John Edwards 2008

Barack Obama 2008: When will Hillary Get Out of the Kitchen?

2008-04-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama 2008: When will Hillary Get Out of the Kitchen?

Future Updates on Democratic Race

2008-02-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

John Edwards has officially withdrawn from the Democratic Race. There is still no word on whether he might again consider running as a Vice Presidential candidate if asked.

For future update on the Democratic Race for the Nomination please visit:

Barack Obama 2008 http://2008obama.blogspot.com

or

Hillary Clinton 2008 http://2008clinton.blogspot.com

Edwards Campaign will Continue

2007-03-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

The campaign by John Edwards for the Democratic nomination will continue, despite his wife Elizabeth being diagnosed with having bone cancer.

This from MSNBC:

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - John Edwards said Thursday his wife’s cancer has returned, but said he will continue his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“The campaign goes on. The campaign goes on strongly,” Edwards told reporters, his wife by his side.

Earlier on Thursday, MSNBC.com incorrectly reported that Edwards would suspend his campaign because of his wife’s illness. The report was based on a statement an Edwards friend made to Politico.com, a political Web site.

The recurrence of the cancer — this time on Elizabeth Edwards’ bone — presents a setback for the couple, both personally and politically. But both said they would stick with their plans to campaign vigorously for the nomination.

“From our perspective, there was no reason to stop,” Edwards said. “I don’t think we seriously thought about it.”

Edwards had canceled a Tuesday evening house party in Iowa to go with his wife to a doctor’s appointment, which his campaign described as a follow-up to a routine test she had Monday.
Faced with questions about how his wife’s illness affected his political future, Edwards said he will pursue his second bid for the presidency, but: “Any time, any place I need to be with Elizabeth, I will be there — period.”

Mrs. Edwards, 57, was first diagnosed with cancer in the final weeks of the 2004 campaign. The day after Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and Edwards, his running mate, conceded the election to George W. Bush, Edwards announced that his wife had invasive ductal cancer, the most common type of breast cancer, and would undergo treatment.

Mrs. Edwards underwent several months of radiation and chemotherapy for the lump in her breast. Her husband’s campaign has said she had recovered from the illness.

“I don’t look sickly, I don’t feel sickly. I am as ready as any person can be for that,” she said at the news conference.

John Edwards said a biopsy of her rib had showed that the cancer had returned.
The bone is one of the most common places where breast cancer spreads, and once it does so it is not considered curable.

But how long women survive depends on how widespread the cancer is in the bone, and many can survive for years. The longer it takes for cancer to spread after the initial tumor, the better the prognosis.

Chemotherapy and radiation are standard treatments, along with use of drugs that specifically target the bones called bisphosphonates. Other treatments include hormone therapy if the cancer is responsive to estrogen.

Dr. Lisa Carey, Elizabeth Edwards’ physician, said that initial tests showed some very small suspicious spots elsewhere, but that the therapy focus would be on the bone. Asked where else, she said “possibly involving the lung.”

Edwards polls well in New Hampshire

2007-03-08T00:55:00.000-08:00

A Suffolk University poll conducted between February 24 and 28 has John Edwards solidly in third place as the preferred Democratic nominee.

Hillary Clinton was in the lead on 28%, with Barack Obama closely behind on 26%.

John Edwards was on 17%, with Joe Biden the closest behind on 3%.

Vilsack Supporters Head to Edwards

2007-03-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

100 of the supporters of former candidate and Governor of Iowa, Tom Vilsack, have pledged to support John Edwards in his bid for the Presidency. The 100 Iowans include State Representative Kurt Swaim and attorney and Democratic activist Ed Skinner.

Swaim said that he is proud to support Edwards for President, and with "...his leadership, we can get America back on the right path."

Skinner said that John Edwards "...is exactly the kind of leader we need here in Iowa and in our country."

Edwards has consistently been much higher in the polls in Iowa, than his third place in the national surveys. His commitment to visiting Iowa has been shown by his almost 20 visits to the state in the last 2 years.

Edwards will be heading to Iowa again this Friday for a 2 day visit.

Barack Obama will also be there this weekend.

John Edwards on Libby Conviction

2007-03-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

John Edwards yesterday made the following statement in response to the conviction of Scooter Libby yesterday. Libby is the former Chief of Staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, and has been convicted of perjury, obstructing justice and making false statements to federal investigators. It related to the leaking of the classified identity of a CIA employee to the media.

"Today's verdict in the Libby case is an important step in holding the Administration accountable for its consistent misuse and manipulation of intelligence to further its ideological agenda. But there are serious questions about whether the buck actually stopped with Scooter Libby. The American people deserve to know if Mr. Libby has been made a scapegoat in order to protect anyone else."

Edwards' Stance - Gay's and Lesbians in the Military

2007-03-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

John Edwards is a strong supporter of allowing openly gay and lesbian people to serve in the military. He has released a statement, supporting the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which has been reintroduced to Congress. The Act would overturn the current policy which restricts the access of openly gay and lesbian people from serving.

Senator John Edwards released the following statement today calling for an end to the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy on gays and lesbians in the military. Earlier today, Congressman Marty Meehan reintroduced his Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

"It is long past time to end the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy and to allow openly gay men and women to serve in the military. It is critical to our national security that we have the best people in our military. Gay men and women have continually served our country with honor and bravery, and we should honor their commitment and never turn away anyone who is willing to serve their country because of their sexual orientation.

"This is an issue of fundamental fairness — and our military ought to treat everyone fairly. I applaud Congressman Meehan on his important legislation."

Major Iowa Tour for John Edwards

2007-03-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Starting this Friday, John Edwards will be commencing a two day tour of Iowa which will include at least five public community meetings.

Edwards has been a consistent visitor to Iowa over the last two years, and always polls well in this key state.

This is John Edwards' schedule so far:

March 9

12:15pm
Council Bluffs Senior Center

5:15pm
Sanford Community Center

March 10

11:00am
UAW Local #997, Newton

2:00pm
Indian Hills Community College

5:45pm
Burlington Convention Hall

For more details or to RSVP, head to the John Edwards Website. All the events are free.

John Edwards Heads to Texas

2007-03-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

John Edwards is heading to San Antonio, Texas, tomorrow for a rally at the Sunset Station Depot at 5pm.

He will follow that visit up on Friday with a two day tour of Iowa.

To RSVP for the San Antonio rally, head to the John Edwards Website here.

1000 at UC Berkeley for John Edwards

2007-03-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Over 1000 enthusiastic people attended a "Tomorrow Begins Today" rally for John Edwards yesterday at the University of California, Berkeley.

Edwards has been conducting a tour of college campuses. Last week he was in Denver and today, Edwards will go to UCLA. On the 14th of March, Edwards will attend the Howard University campus in Washington, D.C.

John Edwards Applauds Congress

2007-03-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

John Edwards has released a statement, congratulating the efforts of Members of the House in supporting the card check neutrality legislation. The legislation will make it much easier for workers to join a union and for unions to organize to protect workers rights.

John Edwards has long been a solid supporter of the labour movement, and will be seeking to solidify their support prior to the nomination.

Senator John Edwards released the following statement today, applauding the passage of card check neutrality legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Today is a victory for working men and women across the country. Speaker Pelosi and 241 members of the House did the right thing by standing up for working Americans and passing this bill.

"Organized labor has been the most important anti-poverty movement in American history — strengthening the middle class and providing good-paying jobs for millions of Americans. We need to make it easier for workers to organize themselves into unions. If a Republican can join the Republican Party by signing their name to a card, any worker in America ought to be able to join a union by doing exactly the same thing.

"By protecting a worker's right to join a union, we give more Americans the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and into the middle class, which is why I have been all over this country the past few years, working with over 20 national unions to organize thousands of workers, walking picket lines and speaking out in support of workers' rights.

"I encourage the Senate to pass this legislation and hope this is just the beginning of a renewed effort in our country to protect working Americans and strengthen organized labor."

Coulter's Disgraceful Attack on Edwards

2007-03-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Conservative author, Ann Coulter has launched a disgraceful and bigoted attack on John Edwards, when speaking yesterday at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference.

Ann Coulter said that she was going to make a comment on John Edwards, but "it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot' so I'm kind of at an impasse, I can't really talk about Edwards."

Coulter was introduced yesterday by Republican candidate Mitt Romney. Vice President Dick Cheney was also in the audience.

DNC chairman Howard Dean has called on Republican candidate's to denounce the remarks by Coulter.

The Edwards campaign has responded by distributing a video of her remarks. They are also trying to raise $100,000 this week in "Coulter Cash" to "...keep this campaign charging ahead and fight back against the politics of bigotry."

Coulter has quite a reputation for controversy. Can we go further here by asking you to make a sentence out of the following words? Coulter, morals and alleycat. Thank you.

Edwards Interview on Health Care

2007-03-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

John Edwards giving an interview on WYNC Radio last week. The major topic is Edwards' plan for health care.

Edwards Steady in Latest POST/ABC Poll

2007-03-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

The latest Washington Post/ABC poll released this week shows that John Edwards is remaining steady on 12% as preferred Democratic nominee for President. The January poll had Edwards on 11%.

Hillary Clinton still leads the race, on 36%, although her lead has been cut down significantly by Barack Obama whose rating has increased from 17% in January to 24% in the latest poll. Al Gore was the third favorite, ranking 14%.

Edwards also has a strong favorable rating on 46%.

The poll was conducted between February 22 and 25 and has a margin of error of 4%.

Former N.J Governor Supports Edwards

2007-02-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Former Governor of New Jersey and current State Senate President, Richard Codey has announced that he is supporting John Edwards to become the Democratic nominee for President.

Codey said that "John Edwards has the leadership qualities and the experience to lead this nation." He also has "...the best vision to put a Democrat back in the White House."

"This nation deserves a President who will unite us behind a vision of economic growth and a sensible foreign policy that will help us deal realistically with the War against Terrorism."

Edwards said that he is honored to have Codey's support and he will be a valuable addition to the team.

John Edwards Goes back to College

2007-02-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

John Edwards will be heading on a tour of a number of college's in the coming weeks. His schedule takes him around the country, from Colorado to California then back to Washington D.C.

College Tours:

March 1
3:30pm
Denver, Colorado Area
Tivoli Student Union, Turnhalle

March 4
2:30pm
Berkeley, California
YWCA Berkeley

March 5
5:00pm
UCLA Kerckhoff Patio
University of California, Los Angeles

March 14
Washington, D.C.
Howard University campus

RSVP for any of these events here.

John Edwards in New Hampshire

2007-02-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

John Edwards was again in New Hampshire on Saturday, campaigning on the energy issue.

ABC News Nightline will be running a feature piece on Edward's visit to New Hampshire on Monday night.

This is the video released from the Edwards campaign.

Edwards Statement on Vilsack Decision

2007-02-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

John Edwards released the following statement regarding the decision by former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to withdraw from the race for the Democratic nomination.

“Tom Vilsack is a terrific human being and one of the genuine treasures of our Party, so it is our loss more than his that he has chosen to end his campaign for president. His record as a leader on critical issues including education, health care, and energy independence makes one thing very clear: Tom has never forgotten where he came from or the people he serves. He is a powerful voice for the people of Iowa and America, and I am proud to call him a friend. Elizabeth and I wish Tom, Christie and their entire family the very best life can offer and look forward to working with them in the years ahead to build a country that lives up to its great promise.”

Edwards at Candidates Forum in Nevada

2007-02-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

This is the footage of John Edwards at the candidates forum in Carson City, Nevada yesterday. The forum was organised by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and was moderated by ABC's George Stephanopoulos.

Part 1

Part 2

National Day of Health Care Action

2007-02-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

The John Edwards inspired One Corps will be conducting a National Day of Action this Saturday, 24 February on Health Care.

This from the campaign team:

From coast to coast, fellow John Edwards supporters will be gathering this Saturday to fight for universal health care.Some of us will pass out fliers explaining Senator Edwards' health care proposal while signing up new supporters. Some of us will gather to write letters to the editor of local newspapers. And some of us will give blood or find other ways to help those in our community who need health care today.

But all of us will be taking action because we share the core belief of this campaign: Transformational change is not someone else's job for another time. Changing America is our responsibility, and it begins today.

John Edwards Campaigns in Nevada

2007-02-18T01:22:00.000-08:00

John Edwards yesterday attended the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Over 300 people attended to hear Edwards talk about his universal health care plan. Edwards has strong ties to the labour movement across America and would be expecting strong support for his campaign for the nomination.

Today, Edwards will be in Dubuque, Iowa for a town hall style meeting at 1pm.

Edwards Demands Bush Suspend Free Trade Negotiations with South Korea

2007-02-18T01:13:00.000-08:00

John Edwards has called on President Bush to suspend free trade negotiations with South Korea until they "..until they prove their willingness to open their market to American automobiles and other U.S. products and agree to trade fairly."

In a week that thousands of car workers at Daimler Chrysler learnt that they would lose their jobs, Edwards said that one sided trade agreements hurt working families.

Virginia Democratic Chair Endorses Edwards

2007-02-18T00:54:00.000-08:00

The Chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party, Richard Cranwell yesterday threw his support behind John Edwards to be the Democratic nominee.

Cranwell called Edwards the fastest horse in the field, and said that Democrats must support a candidate who can win, adding that there is no second place in elections.

The endorsement came on the same day that Barack Obama secured the support of Virgina Governor Timothy Kaine during a campaign stop in Richmond.

John Edwards Weekend Schedule

2007-02-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

John Edwards will tomorrow head to Las Vegas for a town hall meeting to discuss his health care plan. The event will take place at 11am and is free.

On Sunday, Edwards will again head to Dubuque, Iowa, for a 1pm town hall meeting. Edwards has visited Iowa nearly 20 times in the last 2 years.

Next Wednesday, Edwards will head back to Nevada for a candidates forum in Carson City.

Tonight, John Edwards will be on The Situation Room on CNN, followed by an appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher.

End the Iraq War - John Edwards

2007-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

John Edwards has announced a comprehensive plan to end the war in Iraq, and he is again calling on Congress to use their powers to act.

Edwards has for the last month been calling on Congress to limit the funding for the Bush troop escalation, which is currently underway. He has said that a debate or a non binding resolution is not good enough.

The only solution in Iraq he said must be a diplomatic one, and the Iraqi people must take responsibility for their country. To do that, Edwards said America must start leaving the country.

He has continued his call for people to sign the petition, to tell Congress not to fund the escalation.

The John Edwards Plan would:

Stop the escalation and force an immediate withdrawal by using funding caps to restrict the total number of troops in Iraq to 100,000, which would require an immediate drawdown of 40,000-50,000 combat troops without stranding or underfunding a single soldier still in Iraq. Any troops beyond the 100,000 level should be redeployed immediately.
Block the deployment of troops that do not meet readiness standards and that have not been properly trained and equipped. American Tax dollars must be used to prepare and supply our troops, not escalate the war. It is simply wrong to send our troops into harm's way without all the training and equipment they need.
Make it clear that President Bush is conducting this war without authorization. The 2002 authorization did not give Bush the power to use U.S. troops to police a civil war. President Bush exceeded his authority long ago. He now needs to end the war and ask Congress for new authority to manage the withdrawal of the U.S. military presence and to help Iraq achieve stability.
Require a complete withdrawal of combat troops in Iraq within the next 12-18 months without leaving behind any permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq.

John Edwards will tonight be on CNN's Larry King Live, 9pm ET to discuss his plan.