GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - John Edwards may have endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president on Wednesday, but the former North Carolina senator saved his most gushing praise for the likely loser in the White House nominating race: Hillary Clinton.
“It is very, very hard to get up every day and do what she’s done. It is hard to go out there and fight and speak up when the odds turn against you,” he said.
Edwards, a former North Carolina senator and vice presidential candidate, told Clinton on Tuesday that he intended to endorse Obama.
Which he did — to applause from the crowd of some 12,000. But a good portion of his words focused on the former first lady.
“She’s a leader in this country not because of her husband, but because of what she has done,” Edwards said, referring to former President Bill Clinton.
“We are a stronger party because Hillary Clinton is a Democrat.”
Whew. Clinton’s campaign brushed off the endorsement, which she had also sought. Edwards’ wife, Elizabeth, who has praised Clinton’s health care plan, was not present and has not backed a candidate.
Obama, who introduced Edwards and took the stage again when he was done, included Clinton in his words, too, and said the election was not about him, her, or Edwards.
“John Edwards and I believe in a different America. Hillary Clinton believes in a different America. The Democratic Party believes in a different America,” he said.
Perhaps he’s paving the way for her endorsement once he has wrapped up the nomination for good?
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
Photo: Reuters/Jeff Haynes - Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama shakes hands with former Democratic challenger John Edwards at a rally with supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 14.
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36 comments so far
I am a white, male, 19 year old Hillary Clinton supporter, but I was first an Edwards supporter. However, I have been very disappointed in Edwards’ cynically opportunistic endorsement for obama. this biased media has tried to destroy clinton from the beginning. it has belittled her efforts; the Democratic Party is to blame too. These arrogant, self-righteous entities think that they are superior to American voters. They have, in a sexist, even misogynistic manner, belittled all of Clinton’s effort for a fair, competitive race. they wrongly accuse her and bill clinton for being racists when obama is the one using the race card.
- Posted by andyoh that’s right. Hillary Clinton is the reason the Democratic party is becoming stronger. Thank you Mr. Edwards that’ll do.
This is a perfect example of how indecisive the Democratic party has become! Edwards endorses Obama, but say oohh Kudos to you Mrs Clinton! You did it all alone. I think the endorsements on her side of the campaign, speak for themselves.
No one is losing! It’s like the little league baseball team from when we were all 5 years old when everything was a tie.
Come on liberal democrats, isn’t it time to grow up and tell someone when it’s time to go home? =/
- Posted by SarahLike Richardson, Edward is an opportunist looking to be on the winning side with no loyalty or morals. Typical politicians. I have more respect for superdelegates that are listening to the voters - let the race go on.
- Posted by aliThey’re just trying to make her feel better, which is stupid because she will use these words against them at the convention.
Nobody is picking on HRC, she’s gotten many, many more chances than anybody else.
Remember the sniper fire? That’s not misspeaking, that’s lying, stupidly.
- Posted by CCSenator Edwards’ endorsement could NOT MEAN LESS to me. I care what Elizabeth Edwards thinks. She is brighter, more decisive, more courageous, and better than he. Elizabeth, I think, would be for Hillary, as am I!
John Edwards’ wimpy endorsement of Obama is a weak as Obama is on the issues that mean most to America.
- Posted by JulianneDear Sarah,
- Posted by nanaPolitics is hypocritical. But, that is how it works. Continuing to sling mud at my candidate, after your candidate is victorious in this primary, is not helpful to your candidate. He cannot win in November with just you and the support he has to date. He will need the 17 million who have voted, so far, for Hillary. Personally, I am very disappointed in the college educated youth and other supporters of Obama who spew such venom and hatred at his opposition. Today, I have no desire to be a part of this “new scene” based on what I have heard and observed from people like you. This may be your first time to become so engaged and so motivated, which I find remarkable, given the past 8 years when you had ample opportunity to vent your anger and outrage at the conduct of this Administration who almost decimated our Constitution, allowed a city ot drown, waged a phoney war, put us into major debt, and destroyed our economy, just to name a few “achievements”. Why were you not an activist then? Your anger is misplaced. This woman has spent her entire life in service to others and you have probably benefited from it and don’t even know it. She deserves some respect and, if you can’t summon it up for her, you need to do it for your candidate because you and people like you turn me off and I will not be able to vote for him if his supporters are an example of him.
I was very disappointed in John Edwards for endorsing Obama..I have to wonder what his agenda is…His timing was strickly political even tho Obama’s stance is change. This sort of thing is old political games.. I am patiently waiting to see what choice Elizabeth Edwards makes…I feel she will back HRC..She has always exhibited strength and is her own person…HRC 08′…She is the only candidate that can beat John McCain. We do not need 4 more years of Republican rule. Bring our Soldiers home…
- Posted by kaye c.Memo to author of this post:
- Posted by nanaTo aknowledge Hillary Clinton’s contribution to this primary campaign and to recognize her strength, tenacity, “steel”, may be “gushing” to you, but it is giving her the respect she deserves, having been the first, viable female candidate for the US Presidency in over 200 years and having won 17 million votes with votes still coming. While it is late in coming and may sound patronizing at this point to both of us, it is far better than hearing jokes about her ankles, her laugh, her hair, her voice, her being female, and other insults and demeaning remarks that will be recorded in the history books for posterity to read about this historical election. I have lived a long time and participated in many elections and I have never witnessed anything like this before. I can only attribute it to an overt fear of women that this country has, or, a basic disrespect for women, and, Sarah, be careful, if you ever strive for anything higher than My Space, you will get it, too.
To Andy: As a 65 year old white female, it is extremely encouraing to know that there are 19-year old men like you who see so clearly the bias and unfairness Clinton has faced in this primary - bias from the press and from her own party. Even today many young women have no idea what you mean, can not see it at all - though many of them will when they are older. But it is a sign of real progress that there are young people like you out there. Thanks!!
- Posted by NancyOn a slightly different note, Pat Buchanan from MSN made an interesting comment today. He asked why the polls ask white voters if Race is a factor in their vote, but they never ask African American’s that same question. I think that the media already knows the answer to this question. But it seems unfair to call West Virginia voters racist because they vote for Hillary in large numbers, when African Americans have voted for Obama by as much as 92% in some elections. People should not be intimidated about how they are voting, but if your going to poll white voters then you should also poll the black voters.
- Posted by Brooklyn GirlI saw Edwards on Larry King Live and he said that he wanted to wait until all the states have voted before giving an endorsement. He also said that he had already voted for “him” (Barack being the only him on the democratic ticket)in the north carolina primary. so i wasn’t surprised after his slip of the tongue. I am dissapointed that all these elected officials make a statement that all voters need a say and then they do a 180 turn and endorse a candidate before everyone has voted. why can’t we have patience in this country? what about Oregon, Kentucky, Montana, South Dakota and Peurto Rico? don’t they have a say? and the people of Michigan and Florida are being punished because their states wanted to move up the election. go figure.
- Posted by Micheal C.“These arrogant, self-righteous entities think that they are superior to American voters.”
Are you on Mars? The American voters have spoke and will be heard. When Obama leads in the popular vote and overall delegates. How can you interpret it in any other way? Clinton supporters(not all just the crazies) should have their own planet where they make up rules as to were they’d most benefit from them.
- Posted by DavidIt is wonderful to see John Edwards support Senator Barack Obama. This takes courage on his part to take a stand. Hillary will not go away. She has and will still be one of the most powerful Democratic Senators. She had the support of her party coming and is only now beginning to lose her edge amongst part members.
- Posted by FrankBarack Obama has been consistent in his message. He represents all Americans and is not greatly influenced by corporate sponsors as the other candidates are. It is a vast number of supporters giving $25 dollar donations that have allowed him to go on and work for real change. I believe he will bring the most justice and peace to our country and the world than any of the other candidates.
Thank you John Edwards for finally stating who you think should be the nominee. I know this decision was not easy as you have great respect for Senator Clinton and an equal respect for Barack Obama. I too respect both Clinton and Obama, and for this reason I wish to see the ride from here until the last polls close in early June.
Clinton has earned the right to have this play out, though the nomination is fairly well tied up. Yes, there can be miracle decision made at the eleventh hour, but it is increasingly looking less likely.
With all my respect for Clinton, I believe her campaign and Clinton herself did not see this endorsement coming this soon. Especially after such a resounding victory in the small state of WV.
I love the Clinton spin though as this demonstrates how caught off guard they were. It shows that we all need to get a grip on reality. The victory in WV was minor and unfortunately I think Clinton supporters know it and are showing their hands much more than they want to.
This endorsement is big, though I don’t think it is as big was it once could have been. It is important none the less.
One final word, for all those that care if the democrats win in November, be cautious about how you treat Clinton and her supporters. Now is the time to open up your arms and welcome them in. They will not all come, but you need to make sure they understand that despite the difference in preference of front runner, we are all democrats and we will all need to defeat the Republicans in November.
- Posted by NyteI cant beleive anybody would actually say Hillary is getting unfair treatment, poor coverage from the media. Where the heck have you all been getting your info, last years newyorker???
- Posted by billuntil recently, the only good new in the press was how great HRC was doing, and how hard she was working, while the press , and Hillary, and McCant all took pot shots at Barack.From His pastors sermons, to buisness and political endorsements from ten years ago.@ months of the press trying to shake him, beat him down,,Yet He’s still on top.
Can i say this was the icing on the top, to have J. Edwards (also my first choice) endorse Obama?? He’ll yeah i can, I just wish he would have done it before all the Racist states in america had a chance to embarrase themselves..
Everyones piping about how big a beat down Hillary handed barack in W.V.,, Look at the states she LOST to OBAMA< this single win for her was astonishing, but PALES in comparison to the winning margins Barack has accrued.WHY DO YOU THINK HE IS IN THE LEAD………
And the next President Of the United States of America is………….
I’m absolutely disgusted by John Edwards and his cynical endorsement. Is he angling for a VP nod? I am a male, white, with a Master’s Degree, and I support Hillary Clinton. I am angered by the misogynistic treatment she has received in the press, and also by the way Obama has treated her. He is an insubstantial candidate, and has insubstantial views. I am annoyed and dismayed by the Democratic party’s leaders, who seemingly want to lose yet again. Do they really think Barack Obama will win in Alabama? Do they think he will stand a chance in West Virginia in November? Do they want to win the election? Hillary Clinton could get the White House back. Barack Obama will be the third losing nominee in a row. What a horrible mess they’ve made.
- Posted by BrianEdwards’ endorsement of Obama was sickeningly opportunistic, taking Hillary off the news on a day she really deserved to be in it, because of her stunning, and thorough trouncing of Obama in West Virginia. I’ve lost all respect for Edwards. It’s obvious this wasn’t an endorsement that had anything to do with who the better candidate was, but rather was a crass decision of perceived self-interest. Ugh, thank you, Mr. Edwards, for showing us who you really are. That 41 percent victory by Hillary in West Virginia is the real story. Anyway, keep going, Hillary. I know you can be a terrific President.
- Posted by Joe KahillInteresting…People talk about Hillary’s experience. What experiance? That she was the President’s wife? She has no more experience than Mr. Obama. But he is not a liar like Hillary. He has fresh ideas and can finally bring this obviuosly racist country together. Hillary is a loser and needs to walk away with some dignity and bring this party together. The GOP has no chance in this election with or without Hillary supporters. The outcome in WV, with 95 % of white voters, will have no affect on the election. This country is ready to go in a much different direction…Mr. Obama is the best and most refreshing candidate in the race…PEACE!!!
- Posted by The ProfessorWhen will Americans learn to think for themselves? Instead it seems people like to be herded by the media, read into it people. Especially you Nana you sound like a reporter with your fear mongering headlines as arguments. What “change” is the Democratic Party really going to bring? Big government and more of the same is all that it is going to bring about and the same “change” will take place again after the republicans get there turn again next.
- Posted by LibertarianEdwards was my hero and he seems to have softened in an odd way. I wish Edwards would have spoken about how awful John McCain is rather than pump up Hillary, good grief. President Obama needs to start the campaign against the Republicans, Hillary, it’s over. It’s time we move onto the real debates about the Republican disasters in our country and the world. I’m waiting for the Jimmy Carter endorsement!
- Posted by michelle/usaLet us imagine for one moment that the roles were reversed and Hillary had the lock on the nomination…. Obama would be getting run over to give up his run…. I have noticed that every time Hillary gets an endorsement… Wow that’s great she deserved it and every time Obama gets an endorsement, they are traitors and they are running over and piling on this poor girl… If you want to talk about piling on….. How about 168 Superdelegates backing Clinton before the race even started ? I find it laughable that so many people are in denial about Hillary losing this nomination….. It is not so much about Obama winning, it is about her losing.
- Posted by RonHillary has been all things for all people… Someday they will do a montage of how she morphed into a different character for every State. That will show you how truthful she really is. Since we don’t know what is going through her head… we will have to see what will happen… my guess is that she will take this right up to the convention and the Democratic Party will implode. It could have been a good year….. I you really want to know the real Clinton, check out the documentary that Dick Morris made about her.
Oh grow up you lot: of course Edward’s had to endorse someone. Good for him!
It would have been political suicide to back the loser Clinton, who has a reputation that follows her like a bad smell. why would he want to play lacky to her power-mad monster??
Who on earth would want someone like her as president?
Obama is the only choice for the sane, morally competent thinker.
America will see the light - Obama and Edwards are the right choice.
- Posted by Keith M WarwickNow? Edwards endorses him now? WOW! How very brave of him! This is just another example of how wimpy some Democrats can be. I’m sorry but this makes me wish Hillary still had a “fighting” chance. Hmm…..now that my help it no longer needed and I can see who is going to win I’ll choose a side. When Ted Kennedy is a braver man than you…..well you’ve got a problem.
- Posted by michaelPosted by Nyte:
“One final word, for all those that care if the democrats win in November, be cautious about how you treat Clinton and her supporters. Now is the time to open up your arms and welcome them in.”
Oops, it’s way too late for that. The insults have been very revealing. You don’t really think we’re really that stupid? Well, probably you do.
Obama can’t win in November. It’s funny that you’re just figuring that out and that you’ve shot yourself in the foot.
- Posted by cap.hillTo Julianne Elizabeth is not a superdelegate nor a delegate so the fact you are waiting to see who she endorses is irrelevant because she has no say on the matter. And only highlights your sexism. You refuse to let go purely on the basis she’s a woman. And for Andy let me get this straight. You say you were and Edwards supporter but now you are disappointed because he’s not endoring Clinton? ARE YOU FOR REAL!?!?? Even during the campaigning when he was more influential the difference between Clinton and Edwards was clear. The similarities in programs between Obama and Edwards was even MORE clear. So for you to toss logic out the window suggests to me you are a Clinton supporter trying to create some illusion that Hillary was picked on (boo hoo) because she was a woman. Let’s be real. Hillary’s derailment was her own doing. She road her husband’s coattails, mismanaged her campaign, lied, lied oh yeah and lied some more, projected her accusations onto Obama and let her feeling of entitlement and ARROGANCE to the office and lack of strategy and race baiting is what caused her failure. NOT Obama and NOT the media.
- Posted by Avant StrangelIt’s good to know that Mr. Obama has the support of John Edwards. I know that had to make Mr. Obama smile during a time when so many are speaking about an American State where race played a major factor on the outcome. I don’t blame Ms. Clinton at all for playing this out all the way through. The American voters in all States deserve the right to have their votes counted. Based on the 2004 election, I don’t feel Mr. Edwards has the testicular fortitude to be Vice President, however I do feel Ms. Clinton has displayed the strength and determination necessary to run in this race what every the outcome may be.
- Posted by D From DallasI’m am once again disappointed in this democraic primary. John edwards should have stayed out of it until it’s over. Someone had better start including the average American woman in their speeches other than Hillary. Obama will really have to rock my world before Nov. in order to get my vote! As of today if Obama is the candidate, I’m just not voting for the first time in my life!!!!!!!!
- Posted by Linda McCabeHILLARY IS LIKE KOBE BRYANT OF LAKERS IN 2002/2003. YOU THOUGHT THEIR OPPONENT IS A SURE WIN DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE…BUT WAIT KOBE DID A 3-POINT SHOOT SUCCESFULLY AT THE VERY LAST SECOND. LAKERS WON AND HILLARY WILL WIN EVENTUALLY.
Hang in there Hillary. A lot of people are still behind you. Those who voted for Obama back in Feb. are feeling buyes remorse in light of the serious issues that he has had since March. I saw her interview last night on CNN. She clearly detailed the issues on economy and her gas tax proposal.
OBAMA WAS WRONG ON GAS TAX. HE IS STUPID ON APPLIED ECONOMICS.
- Posted by neil1785http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst /politics?type=politicsNews&w1=B7ovpm21 IaDoL40ZFnNfGe&w2=B7tmRCRJt2YFzDsa7MJ1Cb lL&src=blogBurst_politicsNews&bbPostId=B CPU7bksptwDCz3q7RHPh1SBUAzSrY29vwGiB3iLr NpLtd9D&bbParentWidgetId=B94DflL2bLsuzDP LZYiSAqaT
Did Obama ever explained to people why his Gas Tax failed in Illinois? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Did Obama ever detailed in clarity the economic issues we’re facing and how he will address those issues? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Not that I know of and I’ve been keeping track of the election since January. The green job proposal came from one of Hillary’s Bright Ideas and Blue Print. God Help us if he becomes the nominee and much worse the president.
- Posted by neil1785Please, give me a break if Mr. Edwards had endorsed Hillary you would have nothing but praise for him. But since he endorsed Obama you can’t stand it. What are you going to say should Elizabeth endorse Obama as well are you going to turn on her too? Get over it! OBAMA OUR NEXT PRESIDENT
- Posted by chayoBig shock! The one young, handsome man endorses the other younger, handsome man to beat the older, more experienced woman symbolizing our first real chance for a woman president. Welcome to “Sexism 101″ everyone!!! Perhaps they’d rather have Hillary be the White House chef “baking their cookies” than serve our country as president. But oh wait…the press doesn’t care that she won WV….they’re too busy reporting on the endorsement of the guy who lost twice now. Great precendent with our press, huh? Let’s let our American press decide who your nominee is by highlighting this story and burying the other? Like giving them this kind of unchecked power won’t come back to haunt all of us someday…at some point….when we don’t like their NEXT choice FOR us!
- Posted by gaypastorPolitics as usual — the endorsement was engineered to crush Clinton’s news coverage. Is this Obama’s high road to the White House? How noble. Obama is not content to defeat her, he seeks to humiliate her. They can mouth all the niceties they want in the effort to woo us back into the fold, their actions speak louder than words.
- Posted by Tara“HILLARY IS LIKE KOBE BRYANT OF LAKERS.”
Yep, I see the parallels. It’s a pretty even divide of people that like Kobe as can’t stand him. Same with Hillary. She’s a polarizer. You either love her or hate her.
Does the country really need another four years of polarization, this time even beyond the normal partisan politics that we’ve been stuck with since the first Clinton administration?
I appreciate Edwards attempt (conscious or not) to acknowledge that both sides of this race are working hard. That’s the kind of peacemaking that’s going to be required to get the Democratic party moving again after the primaries. If the Clintonites can’t reconcile when this thing is done, the party is pretty well screwed. It sure seems like polarization is the only comfortable spot for HRC. If her supporters take that same position, kiss this election goodbye. If they don’t get over themselves and vote for Obama when it counts, McCain will have an easy road to the Oval Office.
- Posted by phlipI am so disgusted by Edward’s endorsement of Obama. The entire previous week he told many cable and major networks that it was important for him to not endorse anyone and stay out of the process. What a liar! Hillary has gotten the shaft since this primary run started. I am a very educated 49 year old democrat. I, too, will either vote for McCain or stay home. I will not vote for a man who does not seem to love this country. And worse yet, I wouldn’t be able to watch his America-hating wife stand beside him.
- Posted by ShellyDear Nana,
in reference to an above statement to me. I do not dissagree with Hillary Clinton at this point. She tends to be far more experienced than Obama. On which the other hand she is of course, not exactly the strong built face of America either. But the issue at hand is not WHICH CANTIDATE is right, it’s the entire two party system that has become fickle and incapable of making any real choices. That in ITSELF is destroying constitutional right. Believe, me, could I be able to make politics a personal issue at age 12, I would have.
and even then, I was a supporter of Al Gore in the 8th grade.
I care not for the greater than though aspect of an older more right wing approach to together democracy…Please spare me the person insult, and concentrate on what actually matters, which is the future and betterment in the US as a democracy, not a Republic, as George Bush has let it become.
- Posted by SarahIt’s time for all democrats to ban together and support the democratic nominee for the fall. This is business, not personal!
United we stand, divided we fall. And that’s just what the republicans want us to do.
- Posted by Rooty