Edwards In Secret Endorsement Talks With Obama And Clinton

Time Magazine:

Time Magazine's Mark Halperin is reporting on his blog The Page that:

JOHN EDWARDS IN PRE-ENDORSEMENT CONVERSATIONS WITH REMAINING DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES.

HELD SECRET MEETING WITH HILLARY CLINTON ON THURSDAY IN CHAPEL HILL.

SCHEDULED TO SIT DOWN THERE WITH BARACK OBAMA MONDAY.

Clinton snuck there from D.C. undetected by the media -- met at the Edwards house.

Click here to visit The Page at Time Magazine's Web site.

Read the whole story: Time Magazine

Comments

[westseattle]

The results so far:
CLINTON OBAMA
New Hampshire Iowa
Arizona South Carolina
Arkansas Alabama
California Alaska
Massachusetts Colorada
New Jersey Connecticut
New York Delaware
Oklahoma Georgia
Tennessee Idaho
Illinois
Kansas
Minnesota
North Dakota
Utah
Louisiana
Nebraska
Washington
Maine
Ties in Nevada, Missouri and New Mexico.
And CNN, MSNBC, associated press all list Hillary as winning (by including superdelegates.) And Hillary still claims there's a media bias against her?

[Clarabell]

And you really think there isn't?

[BrooklynLager]

If they're padding her delegate numbers, that's kind of important.

[CGrace]

Why in the world would Edwards endorse Clinton when she takes money from lobbyists and PACs? Is it over health care? Because Senator Obama doesn't have a mandate? What exactly is he after? It looks like the majority of his supporters have gone to Obama in the recent primaries and caucuses. The unions that had supported him are now supporting Obama. I'm sure it's about his delegates is why Billary and the Senator are meeting with him. But most everything he was for, Hillary is against. Does Edwards still want to be a player? Why do they have to go to him? To kiss his ring? They're busy with a campaign while Johnnie is in his 28,000 square foot house.

[whatsreallygoingonhere]

What is HE after? I believe the article says "Clinton snuck there from D.C. undetected by the media" Usually, when someone wants something they go to the person(s) they want it from. They don't wait for that person to come to them.

So he met with her. So what? He let her have her say and now he's going to give Obama the same opportunity. What's the problem?

Does Edwards still want to be a player? I don't think he put all the time, effort and energy into his campaign to just go home and sit on his hands. I believe he cares about this country and its people.

Again. Why do they have to go to him? Because they want something from him. And if they're toooooo busy campaigning, then tooooo bad.

Too bad they're also too busy to do what they were elected and are currently being PAID for...to be Senators.

I don't understand why you have a problem with the size of John Edward's home. What does that have to do with anything?

[Clarabell]

What the hell? So what? Maybe he is a gentleman that doesn't want to have Hillary or Obama get it first on Hardball. And so what if he tells them both that he will be 100% behind the winner? What's wrong with that? And if they make him AJ, good for us. Crab Crab Crab!!!

[whatsreallygoingonhere]

I'm with you Clarabell. So what??? Finally Edwards gets some press. He was marginalized when he was running. Now, because he's meeting with Clinton and Obama he's in the news.

Funny, I didn't notice any comments about "Clinton snuck there from D.C. undetected by the media" Did she ask for this meeting or did Edwards? And if she did, what's the harm in talking to her? Seems that's what's wrong in this world. People don't talk with each other.

Nobody here knows what he spoke to Clinton about nor what he itends to discuss with Obama. Oh right. They're in 'secret endorsement talks' but what does that mean? Is he trying to cut a deal for himself? Who knows?

That he met with Clinton and will be meeting with Obama doesn't mean anything. Why not speak with both?

I think Edwards would be an excellent AG and be able to do more for this country than in a VP position. Heaven knows we need a good AG.

In any case, nobody knows what he's discussing but, as usual, everybody's up in arms.
A lot like the 'political analysts' on MSM. Blah, blah, blah. Making up their own stories because they can't wait to find out what the real story is.

I personally hope he stays true to his word and doesn't sell out to Clinton in any way. Until Edwards says something about these meetings I consider this a non-story...just a lot of speculation.

[Zhonni]

I have always liked Edwards, but what in the world is he having talks with them for?

You endorse because you believe in the message of the campaign you are endorsing. The highest he could go on Hillary's list is AG but he could go as high as V.P on Obama's list but I hope Obama tells him nothing.

He ought to act on his conviction as opposed to endorsing for political gain.

[Digdin]

I agree. He appears nothing more than a player at this point and he should know better.

[Lesjoan]

He's weighing it both candidates stole alot of his messages throughout the campaign.

[farseer]

If Edwards endorses Obama now, it could produce a backlash among some of Hillary's feminist supporters - they might see it as male ganging up against a female, and maybe some who might have switched to Obama might instead stay with Hillary. Or, some fence-sitters - undecideds - might go with Hillary.

[TomSutpen]

Nice try, but that kind of logic only obtains in movies, Clinton strategy sessions and other suburbs of reality.

Do you really think a significant number of Americans are *that* obsessed with the meaningless matter of gender?

[CharlesMac]

Let's pretend Edwards is a political animal. As much as I was onboard with him, I hate to admit that wouldn't be too much of stretch.

He is of much more value to Hillary than Obama. Now that the Dems have figured out the party is truly fractured, Edwards could spread Clinton's base in the party. And as a bonus, he can reach some Republicans, like those in the rust belt, who Hillary could never hope to touch.

Of course the only thing she has to offer him is the VPship. If she got the nomination, she would concede some populace planks to him and send him on his way to stump for her.

If elected she would outright Gore him.

Edwards knows damned well, if they were elected, the DLC would be all through the corriders of the Executive. The day after the inauguration, Lieberman would be on the phone with Edwards telling him what his schedule is for the month, and what he was to say.

He would have to kiss his populist planks goodbye, the same way Gore did. In their place, would be the same type crap Bill came up with. It sounds like a great idea until you read the small print.

Edwards' support goes to Obama. And he strikes no political deal.

In his speech, Edwards will speak of more important things he has to do. It is time for him to tend to his family. He will speak of a time when he will return to the noble cause of serving Americans, all Americans. If called upon, he will serve. But now his hopes for the Americans he met across this country are carried in the hands of Barack Obama.

Obama gets his votes, and Edwards leaves the door open for all future possibilities.

[Spidersweb]

I see Edwards in a Cabinet post, most likely, HEW.

[BrooklynLager]

Actually, I think Edwards is more useful for Obama than for Hillary. Outside of activist circles, where Edwards supporters switched seamlessly over to Obama, Edwards has working class support that Obama doesn't, and that Clinton seems to be winning over.

[kitty3363]

From Grungetown Poser USA SEATTLE WA. OBAMA IS A POSER get over it people....­........Fo­r the love of all things holy, read a book, state a fact or stay home. UGHHHH, so sick of overly emo Obama Dumb Dumbs. Is this not how we got into this mess in the first place?

[BrooklynLager]

you make no sense.

[cdub1984]

Please learn to string a sentence together or stay home.

[IkeChicago]

Why would John Edwards be in talks with both candidates, if he does not know who he supports by now, then he's not as smart as I thought he was.

John, are you in talks to endorse the candidate most suited to your ideal, or are you just selling your soul for gold?

[jsinclair]

That's a good point, IkeChicago. Edwards made his reputation this time for honesty, care about the underdog, being somewhat anti-establishment, fervently against the war, and seemingly with much more in common with Obama than Clinton.

If he endorses Clinton, some will follow him, but others will be disillusioned and see him as a sell-out whose "principles" were just a clever way to attract voters when he knew he wasn't going to win anyway.

[vsign]

Edwards needs to sue MSNBC for not providing a level playing field to each candidate (including himself and Hillary). He could do it on behalf of the voters as well. Our rights are being taken away to select or hire the right person for the job when the media controls so much of the information. SUE them EDWARDS.

[IkeChicago]

Hmm

[kevenseven]

Yes, HRC is a victim. Why do I have trouble not laughing 'til I puke at an idea like that?

[westseattle]

I suppose we need to start preparing for the bitterness from the Clinton supporters that is sure to build even more. Of course it's MSNBC's fault Hillary is losing. That's ok, we'll still support you in the Obama camp as we get ready to take back our country.

[VoteforOCD]

So you will consider me for attorney general? Well hell. I can get on the phone right now and have her guarantee me the job.

C'mon kid I need more than just 3 weeks vacation. I need a key to the Oval Office washroom, all I can eat at Stuckey's every Monday and Thursday, a chance to meet Ryan Secrest, and three weeks vacation.

You think it over. Take it or leave it. Final offer. You know where to reach me.

Oh. Oh. Hold on. One more thing. Do you think in a diffferent year I could have won?

Yeah. I s'pose you're right.

[VoteforOCD]

I apologize for the previous. It was below the belt and Mr. Edwards has gone through too much in his life for some asshole like me to take cheap shots.

[malrubius]

If he had any sack he'd endorse Cynthia McKinney.

[jrhawver]

Relax people.

This story was obviously leaked by Clinton's people after their meeting to create the illusion Edwards is angling for some job in the next administration. Clinton probably realizes there's no way he'll endorse her, so their campaign is trying to blunt the effect an Edwards endorsement of Obama will have in the coming days and weeks by making him look like he's only doing it for a job.

Let's cut through the smoke and mirrors -- Edwards will endorse Obama, it's only a matter of time!

[independentrepublicrat]

I think most people who aren't Edwards' sycophants are making the point that his "endorsement" is irrelevant or inconsequential if you prefer, so he can sit on it until November if he wishes and it won't matter.

[BrooklynLager]

His endorsement would be extremely helpful to either candidate. But I don't think he'll endorse either one.

[GV97]

Maybe John was discussing Michigan and Florida...Hillary wants to put those 2 states in her column!! Remember John and Barack removed their names.... obeying the rules....
Hillary did not !!!

[bikerdude]

All their names were on the ballot in Florida.

[jsinclair]

I think it was leaked by Clinton's people, too. But why?

Maybe (like their Ted Kennedy leak) to minimize damage?

Maybe, if they know JE will endorse Obama, they think this will discredit the endorsement a bit by making it look like political wheeling and dealing (which Hillary, of course, refused to do....lol...)

If that's the case, I hope (as with Ted Kennedy) that their strategy backfires. Big time..

[broncofan]

John,
Why are you doing this? Do you know most of your flock has gone to Obama? Do not make peace with the devil and you know who she is.

[Mutineer]

He won't do it. He's got waaayyy more integrity than that... I think.

[BrooklynLager]

I agree.

[chronic]

HELD SECRET MEETING WITH HILLARY CLINTON ON THURSDAY IN CHAPEL HILL.




Hillary was just 10 miles from my house???


Yeah RIGHT!!!

[malrubius]

Check your valuables.

[naschkatze]

LOL

[Spidersweb]

Just wanted to get away from the infighting comments that follow the early posts.

Please correct me if I am wrong about this: Edwards won delegates and he can give those to either Obama or Clinton.

The Michigan and Florida votes do not count until the Democratic Credentials committee decides what to do about those two states. Are Clinton's wins in those states counted in the overall total to date?

[westseattle]

That depends on who you ask. If you ask the Clinton camp, of course they count in the overall total. Anybody who can think for themself will realize that they don't count for anything since that was the agreement. The most likely solution would be to hold a new caucus in Michigan and since Florida refuses to do this, seat delegates for Florida in direct proportion to the popular vote nationwide. That way Florida can seat deligates but the seats can't change the outcome of the vote.

[Mendel2323]

I'm starting to think John Edwards is just a douche bag. Not sure why his endorsement would mean much anyway. Throwing his (light)weight behind Clinton would be the epitome of hypocrisy and endorsing Obama would not have much of an impact. Neither candidate would benefit at all from having this guy on their ticket. Why bother courting him when he could not even bring in his own state last time around?

[joselopez]

Edwards endorsement may have some affect in Ohio, because it has a large working class population and unions. I have to say, if he endorses Clinton after all that he said against her in the debates, he will lose all credibility. so either he endorses Obama or he endorses no one at all.

[SeekerOne]

How could he endorse Clinton, the lobbyist's friend? He would indeed lose all credibility.

[Karenina44]

Mendel -- Edwards still has 26 delegates allocated to him. That is what they are after with the endorsement.

[nurseattorney]

Of course its his 26 delegates that is what both Obama and Clinton are after. I don't think Edward's "endorsement" would swing many voters in either direction.

Note that while Clinton went to Chapel Hill for this visit, I heard that Edwards has been "in frequent contact" with Obama via telephone ever since he dropped out.

I think Edwards has signalled that he will ask his delegates to declare for Obama (I'd I bet Elizabeth has been pressing him in that direction) and that Clinton knows or suspects that to be the case and flew to Chapel Hill to talk him out of giving them to Obama. My suspicion is that aside from their policy differences, there is some bad blood between the Edwards and Clintons that goes back to the 2004 race.