Former MA Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Scott Harshbarger, who had endorsed John Edwards, is now urging Edwards supporters to vote for Barack Obama. Here’s his statement:
Allow me, belatedly, to thank all of you for your effort and dedication to and on behalf of John Edwards. I join with you in believing that this was truly a noble cause –and one that sought to reclaim the heart, soul, and values of the Democratic party — and the nation – as I noted in my introduction and endorsement of JRE last September. My only regret was that the timing of John’s decision did not allow us one more shot, (and allow me to send a note I had prepared for distribution yesterday explaining again why I felt JRE was THE moving force for change, and hence it was vital his voice could continue to be heard). I do hope he and this cause will live on in and through this campaign and our nominee, and through each of you both here in MA and nationally.
I have decided to endorse Barack Obama now, at the request of the Governor, for many of the same reasons I supported Senator Edwards. I believe he represents our hope and passion for a renewal of our party, our nation, and our image in the world, and is the best chance we have for re-engaging — and in fact engaging for the first time –independents, progressives, moderate republicans, and new generations of our citizens in our democracy. This is surely an historic time in our country, and it is imperative that we succeed in electing a Democratic President.
Finally, I was pleased last night in the debate to see both Barack and Hilary sincerely acknowledge the impact of the Edwards’ on this campaign and them. May that impact continue to resonate.
Keep the faith!
I respectfully disagree. And it amazes me to see the speed with which the “Important People” rush to judgment over who’s fit to lead. Even the dead get three days before they’re laid to rest.
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p>Paul Krugman’s column The Edwards Effect in today’s New York Times is a powerful tribute to John Edwards and something everyone who calls themselves progressive or a Democrat should read. Surely you have read it. It argues that Edwards changed the party. And if we turn away to those who can conveniently bestow favors, we risk losing his legacy.
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p>In his column, Mr. Krugman writes:
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p>…Mr. Edwards, far more than is usual in modern politics, ran a campaign based on ideas. And even as his personal quest for the White House faltered, his ideas triumphed: both candidates left standing are, to a large extent, running on the platform Mr. Edwards built.
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p>And later:
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p>One thing is clear… whichever candidate does get the nomination, his or her chance of victory will rest largely on the ideas Mr. Edwards brought to the campaign.
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p>And so I marvel at this rush to judgment and all the whispering: “Who are the Edwards people going to vote for now?” And I marvel as I watch the “Important People” circling to endorse – like vultures picking over the carcass of Edwards’ campaign.
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p>But as an Edwards supporter, alive and still with my own mind, I’d like to say: although I urge everyone to unite behind the Democratic nominee in November, no matter who he or she may be, what is more important now – in the primary on February 5th – is to vote your conscience and, if you believe in Edwards, vote for Edwards!
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p>Join voters across the country and vote for him as a way to ensure that the ideas he and Elizabeth brought to the Party will endure.
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p>The other candidates have honored his platform by using his words and ideas. But united, they could turn their back on his progressive agenda unless we hold their feet to the fire. We need to shore up what he stands for. We need to show Hillary and Obama that WE – the Edwards supporters – are still a force to be reckoned with.
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p>For although he’s no longer a candidate, he – and those of us who believe in his ideals – are still voters in this election. And now, more than ever, if we want to uphold grassroots democracy, it’s important to show the money, the media, the Democratic Party – and especially the candidates – where we stand and what we expect from them as we go forward:
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p>the ideas, ideals, passion and platform John Edwards brought to a failing system and a failing party.
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p>This is our only chance and this the way we can do it. So if you believe in John Edwards and what he stands for, please give him your vote on Tuesday.
But I’m not sure that the media or anyone else will pay much attention unless JE were to exceed the numbers he’s been getting to date.
Better IMHO to vote for the one who is more likely to carry your values forward. If you don’t think either is interested in these values, then you may as well do as you’re planning.
I find no enthusiasm in voting for either Hilary Clinton or Barack Obama. I will support either in the general election.
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p>Therefore, my vote will go to John Edwards as his name is on the ballot, as a matter of loyalty, and thanks for the campaign he ran.
We are human beings, Mr. Davidson. We can choose to live our lives out of convenience or out of conscience and loyalty. I choose conscience and loyalty.
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p>When one of the other candidates shows me they will honor what I believe in, then they will get my vote. And not before then. I do not choose to give my vote to who might be “more likely” as you say, to carry my values forward.
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p>I don’t understand the frantic hurry to seal the nomination on ‘Super Tuesday.’ It’s a long way to next August and a lot can happen between now and then. And I will not be party to a media ‘super bowl’ when it comes to choosing who will lead this country.
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p>Nothing is going to be finalized on that frenzied day no matter how desperate the media and candidates are to make it happen. This is all that will happen:
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p>I will cast my vote for John Edwards, know that I won’t regret it, and sleep well that night.
Essex County District Attorney Jon Blodgett and Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn are just 2 of the many political leaders who had supported Edwards but are now working for Hillary Clinton.
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p>DA Blodgett said at today’s rallies in Boston and on the North Shore that John Edwards and Hillary Clinton were the candidates who not only talked about public safety, crime and the poverty that creates it, he felt that they both had the commitment and ability to do something about it as president.
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p>In addition, the health care plans put forth by Edwards and Clinton are very similar because they both understand that we need to cover everyone in order to make everyone’s costs come down. They leave no one out in the cold.