MotherJones Blog: Edwards to Obama: "Our Voices Together Are More Powerful Than Our Voices Alone"

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Edwards to Obama: "Our Voices Together Are More Powerful Than Our Voices Alone"

I've believed for quite some time (much to the amusement of the staff around here) that John Edwards and Barack Obama would make a natural pairing on a presidential ticket because of the similarities in their messages.

The belief is heavily informed by the fact that when I was in Iowa, I saw Edwards frequently praise Obama on the stump, sometimes apropos of nothing at all. The reason I bring this up now is because Edwards did it again at the Iowa Brown and Black Forum over the weekend:

"The cause of ending poverty in America is a cause that's very central to what I want to do as president, and central to my life. … And there is at least one other candidate on this stage who has also spoken, strongly and eloquently, about doing something about poverty in America, and it's Senator Obama."

Candidates are not in the business of lavishing completely unnecessary praise on their opponents, especially not opponents beating them in the polls. It's doubly weird for Edwards to make this statement because poverty is his signature issue. In saying that Obama has spoken "strongly and eloquently" about it, Edwards dilutes his brand.

And Edwards' last line just fuels my speculation. Speaking of Obama, he said:

"I think our voices together are more powerful than our voices alone."

I think I have a legit case. Now if I could only get someone to take me seriously around here...

Comments

I agree, and have thought so for a while. And I don't really care which one is #1 and which is #2.

As a left-of-center independent, who has supported Nader and other independents, an Edwards-Obama (or Obama-Edwards) ticket would be just the thing to bring me back into the Democratic fold.

Any ticket with Hilary Clinton on it would not.

Posted by: Ken G. on 12/03/07 at 9:45 AM Respond

The thought of the ticket being Obama Edwards is very exciting! I would call it a GRAND SLAM into the white house.

Posted by: Erik on 12/03/07 at 10:22 AM Respond

I think you posted something along these lines a few months ago, Jonathan. I agree that it would be a pretty strong ticket. It seems that edwards should be number 1 only because his being No 2 would recall to mind his place in the Kerry/Edwards campaign with a possibly negative tinge. However, if he is No 1 it smacks of Obama taking the second [subordinate] position because of his ethinicity. I don't take it that way but some people might. Tricky.

Posted by: Paul Miller on 12/03/07 at 11:02 AM Respond

I think maybe you're missing something. Forming an alliance is particularly smart in the Iowa caucus because of the peculiar way caucusing works. If you're supporting a candidate that gets less than 15% of the votes initially at your caucus location, you have to disband and join another candidate's group. What Edwards seems to be doing, at least very subtly, is reaching out to form an alliance with Obama for Iowa, to prevent cancelling each other out and Hillary winning.

Edwards is no stranger to the Iowa caucus alliance, as he and Kucinich formed one in '04.

Posted by: Kevin on 12/03/07 at 11:20 AM Respond

Edwards couldnt win even with Kucinich's votes last time around. And his voting record in the Senate will be his Achilles heel in the general election. Obama's strength, integrity and leadership will bring people together to support him. Its happening across the country NOW.

Posted by: Katy7540 on 12/03/07 at 1:02 PM Respond

i agree with kevin, i think edwards wants his votes to go to obama if it comes down to that.

Posted by: be why. on 12/03/07 at 1:43 PM Respond

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Posted by: wow power leveling on 12/03/07 at 11:07 PM Respond

I absolutely agree with you, Jonathan.

At this stage, it may not be smart for Obama and Edwards to form any kind of alliance like the one Edwards did with Kucinich, because many of Hillar ysupporters have Obama as second choice.

Haven said that, I would suggest that if Edwards doesn't win Iowa, he should endorse Obama. Obama doesn't necessarily have to win to stary in the race - unlike Edwards, he's new and he has tons of money. But if he comes third in Iowa, he should endorse Edwards.

That's how the Party can oust the b*tch whom insiders want to force down our throats.

Posted by: Ike on 12/04/07 at 2:07 AM Respond

'OBAMA PORTRAIT' MUSIC VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

For those of you who still have not heard:

There is a WONDERFUL and INSPIRING video on Youtube.com entitled “OBAMA PORTRAIT MUSIC VIDEO BY BJARNE O.”

You can use the free downloaded high-quality stereo version from the composer’s website in DVD form to show at house parties. Even people who knew nothing at all about Obama have been moved.

The music soundtrack, which incorporates excerpts from the famous 2004 speech, can also be downloaded separately in high-quality.

AND, FOR EXAMPLE, PLEASE NOTE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUTUBE VIEWER’S COMMENT:

EA1XA (6 days ago)

I've shared this video with everyone I know. They've replied with tremendous gratitude. They're now sharing with friends and family and suggesting to send out as gifts for the holidays. Yes, great reception because this could be the greatest gift AMERICA could receive.
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It is an uplifting and informative campaign tool.

So please, SPREAD THE WORD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCPwbozpIzM

Together for Obama,
Anne

Posted by: annevilla on 12/04/07 at 2:56 AM Respond

I think you are right on the money Jonathan. I have had an Edwards Obama 08 sticker on my car for a few months now. However, my concern is how the general would go, with the Repug's bringing up the experience issue. The wise thing to do, would be for them to let there possible admin appointments leak out. A role for Bidan, a role for Richardson, Clark, Etc...The excitement of an Edwards/Obama ticket, is one of the possibility of bringing a change to Washington, and new voters to the polls.

Posted by: Paul on 12/20/07 at 9:48 AM Respond

I would absolutely welcome an Obama/Edwards ticket, with either man in either slot. Currently I'm an Edwards supporter but I do also admire Obama. Of course they're both politicians, but as politicians go they both seem to be a little more genuine and willing to take steps that others aren't.

Plus, if it's not too silly for me to say, what a handsome campaign that would be! :)

Posted by: Lea on 01/07/08 at 9:22 AM Respond

The problem is who would take the #2 spot unless the #1 spot guaranteed #2 as powerful a role as Bush has given Cheney. As an Edwards supporter, this combo is one that when Obama announced I thought would be a wonderful representation of how far America has come - a White Southern male on the same ticket as a Black American male! Maybe that is my Northern prejudice coming out about the South but I think it would not only say something wonderful to ourselves but also to the rest of the world that still considers the US, with justification, a racist country. (And beyond those two, as a feminist I would dearly love to have the 1st woman President, but I guess my dream was to have that 1st be someone I could wholeheartedly be proud of supporting. Unfortunately Hillary has too much baggage for that.)

Posted by: JoAnne Young on 01/07/08 at 9:43 AM Respond

I've long felt that the greatest influence of Bush/Cheney would be in the reaction to them and Obama Edwards would be the perfect antidote.
Obama as the diplomat and Edwards as his iron fist would make a useful good cop/bad cop combination. It would also make Edwards a very strong successor in '16.
If the economy goes in a tailspin this year, it would give them a good opportunity to dismantle much more of the current power structure then would otherwise be vulnerable.

Posted by: brodix on 01/07/08 at 5:33 PM Respond

Obama/Edwards.....now the thought of that just gives me cold chills. It would be the best combination of candidates that I can ever remember and they would surely make me proud of the USA again.

Posted by: dawn on 01/09/08 at 4:40 PM Respond

Good call regarding Edwards; he's been acting a little lovey-dovey about Obama lately. I'd fully support seeing them on the same ticket with Edwards as vice-president. Then we just have to convince Obama to go with Edwards' health care and economic stimulus proposals...

Posted by: American Abroad on 01/13/08 at 10:25 PM Respond

i AGREE WHOLE HEARTIDLY. i THINK THAT WOULD SIMPLY BE ELECTRIC AND GIVE US GREAT MOMENTUM INTO THE GENERAL ELECTION. THE GOP WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO MOUNT ANY CANDIDATES THAT COULD RIVAL THIS POWERFUL UNION.

Posted by: Mark on 01/16/08 at 10:44 AM Respond

I would gladly support an
Obama-Edwards ticket. I am
an Edwards supporter but like
Obama, too.
Let's make it happen

Posted by: Pat on 01/19/08 at 9:36 PM Respond

Re: comments by Ike, we come too far for people to reduce
women to "bitches,"...i.e.
your Hilary comment.
Anyway, a ticket of Obama-Edwards would be great...we have to chart a new direction and energy for this country and the world

Posted by: Pat on 01/19/08 at 9:46 PM Respond

What a team this would be! Let's hope he endorses Obama.

Posted by: juicebs on 01/30/08 at 3:37 PM Respond

Referring to Hillary as a bitch is just wrong. It's not what dems should be saying about a candidate. I'm an Obama supporter but I don't need to disrespect Senator Clinton to vote for my candidate.

Posted by: Lesley on 01/30/08 at 4:03 PM Respond

Lesley, that is just the way the real people talk. Get real dear. You ever listen to the music on the radio or TV. Where have you been living?

Posted by: Ebony on 01/30/08 at 4:11 PM Respond

Obama/Edwards does not excite me.

Posted by: DCortez on 01/31/08 at 4:14 PM Respond

From a LATINO view; This is the dream ticket that we are waiting for. there are thousands of silence voters waiting in Miami - south Florida DEM, REP and INDEP that are thirsty of a Change, a Change we all can beleive in.

I'm a Republican for OBAMA & EDWARDS.

Posted by: Nelson on 03/17/08 at 7:04 PM Respond