January 15, 2008
Posted: 09:50 AM ET
 Edwards is directly targeting his rivals in new South Carolina ads.
Edwards is directly targeting his rivals in new South Carolina ads.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards is airing four ads in South Carolina Tuesday that directly contrasts his candidacy with rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

The four 10-second spots seek to differ Edwards from his rivals by touting the former North Carolina senator's opposition of NAFTA, his refusal to take money from Washington lobbyists, his pledge not to employ lobbyists in the White House, and a recent CNN Poll showing he is the only Democratic presidential candidate to beat all the Republicans in a general election match up.

The commercials follow Edwards' four-day bus tour of the southern state — an important primary contest for him following his distant third-place showing in New Hampshire last week. Edwards, who was born in South Carolina, won the state in 2004. But recent polls suggest he trails Clinton and Obama there by double digits.

The South Carolina Democratic Primary is scheduled for January 26.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Ads • John Edwards • South Carolina


Molly   January 19th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Big Corporate Media will continue to deemphasize Edwards' campaign, because he's the one candidate who has a real plan to help US while reigning in the power of the big corporations. Americans are just too stupid and shallow to look beyond what they see on tv. Edwards/Obama is a ticket that could easily beat the Republicans, and Obama would benefit from getting an actual plan instead of relying on vague promises of things like "hope" and "unity."

Wilhemina   January 18th, 2008 6:35 am ET

When Bill was Governor of Arkansas, Clinton's brother Roger was arrested for cocaine possession in 1984 and served a year in federal prison.[2] Subsequently, his brother granted him a pardon amongst the list of pardons issued on January 19, 2001.

However, Roger continued to court legal trouble. On February 17, 2001, he was arrested and charged with two counts of drunken driving and one for disturbing the peace. In a deal that spared him jail time, Roger Clinton pleaded guilty to a non-alcohol-related charge of reckless driving.

Chompioe   January 16th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

Go to JohnEdwards08.com this Friday, JANUARY 18, 2008 and contribute to John's campaign. We are trying to do a money bomb like Ron Paul's supporters did. If John makes $7 million in one day, the media will have to pay attention. This is a 3 person race. Don't let the media decide to keep Edwards out of the next debate like Kuchinich. We need someone who truly cares and will make a difference.

TG   January 16th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

A lot of people are giving their reasons why they like who they like, but they seem to forget that there are 3 viable Demo candidates. It's not a 'Clinton or Obama only' argument. John Edwards is the best PERSON to lead us back to the nation we need to be. Remember, it's the best candidate, regardless of race and/or gender, who should get the job.

MIKEY   January 16th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I'M A SOLDIER NOT A POLITICIAN, BUT I WILL ADD MY 2 CENTS HERE (AFTERALL I FOUGHT FOR IT RIGHT!) THE ANSWER IS NONE!!……..THE DEMS ARE WEAK AND CORRUPT….WE DON'T NEED A EX- DOPE SMOKING, EX- COCAIN HEAD EX-MUSLEM TURNED CHRISTAIN WHO BELONGS TO A CHURCH THAT OPERATES AND PREACHES WITH A RACEST THEME (OBAMA) OR A WOMAN WHO CAN'T STAND UP TO AN EX-DOPE SMOKING ADULTEROUS HUSBAND WHO'S PRESIDENCY WAS FULL OF CORRUPTION AND MORALESSNESS.( CLINTON) ANY WOMAN WHO WOULD PUT UP WITH A CHEATING HUSBAND ISN'T GOING TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO RUN OUR GREAT NATION. IN SHORT THEY BOTH ARE FIGHTING TO MAKE HISTORY EITHER BEING THE FIRST BLACK OR THE FIRST WOMAN PERSIDENT…..THATS ALL THEY CARE ABOUT, WHAT YOU WANT DONE IS SECOND ON THE LIST IN WHAT THEY WANT!! WHEN IT COMES TO THE ONES THAT FIGHT FOR YOU, IT'S THE SOLDIER…….AND THE DEMS ARE THE FIRST ONES TO SCREW THAT SOLDER. WAKE UP PEOPLE!……..LOOK PAST THE BIG SPEACH OF CHANGE (OBAMA) OR THE FAKE TEARS (CLINTON) AND GET A REPUBLICAN THAT WILL DO WHATS RIGHT. OH YEA ONE MORE THING GET THE ILLEGALS OUT AND KEEP THEM OUT WITH A GOOD FENCE AND GIVE OUR COUNRTY BACK TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!……..I HATE PRESSING "1″ FOR ENGLISH, THATS A LOAD OF CRAP!!!

sairefgm   January 16th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

JOHN EDWARDS DO NOT STAND A FRACTION OF A CHANCE AGAINST ANYONE. I WILL ECHO THE PERSON HERE WHO SAID STAY IN THE RACE AND GIVE YOUR DELEGATES TO OBAMA.

SORRY PEOPLE EDWARDS IS NOT THE ONE AND I LIKE EDWARDS BUT HE IS LACKING IN MANY AREAS. PRESENTATION, KNOWLEDGE, REASON, HE SOUNDS LIKE SOUNDING BRASS. IT IS NOT GOING TO WORK FOR HIM, I AM SO SORRY FOR ALL THE EDWARDS SUPPORTERS.

THE REPUBLICANS WILL EAT HIM ALIVE!

Independent 08

Bullofmizzou, MO   January 15th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

To answer the question posed by ol John Boy , in the Ad {above in this article} is,,,,NONE {with a little smiley face rolling around on the floor laughing}

Do any of the folks making all these pro demodummy comments here, realize that the Democrat Party has been HiJacked by pro Communists, Socialists, and the Rich and Elite?….Wow have they got you all really "Boon Swaggled" ! Since when has any democrat ever gotten the Poor, the Downtrodden, or the Sick out of their own misery??….NEVER. And its not going to CHANGE either…..

Ann Coulter was right with the title of her new book, "If Democrats Had any Brains, They Would Be Republicans"…AMEN.

T.R.R.-Utah   January 15th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

The only one talking about fixing the underlying problems of the U.S. is John Edwards. The rest just throw them in a bag and draw because it makes no difference. Repub and Dem. alike.

Bmarshall   January 15th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Alice…Youre screeming at us with all of those capital letters. Perhaps you are projecting all of your anger. Edwards is not angry he is determined. You are the one who is angry. Settle down….take a deep breath. Any Democrat is better than any Republican and I will happily vote for any Democatic nominee.

Julie, Atlanta, GA   January 15th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Wake up, wake up, WAKE UP, America! John Edwards is an EXTRAORDINARY CANDIDATE and he's leaps and bounds ahead of the other two. Good grief, have the last 7+ years taught us NOTHING??????

We cannot possibly screw this up AGAIN…Please, please, please…Take a look at johnedwards.com…You'll see what many others have seen for some time.

A vote for John Edwards is a vote for yourself.

GO JOHN GO!!!!!!

Betty Vierra   January 15th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

This quote from John Edwards' (from the NPR debate) illustrates why I so strongly support John Edwards for the presidency:

"Why is the president of the United States not saying to the American people, to local communities, buy local? It is good for the local economy, it is good for farmers. It is good on the issue of global warming, because everything that comes from China carries an enormous carbon footprint with it."

He sees how the issues of trade, climate chance, fair economic opportunity, and perserving family farms all relate. And he advocates a build from the bottom up approach as opposed to the failed trickle down policies we have been following.

Our problems aren't going to be solved piecemeal. They can be solved with a decisive, practical, willing-to-talk-to-us leader, John Edwards.

Bmarshall   January 15th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

John Edwards is the man that the working class and the middle class need at this time in history. We have lost our collective voices to the shrill noise of the wealthy elite and their multimillion dollar business ventures within the traditional media.

When the people who are losing ground financially in this country, and that is the majority of middle class families in this country, they know that what he says is true.

If enough people hear his message he will win the nomination. There are many that do not want him to be heard because he is a threat to them.

Treating this upcoming election and the important decision that we have to make as a country as if it were a popularity contest, or battle of the bands rock star extravaganza is a travesty.

Ziggy   January 15th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Kevin says:
"Clinton Beats all Republican candidates too, but the media is not reporting that fact."

I agree with kenshin above me. Hillary doesn't beat out all the republican candidates one on one. You can't pretend that some republican candidates don't exist and then say Hillary beats all the republicans. John Edwards is the ONLY democratic candidate that beats ALL the republicans in the polls. Yet so far we democrats are not paying attention.

Wake up America! do you want to lose this election to the same stuff again? Obama will make a great VP, Hillary can continue to be a great senator.

Edwards Obama 2008!

State of Virginia   January 15th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

First off,I'd like to thank CNN for doing a story on Mr. Edwards.John is by far and away the leader in bringing up the issues that matter to this country.If not for John Edwards,there would not even be a Democratic debate.At least not one with substance.

JCNCNY   January 15th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

John Edwards is the true progressive candidate in this race and he’s been leading the Democratic agenda of the issues that matter to American families and American workers. Too many people have been blinded by the “soap opera” that has unfolded between Senators Obama and Clinton. The media, who has crowned the so called "frontrunners", devote hours of coverage to projecting who will emerge victorious after the two finish bashing one other in a game of “you started it.”

All the while, John Edwards works twice as hard to reach voters in small towns across SC who have witnessed firsthand the devastation to their lives of a failing economy, rising healthcare costs, jobs being shipped overseas as well as a range of other issues that neither media pundits or Washington insiders quite “get.” People really need to do their homework and not allow themselves to be swayed by the glitz of the other candidates who are spending multi-millions of dollars to convince voters of a falsehood. John Edwards has opted to receive public financing, why has Senators Obama and Clinton not done the same? They both say they support public financing… because you see, there’s “talking the talk” and then there’s “walking the walk.”

Look at the candidates records, who was the only candidate willing to bring poverty in to the national debate? Which candidate has never taken lobbyist money? That’s right on both counts, John Edwards. America needs to wake up and see what's going on here. Why does the corporately owned media refuse to give John Edwards virtually no airtime while all other candidates, including the entire field of Republican candidates, receive an abundance of coverage every single day? Think about it, which of the Democratic candidates has promised to end the stranglehold that corporate lobbyists have on our government and our democracy? Polls show that John Edwards beats every single Republican candidates running, the same cannot be said for Senators Obama and Clinton. So, tell us again mainstream media and DNC insiders, why is John Edward’s candidacy for President of the United States not viable?

kenshin   January 15th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

"Clinton Beats all Republican candidates too, but the media is not reporting that fact"

ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION??? MCCAIN KICKS HER BEHIND!!! not even close!

edwards beats them all with the best margin. has been for MONTHS!!!

but i'm not looking for electability, i'm looking for the BEST president, and that will be

JOHN EDWARDS!

first on health care (still the best plan folks…)
first on global warming
no new nuclear power
no lobbyists in the white house (all 36,000 of them in DC, and their $5.1 billion dollars they spent last congress)
first on poverty
FOLLOW THE LEADER!

"Animal"Tampa, Fla   January 15th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

I think we do need Edwards in the White House more than ever… If you look at these other two buffoons… they are all just hype and full of hot air…

I mean.. think about it..

On one hand, you have a candidate that has had more ethical questions against her than any other democrat on earth, and you have another candidate whose level of experience is less….LESS… than 1/3 of h is first six year term in the United States Senate, and instead of trying to put forth his own proposals, he has to copy cat everything Edwards has proposed.

But Edwards, he is different.. He understands these problems,,, he understands what our nation is going through… and yet he puts it in a way that every democrat understands. and he is REAL!!!

I know.. I have met John Edwards, and his lovely wife Elizabeth.. These are two wonderful people who would be outstanding in the White House..

C'mon CNN– wake up.. Give Edwards a chance.. and that also.. goes for the country as well.

Will   January 15th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

CAN WE GET EDWARDS TO DROP OUT OF THIS RACE SO WE CAN WIP Billarys’ ASS……………..WE NEED TO START THIS MOVEMENT NOW….PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD………

America Rising   January 15th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

First, thank you CNN for some fact-based, non-biased coverage on John Edwards’ campaign.

People need to observe the fact that while the other candidates have gone off track to competed in the ‘war of the words’, John Edwards has stayed on message and has continued to speak with the people of this country and hear our voices. He’s been out here discussing the issues that America wants to hear about rather than becoming involved in status quo politics of “He said, She said” rhetoric. He shows a dogged dedication to this country and our needs and will not allow himself to be distracted. That is the kind of person I want to see in our White House!

John Edwards is a truth teller in the style of 'Give 'em hell Harry Truman', and that does not always make one popular with a public that would rather hear about Britney Spears on the evening news than how to sufficiently deal with our country's economic crisis. However, his innovative ideas have formed the dialogue of this election on all the major issues time and again. Why? Because John Edwards "gets it" and he's prepared to do what needs to be done.

Vote Edwards '08

Tunstall, Barbara   January 15th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

BILL CLINTON CALLED A BLACK MAN, "BOY" THAT IN IT SELF IS DEGRADING
HE WILL REGRET THAT, I'M SURE.

fomer clinton man   January 15th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

I have always been a Clinton supporter from way back when he was the govenor of Arkansas. I have been so dissapointed by the clinton campaign and the way thay are destroying Obama. I find these sick emails and all of this drug use questions just sickening. I really hate this for Bill Clinton. this will tarnish is legacy. I hope that Hillary drops out early because she is destroying the party.

democrat   January 15th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Please stop the fighting and bickering. (you too hilary and barack) We need to be a UNITED party and stop the hideous republican give to the rich machine!!! Stay focussed democrats!!!! Every comment should read — "no matter who get the nomination, I will vote for them ahead of any republican" Remember our goals: get out of Iraq, make health care affordable, stop global warming & allow the middle class to have something more than debt to show for their efforts.
Please don't let the media draw you into useless bickering. The media wants to see us fight with each other – stay united & God Bless you all!!!!!!

jyfranca   January 15th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Edward is right Obama and Clinton are disqualified,too fast and they have already divided People on race.This proves Democrats are racists

wakeupamerica!   January 15th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

FACE THE FACTS……..pay attention to details people the main stream media has been blacking out EWARDS through out this entire race for a reason…………enough said!

if still don't know why and you want to know why…….www.johnedwards.com/issues

Republican   January 15th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Now it's official….the dems look as bad as the republicans fighting in public.

CNN, you are hilarious calling these "contrast ads" after calling the republicans "negative ads"….you just like to keep things going and you think you can influence the elections.

You're probably right, most Americans are lazy and half stupid for not studying the candidates and their positions. Instead you are asking if they are too good looking……

If Hillary gets the nomination, the men will polarize and keep her from getting in office, don't kid yourselves…she is hated by men.

If Obama gets the nomination you will have a fight on your hands, as there are many republicans who like him, and he may end up being the first black president.

If Edwards wins, he will be obliterated by the republicans, they see him as the weakest.

Just some insiders comments.

CHARLESTON   January 15th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Hold on BJohnson! You say that Obama was unfair to Hillary! What about disrespecting a 40 something year old man by calling him a BOY or Kid as Bill did! There is a lot of disrespecting going on in this race and the people will be the ones to suffer. Obama and Clinton need to stop and BREATH a minute! This is no FAIRY TALE people. This is real life!

Delbert Hawkins   January 15th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Labor Rights’ Leader and Activist Richard Chavez Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
Brother of the Late Cesar Chavez to Campaign for Hillary
The Clinton campaign announced today the endorsement of labor rights’ Richard Chavez, brother of the late Cesar Chavez. Richard will join Clinton’s National Hispanic Leadership Council; he will advise on labor issues and Hispanic outreach efforts.

"Hillary Clinton has the strength and the experience to lead our nation starting from day one. As someone who has spent a lifetime working very hard to improve the lives of working families, I applaud Hillary’s commitment to create quality and affordable healthcare and to create fair wages for every American," said Richard Chavez. "I have no doubt that as President she will continue to fight tirelessly for all the underserved."

Richard Chavez worked with his brother Cesar Chavez for over twenty years until Cesar’s death in 1993. Since then, Richard has carried on with his brother’s lifetime commitment, touring the country and speaking about Cesar’s life. He continues to fight for all that Cesar stood for: fair wages, healthcare, pension benefits and most importantly basic human living conditions for farm workers across of the United States.

Joe   January 15th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

The Republicans were right about one thing this whole time. Hillary Clinton is cold and calculating.

Becky   January 15th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I wonder who many of these Clinton haters have ever even left their stupid computers and actually gone out and listened to the candidates…..I bet not very many!!!!

Jerry Fredericksburg, VA   January 15th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Vidal from Memphis, TN – you have spoken my mind!! Obama and Edwards together is not only a ticket that can't be beat they will undo the incredible damage done to the nation since 2001, and lead us to the new promised land where we can have an educational, healthcare, and social security system that is solvent and affordable. I am tired of the same old warmed over drivel.

Becky   January 15th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

John Edwards should go home and take care of his wife…wouldn't even help her off the bus the other day…the cameraman had to…..he didn't sound very concerned about his daughters car accident either…..he is just thinking about himself….poor Elizabeth is not looking good lately…the stress of his NO WIN campaign is killing her and he doesn't care…..it seems.

LeeAnn N. Taylor, San Francisco, Ca   January 15th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

JD in Wisconsin – you made me LOL! Good one!!

aware   January 15th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

In this country we still have a male establishment. There are a few exceptional woman who fight the battle and gain a voice! However, the only real change we have are the ethnic males who have been let in the club. This is true in politics, in the church and in our culture. It is an ego/power/control issue.

Gender is the big issue in this election! Misogyny/sexism is a major evil in the USA and all over the world. It transcends ethnicity!

The dehumanizing of women that we allow produces violence – prostitution, savage beating, murder, rape, pornography, sex trade/sex slaves, ridicule of young women/exposure…, and all of this is covered by the media – sometimes obsessively, sometimes as humor and often without human respect.

If you want real change – healing, unity, peace…, get out of the silly attack mode and challenge the real issues – make a difference – not just a noise!

Face it CNN!

Tony   January 15th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

The 'Clintons' are in there only for 'Position', Power' and the millions of $$$$ in personal gain with more future exposure and global speaking engagagements.

Bill Clinton's statements and remarks should be taken as void and lack of all credibility and truth.

His defamatory remarks and related actions toward Senator Obama and his campaign must be taken from a proven 'liar' and 'deceptionist' as he proved himself by his own answers and statements when pulic inquiry and exposed re his extra marital sex affairs while holding position of the Nation's highest public office as president of the United States of America and thereto related statements upon public inquiry and exposure.

JBell in CA   January 15th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Edwards is getting my vote on Feb. 5th.

If only he got half the coverage Clinton and Obama are getting, he'd be leading.

lawrencewalker   January 15th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I was a Howard Dean supporter four years ago, and I am a John Edwards supporter now because both of these guys can't be bought. They're fighters for the underdogs, and both Dean and Edwards realize that corporations (and corporate media with vested interests) are dominating the campaigns, the candidates and much of the government. Dean and Edwards, more than any other recent popular candidates (a nod to Kucinich here, who deserves an honorable mention), realize that what a struggle we have before us to truly strengthen our so-called democracy. These are "power to the people" guys, and thus they have marginalized by the powers that be, powers which are genuinely not friendly to the overall well-being of the United States, the community of nations and the world at large. As long as his name is on the ballot, I will be voting for Edwards.

Casey   January 15th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

John beats all republicans in the polls = can win the states that matter to win the Presidency (as well as have a shot in some "redder" states). The democrats are notorious for picking losers in the primary – Kerry was a bust, Hillary will be a bust … for democrats on the whole to be more educated they sure do not use that intelligence in their voting. John Edwards is the best candidate just may be too late for people to realize……and doubt they will learn a lesson after another defeat AFTER one of the (if not the) worst President in history! I hope Nevada and SC residents are smarter!!!

jp   January 15th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Clinton is the best by far, determined, secure, well versed in politics, economics, has contacts with many world leaders,

Chris, Denver CO   January 15th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

The only reason I don't care is that any of the three leading democrats would be 10 times better than any of the republicans running. And 100 times better than bush. Clinton, Obama OR Edwards– take your pick!

AJ; Montpelier, VT   January 15th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Lloyd DeMoss posted:

" I sure hope as a Democrat for 50 years I am not put in a position to have to vote Republican, but I will if Hillary is the Democrats choice. This is a defineing moment in our history and in spite of the pundits it is not about sex or race, but who can best lead this country."

Lloyd – Go ahead and stomp your feet and moan and carry on if Hillary gets the nomination. But please stay out of the voting booth. Voting against your principals for spite is something a 6 yeard old would do, not something a grown man should do. If you want to hate Hillary go ahead and hate her. But to vote republican after 50 years just shows you are voting against you beliefs and principals for spite. With that lack of maturity, do you really need to voting at all?

BJohnson   January 15th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I concur with Congressman Rangel and also feel that Obama took Hillary Clinton comments out of context. Obama put a negative spin to Hillary's comments which was messy and unfair to her. Hillary and her family are civil rights advocates. It was a cheap shot for him to dehumanize her accomplishments and civil rights efforts over the years.

Obama team should stop slinging mud and try a win the democratic nomination by focusing on the economy and housing crisis. The bigger question on the table is what you are going to do for Middle Income families so that we can feed our families and buy gasoline.

David   January 15th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

With Hillary and Barack fighting each other over the Afican-American vote in South Carolina, hopefully they will split the vote. Then maybe John can win that primary and get some much needed momentum. I think it doesn't take much common sense to determine that he would have the best chance of beating the Republican candidate.

Julie, Atlanta, GA   January 15th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

America deserves so much better than we've been getting.

America deserves a president who will make us proud again.

America deserves President John Edwards!!!

Go get 'em, John!!!

Jack K., Florida   January 15th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

So who isn't a blogger. These days.

Most of the debate and vote swaying is being done over the internet.

Only the Old Guys were shocked when Edwards beat Hillary in Iowa.

Everybody in the blogosphere could already see it coming.

Too bad the all 88 people in NH…don't have internet access.

Brandon   January 15th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

The only reason Edwards is behind is because he is not being bought.

Wake up America!

Lila Wisconsin   January 15th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

"Campaign law indicates you can't campaign in a state until around 1 year prior to the caucus or primary. Yet JE was in Iowa, New Hampshire etc. for 4 years prior to the Iowa caucus."

Uh, Stu, John Edwards was running for President four years ago and ended up becoming Kerry's running mate.

kim   January 15th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Obama has 75% chance to win in the general election. I hope people just do the right thing and the media stop drugging him to the mud!

Upper midwest   January 15th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

A recent poll on CNN polls found that 20% found them accurate, 30% found them inaccurate, and 49% have never taken a CNN poll, and 1% have.

Two weeks ago CNN’s big story was ‘Change’, last week ‘Economy’, this week ‘Race’. By November they might have a workable sentence.

RK   January 15th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

The media should be ashamed to itself. They successfully injected Obama in this race card that Hillary brought up. We see things through. No wonder Iowans said media should not elect for them the president.
Does anybody remember Hillary the front runner for over 5months in the media?

jose   January 15th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

America must choose a candidate because of his/her heart and mind is that of a great leader. A man who speak with eloquence, poetic style and rhetoric is not the sole criteria for presidency. Candidate should also open up, their religious affiliation. The past may tell the truth. The principle that should guide the candidate, Democrat or Republican- Clinton , Romney, and other candidates, is the ability to maintain a strong economy and lasting security . Strong economy means- low cost education, affordable health care, job for all, upgrade welfare. Security means-peace at home.securing our border, reducing the ability of our adversary to do us harm and maintain the Empire of True God.

Ann   January 15th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Yes, yes, John Edwards is the person to vote for. We need him desperately to sort out this country….

Jake, Brussels, BELGIUM   January 15th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

It's odd that CNN refers to Edwards' version as "contrast ads" whereas they call Romney's issue comparisons "negative attacks."

Candidates, Dem or GOP, should be allowed to show how they're different without being labeled "negative." It's the name-calling attacks that we've heard from every side that have no place in our supposedly civil democracy.

Kristi from Indiana   January 15th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

I do wish Edwards would not split the Dem vote even though as a democratic society we should encourage all candidates' voices to be heard. But we all know that some candidates are thrown into the race to help split the vote to the advantage of another and this time around it's Hilary's advantage!

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   January 15th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

A rewrite and correcting my spelling mistakes.

Beating the Republicans is not the problem, being able to be an effective President is the answer.
The problem is getting the Democrats in Congress to act like Republicans and walk in lock step.
So far the only candidate receiving the majority of Democrats voting is, that's right, Hillary. Obama without the independent voter and the Republican crossovers, it would be a one woman race to the White House.
Obama is comparable to the star quarterback coming out of college, a lot to learn unti he becomes an effective leader. Politics is not a game , Politics is War, and when your learning is on the job your mistakes lead to ruin lives and as we have seen with Bush it also results in needless deaths.
I have never read why Edwards dropped out of the Senate.

Todd   January 15th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Why is the media so wildly biased against Clinton? IS it because she won't be bullied by Tim Russert? Because she's rational rather than sensationalist? She beats all the Republicans too, but the media won't report that.

If Obama is the "change" candidate, why doesn't he stand up for LGBT mariage rights? THAT would be a change.

Tom Davie   January 15th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Edwards is going to chuck all his delegates at Obama in exchange for a vice prez bid . So it plays out well for Obama.

I think he is a decent guy, but he is weak politically, and Obama is much smarter to choose Joe Biden .

Hillary is less attractive as vice president. She would be a stuck in a box with a two term president husband sitting around doing very little.

However, Obama makes a great vice president. He is a fanastic public speaker and his inexperience is much less of an issue as vice president.

I think it will be

Hillary / Obama ticket

or

Obama / Edwards ticket

Anonymous   January 15th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

For everyone who keeps saying that all of the Edwards supporters would go to Obama if Edwards would quit, you don't know what you're talking about! Chris Mathews even had a guest on his show Sunday that said Edwards staying in the race "hurts Clinton more". Besides, anything can still happen.

J, CA   January 15th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Edwards campaign manger Joe Trippi is a blogger.
What were they thinking?

B, Atlanta   January 15th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Go Home John. Stop Competing for VP Position on Obama Ticket. I know you may be even funded by Obama to split HRC votes. You are not winning. Other than some idiots on some blog sites, you do not have mainstream support from the people. Your ideas are not well received. It is not your turn. Don't be a spoiler.

Peter   January 15th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I think President Bill Clinotn should stay out of attack mode. We do not want to see him in white house. He does not have moral ground for it and we cannot trust him as a husband ,being there. He will have more time to screw around , more than last time. Leave Obama alone the czar of Hope and change. Clintons are past and divisive and does not deserve to be in White House again.Peter

ODC350@aol.com   January 15th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

I love me some Edwarian…he so soft spokin and sweet, sweet like me like me some new presidant- and nice too, you know me no wanna see no terrorist in our own back yard wit sticks tryin' to get our stuff away from us to take away to them, you knwo me talkin' bout?!

B ... NY   January 15th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Edwards does have a chance to win in the general election. I think his numbers are pretty good considering the media does not give him any coverage; they have already decided it is a 2 person race. He has not taken any money from lobbyist so he does not have to answer to anyone but as a result he does not have the money the other two have to spend on ads. In addition a lot of people are voting for Hillary because she is a woman and a lot of people are voting for Obama because he is a black man. I campaigned in NH and people told me; it is not hearsay. So for the first being a white man is a disadvantage; but he is still the best one I think.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 15th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

The head-to-head wins over all GOP candidates is the most persuasive evidence for me of why Hillary and Obama are relatively, if not absolutely, unelectable.

fay   January 15th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

this should be about the issues, stop pushing race,vs 1st woman president,
there are others working very hard to be heard, lets hear from them, seems someone one or group are trying to already make this a Hillary vs Obama and really want the race to be Obama(first black President) and Hillary(first woman ) president,
let us each make up our minds and then in the end we will have two clear choices, a Dem. and a Rep. I guess it is more exciting and newer to talk about these two, than the issues.

Jether J.   January 15th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

When is he going to come up with different stories to tell. I'm tired of hearing about the guy who had the cleft lip.

A   January 15th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Oh, yes…let's put another person with "great ideas" in the VP chair…what we need is NOT another figurehead president running on a secret agenda (Clinton) or an inexperienced leader (Obama). They're both good candidates, but let's put the person with the ideas in the White House! I'd like to see an Edwards-Obama ticket, and in eight years, Barack will be the MOST qualified candidate the Democrats have ever had to offer! His time will come, it's just not now. And honestly….after twenty years of the same two families…well, what's the big buzzword? Time for *change*?

Tom Masters   January 15th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I mean, are we really gonna vote into office any of these politicians too dumb to know this is the wrong topic at the wrong time?!

We have economic, health care, security and energy issues that faaar outweigh Billary's reality show preference AND a new dumb race discussion.

I think we should start from scratch, right now, and get new Dem applicants, because the ones we have right now are all so not qualified that the Reps are sure to win the White House AND Congress.

I'm an independent, Democratic Republican to be more accurate, I don't care which party gets it, I care about the person/people who get it.

Both parties are each about half right, All of these candidates are about all wrong.

Lawdog90   January 15th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Scott, Royal Oak,

Edwards WILL NOT drop out. He will win the nomination. If he doesn't he must stay in the race; otherwise, both Obama and Clinton will abandon their quests to formulate a progressive agenda. Without Edwards in this campaign,

1. Clinton wouldn't have advanced a bill for raising the minimum wage;

2. Clinton wouldn't have advanced a plan to stimulate the economy which is razor-thin close to, if not already in, recession;

3. Neither Obama nor Clinton would have reached the level of trying to formulate specific plans during the campaign that let us know how they would address some of the issues such as health care (they've fallen off with the childish bickering over race);

4. Obama would not address the negative influence of lobbyists and corporatists on the progress of this country;

5. Obama would not be addressing the issue of poverty, now saying that it is also "his life's work."

6. Etc. One can go on and on about the value of John Edwards, but five points is enough for this post. Hopefully you understand that in the event John Edwards even thinks he may not win the nomination, he must fight all the way to the convention. We cannot afford for him to dilute the power of his presidential run.

Neither of the other candidates has arrived, yet. They are still established and status quo. Obama is trying (he is inspirational), but he is still all rhetoric, having really not thought out how he will do what he's "hope"-ing and "dream"-ing for!

Clinton is almost tough enough, but she cannot let go of the tainted money – she can't (and doesn't seem really willing to) change a thing with that kind of baggage.

So, NO, John Edwards (and his crew of which I'm an humbled member) is in it to win it!! The media blackout and the pessimism of even the most conscientious voters will not stop this!!

Southern Gal   January 15th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

If we Americans really want a presidential campaign based on the issues and not the personalities of the candidates, all South Carolinians need to vote for John Edwards. That way, Obama and Clinton will come in 2nd and 3rd and then they'll really start talking the talk and listening to the American people – no matter what state they're in.

Let's shake up their camps and give John Edwards the necessary push he deserves.

Still uncommitted.

John V   January 15th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

It's nice to see there are still a few people out there who aren't being influenced by the polls or the media and are looking at the facts of each candidate and what they stand for. For me, only Edwards has stood by what he believes in and has not wavered in his message. I hope he keeps up the good fight because I want to be voting for him come November!!!! Get all of the corporate money out of Washington!!!! I can't believe people don't get angry about that!! I hope he gets even more vocal about that and how it has just destroyed our country!!!

Jack K., Florida   January 15th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

To Sal in Ilinois:

Huh???

Katy   January 15th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Edwards is nice but who is he fooling? Obama is the only one to win the general election. I would like to see an Obama/Edwards ticket though.

Conan Campbell   January 15th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Kevin wrote – "Edwards and Obama are "double teaming" Clinton…"

Now that 's down right disgusting.

Adam, Sacramento   January 15th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

"Clinton Beats all Republican candidates too, but the media is not reporting that fact"

Actually she looses to McCain by 2%. McCain and Edwards have one thing going for them people believe they are telling them what they will do. May not always agree but the consistency of message popular or not inspires trust.

The above is why the flip flopper comments beat kerry against bush. People end up choosing the bird in the hand they are certain of rather than gambling on the uncertain. The fate of the world is something most people, independents especially, don't want to gamble with they want certainty. They don't want poll positions they want real positions.

Hillary having walked so far backwards on the war is vulnerable on trust. Even I as a democrat no longer trust her and honestly would vote McCain over her. I disagree with him on several issues but I am certain of what he would try to do. He wouldn't go half in and straddle lines to be positioned for the next election. You can't be all things to all people be who you are.

T - Reno, NV   January 15th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Why must Edwards followers also quote tabloids? "OpraBama" and "Billary"? Really? Grow up! This isn't E News or Entertainment Tonight!

As for Edwards, he has great ideas, but I think his real talent is in a supporting role, and not the President.

Stu   January 15th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I think the country is quite awake and onto JE. I still can't believe that the media didn't lambast him for touring and speaking in the early states under the guise of a poverty tour of sorts. Campaign law indicates you can't campaign in a state until around 1 year prior to the caucus or primary. Yet JE was in Iowa, New Hampshire etc. for 4 years prior to the Iowa caucus. I'm glad he's trailing in the polls. Good riddance.

Sal......Illinois   January 15th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Edwards is a career candidate…..he will stay in the race for the downfall of obama…..Hillary has a much better chance of winning as long as he keeps splitting votes with Obama…….He needs to keep helping her ……because I have a better chance of winning the lotto than him becoming the nomanie……..

Robs   January 15th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Hillary Clinton made a stupid comment. Is Bill Clinton going to keep yelling and raging every time Hillary says something stupid or can't handle things. That's not my image of a 'first man'. I'm already sick of him. He needs to take a lesson from Laura Bush, but not John Kerry's wife. It makes you wonder who will run the White House, Hillary or Bill? Or are they a Team Presidency? And Hillary crying on cue…well I was leaning toward voting for her, but now I'm not sure I want a President who cries because it's hard!!!!!

James C   January 15th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

As a person who had previously voted republican (which I so regret now), I see John Edwards as the only choice. He has my vote in SC–which is definitely one which had not been polled.

That said, if Hillary or Obama gain the nomination I will be forced to turn to the Republican nominee as I do not want either of the two elected…as I fear worse things than the last 8 years would await.

Tracy   January 15th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

I am so disappointment in my race. We are the only race that I know of that cannot unite to support one another. Martin Luther King would be so disappointed. I am also disappointed in the Democratic party. We have adults acting like bickering children.

PJ, NEW YORK   January 15th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Obama or Edwards (if he some how managed to pull off winning the DEM nod) will never win in the general election! Edwards lost in 2004, when running with Kerry. He couldn't hold on to his Senate seat and now here he is running for President and his home state or birth state aren't even supporting him, not the majority anyway. He's like a car salesman, full of crap! Obama is just all talk, no action! Hillary is the only 'sure thing'.

Remember, a vote for Obama is a vote for another Republican in the White House! Vote for Hillary Clinton!

ranger   January 15th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Mike

Obama was never president of Harvard. I'm sure this was a simple error.

Jen, Gainesville, FL   January 15th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

He is not viable. That is why the Clinton machine has left Edwards alone.

Rob   January 15th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Oh, Is he still running for President? I thought he was running as Obama's VP?

Therese   January 15th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

John Edwards has consistently proposed positive ideas for the majority of this country's citizens–ideas that will bite into the whopping profits of the upper ten percent of our citizens, socioeconomically, who run this place. No wonder the media chooses not to cover him when he's "running third" at 27% to Hillary's 30% and Barack's 32% in Nevada. That is, by the way, a statistical three-way tie, just like Iowa was. The media consistently covers only the candidates it has already coronated–much to my dismay. I will continue to support John Edwards because he is the only candidate with detailed plans to help middle and lower income citizens who are the majority of this great country, and he's the only candidate already supporting a health program out of his own pocket in his own state. He is a person of ACTIONS–not just words.

Russell, NC   January 15th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Hillary is a phoney. Anybody but her.

RD   January 15th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

People Edwards is the only electable canidate the democrat's have. To many people will vote against Hillary or Obama or just want vote if either becomes the nominee. I for one as a long time democratic voter will not vote for Hillary or Obama. I am considering voting republican in the General election if Edwards is not the choice.

Gobama   January 15th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

STATUS QUO MUST GO!

Americans should DISALLOW A CLINTON THIRD TERM! . . . .

It is very obvious that the self-destructive Bill Clinton is using his wife to win a THIRD CLINTON TERM in the defiled White House with the interns.

Last time the self-destructive Clintons built up a huge White House legacy and then proceeded to foul their White House nest and undermine the US Presidency, which has not recovered after 8 years.

It will take a character of Obama's stature to fix the US Presidency.

Jack K., Florida   January 15th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Although we really don't get to vote for the DEM candidate in Florida. I'm still voting..and my vote will go to John Edwards.

He inspires Americans…"even the other candidates in both parties" have been led to adjust their agenda's to accommodate the need to reduce lobbyist and special interests in Washington–and tackle the enormous jobs losses and attack on average Americans coming from corporate America.

Right Wing talk radio has little to call him (a miracle in it's own right)…except perhaps that he is a country boy lawyer from the south. They don't have the ammunition to shoot at him because he has not strayed from his ideals in private or public life. He has never back-peddled, varied on his message–to reject lobbyists contributions–and still would rather lose the race than compromise his standards. I admire that…and millions of Americans (of all political parties) also do. He's the only candidate–not accepting lobbyist or special interest group donations and is truly grassroots in the formulation of his agenda–and the method of his financing.

I encourage my Florida colleagues…to look beyond the urgings of DNC leadership, because the last thing they want is a President who won't accept money for The Party…from lobbyists and special interest groups. Nevertheless–by doing so..he remains above reproach…and remains his own man. This brings a high likelihood of change because he will only owe his election to the millions of Americans who elected him President.

Debbie, Sunnyvale, CA   January 15th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Sometimes I feel that Bill Clinton is running for President and not Hillary. I see him much more talking about what needs to be fixed and half of it he caused.
To be honest, I can't stand either Clinton nor can I take Obama. Please, isn't there anyone else? This cannot be our BEST.

Chris   January 15th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Dead man walking!

The Edwards campaign is finished. Stop wasting other epople's money (since you're asking for matching funds) and move on!

RedGloves   January 15th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Right now, I'm tired of Clinton/Obama. I like Obama. He'd be a great vice, or maybe prez next time–when he's gotten more experience under his belt–after he's been Hillary 's or Edward's vice, maybe, but I don't think he can do the job this time–he'll lose for us.

Edwards may not have that much experience either, but he's been after this gig for a long, long time, and he isn't taking $$ from lobbyists and he is for the little guy (he might hurt me financially, but I'm willing to take that risk to get this country back on track).

I sway between Clinton and Edwards. I think I'll go for Edwards on Super Tuesday. My 14 year old still likes Obama. My 26 year old stepson likes McCain because he has a hot wife.

Who knows who we'll get. Anyone is better than Bush, but I sure hope Edwards wins in SC. Then we'll have an interesting race.

Oh, Al, where are you?

Aaron   January 15th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Ah… you guys crack me up. Let's suppose, hypothetically, that one of these Dems gets us out of Iraq as soon as possible, within at least 1 year; they won't, but let's just say they will. Okay, they fixed one of the biggest problems in America, Iraq.

Now let's move on to the very next promise: Universal Healthcare. Do you guys know that you, your kids, your grandkids, future grandkids, etc, are on the hook for over $400,000… each??? Did you know that Iraq has only a minuscule part in that debt? Listen, we all would love free stuff, but absolutely nothing in this world is free; somebody has to pay. $400,000 comes from the GAO with regards to future entitlements promised to people, which includes Medicare, Medicaid, and SS.

Is everybody will to give away more than half of their income to taxes just to make up the deficit? That doesn't include Universal Healthcare, although I suppose Medicare and Medicaid could be put to rest after that, but SS couldn't. Guys, we can't afford anything right now. Countries around the world own our biggest banks. Our dollar is crashing; inflation is hitting the highest levels in 30 odd years.

The only chance of us surviving the next 20 years as a healthy nation is to stop the warfare, to stop the entitlements, and to end this monetary system that causes crazy inflation.

Mr. America   January 15th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Edwards is the ONLY pro-labor candidate that will take on the large corporate powers that are ruining our country. The others give lip service as being pro-labor but they are deeply in bed with the corporations.

As a man that has voted Republican for the past 6 presidential elections I can say that Edwards is the only Candidate I'd be likely to vote for. If he didn't have a BANKRUPT America (health care for everyone) plan he would be my favorite candidate…over all republicans and democrats.

BTW: Forced health care means that the medical corporations will run America.

P.S. You don't need to force medical coverage if you limit medical profits. I can't earn 150% on a loan…why can a drug company earn 1500% off their products?

stan pitts pa   January 15th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

hrc I BELIEVE has finally hired rove to help her campaign, obama never stirred the race issue, its too divisive and he know better as for who loses, i think hrc does herself more damage, as the blacks in south carolina will not be voting for her much, also as for losing the the white vote, wont happen to obama folks know he is of mixed raced and not completely black, they like him and know he is a un iter and see great potential in him, obama tried to quell this issue, yet hrc attack dogs are still barking, folks its time to change washington and flush out these old and divisive do nothing people who have been in washington so long they dont know how to get anything done anymore, we need fresh new leadership if we are gonna take this country back, hrc was bought off once when she tried to pass health care reform, who says our whole govt wont be bought off if she becomes president? PLS FOLKS OBAMA 08 FOR REAL LEADERSHIP!

Spencer   January 15th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Look at the candidates and make up your own mind. Clinton and Obama are the candidates with the most money, but that does not equate to being a better candidate. In fact, it shows that they can be bought and are following the rules of the old system.

They do not represent change! Both of these candidates have taken an incredible amount of money from corporations and their political action committees. That is who they will represent. If you think otherwise, you are fooling yourself and listening to rhetoric.

IMHO, John Edwards is the only true choice for change.

Jennifer, Houston, TX   January 15th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

mike, your facts are also wrong. Barack was not the first African-American president of Harvard; he was the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review.

Slight difference…

Plumber   January 15th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Politcs-101:
Campaigns should never highlight polls in their messages. If they do then that is pure bankruptcy

MJVS   January 15th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

I AM SWITCHING TO JOHN EDWARDS. I DON'T CARE FOR HILLARY CLINTON'S RACE BAITING AND I DON'T THINK BARACK OBAMA CAN WIN AN ELECTION.

I AM SENDING A DONATION TO JOHN EDWARDS CAMPAIGN THIS AFTERNOON AND I URGE OTHER DEMOCRATIC SUPPORTERS TO DO THE SAME.

JOHN EDWARDS HAS BEEN CONCENTRATING ON THE ISSUES AND WE NEED A DEMOCRAT WHO CAN WIN.

HILLARY CLINTON STARTS OUT WITH A LARGE NEGATIVE AND BARACK OBAMA CANNOT WIN NOW THAT HILLARY CLINTON HAS TURNED THIS INTO A RACIAL ISSUES JUST FOR HER OWN BENEFIT.

IF WE DON'T CHOOSE JOHN EDWARDS, WE WILL BE STUCK WITH THE WAR MONGERER KNOW IT ALL ILLEGAL ALIEN LOVING JOHN MCCAIN.

clbrune   January 15th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

If Edwards' message can get out, people will like it. He's a strong candidate who the media just doesn't care to cover (he messes up the simple Obama vs Hillary story).

He's been focussing on Democrat issues (unions, poverty, corporate contamination of politics) for a long time.

Frankly, I'd vote for Hillary or Obama, but Edwards brings a solid balance of experience, independence, and strength of character that would make an effective president.

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   January 15th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Unlike…Billary and OpraBama…..

Edwards has NEVER swerved or adjusted his agenda or his campaign by poll data. LIke ALL of the other candidates have.

Still on message.
Still in the fight for providing real hope for milliions of Americans–left out because they are not (teachers, lawyers, federal employees, state employees, nurses, over 65, children) in a special interest group or professional organization–to ALSO have a voice in Washington.

John Edwards
Like coca cola–he's the real thing.

Derek, IA   January 15th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I like Edwards a lot, but it seems his desire to be in the White House is extreme. Whether or not he is being effective, he seems to me to be putting up a strong effort to be Obama's running mate. It almost looks (extremely speculative!) like instead of dropping out and endorsing Obama, he is going to stay in and then give all of his delegates to the Illinois Senator.

Anne   January 15th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Edwards has been the only candidate to keep the majority of his campaign focused on the facts. The media continues to compare and contrast Clinton and Obama. This is a 3-way race and Cnn and other news outlets cannot determine who is viable and who is in the race, the voters make that decision.

I have come to recognize that in this race the media has determined the "momentum" and declared who is newsworthy. How unfortunate. Yes, Edwards is the only clear possible winner that can offer the Republicans defeat.

Scott, Madison, WI   January 15th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Kevin:

John Edwards, although not doing well currently, is in reality more electable than Hillary Clinton as is Barack Obama.

FYI. Hillary is the most divisive candidate in political history to start out with an overall 47% negativity rating. She hasn't the ability to draw support from Independents or Republicans – (a handicap not easily overcome) – not to mention the percentage of Dems who won't for her or vote at all if she's the choice. Watch the Republican base turn out in record numbers since they've been so capable of effectively demonizing her (pinata time!) for the last two decades – a movement with untold momentum. Watch the Independents flock to McCain if he's the Republican nominee. Watch the Dems with a conscience who can not sell their souls and hold their collective noses – as they've done in the past because they are tired of voting against someone rather than for someone – refuse to vote for her.

So in the Dems attempt to make history – by offering up a dynasty swap to help settle a two decade political and turf war between the Clinton's (and Washington in general) and the Bush's – they are sacrificing the integrity of the party [Can you say a cheap imitation of a Democrat (i.e. Republican-lite?)], putting more of the same old embedded, prostituted and imbittered **** up for office, fracturing the real base (not the old school traditonals and blue-hairs), selling out to corporate influence and trying to repeat the same delusional illusion from the 90s in a differently gendered package.

dave   January 15th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Oops I meant "not" in bed with corporate interests!

lanie   January 15th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I just find it interesting how they are considered "contrast ads", if it is democrats. CNN calls them "attack ads", if it is republicans. Well, if it is Romney.

Luz   January 15th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I totally agreed with Jim comments. Obama is not the right person to go to the White House and definetely he will have to rely in another people to make decisiones for him because he is not ready to be in the White House.

Edwards will be the right choice because he is for real and and honest person, but unfortunatelly the media play him as a weak candidate. I am pretty sure that a lot people are paying more attention to Obama and Hillary not because they know their policies or like them, but because the are beeing portrait by the media as the winers.

alice   January 15th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

EDWARDS IS TO ANGRY FOR ME. HE JUST COMES OFF AS HIS WORD IS GOD.JUST LIKE THE DIMWIT WE HAVE IN THERE NOW. GIVE ME HILLARY
OBAMA SHOULD GO WITH MITT ROMNEY THEY SEEM TO BE ALIKE.HE HAS NO EXPERIENCE AND SEEMS LIKE A YES BOY.HILLARY CARES FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY BESIDES SHE WILL HAVE BILL BESIDE OF HER. AFTER 9/11 I DO NOT WANT A PRESIDENT WITH THE NAME OF BARACK HUSSIN OBAMA IN THE WHITE HOUSE

dave   January 15th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Both Hillary and Obama have copied Edwards' healthcare package and he's been talking about the economy and fairness for the people who are always left behind by corporate interests. But now that the word recession is in the news, Hillary and Obama are now starting to copy Edward's economic plan too. It's still funny to me that ANY union would support Hillary. She was on the board at WAL-MART!!!
Bottom line he's the only candidate who's now in bed with corporate interests, he's got more experience than Hillary or Obama, and he's definitely more competent than Hillary. Obama's great but I'm really disappointed that he's accepted so much corporate money… Just please don't vote Hillary!

Don't let Edwards slip away!!

Jennifer, Houston, TX   January 15th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Kevin – Actually, you're wrong. In the CNN poll referred to in the ad, Edwards is the only democrat to beat all republicans in head-to-head matchups.

Also, Edwards was the first to come up with a plan to address the economic situation: (From Paul Krugman writes in The New York Times:)

"On the Democratic side, John Edwards, although never the front-runner, has been driving his party's policy agenda. He's done it again on economic stimulus: last month, before the economic consensus turned as negative as it now has, he proposed a stimulus package including aid to unemployed workers, aid to cash-strapped state and local governments, public investment in alternative energy, and other measures."

I'd also point out that it took HRC 7 months to come up with a health care plan that was a copy of JRE's plan.

Just fyi…

Chi-town   January 15th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I hope Edwards and Obama figure out there strategy before Super Tuesday!
We can't lose this election to the Clintons.

Ken, Austin TX   January 15th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Since when was Edwards the only candidate that could beat the Republicans? I thought that was Obama?

Karen, Des Moines   January 15th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Thank you, CNN, for acknowledging that this is still a 3-way race. Other media outlets (and they do remind me more and more of outlet stores) keep running the same things over and over about Obama and Clinton and there race and gender squabbles while John Edwards is still out there talking and listening to people about the issues that matter to them. In Iowa, he was the first with a detailed plan on every major issue and he forced the other candidates to focus on healthcare, Iraq, jobs and trade, energy and global warming. He was the first to see the economy tanking, and started talking about a stimulus plan before Congress even got to it! Please keep up the full coverage. It would be bad for the country to have the only contender who can beat all of the Republicans, and who has stayed foucussed on the issues, to be left out of the news. Voters deserve better.

Sonny   January 15th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

I like Edwards message, why should Big Corporations and Big Oil stick it to consumers? Health Care is important for the workers in this Economy.

Given the tactics of the Clinton campaign I hope the democrat party members give her another 3rd place showing…

Gary   January 15th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

You know, I have been waiting for someone else to realize this. Reality is reality, if you pit a Black man or a Woman against the Republican nominee who will obviously be a White male, the Democrates are going to lose. I am an African American male that is tired of the status quo, but until the majority of America is as well, we will continue to elect a White Male as our President every four years.

roger, conway sc   January 15th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

If Obama is the nominee or the president this is just a sample of what we Americans will be have to contend with, there was no reason for any person to be offended by what either of the Clintons said unless you were just looking for something or are very thinned skin. I believe that any reasonable black or white person would not have been offeneded & are ready for a black president. It is the black leadership like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Jim Clyburn, Jesse Jackson Jr. & Donna Brazzelle that seemed to keep this mess stirred & want the media attention. I am not an Obama supported because I feel his message is just that a message with no substance & I think he is a phony. The media did not report any of Mrs. Obama's comments that she made to the churches in SC, if I were looking for something or was thinned skinned I would think she is a racist….So those of you that think he is all that you had better open you eyes before you cast your vote…I also am considering Edwards in the SC primary….

Valjeanne   January 15th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Go John Go!
Even though the corporate owned main stream media has tried to black out your candidacy. We the People recognize who the true fighter for the people is.
Say NO to corporate Democrats UNLESS you want more of the same.
Look to who endorses and finances Obama and Clinton the same DC fat cats who want the modus operandi to continue in Washington. Edwards is the one these insiders and the GOP fear getting any traction, as he is truly the ONLY real change agent.
Edwards 2008 The Peoples President, the one to conduct the Peoples business
John you have our back, we have yours!

Teacher   January 15th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Thank you John Edwards.Nafta was the beginning of the great sell-out and was continued by Bush.Lobbyists are the Enemy of the middle class .The Elites want open borders and One World Government .I dont want to be melded with Mexico and Canada into a North American Alliance Nation.They already have the name Amero for the new dollar.Just ask the Clintons.But I dont think you will get a straight answer.

K   January 15th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

"Clinton Beats all Republican candidates too, but the media is not reporting that fact.

The media also did not report the fact that she was the first to show leadership and actually propose a plan to create change to address the economic down turn Republicans have created with their poor fiscal policies. But when Barack "Copy Cat" Hussein Obama released an 'economic plan the media was all over it. Too bad her plan would actually help people instead of just give them $200 to go to the mall. "

Kevin,
Clinton can't even beat people from her own party, let alone the Republicans. There are too many people that despise her because she is so polarizing. She would never win.
As for the $200, you need to get your facts straight. Hillary is the one proposing a $5000 baby bond for every new born. If that isn't a handout to go to the mall I don't know what is.

Xavier, Washington, DC   January 15th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Umm, Edwards has less experience than Obama does.

VIDAL, MEMPHIS, TN   January 15th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I myself am praying for an Obama and Edwards ticket… anyone would be able to see that the ticket can't be beat.

Can you say two terms?!?!

PEACE/LOVE '08

Bob McD   January 15th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Edwards is trying to neddle a very fine thread with this commercial. A significant majority of the polls out there show Obama and Hillary also beating almost all or all the GOP candidates as well. Does he really want to get into a discussion of polls considering less than 20% of Democrats support him in his homestate?

Howard Hewlett Des Moines IA   January 15th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

That a boy Mike, I couldn't say it any better! The Clintons have realized that the only thing that is stopping their inevitability is Obama and if you cross a Clinton you must be destroyed!

Clinton is simply a continuation of previous failed methods. Obama can be defined as a risk, but he strikes me as a risk worth taking for the same old medicine is not going to fix our nation's problems.

Jason   January 15th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

What? I thought Edwards said RIP to Hillary after Iowa? So why all the negative advertising with her in them? Silly guy…thinks he can be president.

charlotte   January 15th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

If he were ahead,'d we be hearing about a $400.00 haircut.

southern democrat   January 15th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

John Edwards is the only one that could beat the Republicans.Should we be surprised to hear that?

Helen   January 15th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Dear Jim: In response to your diatribe connecting Obama with Bush 43, you left out a critical difference. Obama has an IQ probably 70 points higher than Bush 43 , has had a completely different kind of upbringing and life, is an experienced lawyer, a seasoned community organizer, a state and national senator from a highly populated and diverse state, and will have an option to choose a running mate who can complement his strengths with their own strengths. Bush didn't chose Cheney, the Republican party bigwigs did. Bush was just happy to be part of the party. Up to that point, he had been a so-so governor of a red-neck state, and a (thrice) failed businessman. Also,don't chastise Obama for his optimism and intelligence in NOT laying out policy that he knows (and the rest of the candidates should know too), he cannot enforce without knowing who and what the composition of the Congress will be, nor know what economic conditions may be 12 months from now. He's smart not to promise things that he may not be able to deliver on. Go Obama! I think John Edwards would make a great running mate, but I'm not sure that he would settle for that role. As for Hillary….let's face it, Hillary is all about Hillary….and Bil. You are looking at her running mate every time Bill stands on the stage.

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   January 15th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Beating the Republicans is not the problem being able to be an effect President is the answer.
The problem is getting the Democrats in Congress to act like Republicans and walk in lock step.
So far the only candidate receiving the majority of Democrats voting is, that's right, Hillary. Obama without the independent voter and Republican crossovers it would be a one woman race to the White House.
Obama is camparable to the star quarterback coming out of college, a lot to learn until he becomes an effected leader. Politics is not a game, Politics is War, and when your learning is on the job your mistakes lead to ruin lives and also in the case of Bush needless deaths.
I never read why you dropped out of the Senate?

Speak up   January 15th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

YEAAAHHHH. Go EDWARDS….bring it home!

Keeping the promise to America
John Edwards

To Do List:

Global Warming
Iraq
Healthcare (for ALL)
JOBS (in OUR COUNTRY) / Poverty

Ben   January 15th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Sometimes I wonder about the mentality of the people who write these coments,(they probably think the same of me)
If you would take all the insults and outrageous charges they level agains all candidates in either party, and write them down in a book, people who read the book would think all of our presidential candidates should be deported, or at least put in jail.
Get real!!!

Teni   January 15th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

John Edwards has a better chance at canceling Christmas than beating Hillary or Obama. if he pulls out now, he may be the VP nominee again since they either one of them needs a Southern white man to win. He should be setting himself apart from the Ohio governor, Jim Webb and Wesley Clark, because they are who he truly has to beat out for the VP nod. As for me, I voted uncommitted in Michigan because I am deeply disenfranchised and I'd rather vote for Kim Jong-Il than vote for Hillary Clinton.

Obama 08!

Michael   January 15th, 2008 11:56 am ET

Edwards is the only candidate speaking up about the real problem, decades of laws passed by Congress and decisions made by Presidents, that serve corporate interests. Decisions that are often times at the expense of the majority of the people and the country as a whole.

It is no wonder that he is getting less coverage than 5th tier Republican candidates with 1/10th his poll ratings. Media conglomerates interests are not served by the changes he calls for.

The sad fact is that stopping or reversing this movement of the rules tilting to serve the interests of some corporations over the country and people, may be beyond the power of any President.

Amazed   January 15th, 2008 11:53 am ET

I like Edwards and I hope he comes in 2nd…….

Tevin   January 15th, 2008 11:51 am ET

i thought the word past is past still exsits.my question is for lady Clinton,WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT Luther Martin??L.Martin is history Obama is mystry.so miss Hilary stop racial Compaign and let people vote for whom they want.theres nothing you can do about it Luther.Kennedy wont change nothing.Tevin.L Chicago

Jack K.   January 15th, 2008 11:51 am ET

There is a reason that John Edwards agenda (since 2004) and his ideas on returning government to the people–is now the "mantle" for 2008 among DEM and GOP candidates!

L- Lifestyle of a leader. Practices what he preaches and sets example that others desire to follow.
E- Energetic. Exudes positive attitude and optimism of success. Inspires the belief and enthusiasm in others.
A-Acceptance. Accepts responsibility for his convictions and his actions. Carries leadership burdens willingly, a role model for other leaders.
D-Democratic. Catalyzes ideas and input from others around him. Creates the environment for strong momentum of ideas and action in his associates.
E-Expectancy. Sets high expectations for himself–his example is inspirational and uplifting. Instills hope and optimism in others to seek excellenc.
R-Realistic. Sets realistic standards and goals which will garner realistic results. Inspires other leaders that change results "can be " achieved.

So…my fellow Democrats.
If you're looking again at John Edwards…mabye his leadership…is why he has become the flag bearer for the agenda for both parties. Mabye his leadership is why so many average Americans are inspired and motivated by the thought of him as President. Such inspiration and hope have not been a part of the political landscape since Robert Kennedy was selected to represent the Democratic Party for President.

Times are "changing".
To achieve the right kind of change–you need a leader who can "really" be a "change agent" in America–and abroad.

LeVon Jenkins   January 15th, 2008 11:47 am ET

When Bush leaves office he will leave this country in a MESS, both nationally and internationally. We need a person in the white house that has the experience and the knowledge to get this country back where is it suppose to be. We are a great and powerful nation, but we have lost that respect around the world. Our economy is in shambles and our nation need healing. Senator Clinton is smart, tough and she has the know how. He husband would be a great resource for her, although i do believe she would make her own decisions because she is an independently strong woman. Bill Clinton was a very good president, he was the best president this country had after JFK. He was a friend of the African_American, and still is. I would love to see Senator Clinton as our president, and Senator Obama as the vice president. That would make a winning combination I am a retired Navy veteran, and i am also Black, and if went into combat i would rather have an experience superior leading me that has face difficult situations than someone who has not. Lets not be fooled by charismas and things said that we want to hear, but let us be realistic and think about what is best for our country.

Alex   January 15th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Jim, I totally agree with you. Among the three democratic candidates, I dislike Obama. What does he have, except the big slogan? He does not have experiences so he is destinated to be manipulated. Wake up american!

Frank, Waverly, NY   January 15th, 2008 11:41 am ET

All the democrats choices are lousy.

mike   January 15th, 2008 11:36 am ET

jim, you are misinformed and very subjective… obama graduated from harvard law school, suma cum laude, was first african american president of Harvard and was a community organizer fighting for poor people after college. please stick to facts and not your totally subjective and hopeful distortion of the real truth. obama has the midas touch every where he goes and that is why the clintons are indirectly trying to swift boat him.

Jimmy Jones   January 15th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Go Edwards Go!

Phil, North Carolina   January 15th, 2008 11:30 am ET

These contrast ads give voters a clear reason to vote for Edwards. When stepping into the voting booth, think about which candidate is best for America. Only one democrat isn't paid for by the financial establishment. Edwards is the one.

Joe   January 15th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Yeah, can we go back to talking about experience. At least on that topic Obama would be silent on:

Obama has taken several long trips as a lawmaker—through the Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet Union. But there is one noteworthy gap in Obama’s itinerary: except for a brief stopover in London, returning from Russia in 2005, he has apparently never been to Western Europe since launching his political career. What renders this gap especially surprising is that Obama is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe. Not only has the Senator not visited the region his committee oversees, but as Steve Clemons of the Washington Note has observed, Obama’s committee has not held a single policy-oriented hearing since he’s been chairman.

Joey   January 15th, 2008 11:26 am ET

John Edwards is the best candidate and the reason his numbers are low is because people are jumping off his wagon and supporting Obama or Clinton because they think they have a better chance. This is all because the media wants a woman v black man race… John Edwards IS the only one who can beat the republicans. His poll numbers need to go up

Scott, Royal Oak, MI   January 15th, 2008 11:24 am ET

I'm an Obama supporter but I really think Edwards is a solid candidate. Unfortunately, it really seems like he has no chance in this race.

Please, Edwards, drop out and align with Obama. It'll be the final nail in Hillary's corrupt campaign, and insure your VP nod.

Jim   January 15th, 2008 11:17 am ET

People in America should be focusing in the real issues and the contrasts between the candidates instead that allow the media and big pockets manipulation of the race. But here we have to liste and view 24/7 what the big media allows to follow while they have a blackout to other candidates like Edwards or before Biden, Dodd or Richardson. That's not a real Democracy!

This campaign is like deja vu all over again. So here we are, trying to elect another buffoon without credentials to the Presidency of the U.S, the current one was a former alcoholic, can't speak English or much experience; but it was O.K. He was soooo nice and we would love to have a beer with him, besides he "PROMISED" to us to be the UNITER and NOT A DIVIDER! and we believed him. Now we are listening to another buffoon, a former pothead and drugs addicted, without any experience that is also very nice, big smile and big slogans just like his ambitions; but this one really knows how to speak English and play with words. Ironically there is a parallel between both campaigns and Obama campaign is practically a play book of Rove tacts of demonizing their opponents and talk about "his" candidate to be the outsider and ready to CHANGE Washington. They demonized Gore, Kerry, McCain and anyone that dared to opposed the chosen and well financed candidate; just like is happening with Obama. They spent more time destroying other candidates reputations in order to avoid the discussion of real issues because Rove knew there as Axelrod knows now that his candidate is a light weight and can't stand a real hard questioning.
Bush became the devised, polarized and inexperienced President that have to rely in his "big well experienced advisers" who dictated the agenda; just as Obama will do, he has no experience at all in government, business or foreign affairs or economics and he will rely mostly in his advisers. Thats scary. Not to mention the divised campaign his strategist are conducting and he passively is allowing…they playing the race card, the age card, the generation card, the sexism card. The only change Obama will bring to the White House is to replace the Texas gang for the Chicago gang! The lobbyists, corporations and special interest will be very happy to have the "nice" boy they can manipulate at the expense of the American people.

Lloyd DeMoss   January 15th, 2008 11:16 am ET

John is the right candidate for the job. When will this country WAKE UP and see the extreme differences. Obama would make a fine running mate and Hillary should remain out of the public eye as much as possible. I sure hope as a Democrat for 50 years I am not put in a position to have to vote Republican, but I will if Hillary is the Democrats choice. This is a defineing moment in our history and in spite of the pundits it is not about sex or race, but who can best lead this country.

Kevin   January 15th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Clinton Beats all Republican candidates too, but the media is not reporting that fact.

The media also did not report the fact that she was the first to show leadership and actually propose a plan to create change to address the economic down turn Republicans have created with their poor fiscal policies. But when Barack "Copy Cat" Hussein Obama released an 'economic plan the media was all over it. Too bad her plan would actually help people instead of just give them $200 to go to the mall.

Edwards and Obama are "double teaming" Clinton by spreading half truths and lies to do anything to win. Sounds like the politics of hope to me–NOT!

-kevin

JD, WI   January 15th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Only supporter standing behind Edwards enthusiastically right now is that plumber from desperate housewives.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   January 15th, 2008 11:02 am ET

With all of the bickering going on between Obama and Clinton, Edwards is starting to look better and better….

If they continue, they are going to have democratic voters so turned off by the General Election that they will surly snatch defat from the jaws of victory!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP