The DLC Wants Edwards Gone
Jan 11th, 2008 at 10:38 pm by Susie
Which pretty much tells me I’m backing the right guy:
As would be expected, the two gentlemen from the Democratic Leadership Council on a conference call today told reporters they’re very confident in their party’s chances of reclaiming the White House, they’re happy that substantive issues are being discussed…
During the rest of the call, the two men said they were pleased that none of the Democratic candidates supports a single-payer health care system . . .
And then Al From, the D.L.C. founder, said he was “very happy about the two candidates” Americans are considering.
“This is a really hard choice, really, for Democratic voters because they like both candidates,” said Mr. From. “For me, I don’t see that going to be a problem. I think in the end, Senator Obama’s appeal that he’s made very firmly and directly to independent voters, and Senator Clinton’s appeal to the forgotten middle class are going to add up to a very smashing Democratic majority in the fall.”
Well, O.K. But what about John Edwards? He beat Mrs. Clinton in Iowa, as one reporter pointed out, but Mr. From still doesn’t think Mr. Edwards is viable.
From: I’m not going to speculate where the Edwards people go because I don’t know, to be honest with you. I think Edwards has run a hard, tough campaign. It’s not a, you know, he doesn’t take the tack that necessarily I agree with. What we’ve seen so far in this campaign is optimism. …
I think what you’re saying is that this is moving into a two-person race and that people in the race have been optimistic and hopeful, and I think that bodes well for the party . . .
I mean, this is a different party. And that all bodes well. So we’re excited about what’s going on in these early primaries and we look forward to having our hand in this race as it goes forward and helping our candidate, whether it be Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, march to a very strong victory this fall.
UPDATE: Dr. S. adds his perspective.
Whenever I start to lose hope in Edwards candidacy, something like this comes along to refresh my enthusiasm for the only real progressive “change” maker in the race. So, thanks, Al.
Based on his comment, I say we call on Obama and Clinton to say exactly what kind of health care plan they are going to back if and when elected. Is From right that neither want single payer?
See also Froomkin’s questions for the top Democrats.
When the DLC or the DNC calls asking for money I tell them that I’m sending it all to MoveOn.org.
When John Edwards campaign asks for support, I always wish I could legally give more. I had dinner with John (and about 50 other supporters) here in Seattle last September, and it’s still impressive to hear him explain his plans for economic reform, health care reform, foreign policy reform, and lobbyist reform.
I wish we had had more time, as I did not get the chance to ask him how he plans to clean up the sleeper cells in the justice department. The Bush legacy in the DoJ scares the hell out of me.
Hey guys,
I just wanted to make a point of clarification that the DLC is neutral in this race. They are forbidden from endorsing any candidate.
Thanks, Chris
Oh come on, Chris. While they may meet the letter of the 501(c)3 requirements, some truths are self-evident.