on the road with john edwards

MM.com reader Robert is on the road with the Edwards campaign this week in California. Here’s a short report.

My camera phone sucks, but here are some of the shots I took with it at the fundraisers in Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica. Edwards was asked some interesting questions regarding his strategy, and his odds of being nominated. He essentially confirmed much of what I have been suspecting based on what I’ve seen personally. He says Obama is not doing anywhere near as well as is widely being reported, at least not in the key states. He said the nomination is essentially between Hillary and himself, and he said he is clearly winning in Iowa. Also, he says he is a clear second in New Hampshire currently, but expects his win in Iowa will help him close in on Hillary there. He didn’t seem too confident that he could overtake her there, but a close second place finish there would do a lot to continue his build up going into the following primaries. He said a lot of other stuff too. He actually speaks quite openly and frankly about what is going on in all this. It’s refreshing. He also really seems to be hitting a bit of a stride in his speeches. He’s comfortable, joking and often blunt. I like that style. It’s Kennedy-esque. People are responding well, but I’d still like to see them bowled over. The energy of some of the rallies has been very good…like the one in Des Moines just before and after the debate there two weeks ago. People were excited. It was a little reminiscent of the Clinton rallies in ’92.

For those of you interested in contributing to the Edwards campaign, just just click here (and then give them your money). It’s easy. I just gave him a little, and I expect I’ll give some more if there’s anything left after our property taxes are paid.

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12 Comments

  1. Ol' E Cross
    Posted September 8, 2007 at 11:38 pm | Permalink

    Just a thanks to Robert for reporting in and to Mark for relaying the reports.

    It’s a good read.

    I sure do like J.E.

  2. Posted September 10, 2007 at 4:03 pm | Permalink

    You’re welcome. I didn’t come out here for the Edwards campaign so much as I did it to better serve markmaynard.com. I figured by being out on the west coast, I would have that three hour time-zone advantage, and subsequently an easier time minding the mm.com store during the night shift. I wanted to go to Hawaii, but my friend there doesn’t talk to me anymore for some reason, so I’m not sure I’d have a place to crash. I had to settle for LA. Now my LA friend won’t talk to me anymore. I may need to start reassessing the quality of my social skills.

  3. Ol' E Cross
    Posted September 10, 2007 at 9:57 pm | Permalink

    Also, meant to say, it’s not you, it’s A2/Ypsi, we just don’t have a lot of extra space right now. It’s been kinda crazy around here lately, you know, with the whatnot and stuff. Best of luck! I know you’ll love the west coast! So happy for you. I hear LA has a lot of great blogs. And, um, yah … keep in touch and stuff.

  4. bev morse
    Posted September 27, 2007 at 3:50 pm | Permalink

    guest in hermosa –
    edwards was quite approachable, disarmingly frank and seemingly much more at ease and fast-smart than the debates and canned responsa –

    i am supporting hillary, as well –

    and believe they both should begin – and use – a potential vp to strengthen the democrat platform with purpose and planning – and a united, pairing of strength – fwiw

  5. Robert
    Posted October 29, 2007 at 4:15 pm | Permalink

    Hey Bev, can phrog at your house?

  6. Robert
    Posted November 6, 2007 at 5:39 pm | Permalink

    I guess it defeats the purpose to ask Bev if I can phrog at her place. Um, Bev, uh, what time do you leave for work?

  7. Phrogger
    Posted November 7, 2007 at 9:51 am | Permalink

    You are the worst phrogger ever.

    Please call yourself something else.

  8. Robert
    Posted November 7, 2007 at 3:00 pm | Permalink

    I’ve been called a phool many times. I guess I could just stick with that.

  9. Robert
    Posted November 19, 2007 at 8:56 am | Permalink

    Phuk! Phoiled again by the phickle phinger of phate.

  10. Edwards Fan
    Posted November 20, 2007 at 9:28 am | Permalink

    So, is Edwards still in this race? My sense is that the media, having grown tired of him, is writing him off.

  11. Robert
    Posted December 7, 2007 at 6:37 pm | Permalink

    Yes, Edwards is not only in the race, but I’d say that at this point there is a better than 50% chance he is going to win Iowa.

    Some of the media may be, as you say, tired of him, or just not interested in him as much as they are the more sensational bashing going back and forth between Hillary and Obama. But I think what most of the media is doing is trying not to give Edwards much attention, hoping it will somehow erode his support. My sense here is that it is actually having the opposite affect. We are getting a lot of new people approaching the campaign thinking we need lots of help to “get back into things.” The truth, which is pretty obvious here now, is that Edwards has the most solid organization and base of support.

    At this time in 2004, some people who know me might remember I was telling everyone Dean was going to loose Iowa, and possibly not even be among the top two or three finishers. Most people, and the media, were pretending Dean was going to win. He came in third. I knew Kerry was going to win the Iowa caucus, but I had no idea that Edwards would come in second, or who would. It was just obvious that the Dean campaign was too hollow here. Obama’s campaign looks very similar in this one.

    I predict Edwards will win Iowa narrowly over Clinton. I don’t believe Obama will necessarily even come in third. I think his people may be outmaneuvered by some of the second tier campaigns (Richardson, Dodd, and Biden) in various regions where those campaigns have savvy caucus-er.

  12. Posted December 10, 2007 at 10:28 am | Permalink

    Six Degrees of John Edwards

    With so few days left until caucus night, it’s more important than ever that we spread John’s message to Iowans all across the state.

    To coincide with John’s “Main Street Express” bus tour – during which he will be joined by Golden Globe-nominated actor Kevin Bacon and Academy Award winner Tim Robbins – we’re organizing a “Six Degrees of John Edwards” drive to encourage our supporters to reach out to undecided caucus goers and help bring them one degree closer to John Edwards and his bold plans to build One America.

    Participating is as simple as taking action in one of the following six ways. After completing an action, you will be able to print out a voucher that you can bring to any Edwards event between Tuesday, December 11th and Monday, December 17th and redeem for a piece of campaign memorabilia autographed by John Edwards, Tim Robbins or Kevin Bacon.
    Six Actions to Help Elect John Edwards

    1. Sign up to organize a John Edwards Book Club. Invite at least six of your undecided friends or family members over to discuss John’s 80-page policy book. Click here to take action.

    2. Volunteer for six hours. Sign up to come into your local office and volunteer for six hours. Or, participate in a canvass in what will likely be six-degree weather. Click here to take action.

    3. Bring six signed supporter cards to an event. Print out six supporter cards, convince six of your undecided friends to sign on with John Edwards, and bring the cards to any event between December 11th and 17th. Click here to take action.

    4. Bring six undecided caucus goers to an event. Know six people who are still deciding and aren’t quite ready to sign on? The best way to get them on board is to let them hear directly from John Edwards. Click here to take action.

    5. Tell six friends about John’s campaign. Use our simple tool to tell your friends about how John has been shaping this race by offering the boldest and most specific plans for the important issues facing our country. Click here to take action.

    6. Write six letters to the editor. People really care what their peers think – your letter could be what convinces an undecided caucus goer to start supporting John Edwards. Click here to take action.

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