A Year Ago, In Iowa With the Edwards'

What a difference a year makes. A year ago this weekend, I got on a plane with a couple of others from Georgia, and headed to Iowa to be part of John Edwards' Fighting for One America Iowa Bus Tour. John Edwards, who had never really stopped running for President since 2004, who never really left Iowa, was ahead in the polls there as we departed. Despite recent revelations, the trip remains one of the single coolest political things I have ever done, in part because of the people I met, from all over the country, who were committed not simply to John and Elizabeth, but to the populist message they carried, a message I hope will not fall victim to the mistakes of the messenger.

We trailed the campaign bus, attended events-large and small, on courthouse lawns, in union halls and at the State Fair. We also heard the other candidates in joint forums, including one of the early debates at Drake University. I met Chris Dodd in the bar of the Hotel Fort Des Moines one night and Hillary Clinton in the lobby the next morning. It was a very cool trip, but the memories now are bittersweet and have an entirely new frame.





At dinner, on the first night of the trip, Elizabeth read to us an excerpt from the new chapter of her book, Saving Graces. (The autographed copy of the paperback she gave us that night is still sitting on my foyer table.) John was there, too. He listened intently, never breaking eye contact with her as she read. She chose to read the section describing that when she was in the hospital, getting the news that there was a recurrence of the cancer, John proposed to her again right there in the hospital room-a real proposal. As a result, a real wedding, a reaffirmation of their vows, happened at their home earlier that summer. There was not a dry eye in the room when she finished reading, and it was then I decided that she must be made of steel. Even so, I had no idea of the pain she was actually carrying, and no idea the context and import of John's proposal-and her response. Now I know she's made of steel, but like all of us, has feet of clay.

I tell that story because the hardest part of this situation for me, and for many others I have spoken to, is reconciling Elizabeth's role. Many of us, not so secretly, like her more than him, supported him because she did and believed in him because she did. I don't know why she supported the campaign continuing, but I suspect it was because she believed in the issues they were putting forward. I do know that none of us can know what it was like to be in her shoes. The bottom line is that Elizabeth Edwards is still who she always was-strong, smart, determined and battle-tested, and we need her voice on the issues she cares so deeply about.

As much as I disagree with their decisions-her's, too-to run and continue to run for President, relying on this story never breaking, and never telling any of us who were the front line foot soldiers in their campaign, I completely get, and respect, Elizabeth's decision to try to heal her marriage, keep her family together and work toward forgiving her husband. I also think that absent the presidential campaign, her choice is none of our business. I work with couples every single day who are surviving affairs. Most people who are having an affair never thought they would do such a thing. So, if you're one of the folks tsking your tongue and pointing a finger, remember-you are not immune.

It's easy, in this 24-7 news, reality television world, to think of people in black and white terms-all good or all bad. The truth is, we're all a mixed bag, and really fine people-really talented, sincere, good people-sometimes make the most awful, tragic decisions, and everyone pays a price. As Edwards' friend Mudcat Saunders said, "He's a good boy. He just made a hell of a mistake." I suspect that's about right. Sometimes, the wounded are the best healers, and Elizabeth Edwards is a powerful messenger, especially regarding health care. Here's hoping that her voice is not a causality of his mistake. We need her in the public square.

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Disappopinted

There's a lot I could say about John Edwards' admission that he has had an affair. There's no excuse and it's beyond imagination that he thought he could pursue the nomination knowing that this happened and could become public. Lots of us worked hard for John and Elizabeth, and we're all disappointed, but whatever we feel is nothing compared to what this is like for the Edwards' family. As Hillary Clinton said, my thoughts and prayers are with them.

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Elizabeth Edwards and Truth Telling

Whoever becomes President should appoint Elizabeth Edwards Secretary of Truth Telling. She has a knack for honesty. Sometimes that gets her in a bit of hot water, but, thankfully, she is undeterred. It's one of the things I most admire about her. Today, in the New York Times, she has an op-ed, Bowling 1, Health Care 0, that even she could not have published while John was still in the race. In it, she takes the media to task for the focus on nonsensical but sensational aspects of the campaign for President and challenges all of us to continually speak into the ear of the mainstream press, demanding information about what they choose to ignore. The editorial is on point and timely. Unless we're picking a bowling team, a deacon or a hairdresser, the issues the press has chosen to focus on don't really help us much. But, if we want that to change, we have to demand it. Here's a portion:

The problem today unfortunately is that voters who take their responsibility to be informed seriously enough to search out information about the candidates are finding it harder and harder to do so, particularly if they do not have access to the Internet. Did you, for example, ever know a single fact about Joe Biden’s health care plan? Anything at all? But let me guess, you know Barack Obama’s bowling score. We are choosing a president, the next leader of the free world. We are not buying soap, and we are not choosing a court clerk with primarily administrative duties.

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Elizabeth Edwards' Father Dies at 87

My heart goes out to Elizabeth Edwards whose father, Vincent Jospeh Anania, died on Saturday at age 87. We love you, as always, Elizabeth.

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Who ARE These People??

So, John and Elizabeth Edwards were gracious enough to open their home and invite some supporters over for dinner. Nice gesture, right? Then, some of those people decided that instead of the customary bread and butter note, they'd call a reporter to discuss what was said. If you see a disconnect there, you're in good company. In particular, according to a CNN report, a couple of Elizabeth's "friends" took it upon themselves to share who, in their opinion is now Elizabeth's choice for President. Though the Edwards' quickly denied the report, that the rumor was spead at all is unbelieveably rude. I've always found Elizabeth Edwards entirely able to speak for herself, and rather candidly at that. Since when do you enjoy someone's hospitality and then go report your conversation to the nearest reporter?

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An Inside Look at the Edwards' Marriage

When I first read the horrid, vicious, lies about John Edwards, my reaction-even before I talked to the campaign-was have they ever met Elizabeth Edwards? Apparently, not.

Here's a great piece from Slate, with a look inside the Edwards' marriage, and an interesting perspective on "the house."

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Time: What Edwards Has Going for Him in Iowa

In Time, Mark Halperin offers a compelling list of seventeen things John Edwards has going for him in Iowa (and he doesn't even mention the Georgia delegation that will be heading out there to do whatever we can to help Edwards win-not just the Iowa caucus, but ultimately the White House-that would be 18). As Halperin correctly notes, increasingly the numbers tell us that Edwards is the best general election bet for democrats. Here's the whole list, Halperin dubs "The Millworker's Dozen."

1. The endorsement of the First Lady of Iowa.
2. The support (some secret) of people close to Governor Culver.
3. Big Labor help being quietly marshaled by one of Iowa’s top Democratic operatives and by Edwards’ 2004 campaign manager.
4. A consistently confident, upbeat demeanor.
5. A re-tooled stump speech that has audiences rising up, and that is filled with
specifics of his agenda.
6. Caucus rules that work to the advantage of those with strong support in rural and blue collar areas.
7. Dedicated supporters who will likely turn out even if the weather is cold and
inclement.
8. National trial lawyers who are going to do something (read: “everything”) to get their guy elected.
9. A popular, visible spouse.
10. More than enough money to be competitive.
11. Fearlessness.
12. A stronger work ethic than anyone in the race.
13. Perfect pitch in handling Clinton-Obama conflict.
14. A strong Des Moines Register debate perf.
15. New polling showing him as a strong general election candidate and some new boffo national media clips.
16. High favorables and strong second choice support.
17. Trained precinct captains in almost every precinct – a true, old-fashioned organization.

Imagine that. A truly grassroots campaign fueled by a simple, populist message that is resonating with voters and packing his events: "I will fight for you."

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Elizabeth Edwards in Macon Tonight

Here are a few pictures from the Elizabeth Edwards event in Macon tonight. She was her usual articulate, friendly, down to earth self. My favorite line of the night: "If we applied the language of No Child Left Behind to the war in Iraq-it's never made AYP." More tomorrow, but for now, see if you recognize some faces:

Welcome Sign Created By Groover Children

Elizabeth Edwards and Duke Groover

Elizabeth Edwards and Lauren Benedict

Carol Porter, Elizabeth Edwards, DuBose Porter

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Elizabeth Edwards in Macon This Friday

With a pivotal debate scheduled for Thursday, and polls tightening in critical early states, Elizabeth Edwards is headed for Macon this Friday for a fundraiser. Join us!

“When I think of strength and grace, I think of Elizabeth’s undefeatable spirit. She is simply one of the most honest, most deeply inspiring people I have ever met.”
—Sheryl Crow

Please join us for a reception with
Elizabeth Edwards
at the residence of

Duke Groover & Catherine Bomberger

2417 Clayton StreetMacon, Georgia
Friday, November 16th, 20075:00 PM

Event Chair: $2,300 (Private Reception)Host: $1,000Friend: $250*Maximum contribution per individual is $4,600,$2,300 for the primary and $2,300 for the general

Marie & Roy Barnes, Lauren Benedict, Manley Brown, Robert Brown, Melanie & Chuck Byrd, Franklin Henson, Lisa & Wendell Horne, Beverly & Alvin Leaphart, Kathy McArthur & Waldo Floyd, Steve Leeds, Debbie & Michael Moore, Amy & Daryl Morton, Carol & DuBose Porter, Kim & Carl Reynolds, Kim & Terrell Sandefur, Valencia Seay, Sacha & Mark Taylor, Deeann & Rex Templeton, David Thompson, Scott Thompson

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Liz Pavle at 919-636-3211 or LPavle@johnedwards.com

John Edwards for President

410 Market Street

Suite 400

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

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The Worst Sort of Push Poll

Someone is push polling on the issue of Elizabeth Edwards' health. Ick. Ick. Ick. From Politico.

Two bloggers today reported receiving calls last night from a pollster testing whether John Edwards’ failure to drop out to take care of his ailing wife could damage his campaign.

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Elizabeth Edwards is Coming to Macon

Next week, on the day after the presidential primary debate in Nevada, Elizabeth Edwards will be in Macon for a fundraiser. Her timing could not be better.

John Edwards has had a great two weeks. On the heels of a stellar debate performance last week, he went up on air in Iowa and today received a key Iowa endorsement from Iowans for Sensible Priorities, a 10,000 member group. Saying that their choice to endorse Edwards over Obama came down to a choice for "courage over caution", group members are expected to caucus in mass for their endorsed candidate, John Edwards. It's important to note that while Clinton filled out the paperwork for the endorsement, the group's choice was between Obama and Edwards.

The invitation to the Macon reception for Elizabeth Edwards is below. If you would like to come, and I hope you will, you can make reservations on line on this secure site. Remember, because Sen. Edwards is accepting federal matching funds, your contribution of $250.00 will actually result in $500.00 to the campaign.

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Elizabeth Edwards: We Can't Wait

I am dedicating this video to Congressman Jim Marshall. Our kids can't wait, Jim.
By the way, it is worth noting that John Edwards has stayed competative in Iowa despite the fact that he is not up on television yet. Clinton, Obama, Biden and, to some extent, Richardson have all been up on air. When he goes up, watch what happens.

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Elizabeth Edwards: Headed to Atlanta

This is your reminder that Elizabeth Edwards will be in Atlanta on Wednesday, September 19th for a luncheon fundraiser. This is definitely a "don't miss" event, but you need to make your reservation tonight or tomorrow. Make your reservation by clicking here.

Please join us for lunch with

Elizabeth Edwards

103 West Restaurant
103 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
12:00 PM

Event Chair: $2,300 (Private Reception)Host: $1,000 (Private Reception)
Sponsor: $500
Friend: $250

*Maximum contribution per individual is $4,600, $2,300 for the primary and $2,300 for the general

Melissa Mullinax Abbott * Marie & Roy Barnes * Lauren Benedict *Stephanie & Rob Benfield * Jeff Bramlett * Jim Butler *Melanie & Chuck Byrd * Martin Chitwood * Robin Frazer Clark *Carol Cooper * Melita Easters * Karen & Jon Hawk * Steve Leeds *Steve Lore * Ron Lowry * Kathy McArthur & Waldo Floyd *Adam Malone * Tommy Malone * Toni & Tim Morrison *Amy & Daryl Morton * Fred Orr * Carmen & Geoff Pope * Marion Pope *Elisabeth & Buck Rogers * Tim Santelli * Kiran & Shi Shailendra *Karen & Glenn Sturm * Sacha & Mark Taylor * Teresa & Trip Tomlinson *Lyle & Michael Warshauer
* Host Committee in formation

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Liz Pavle at 919-636-3211 or LPavle@johnedwards.com or https://johnedwards.com/action/contribute/event/0709 1 9B

Paid for by John Edwards for President.Contributions to John Edwards for President are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

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Elizabeth Edwards in Atlanta!

Please join us for lunch with

Elizabeth Edwards

103 West Restaurant
103 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
12:00 PM

Event Chair: $2,300 (Private Reception)

Host: $1,000 (Private Reception)
Sponsor: $500
Friend: $250
*Maximum contribution per individual is $4,600,

$2,300 for the primary and $2,300 for the general

Melissa Mullinax Abbott * Jody Andrade * Marie & Roy Barnes *Lauren Benedict * Stephanie & Rob Benfield * Jeff Bramlett *Tamara & Brendon Briggs * Jim Butler * Melanie & Chuck Byrd* Martin Chitwood * Robin Frazer Clark * Carol Cooper * Melita Easters *Karen & Jon Hawk * Steve Leeds * Steve Lore * Ron Lowry* Kathy McArthur & Waldo Floyd * Adam Malone * Tommy Malone *Toni & Tim Morrison * Amy & Daryl Morton * Fred Orr * Marion Pope *Carmen & Geoff Pope * Elisabeth & Buck Rogers * Tim SantelliKiran & Shi Shailendra * Karen & Glenn Sturm * Sacha & Mark Taylor *Robert Teilhet *Teresa & Trip Tomlinson * Lyle & Michael Warshauer

*Host Committee in formation

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Liz Pavle at 919-636-3211 or LPavle@johnedwards.com or https://johnedwards.com/action/contribute/event/070919B19B

Paid for by John Edwards for President.Contributions to John Edwards for President are not deductible for federal income tax purposes

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Carter-Edwards Event Photo Essay

For your weekend viewing pleasure, click below to see a photo essay of the Carter-Edwards event in Americus.

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Passing the Baton

Today, more than 2,000 people turned out in Americus, Georgia to hear President Jimmy Carter introduce presidential hopeful, John Edwards. It was a day about synchronicity and connections. I sat with Macon City Councilman Rick Hutto, who served in the Carter Administration. Chuck and Melanie Byrd were there, returning to their alma mater, where they met. The Byrds and I were in Iowa together just ten days ago volunteering for the Edwards campaign, and today we heard stories from Betty Pope about her days as part of the Peanut Brigade. As Elizabeth would say, knots-connections.

Elizabeth Edwards and Rosalyn Carter sat on the front row during the program, occasionally leaning in to comment quietly to each other. After all, they were the only people in the room who knew what it is like to have a spouse run for President. And, on the stage, Carter and Edwards shared more in common than simply having run for President. Both are southern gentlemen, both were raised Southern Baptist, and thirty years apart both know what it's like to be underdogs in a populist quest for the White House. Today, when Edwards called on Americans to sacrifice to address our dependence on fossil fuels, I heard the echo of Carter's voice asking Americans to conserve when the gas lines were long. The right thing is not always the easy thing. The right thing is often unpopular, frequently politically incorrect-even offensive to some, but it's still the right thing.

Today, in Americus, it was as if the baton was passed, not just from Carter to Edwards, but from the generation that helped propel one Southerner to the White House to a new generation working for that same goal.

(Check back here tomorrow for video of Carter's introduction.)

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Want to Win? Choose Edwards

There was more good news for the Edwards campaign today. Over the last two weeks, his bold approach to issues has gotten sharper, and even more bold as he takes on corporate politicians of both parties. He isn't singing this hymn alone. Every time Edwards starts a new verse Obama chimes in. Perhaps as a result, while Hillary Clinton continues to lead in national polls, her lead is softening as questions about her electability simmer.

At the same time, according to Rasmussen, Edwards, who has consistently been the most electable Democrat, continues to do better than all other Democrats in general election match-ups. He has solid leads over both New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani 49% to 41% and former Senator Fred Thompson, who he dominates 49% to 35%. He also leads Romney and McCain.

Democrats are in the unique position of having the opportunity to nominate John Edwards, the candidate who is (1) the most progressive and (2) the most electable. How can we not?

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Edwards Turns a Corner and is Headed to Georgia

John Edward has turned a corner in his campaign for the White House. Here's a portion of what they're saying over on Alternet:

Edwards is en fuego right now, and if he keeps up the heat, his candidacy will either be widely embraced by the emerging progressive movement or utterly annihilated by an entrenched establishment that fears few things more than a telegenic populist with enough money to mount a credible campaign.

As he dares take on the corporate structure that supports the status quo, he and Elizabeth will be swinging by Americus, Georgia where he will be speaking at Georgia Southwestern with President Carter in attendance. The event has the feel of a moment in history, and it is free and open to the public. Edwards will speak on Wednesday, August 29th at noon at the Student Success Center Convocation Hall on the campus of Georgia Southwestern. Seating will begin at 11:30 a.m. If you are ready for transformational change in this country, you will want to be there.

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Wrapping Up a Road Trip

I'm back from Iowa, and you may have noticed that I stopped blogging in the middle of the Presidential forum on Saturday night (when my cellphone died.) Both Edwards and Clinton did very well at the packed forum. Edwards is clearly the favorite of labor in Iowa. Some estimate that nearly 4000 people attended, and they were on their feet for much of his speech. The surprise, for me, was Obama. He had a bad night at the forum-really fell flat and was heckled at the beginning of his speech. After that, and then being targeted at the beginning of the ABC debate on Sunday, he probably really did feel like he was riding bumper cars at the fair. Anyone can have a bad couple of days, so we'll see.

Predictions at this stage of the game are risky, but I believe that Edwards will win Iowa, and that will put him in an excellent position going into the other early primaries. His organization is that state is very strong. Clinton will also do well there. Obama? Unless what I saw this weekend was an aberration, I don't think Obama will be in the top three. It would not shock me to see Richardson begin to overtake him there in the polls.

That's it. Great trip. It was fascinating to be in a state where the question is not "will you vote for me" but instead, "will you caucus for me." To caucus means that the person goes out on a cold and often snowy night (probably Jan. 5th), spends an hour or so debating platform and then caucuses for their favorite candidate-and maybe for their second favorite candidate if their first choice does not reach a certain threshold % required to earn a delegate. (The contrast to us giving people a week to take five minutes to vote is pretty stark.) These are serious, informed voters. I kind of like this system. Why should it be easy?

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Edwards Threads the Needle

Rolling Stone has a profile of John Edwards that highlights his strength in the states where it counts the most. They point out that he is the most progressive of all the candidates, yet in head to head match-ups against likely GOP nominees, he is also the most electable of the bunch. Edwards' Iowa operation, they say, is head and shoulders above any other, and even Carville admits that Edwards may well win in Iowa. Should he then go on to win New Hampshire, he'd be virtually unstoppable. Here's the profile.

And, here is a good analysis of Iowa polling that shows why both Clinton and Obama are taking Edwards very, very seriously.

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