mo. Hillary does not.

Kristy Sanborn, Buckhorn, Mo.   January 4th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Hillary is saying if you don't live in NH you can't make up your own mind?
I think her saying now that the people in NH want to make up their own minds and they don't care what anyone else thinks is really sucking up to the people of NH for their votes!
I don't know if a presidential candidate should say that or not about the people of one state, if they don't care what anyone else thinks, are they going to care what the next president thinks?
Should a presidential candidate give that impression of people in a particular state?

Marsha, Portland, OR   January 4th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Welcome to the all boys club way of running the country. I'm so sick of John Edwards and Obama. I know this seems so un-democratic of me after having Bush in office for 8 years but if Edwards or Obama win the primary I'm not voting. I refuse to vote this time around. I will not vote for a Republican, and I'm not voting for either of these two boy's club elitist either. All they've done is accuse, critisize and inflate their way to the top. Clinton has played the uniter this entire time, even when she lost last night, she did so gracefully and with poise saying at least we're showing strong support for democrats and what does Edwards come back with - Oh, look the little woman is out of the race, now it's between the boys. Well neither of those two boys is getting thos woman's vote. I'll wait until the country is ready for a female President.

Albert Gonzales   January 4th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Mr. John Edward,

Look who calling the kettle black? How many percentage points did you get to be second????????? a 0.28% difference!!!!

Not even ONE or Half!!!!!!!! Why not care for your dying wife and leave the election to Hillary and Obama who have the money, votes, organization and Charisma that takes to be a President.

Just be happy that you were once a Vice Presidential Candidate in 2004 in which you were roundly SWIFT BOATED And you could do nothing to avoid the Press SPIN!!!

Now who is spinning the SECOND place position?????

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA : 37.58%

SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS : 29.75%
SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON : 29.47% (a 0.28% difference)

GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON : 2.11%
SENATOR JOE BIDEN : 0.93%
UNCOMMITTED : 0.14%
SENATOR CHRIS DODD : 0.02%
PRECINCTS REPORTING: 1781 OF 1781
(PERCENTAGES ARE STATE DELEGATE EQUIVALENTS.)

7:50: Obama passes Hillary, for the first time.

7:52: More than 25% in, and Obama and Hillary are tied.

7:54: 0.37% separates the big three.

7:56: Obama leads, for the first time. 0.68% separates the big three.

8:00 Without knowing from where the returns are coming, the trend has clearly been a build for Obama, as the night progresses. Hillary is now almost a point and a half behind.

8:03: CNN has declared Huckabee the Republican winner.

8:05: Hillary's closing on Edwards. Obama's opening up his lead. Even so, it's an extremely tight race.

8:09: Just passed the 50% mark, and Obama's looking good in a very close race.

8:15: The margins have been fairly stable, with Obama a few points ahead, and Edwards about a half point better than Hillary.

8:18: The youth vote came out big, for Obama.

8:21: With such tight numbers, Obama has to be feeling good about his lead. The race appears to be for second.

8:25: Obama's now four points up.

8:28: The race is now neck-and-neck. Between Edwards and Hillary, for second.

8:29: Obama is now five points up, with more then three-fourths in. Without knowing the dynamics of the remaining precincts, it's hard to see how he fails to win. Big.

8:33: Obama up five and a half.

8:37: Just checked the CNN website. They've declared Obama the winner. Edwards maintains a tiny, but consistent, lead over Hillary for second.

8:45 Hillary's flirting with not breaking 30%. If she finishes below it, the pundits will EAT HER ALIVE (like Former Senator Edwards in his pre-mature declaration of her pre-mature demise). She's still just a "breath" behind Edwards.
Source: http://theleftcoaster.com/ Date 01/04/08.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/ http://facts.hillaryhub.com/
For a little national election snapshot: http://uselectionatlas.org/2008.php

tess   January 4th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

reading what Hillary has to say at the end of this piece - sort of makes me laugh
out loud.
HILLARY WE ALL HEARD YOU AFTER YOU LOST IN IOWA…..YOU COULD
NOT SAY ENOUGH WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT YOUR TIME AT THE
IOWA CAUCUS AND WHAT A WONDERFUL JOB THEY WERE DOING!

YOU MADE IT SOUND AS THOUGH IOWA HAD IT DOWN TO PERFECTION
AS TO CHOOSING A CANDIDATE…..

NOW YOU ARE TELLING THE PEOPLE OF N.H. THAT IOWA WAS NOT
ALL IT IS CRACKED UP TO BE….

C'MON WE KNOW YOU ARE A LIAR BUT YOU ARE GOING TOO FAR NOW…!

Liam   January 4th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

John Edwards is just whistling past the graveyard. Hillary has over a hundred million in funds, and he has very little. She is going to stay in and have lots of money to go on the air in all the big states on super Tuesday. Edwards had to win in Iowa. He got as far as he did in 2004, and you saw what he did after that. Nothing. Edwards is the 2004 history repeating itself. He got a boost in Iowa, and never build on it. He also was a pushover for Dick Cheney during their one debate. He delivered nothing to the ticket.

It is going to be a fight for the nomination between Obama and Hillary. John Edwards had to win Iowa, and he failed. He is a dead man walking.

Sheri   January 4th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Mr. Edwards….that comment proves that you're not intelligent enough to run the Country. Pure ignorance.

Jim, Cherokee   January 4th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

Oh dear John. You only won through Iowa's second place shift. You will not find that in an Election. Senator Clinton beat you in almost every county. Did beat you in first time votes that is. You will not be in the race much longer. Don't forget Senator Clinton is still leading by 20.5 pts Nationally. and by 6.5 in Iowa.

Tyler in Raleigh, NC   January 4th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

We could only hope…. but sadly Clinton will continue. Maybe after NH and SC people will wake up and see that she is not the inevitable she claims to be.

I see Hillary only making two points.

1) She is the only one that can win (contrary to polls)
2) She has "experience" (which even though I doubt, people have rejected favoring change… not the same old BS she is selling).

I still do not like Edwards, but I would rather it be him than Hillary…. lets hope it does not come to that and its Obama all the way.

M Smith   January 4th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Why would you want another round of lying, self-serving Clinton politics? They both spend as much time defending their actions as they do running the country. What a waste of intelligence. Lack of integrity is their downfall. If this country wants to be respected again on the world stage we need a leader we can respect 24-7 who is looking out for everyone, not just themselves. Obama might be that man, at least he only has to overcome youth and inexperience. Neither Clinton nor Edwards knows anything about living in the real world. They are in the elite 1 percent.

Angel   January 4th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

I'm sorry, Iowa doesn't represent the country. For him to say that is utterly ridiculous. I hope Hillary beats them both in New Hampshire. I know she'll win in my home state, Florida.

Jim, Cherokee   January 4th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

Nando, Florida

You are a cancer to the democratic party. Senator Clinton has done good things in the party along with Senator Obama, Former Senator Edwards, Gov. Richardson, Senator Dodd, and Senator Biden. They all have. Just because they are challenging your pick, You should not criticise.. Question. Barack Obama could be a Kenya Plant years ago. Did his Mom and Dad just move to Hawaii to be sure he was born in the United States? He very well could be a plant! Not saying he is, but we really do not know Barack Obama. He needs to come clean. His college roommate went to look him up when Obama first started running for President. Obama went public saying this man was just wanting money. Well this man is no where to be found. What happen to him? And what did he know about Obama to ask for money? There are lots of question's Obama needs to answer to usas Americans that he wants to work for. Also what about his church's 47 year old Choir Director, and why was he killed.

I smell dirty fish around Obama. There may not be any, but he needs to be exsposed before elected President. We do not need to elect a stranger just because the republicans have made a mess of things.

Kris   January 4th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Jack, I would love to see you gone from making rude/unrelated comments on politic blog forever. This shows the maturity of person who vote for Obama. Let make an educated comment for a change, would you?

Danielle, Philadelphia PA   January 4th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Edwards' comment sounds desperate. Guess he's really threatened by Hillary, because they had almost the same number of supporters in Iowa.

andy   January 4th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

I wounder how people can start to say i am the biggest winner out of one little state when the rest of us in the uSA of have a say so also and its not over till the f.. lady sings I think me edwards !!

Trang, Fremont, CA   January 4th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Hillary does have a strong organization and can go the distance if she chooses too. Edwards, however, does not have this.

Aside from Obama's inspirational talk, Hillary still has not really show herself. I think this is her loss. For all the claim that she has experience, why not answer the questions, elaborate the answers, show us her 'so called' intelligence and experience - now, while she is campaigning. So far, I've seen Bill does it for her, and he does a superb job, but she needs to show it herself.

If she can break out of her shell, then who knows, but somehow, she is afraid to show it or something. I mean, she is afraid of answering questions. I watched many of her speeches, while she usually deliver her speech but rarely have a Q&A session. She is afraid of making mistakes perhaps, but people don't really get to know her when she is like this.

I am an Obama fan, but I don't think Hillary has show her best yet - or is this her best? Be yourself, Hillary. All the candidates do it. Why are you having such a hard time with this? Is it because you don't know yourself, you haven't found yourself yet? Are the ideas Bill expound your ideas or his ideas? How come he can explain them so well, and you can't?

Well, there will be a debate coming up and I'll see whether you have improved.

Leslie   January 4th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

But did Edwards make any cracks about running for "Lezident?"

http://www.lezident.com

He's the "shiny pony" you know.

Dem from MI   January 4th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Keep going John, all the way to the White House!

EDWARDS '08

MARK LAGUNA BEACH CA   January 4th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

I am not the candidate of glitz but I do enjoy 400.00 haircuts!! THis guy is ridiculous!! Go Hillary in NH!!!!!

dee