January 22, 2008
Posted: January 22nd, 2008 12:15 PM ET

From
Edwards has been going on the attack against the two Democratic frontrunners.
Edwards has been going on the attack against the two Democratic frontrunners.

(CNN) - Within hours of one of the toughest primary season debates to date, John Edwards released a new ad in South Carolina that painted the two Democratic frontrunners as beholden to special interests.

Edwards, who has yet to win a primary-season contest, is running a distant third in his birth state, behind Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The ad features side-by-side shots of Clinton and Obama, as the announcer says: “One gets more money than anyone from drug companies. The other one takes more money than anyone from Washington lobbyists. What's happened to the Democratic Party? Whatever happened to the party of the people?”

“The only one who's never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists, who knows we've been ignored too long, who knows that rebuilding the middle class is more important that politics - our John Edwards. The only one.”

South Carolina’s Democratic voters head to the polls this Saturday, January 26.

Filed under: John Edwards • South Carolina primary


z   January 24th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

if this gets across 2 u people, ...
ok here i go.
i am now sure we need to get ANYONE but hilary or huckabee into office as they are more corrupt and backward thinking than the rest. go edwards!

Michael   January 24th, 2008 11:35 am ET

So what, You're jealous Edwards made good money representing people abused and killed. that's America.

He is not beholden to the corporate parasites who infest Washington, and are a drag on any effective policy. Nafta? blame Bill clinton
Health care? nothing done. he's talking about all the right issues, and has the Toughness to get it done!

And , he and Elizabeth will do great things in all areas of American life. Health care research/breast cancer, homelessness and education reform, taking care of our vets better, you name it.

My 2 cents.

Alexander   January 23rd, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Edwards is the only Democratic candidate who can beat McCain, and establish some new traditions in Washington (like independence and liberty from the aristocracy who are lining their pockets)....When did America become an oligarchy anyway?

Edwards' health care plan is better than Barack (which isn't universal) or Hillary's (which would fine you if you didn't purchase insurance!), and he understands what its like to be in the private sector unlike either of them...

osman   January 23rd, 2008 6:45 pm ET

john edwards president united states my support democrats

Terry   January 23rd, 2008 6:42 pm ET

(John Edwards)That's coming from someone who spent $1200.00 for a hairstylist on one occasion and $400.00 for a regular haircut.

If you do believe that he never took money from any one of those places, I have a bridge I can sell you!

Obama has already lied about his past, NO One has a squeaky clean past. I see "hope and change" is no longer his motto.

To Wolf Blizter...great debate!

VICTOR @NJ   January 23rd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

I LIKE EDWARDS,

BUT I HONESTLY DON'T TRUST HIM 100% EVERY TIME I SEE HIM IN THE DEBATES HE SEEMS TO HIDE BEHIND THE CANDIDATE ATTACKING OR QUESTIONING HIS/HER OPPONENT DIRECTLY, HE WILL THEN THROW HIS PUNCH AT THAT PERSON AS WELL.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN EDWARDS CONFRONTING OBAMA DIRECTLY ON HIS FACE ON SUBSTANCE ISSUES, I HOPE THERE ARE SOME MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO. EDWARDS WAS VERY CRITICAL OF HILLARY BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO PUNCH HIM BACK WITH DIRECT & CLEAR ANSWERS, WHICH HAVE STOPPED HIM FOR A WHILE.

WHAT ABOUT OBAMA? IS EDWARDS AFRAID OF ENGAGING OBAMA, BECAUSE HE MIGHT BE CALLED RACIST FOR ATTACKING A BLACK CANDIDATE, WHAT IS IT? OR HE LIKES HIM SO MUCH THAT WOULD LIKE TO BECOME HIS VICE-PRESIDENT RUNNING MATE. I PERSONALLY THINK THAT JOB WAS ALREADY GIVEN TO JOHN KERRY.

SO FAR I LIKE HILLARY CLINTON FOR HER CONVICTIONS AND FOR PROVING TO BE THOUGH AND NOT AFRAID OF CONFRONTING A SUPERSTAR OBAMA IN SUBSTANCE ISSUES EVEN BY RISKING BEING CALLED A FEMINIST OR RACIST AS SOME SOUTHERN MEDIA REPORTERS HAVE DONE IT ALREADY.

LET'S GET TO WORK MR. EDWARDS. WE NEED TO GET TO KNOW YOU A LOT MORE THAN WHAT YOU HAVE SHOWN SO FAR.

Blue Mississippi   January 23rd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Edwards stands for the ordinary people of America. He is sincere. Not beholden to any special interest. When will we ever have such a good candidate for America again? How many years? Not in the foreseeable future. Vote for him now. The criticisms of him are either ignorant or spiteful. Edwards is the *best* Democratic candidate since JFK.

Judy   January 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm ET

SInce I live in GA, I have no chance of seeing a democrat win. I am really counting on others to support the candidate that is most trustworthy and intelligent. Can't people see that this must be Edwards. He is sincere, has our best interest at heart, and will surround himself with the best advisors. Wake up America!

a   January 23rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

John Edwards is the best canidate. Stay strong John!!!!!

Aisha   January 23rd, 2008 8:12 am ET

Obama is the right president for America . He is ready to work and serve d whole word.Americans wakeup. u have a long way to go.

jon r.   January 23rd, 2008 7:39 am ET

If you're looking for a real Democrat, look to John Edwards. He has shown unwaivering support for labor, a clear and comprehensive commitment to universal health care, and an immediate end to the war in Iraq. He takes no PAC money, and elucidates his stances. Hillary regards facts and truth as an inconvenient impediment to getting elected and governing, and Barak wouldn't be able to take an uncompromised position even if every single one of his opponents already agreed with him.

T. Franco   January 23rd, 2008 1:11 am ET

John Edwards WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ONE YEAR FROM TODAY!!! VOTE FOR JOHN EDWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Sam   January 23rd, 2008 12:48 am ET

Whoever says we have to 'trust' our politicians was born yesterday.

'Trust' and 'politics' are antonyms. That's not being cynical. That's just the way it goes.

Mary   January 22nd, 2008 8:45 pm ET

Please fellow Americans pay attention the welfare of our country and its well being depends on our ability to make good choices it is crystal clear John Edwards has the most defined and thoughtful plan to get our country back on track,he is dedicated and sincere! Our country is a sinking ship John is throwing us a lifeline will we be wise enough to grab it. I will hope...

John   January 22nd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Wake up America, John Edwards is the only one who cares about what is happening to our country. After seven years of our country being torn apart and handed off to the highest bidder do we want another four years of the same?

Dean Forier   January 22nd, 2008 6:58 pm ET

When will America wake up? Everyone is so caught up in the Hillary, Obama frenzy. They fail to realize the only Democratic capable of winning the Presidency is John Edwards. Take a moment and listen to what this guy has to say. He is right on with all the issues. He's well prepared and has a plan for real change. The only question remaining. Is America ready?

Gene   January 22nd, 2008 6:16 pm ET

John Edward is a liability. Last night, it seems he was begging Hillary for VP.

Brendan, Allentown, NJ   January 22nd, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Why is everyone "sick" of hearing Edwards? Edwards actually wants to help people, while all Hillary and Obama do is bicker and send a flurry of press releases about nothing, fueling the gender-race debate.

I pray for a candidate who will instead fuel a debate that will improve the lives of Americans and create peace overseas. So far, John Edwards has been that candidate.

Phil Memphis, TN   January 22nd, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Go Edwards! As far as him earning millions suing people, you are correct, he EARNED millions. He wasn't born into it like our current president. As far as suing people, I have not looked at the cases he was involved with in detail, so I admit this is what I have "heard" (wish more people would admit when they haven't investigated anything) but my understanding is he was most often suing large corporations on behalf of the little guys. I will check that out and get back to you, unless you want to do some research.

Joeley Reno, Nevada   January 22nd, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Edwards should bow out gracefully and spend this time with Elizabeth.

He has a big ego and it's controlling him.

Too Bad.

Yaw   January 22nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I am amazed about some of the comments posted here. Edwards had a $400 haircut and yet he says he's fighting for the poor. He voted for a bankcruptcy bill that he admitted was very bad. As far as I am concerned all the three candidates are beholden to special interests. They all earned millions of dollars from their publishing deals. And by the way who are these publishers and their affiliates? Rupert Murdock is one. Edwards went for public financing after failing to raise enough money. Why didn't he from the stratch go for public financing? Obama is criticing Edwards and Hillary but he himself is averse to criticisms. He thinks he is infallible as he showed during the SC debate and was reminded by Edwards.

mchait   January 22nd, 2008 5:22 pm ET

edwards is the right choice for president for all parties!

pat   January 22nd, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Monday's debate showed Democrats (and others) that politcal infighting is alive and well in the Party. Dems would be wise to remeber that winning the nomination is only the first step to winning the presidency... and winning the presidency can only happen by having an electable nominee. What is best for the party is to have the most presidential, electable person on the ballot in November ("this is not about us, it's about America") and last night 's debate showed me that that person is John Edwards.

Patricia Long   January 22nd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I wish Democrats would vote for John Edwards, too. He's not bought. He needs more media, but the Media are determined to keep him off the air and I don't know why. He's got answers for every program question that comes up, if he can get the alloted time to answer!

Omar Norfolk VA   January 22nd, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Hey Edwards, Burger King near my house is looking for a night manager. You are a has been. Sorry einstein but your chances are super slim to super none!.

Darth Vadik, CA   January 22nd, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Good Lord I wish Democrats would vote for Edwards.

willrica   January 22nd, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Media knows that real campaign reform will cost them millions in lost advertising revenues and their bosses (big biz) will hate to see an end corporate welfare, so naturally they both hate EDWARDS and are determined to keep him off the air!

DJ   January 22nd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

John Edwards is truly the best choice for Democrats , So. Carolina, and the country. He has worked hard to get where he is but hasn't forgotten his roots. Clinton is second. Obama a distant third-big talker and smoozer but just no substance. He sort of reminds me of Nagin in New Orleans-all talk and no show!

James   January 22nd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Edwards is the real deal! Vote for your native son South Carolina!

The Count   January 22nd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Edwards is the best choice on the Dem side. This country needs to be pulled way to the left, and John is the man to get that started.

Conan   January 22nd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

"John Edwards, the only lawyer running that made his money the old fashion way, chasing ambulances."

Poor   January 22nd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

He is going nowhere! He should stop wasting time and money. He has no vision to see that he's going nowhere!

Anita   January 22nd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Edwards is my choice. He cares about what he can do for the American people not just about himself. I think Obama and Clinton have gotten too bitter and self involved. It is not about them. Candidates should want to be civil servants which is what I believe John Edwards wants to do and can do.

I think both John and Elizabeth are dedicated to the role of president and first lady. They will make us proud again of our leaders.

Samantha   January 22nd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Go Edwards!!!! You've got my vote!!!

Jose Card - Independent   January 22nd, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Edwards needs a job after the election.
I wonder if he had asked Hillary for an application after the debate.
I trust neither.

Mike M   January 22nd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Weak is an understatement.

Andrew   January 22nd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Edwards is simply doing what he has to. For too long he's been ignored by the media and the other canidates. He's far from a snake and if anyone has to be critisized lets remember the ruthless attacks that the two other canidates have been launching on each other.

Mike, Milwaukee, WI   January 22nd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

John Edwards has some nerve. He and his wife got filthy rich off of suing people. He should be the last one to air an ad like this. Clinton and Obama should ignore him.

janet   January 22nd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

John Edwards is the only candidate that has not been "coopted" by big money....John Edwards CANNOT BE BOUGHT....therefore, he represents "WE THE PEOPLE" not big money....

If you folks don't "get it" by now, why washington d.c. is so corrupt, then you should not be voting in this upcoming election. Clinton and Obama both, are already "BOUGHT" by big money...that is what John is trying to tell you if you don't understand what he is saying about PACS...special interest groups...who always demand a return on their investment in a candidate.

BE SMART...VOTE FOR THE MAN WHO HAS TO PARASITES ATTACHED TO HIS PRESIDENCY....VOTE FOR JOHN EDWARDS, THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT IS THE "PEOPLES CANDIDATE"...

boynla, LA, CA   January 22nd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

is anyone else bored with John Edwards' candidacy? i'm sick of hearing about how his dad worked in a mill, and how he doesn't take money from PACs of lobbyists. get a new message John...obviously no one is listening to this one.

Yuk   January 22nd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

This is so last election. Edwards would be a good VP if he could check the venom.

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