John Edwards and His Impact on the Primaries
John Edwards has long been out of the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination. However, he may still play a very big roll in just who wins the nomination. He has yet to support either one of the candidates and the polling organizations are starting to ask their participants what they would do if he were to throw his support to either one.
For instance, in a poll just released by Public Policy Polling, Barack Obama has a 20 % lead over Hillary Clinton, with 13% still undecided in North Carolina. They asked the participants if John Edwards were to endorse Obama , would it make it more likely they would vote for him 30% said it would make them more likely to vote for him, 14% said it would make it less likely and 56% said it would make no difference. When they asked the same question in regards to Hillary Clinton, 24% said an endorsement by John Edwards would make it more likely they would vote for her, 22% said less likely and 54% said it would make no difference.
The 13% undecided is a high number this late in the primaries. If a majority of them all chose one of the candidates, it would ether give Obama an insurmountable lead, or bring Clinton into striking range. If Clinton got the majority of the undecided and was endorsed by John Edwards, she would still be behind, but very close. A John Edwards endorsement wold give her a net gain of 2%/ However, if she were to maintain her lead in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Puerto Rico and be close in the other state, where new polls are not yet available, she could end up very close or even in the lead, in the delegate race.
If the same situation were to happen in Pennsylvania, and it is unlikely that Edwards will endorse anyone before the primary next week, or in Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky or Oregon, the Edwards effect could be a big one. Polls will be out almost daily now, especially in Philadelphia. Expect more of the polling organizations to ask the Edwards question and when or if he does endorse anyone, expect the polls to go really wild and crazy. But then they will just match what this election has been so far.
Comment by Roger on 15 April 2008:
Obama being Foxworthy in San Francisco
You might be a redneck if you are from a small town.
You might be a redneck if you are white and don’t wanna work.
You might be a redneck if you buy my talking points hook line and sinker.
You might be a redneck if you are bitter and anti American government.
You might be a redneck if you cling to your gun only because you are full of frustration.
You might be a redneck if you cling to your religion only because you are full of frustration
You might be a redneck if you have antipathy to everyone but other rednecks.
You might be a redneck if you hate all immigrants coming to your country.
You might be a redneck if you don’t know anything about international trade.
You might be a redneck if you won’t vote for me or join my movement, sort of a race thing.
Obama got caught gossiping in private, plain and simple!
Please no more spin! Can’t Obama just say sorry with out it being small town peoples fault?
Comment by Hatshepsut on 15 April 2008:
Indeed! Edwards should have the courage to come out in favor of Hillary at this precarious stage. We know there’s no love lost between him and Obama, so why will he not step forward and throw his support behind Hillary? Does he think he has a shot at being the VP in an Obama candidacy? No chance of that (plus, I believe Richardson wrapped that up as part of his Easter deal with Obama). Hillary would give him a prominent and important role in her administration—one that he, with his populism, richly deserves. So, come on John—even ask your wife Elizabeth whom she favors!
Comment by Chris Moats on 16 April 2008:
Edwards, please help end this and come out in favor of Mr. Obama. He is almost like you. I would love to have you as VP! And then the P.
Chris.
Comment by Madeline Lowrance, Gulf Breeze, Fl on 17 April 2008:
I don’t know who Edwards would support or the reasons why. I believe the only true presidential candidate suspended his race. I still have a problem with Edwards leaving before the end.
I would still support him and with the choices that are left…I may just have to write him in.
John Edwards has been and continues to be my choice for the White House