John Edwards’ new ad spot entitled “Heroes.”
This is the newest ad from the Edwards campaign. I’m told by someone close to the campaign that John Edwards was speaking off the cuff in Iowa when this footage was taken, it was one of those spontaneous audience discussion moments. However it came about, it’s an effective spot. I’m interested to see what you all think. The ad’s message could use some discussion, especially the part about the average folks needing a voice and being the real heroes.
I disagree slightly with that premise, though — average folks need to understand that they have their own voices. And that those voices, in aggregate, can be very powerful. Because we cannot simply sit by and wait for a hero to save any of us — the heroes aren’t going to come sweeping in on a white horse to save us from the idiocy. We have to be our own heroes. We have to fight for ourselves. So it is, so it always has been.
The way our nation’s political system is set up benefits the people who have the cash to hire lobbyists and other mouthpieces, who have a decided advantage right out of the gate. Absolutely true. It is also true that the way our major media outlets operate, after years of consolidation and corporatization, is not optimal for the free flow of ideas and facts. (See this great keynote from Bill Moyers to the National Conference on Media Reform, Part I and Part II for more on this.)
But there are things that can be accomplished with the collective voices of the American public raised together, with people massed together, with all of us speaking up as one. If ever there were a time that this nation of ours needed some brakes applied, it is now. But more than just being against things, we need to stand up for our values, our principles, and our people — all of our people. Which leads me back to a post from quite a while ago:
…Democrats used to own these issues because they listened to the voices of those people who needed help, who needed a hand up, and who were willing to do the work on their end to get the job done. And they spoke up for them, gave them a voice in the halls of power.
Ever since 9/11, Republicans have hijacked the message. It’s been all security, all fear, all the time. It’s been “we tell you what to think about morals” and never mind that what you are being taught is to hate your neighbor because he thinks differently than you do.
Well, I’ve had it with this divide and conquer strategy, and I’m standing up today to say that this nation deserves better. My child deserves better, and so does yours.
The ends do not justify the means. That only works if you are on the top end of the food chain and don’t give a rat’s ass about anyone underneath you.
Growing up, my folks taught me that I was no better than anyone else. Period. But they also taught me that no one else was better than me, either….
But it isn’t enough that I want more for myself and my family. Every person in this nation needs to wake up and realize that they deserve more as well. That’s a message that Democrats could take to the bank, I’m sure of it. I know it is a message that would resonate here in West Virginia. People are hungry for hope, they are hungry for someone who will value them — and not just use them as a pawn.
More than that, they deserve to be valued. It’s a question of doing what is right, not just what is politically expedient in the moment to win the election or raise more money or whatever else seems to be driving political power these days. Let’s give the little guy a voice again — help him to stand on his own two feet and make something for his children, and you help the whole country…Imagine where we could go as a nation if we all started looking up again, looking to our dreams for our own lives and for our children….
It isn’t enough to swat at the daily idiocy, to bat down the lies and the distortions, to engage in the daily back and forth. That just keeps all of us busy in the tangential weeds and inside baseball.
What we need is change, but this has to come from the roots upward. It is time we took our nation back, so that the political scene is working for the good of all of us, and not for the further enrichment of a very few. It is time we stood up for what is right, and not what seems politically expedient for the short term. It is time to fix what is broken: state party apparatus, local officials on the take for themselves, staffers who no longer see the long-term because they are lost in the short-term frenzy, and national officials who are too busy keeping their jobs to actually do them properly. (H/T American President) But to do that, we have to be involved in these organizations, to run for those offices, to work on those campaigns — from local school board and prosecutor all the way up to the presidency.
There was an interesting tidbit that jumped out at me from a draft Stephen Colbert website, so I asked around and found that it was pretty accurate: 1,000 phone calls is a lot at any one time on an issue, and 10,000 calls could shut down a state party apparatus, let alone a Congressional office.
Think about that for a moment — we have well over 50,000 a day here at FDL on any given day. If only a fraction of those readers were actually making the phone calls asked of them on important issues, the potential impact is enormous. And if the reach of those contacts was spread out to calls, faxes, calls to local offices, letters to the editor, postcards, and appointments for meetings with staffers? That starts to make more than just a dent. When you add in a public demonstration, a coordinated effort at the local level to pressure the state party apparatus? Imagine where that could go.
I’m looking for some heroes. And I have a feeling that every person reading this could qualify for the job. We have to stop waiting for someone else to do the work, and start doing all of it ourselves. Let’s talk about what we can do — what we are doing — to change our communities, our nation, and our world.
You are the hero you’ve been waiting for…be the change you want to see.
Related posts:
Spotlight
Support this site!
Subscribe to the newsletter
Advertise on Firedoglake
Send
us your tips
Make us your homepage
About Firedoglake
Advanced search
1
We seem to always come back to the issue of public financing of elections.
Excellent, thoughtful post Christie. Thank you.
Now back to finish the Naomi thread..Jeebus!!!
I’ll never be anyone’s hero. But I want change.
No sense getting EPU’d on the last thread, if there’s a poll to take:
From this morning, from Raginggurrl, but appropriate here;
RagingGurrl @ 96
Do join us if you can.
Looking for heroes? Do public financing of elections. Then we might see the separating of the men from the boys. And the women from the girls. We just might find some heroes.
Sid — You’re welcome. Just felt like it needed to be said. Every once in a while, a reminder on the basics can be helpful, and they get ignored far too often by national party apparatus, unfortunately. Thought we could start here and work our way forward…
Yay Christy! I’m not sure if I want President Andy Sheppard or President Jed Bartlett but I want a president who understands what the writers for those two understand.
Lahoma and I have decided, as things stand now, that we will support Edwards. But we also like Dodd, Biden, Kucinich and Richardson. And of course, Gore.
So, any thoughts on the commercial spot? I’m intrigued to know if it hits well for folks — or not.
Crises is the true test of Morality when you risk losing everything will you do anything to survie? Are you an animal?
Or would you risk losing everything rather than risk your principles hopes and dreams.
When the Spanish tortured Montezuma the last King of the Aztecs and Cuatomoc our last General and asked them where our royal treasure was they heated up irons and burned their feet. Montezuma cried out to Cuatomoc “tell them I don’t know where it is their burning my feet!” To which Cuatomoc replied “don’t you think their burning my feet too? “
That gold could have bought them their freedom and an end to the torture. But that Gold still hidden represented a hope for our future, Cuatomec’s refusal to tell though despite losing everything, seeing his people almost exterminated, his civilation in ruins, still he believed in US and his example is more valuable than a Pyramid full of Gold.
We really need leaders who believe in America, the Consitution, and what America represents.
We need a leader who does not think like an animal. We need a leader who doesn’t think that WE are all animals deep down. We need a leader who provides by example proof that there is something greater out there that there is a dream and it is a good dream:)
No truer words have been spoken. Don’t confuse the “fire-fights” with the battle or the war.
If only a fraction of those readers gave $5.OO to Blue America. We can complain all we want about the “system” and the need for “public financing” but that isn’t the game we are in and the Thugs are “playing for keeps.” The bottom line is, if we want a say; it’s going to take “bundled money” a lot of bundled money.
I think the spot is pretty good… I’m still rather grumpy with Edwards’ silly nonsense the other night from the debate regarding Clinton’s “waffly flip-flopping” on the driver’s license issue… that was BS…
makes me more cautious about believing him…
That saying is on my door at my office. I call every single time there is a phone number up to call and post numbers when there isn’t one.
I am totally with you on this. I think we have beat the horse dead. Fascism is here. It’s time for solutions. There is not organized strike for the 6th in Omaha, that I am aware of. But that is the day of our big staff meeting for the my organization…who’s mission statement is to empower women and end racism. With that said, I plan to introduce the idea and ask for help in organizing for the future. What I love is that this idea has time to grow. I just couldn’t make it happen without some time. But it will happen.
I am all about the solutions today. And Christie, this site has accomplished lots of stuff. I have watched our calls matter… and sway congressmen and reps. It works…when you work it.
Lets put the constitution first and make our nation proud again!!!!!!!!!!!!
I disagree slightly with that premise, though — average folks need to understand that they have their own voices.
This is happy talk. For those Americans willing to exercise their voice at all, most are willing to do so only by the occasional election to vote for people that they think speak for them and represent them. Most would be perfectly happy to never think about politics.
Clearly there remains strong resistance for Americans to get involved in spite of the overwhelming evidence that they are ruled by criminals who are bent on eliminating what Americans believe are American values and Constitutional government. And there is little opposition from either party to these criminals.
I blame Pelosi for her failure to do her duty and protect us from the bush/cheney criminals by starting impeachment. But hand and hand with her failure and betrayal is the failure of the American people to generate the outrage that would make it impossible for politicians to continue to fail to do their duty. There is widesrpead failure on the part of Americans to stand up for American values and force their politicians to expunge the criminals at the head of the government.
.
As to the ad? Lahoma and I both looked at it several times. And we like it. Very much.
Difi is on my speed dial on my cell…
that’s pretty damn sad…
Empty platitudes. I think it’s an insult and a waste of money.
We like the populist message in the ad.
OldCoastie at 15 — Here’s my thought on all of that: (1) live events are tough to wrangle with every word being pulled this way and that, so I always try to keep that in mind with any debate or live interview; and (2) no politician is ever going to meet my idea of perfection of thought and deed — they are, after all, politicians.
That’s a Mr. ReddHedd-ism, but it is a good check on the “what I want in the best of all possible worlds” thought process versus the “what I am likely to get in the best of this world” thought process. Doesn’t mean that we don’t push toward better, but it doesn’t mean we can’t stare reality in the face either. Or use it to our own advantage where we can…if we can.
The ad is excellent. About what is right with Democrats and Americans. Edwards is so head and shoulders above all the other candidates. It amazes me that he is where he is in the polling. Very RFK like.
Lahoma and I fancy ourselves ‘fighters’. We never give up if we think we are correct and if no one seems able to prove otherwise. Edwards’ message about ‘fighting’ rings our bell.
“You are the hero you’ve been waiting for…be the change you want to see.”
you’re right Christy, thanks!
I think the ad does a good job of pointing out that there is no “magic bullet” that we all must work… there are no heroes going to do it for you.
Edwards is a very good extemporary speaker, he does tend to speak from the heart. Empty platitudes it aint and as for being a waste of money, nope it is already creating a “buzz” here in NH
Christy Hardin Smith @ 12
I do like the ad. I have been a supporter of Edwards from the beginning – he is a real person. Never have really been sure what a hero is.
Here’s something intriguing from a WaPo poll:
Dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq remains a primary drag on public opinion, and Americans are increasingly downcast about the state of the economy. More than six in 10 called the war not worth fighting, and nearly two-thirds gave the national economy negative marks. The outlook going forward is also bleak: About seven in 10 see a recession as likely over the next year.
The overall landscape tilts in the direction of the Democrats, but there is evidence in the new poll — matched in conversations with political strategists in both parties and follow-up interviews with survey participants — that the coming battle for the White House is shaping up to be another hard-fought, highly negative and closely decided contest.
We are in for a lovely year. SIGH
For me, it connecte on an emotional level without it being too manipulative – even though as Christy sais I’m not sure I agree with all of it.
I also have issues about the whole idea of heroes – an unattainable standard for most of us mortals. Plus, when people are held up as heroes, there is invariably a reaction when their weaknesses are revealed, as they inevitably are.
NE Iowa here(although I do not presume to speak for all)
This ad resonates: Their is a real air of frustration at the Washington elite that has no idea of what is important to lower middle class America. The populist theme highlights the frustration that people feel about the other class, who fire-retard their house while others burn
CHS @ 21 – I know… it just left an unexpectedly bad taste in my mouth.. I’ll get over it eventually, but it leaves me, erm… perhaps less generous in my enthusiasms…
I don’t know that much about Edwards. A serious question; Has he been “tested” and is he tough enough? The General election is going to be brutal and the 4-8 years as President are going to be worse. Bill’s eight years will have been “child’s play” compared to the next Dem president.
Jim Clausen @ 29
how are things sounding these days there in Iowa?
OC at 31 — Well, the entire debate left a bad taste in my mouth, to be honest. But Mr. Russert had a lot to do with that for me. His lack of real preparation and insulting tone from start to finish with all of the candidates was unprofessional and crass. And I sorely wish that Dennis Kucinich had told him to shove that last question. It was meant to target Kucinich but, at the same time, brand the whole party — and a smackback would have been very nice indeed to his smug, smirky pumpkin face.
i c4n haz f145hp14y3r?
CHS @ 33 – yup! you got that right, Sister…
Steve at 32 — If you haven’t read Susan Faludi’s book that is coming p next for Book Salon, you really should. I expect it to be both an illuminating and useful discussion. The book is amazing. And, yes, the next few years are going to make Bill’s eight look like a cake walk.
OldCoastie @ 33
My sense is that people here have not made up their minds solidly yet, but Edwards has built a hell of an organization in Iowa. I think he knows that Iowa is crucial to his hopes.
I did see him personally as well as Obama and Hillary. Edwards does have an RFK feel about him.
I am an Edwards supporter and I wish he would have added, “We will work with and for…” I also think I only saw one person of color, maybe the woman at the restaurant. However, during the two or three times I found myself in Iowa, I don’t remember seeing any but white folks.
I have been spurned on by Firedoglake to phone and e-mail. I also do so with local and state issues here in Hawai`i. If you happened to catch Bill Moyers’ show on Friday, it was brilliant. The first report on the FCC wanting to make changes so that our “free press” corporations get a free pass to own more and more media was compelling. So was the report on the “Missing Class”, those folks who earn just enough not to get Medicaid, food stamps, etc. but are the working poor. Watching Moyers reinforced my support for Edwards.
Sort of O/T but I also like what Edwards said about lobbyists and big oil and power companies are the big reasons we haven’t moved to address climate change. Mahalo Christy for all you do.
flashplayer installed ok, not bad for a commercial.
cure cancer instead of make bombs?
I like the ad and hope he becomes our next president. I had been on the fence about the top 3 dem candidates–so unlike 04 where I was for Dean from the beginning. As a woman I would love to see a female president–but I am not a huge fan of Clinton. After the debate I felt like Edwards was the candidate I would vote for during the primary.
Jim — Last I read, Hillary had rounded up 8 union endorsements, Edwards had 7, and Obama was lagging behind with either 2 or 3. That’s a lot of boots on the ground tied up in three candidates come caucus time. But I’ve heard from several folks that all the campaigns at this point are running flat out in terms of messaging and mobilization. Would you say that’s an accurate characterization?
c4t @ 40
what a concept, eh!?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 8
That to me would be a great step in the right(left)direction.
A year or so ago I wrote a manifesto of sorts in which I outlined some steps towards a more equitable society. My ideas are not new or even original, just common sense. We would abolish all campaign contributions, each and every one, all media would be free payed for by us in our taxes, campaigns would be shortened to six months. There would be money available for expenses based on the type of office being sought. The use of Personal wealth will be prohibited by those running for office. The law on this would be explicit and violation of that law grounds for disqualification.
Further, all elections would be run with paper ballots, and the placement of voting machines would be in proportion to the population voting in that specific area.
Then we would all be able to run for office the way a democracy is supposed to function.
As always this is just my opinion, maybe not so humble but always subject to revision.
Lets see some ads from the other candidates and compare.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 36
AS usual, Digby is way ahead of my thought processes.
link
Hillary is tough enough and probably Dodd;
I don’t know about Edwards and the rest won’t cut it, IMO.
Elliott @ 43
lol! go figure :)
Someone above commented that it is time for publicly-financed elections, and for the first time, I have to agree. Somehow, we have to get corporate money out of the mix.
On a deeper level, though, somehow the average citizen has to start paying attention to what is going on and stop re-electing the people who are doing nothing but glorifying themselves.
I tend to be moderate for the most part in my views. I remember years back when people were so shocked at many of the liberal concepts and ideas espoused by people like Ted Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey. I have to include myself in that number, to a degree, but I could also see that they believed in their causes. I even felt some sadness when Humphrey passed on. He was a principled warrior, and although I did not agree with all that he stood for, I could respect him.
Most of those in office today are nothing more than prostitutes — and they do little or nothing of value for our country. I like Edwards’ message, if for no other reason than he is recognizing and stating something that is very important: The middle class is ignored.
Maddy at #44…
Your ideas work for me.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 42
I haven’t been wooed this much since I was 21.
Very intense on mailings( my peanut has a heavy load lately), I am contacted daily by 6 Democrats and rethugs(we can change our registration on the caucus day), and our papers have numerous articles everyday. We are well informed and have been inundated if you get my drift.
I do have to say that all my friends take our obligation very seriously and do not go for the hype(the haircut and cleavage etc)
Trust us in Iowa. We are not the NSA
A friendly reminder folks, changing names and sock puppeting CAN get you banned. Please stick with one name OK?
Christy Hardin Smith @ 34
People don’t pay attention to politics because it is ugly, petty, one sided etc I’m sure Pumpkinhead thinks these qualites make him a great journalist.
I’m sure he thinks that he is unbiased, and that his biases, er opinions are the realistic instincts of a political expert.
Too bad the standared of living for the average person has declined since the 70’s. The expert opinion of the Pumpkinheads and Tweety’s never mind George Will that has attacked the New Deal nonstop is wrong!
But thanks to the huge failure’s of Bush which rival Herbert Hoover and may be surpassed if this subprime thing gets worst.
People have to pay attention. They are paying attention! And I’m guessing having Pumpkinhead, Tweety, George Will and Ann Coulter represent their side is only making things worst…for them!
Every Media Talking Head in their Deck is a Joker, jokes on them though!
The Lurking Mod @ 51
What is a sock puppet and where can I get an FDL Dictionary?
The Lurking Mod @ 51
rut roh
Just ask yourself who would make the best Democratic president, and why.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 12
i think it’s very effective – and i don’t like it.
‘course it’s really hard to please me politically so take what i have to say with a boatload of salt.
even though edwards says the opposite – in this ad he’s really volunteering for the job of “hero”… and the reason i say this is that he says he speaks for us – instead of saying that he will work to make sure our voices are heard.
and this is a crucial difference – in someways it’s the difference between someone who wants to be the kind of leader who convinces people to follow him and someone who wants to be a leader by organizing people to create the change they want.
sockpuppet
pluege @ 17
Sorry, this is ReThug framed bullshit. Polling shows more folks paying attention to the upcoming election, at this point in the process, and the political process than ever before.
Need to base your comments on something factual not what Hannity or Bill0 sez.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 57
Oh! I thought it was this……………..
Things Come Undone @ 53
The site: http://www.urbandictionary.com/ has lots of blog acronyms and is a crazy place to distract yourself.
A.Citizen @ 59
eeek!
Hmmm… Here I was just yesterday asking a friend if we could really be angry with Pelosi/Reid/Etc just because they are not the hero’s we are looking for- from their view point the decisions the are making are the best of what they see as available~just because I want them to see the bigger picture and to understand that if they don’t step up to the plate, the plate may not be there anymore….and they don’t see that-well, I am not risking my job/life to stand up to these bully’s-I sure would like them to though. So how fair is that? They are (oops-Coulter) imperfect human beings-as we all are. Disappointed yes. Express that disappointmnet-hell yes. But I have to lose the anger…and if people listen and go with Edwards despite the “inevitablity” of Hillary-well I would just be so happy~
We like the fact that Edwards was a trial lawyer and was an advocate for personal injury victims. Yes… we know about about Fortress Investment Group.
I have to make an admission and amends. I sock puppetted. (new verb) I use “wavpeac” on daily kos. (for a long time-don’t know why…it’s just always been that way) and “katie Jensen” on fdl and tnh. I forgot what I was doing. Early altzheimers…but no purpose for deception…just goofy.
Peace all.
Thank you everyone!
The Edwards ad does seem to avoid presenting the candidate as a triangulator.
A.Citizen @ 58
i don’t see how this is R framing. seriously, would you explain it to me? paying attention to elections is not the same thing as demanding change now – like christy was saying… what if 10s of thousands of us were calling our reps each day? what if, instead of 20 code pink protesters at a few hearings there were thousands at every congressional hearing? what if bush couldn’t go anywhere in the country w/o a hundred thousand people showing up to protest?
voting is not the pinacle of political involvement, and as the 2006 elections showed us – it was not enough to end a war or but the brakes on govermental lawbreaking.
otoh, i don’t think it’s happy talk to say we have to find our voices – i think it’s absolutely critical. and if not enough americans are paying enough attention and getting involved now – then that’s our job.
katie at 64 — It’s only really sockpuppetting if you are doing it on the same site and, generally, if you are having a conversation with yourself. But it’s really hard to monitor that on a constant basis when everyone is doing it for giggles as well…so we try to discourage it as much as possible.
Steve-AR View this users Facebook profile says
November 4th, 2007 at 1:13
I have had these thoughts that Digby writes about. and I can see it coming.
What I don’t see is a solution without completely breaking up the monopoly that media has become and restoration of the fairness doctrine. As a rule the right has all the gold so this is a battle not easy to engage.
Another piece or the solution might be (long term) improving our educational system so that people get the education they need to make decisions about these issues
Another would be protecting labor in this country with laws that enable them a decent wage. It is done in other countries less wealthy than ours.
All these disparate issues have an effect on how people deal with their lives and someone who is nurtured by governance is certainly not going to buy the bullshit that those on the right are going to dish out with a vengeance as digby says.
There demonization of all things liberal might fall on ever increasing dull ears.
Disclaimer: I’ve been an Edwards guy since he was a Senator.
I like the general theme of the ad, but I would like to see concrete examples going forward.
For instance: “Republicans say we cannot afford health care for every American. That is because they have conspired together for the wealthiest among us to pay far less than their fair share. Did you know American corporations only pay 7% of the tax bill?
This system is broken. Send me to Washington, and together, we’ll turn things around.”
That’s a winning theme in the primary and the general. Pick a hot topic (the war, the economy, health care) and hang it around Republican necks.
Edwards would shoot a ricochet and hit Hillary as well, given her positions on the war, NAFTA, free trade, etc.
Ruffian @ 62
i can’t say as much about the senate, because i’ve been paying more attention to the house… and i’m angry with pelosi – i’m sick to death of being lied to and manipulated.
how hard would it have been for her to vote for defazio’s amendment to tell president bush he can’t attack iran w/o going to congress first?
how hard would it have been to vote against h.con.res.21 – a resolution filled with inflamatory anti-iran lies?
how hard would it be to tell us the truth about fisa? how bad would it be to have a decent energy bill? a decent farm bill?
my list goes on and on before even getting to stuff like the investigations that should be happening and aren’t, let alone impeachment. and don’t get me started about her support for al wynn.
the reason i wasn’t angry before, is that i wasn’t paying attention. now i’m paying some attention (still not enough) ‘cuz christy got me hooked on c-span and watching congressional hearings. and now i’m furious.
Sock Puppets, Trolls, Evil Dark? Darth? Lords A fool for a king, Rasputin/WormTongue/Mark Penn
Truth really is stranger than Fiction at least in Fiction you can’t push past what an audience finds believable.
But in Fiction the good guy always wins :(
Still when you struggle is when you are most alive.
I’m an Edwards supporter because of statements like this. If working class and poorer Americans could actually take over their government again, alone, I’d be all for it. But to regain control of their lives they need a candidate who understands them and cares, and an organization built by the trustworthy minority of surviving Democrats. Do you blame THEM for that? Do you think that wishing and hoping will make it so? How loudly can we sing Kumbaya, anyway?
diogenes @ 70
my trouble with edwards is that when he was a senator he didn’t seem to be much of a fighter for the things he now advocates. do i have that wrong? i wasn’t paying so much attention to congress then. thx.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 12
It certainly resonates with me for I know far too many hard working families without coverage or without adequate health care coverage or any true safety net at all. Living on the Monterey peninsula our middle class continues to be driven out by the increasing cost of living including teachers, nurses, law enforcement and equally tragic, our young people, many who are from multi-generations whose ancestors count among those whose help make this such a vibrant world class destination as California evolved.
My youngest is graduating from nursing school next month in Wisconsin. He wants to return to begin his career here where his family and lifetime friends live but simply cannot afford to maintain real quality of life much less buy a home. With Gore presumably out of the race our large diverse family are all on board with the Edwards campaign. This new utterly sincere Edwards campaign ad says it all IMO.
A.Citizen @ 58
I don’t see how it’s R bs.
This is what I hear people say when I ask them to register to vote. Mostly they think of politics as boring and dirty and not to be messed with, they’re quite impatient about it.
…
….
Boy howdy, is that true. It seems to come from some desire not to be noticed, not to stick out like a nail that can be hammered down.
Just speculation but I have heard this in two different places;
When asked who they favored as a candidate for president it was not Hillary who came in first, it was Edwards..food for thought.
And Oklahoma kiddo thanks for the reply, sometimes I feel like the lone ranger after writing one of my cogent thoughts. Closer to the truth my cogent thoughts are not so cogent :-)
I don’t think Edwards will do as well in Iowa as he did in 2004.
His message of eonomic justice is not resonating as well. Iowa is enjoying very good economic times. It is hard to sell his message as corn approches $4.00/bushel and beans near $10.00/ bushel. For persective, in July of 2006 corn was $1.75/bushel and beans were $4.25/bushel.
In Iowa, this doesn’t just impact farmers, but almost every man, woman and child.
Book Salon with Susan Faludi.
i didn’t get that at all- edwards says not to look to him or elizabeth as heroes, and that the ordinary people were the heroes- not that he was going to be the hero on the white horse to save anyone.
maybe we can say that speaking for all those ordinary heroes (or mobilizing them) is a heroic act as well… sadly in this day and age, relative to our leadership, just standing up earns you tights and a cape
I like the ad. My mom didn’t like it because of the “quiet hospital room” sentence. She felt he was capitalizing on her illness. I didn’t feel that at all. It seems to me that he must refer to it, because it (the cancer) is an integral part of their lives and their decisions. I bet he would wish it away, but the truth is that such a diagnosis cannot be forgotten and likely does change us.
I like the ad because it was positive..and we definetly need to stand up to the shadow gov’t. I think he is strong enough to do it and that he understands the strength of the “enemy” so to speak.
I didn’t like the attacking during the debate or his repeat of republican talking points.
His idea that if we don’t stand up for the average people they will never be heard…is a scary thought, but I think that unless the middle class gets willing to sacrifice some time and effort, he may be right…and poor folks likely will not be heard.
I just think we all need to remember that the neo cons are not going to go away just because they lose an election. I think they will make life hell for who ever gets the position and that who ever wins must be ready for the fight of their lives. I am concerned about how in god’s name he will stand up to them, as he is losing his precious wife…who I believe he loves. This concerns me. Is it in the back of anyone elses head? There is a part of me that wants to take care of him, it seems that president of the U.S is such a stressful position. I like him, but I worry.
He’s good for america…no matter what happens. That is certain.
Edwards has been tested. They lost their 16-year old son, Wade, in a car accident. As a result of that tragedy, he took a long hard look at who he really is and what he really wants and what life is all about. I think it toughened him up and gave him plenty of real resolve, not the stubborn kind of resolve we see in our toddler-in-chief. Plus, taking on corporations in the courtroom is not for the faint of heart.
We were already Edwards’ supporters and we liked the ad. We can hardly wait to see the next one.
We thought John did a really good job in the debate and for a day the national media actually covered him (even tweety). Since then it’s been a mixed bag. He did have a really good interview with Stephanopolous this morning.
I hope he keeps up the national media appearances so that he can move the national poll numbers. If he moves those numbers the Corporate media may actually develop a narrative that talks about Edwards coming from behind. I won’t hold my breath seeing as how they hardly covered him when he was leading in Iowa but miracles sometimes happen.
About the spot: It is quintessential NC Democratic rhetoric. Edwards comes from a time and place in which the adults that he knew when he was growing up mostly voted for FDR. Four times.
This appeal to grassroots populism is conventional rhetoric for NC from a Democrat.
It seems to work in NC. It probably works in Iowa. Folks in New York City and California probably think it’s a little corny and staged.
What Republicans fear most is the middle class returning to support Democrats because Democrats are helping the middle class. The Republican cant is that Democrats take from the middle class and gives to the worthless (pick your object of hate).
The populist appeal that wins is to the middle class.
I like it. I feel it’s genuine, and it helps manage expectations. No one person or party is going to solve the problems we face now, or ever. In a democracy that should never be the case.
A good leader empowers his followers and motivates them to use their strengths to battle the challenges that face them. I think this what he’s trying to do with this message.
At the end I wanted more, which is a good thing.
selise @ 74
selise,
His first term begai in 98. He beat Faircloth (a Helms clone) against the odds. By 99, he was part of the team defending Clinton during impeachment, and was on Gore’s short list of veep candidates.
I knew his record from that campaign, and got to know him a bit as the airlines suffered financial collapse post 9/11. The company asked my union legislative committee to represent them while asking for Air Transportation Stabilization Board assistance. Edwards and his staff always returned our calls and made time for us. It was important to him that employees were representing the company. During this time I encouraged him to run for president.
He remembers where he came from, and the respect for his parents’ work is genuine. His respect for working people is real. He has certainly evolved from those days to now, and I think he is our best chance to restore the rule of law and even out the playing field.
Christy… Have you read his speech of last Monday? Here it is:
http://johnedwards.com/news/sp…..oral-test/
Have you watched any of his early campaign footage? Well, CarolinaGirl has gone to several of his local appearances and has several online.
http://www.livevideo.com/CarolinaGirl
You can see he is consistent with his “message”. The commercial you post is clear in its message. Clear. The American PEOPLE are THE heroes, the “roots”, he’s HEARD them. He GETS it. Period. That’s what it says and that’s what it means.
Congress and the Democratic Party are NOT listening. This is not about the race, gender, or religion of any person running for elected office. That’s wrong. It is about taking our country back and our Constitution and who is best qualified to do that. Its about stating what exactly the problem is, then stating your solution. Its been about that for the 2.5 years I’ve been saying it online. The American people are PISSED at having Hillary shoved down their throats. Hillary is about “being the first woman President” and that’s all. John Edwards is about getting our country back from the hands of all the idjits.
Its not been reflected back to the American People by any candidate in as clear and plain of terms as that of John Edwards. He’s LEADING this fight and inspiring people to speak out because he’s the ONLY Democrat who has heard them and is in agreement and willing to FIGHT for it.
Saying you RESPECT the will of the American People isn’t really a message to be banged on. You bang on it, then at the end of your post you say what he’s saying and has been saying for months. The only difference is he’s been doing it and saying it and hearing the American people longer.
He got my $ with this sentence alone, even though the entire speech is spot on:
Down one path, we trade corporate Democrats for corporate Republicans; our cronies for their cronies; one political dynasty for another dynasty; and all we are left with is a Democratic version of the Republican corruption machine.
Helloooooooo!
He’s LEADING this. He’s heard the “roots” speaking and that commercial is not a “top-down” marching order, but from the “roots”. I’m not talking about the “net roots” because so far as I have been able to determine from personal experience, that is not a bottom-up community. Now there’s a message that’s been clear.
Christy, it works for me. But this is not new; when I saw him in Georgetown, S.C. a couple of months ago, he said, essentially, the same thing.
I think it’s brilliant. We all need to stop looking for a Lincoln or a Washington, of either gender, and focus on the issues and on the candidate. If we don’t do that, we’re selling ourselves for a dime to the same kind of bullshit and marketing that has given us george bush, and which has given us bush and the warpimps.
Iraq is going to be THE issue of the election. And no matter how much the republicans, and anyone else who has supported it wants it to go away, it’s not going to. In fact, it shouldn’t go away, and if any democratic candidate cannot or will not use it in their campaign, then we should turn our backs on them.
Which is why I want to know which presidential candidate the progressive ‘roots organizations such as MoveOn, or the individual candidates for the house and senate, are supporting, BEFORE I donate. There will be plenty of time for that after we pick a candidate. What is of the utmost importance now is that we pick one that has the best chance, or at least, an excellent chance, of winning.
John Edwards winning the straw poll on here in a landslide was a huge surprise, to me, and, I imagine, to a lot of other people too, just as Clinton’s coming fourth was a huge surprise.
He’s a great candidate. And he wield the Iraq light-saber like Luke Skywalker.
Ask yourselves this: With Rudy Giuliani wrapping himself in 9-11, and in the “waronterrr”, like it was a new suit, whom do you think will do a better job of shredding it to tatters; Edwards or Clinton?
katie jensen at 81:
I can see how that “quiet hospital room” could seem as opportunistic as “first woman President” but I thought about it. People faced with their own mortality, or a loved one, like that really do understand what fighting for what they believe in means on a whole other level. I don’t think he’s using it in a pity kind of way at all, quite the opposite in fact. Good point though. :-)
Myrtle June — You completely missed the point of what I wrote. I didn’t say Edwards was top down — but I did say that top down doesn’t work. Because lately, I’ve been getting this vibe from far too many people — in the comments here and in my daily life — hoping for someone to swoop in and save them from the idiocy. My point is that none of us can wait for that. If we see something that needs to be fixed, we have to be prepared to do the work to fix it ourselves.
And yes, since I linked up the NH speech on Monday, I indeed have read it. I’ve been following way too much campaign information from all of the candidates — to the point that it becomes difficult to remember where one ad ends and another one begins. This one stuck out, which is why I featured it today, because it was empowering and not simply an information piece.
The ad is effective but one thing stood out for me: there wasn’t a single African American or Latino or Asian face among the “heroes.” O.K. so it’s Iowa, but still….
Busy, haven’t read comments . . . but . . . Mz. CHS, that’s a fine piece of work up above. Nicely done.
Why, I daresay, it sounds “progressive!!!” *G*
And it speaks to the masses . . . . and it’s TIME someone was speaking TO and FOR the masses. On behalf of the masses, thank you for your consideration!
Christy Hardin Smith @ 12
It’s outstanding! Speaks for itself. Speaks for me. Now to get it aired on MSM network tv . . .
Christy, you miss the point of my post. Edwards is NOT top-down at all. My post says that. Clearly.
You are stating exactly what Edwards is saying: “average folks need to understand that they have their own voices”. Only, he’s saying he’s already HEARD us and you’re saying we “need to start” speaking out with our own voices. We have been, Christy. The mid-terms were clear.
Congress (11%) is not listening and several online places have been trying to quiet us by giving us the big “shut up about Hillary” stick. John Edwards has heard us. He’s been out among the “average folks”…. listening. That’s why his spot is a bullseye.
We do have our own voices and John Edwards has been listening to those who have been speaking out. The speech was refreshing, reason for hope, and inspiration to keep on speaking out. There IS a candidate who knows he works for us. That’s what the spot says. Clearly. He’s the only one saying the truth of it.
I have no problem with his spot at all. He’s heard us. He’s stepping out. He deserves credit for it.
A.Citizen @ 58
A.citizen @58: What a STOOOPID comment. Hannity, “billo”, nor any other republican say any such thing. republicans may count on Americans not paying attention in order to accomplish their dirty work and for Americans not being motivated to do anything about republican subversiveness, but they certainly NEVER speak of it.
On the other hand, other than verbal diatribes in the left blogosphere which is a VERY small community not representative of most of America, I’d loved to see any evidence that Americans are not standing by while their Congress lets the criminals of the bush/cheney regime steal their rights and undermine their country.
And if your polling is correct (a huge IF), waiting for the next election may well be too late. There is no reason to wait. There is no reason for impeachment to not have been initiated long ago. The bush/cheney regime criminality grows everyday. The bush/ceheny regime has undertaken more KNOWN criminality than the rest of the prior presidencies combined.
.
So, any thoughts on the commercial spot? I’m intrigued to know if it hits well for folks — or not.
As someone who works with folks like those on the video every day, it brought tears to my eyes. Oh my God Christy, can you imagine what it would be like to have a populist Democrat who identifies with and values workingclass Americans!!
The people have a voice true, you can vote and sadly not enough Americans exercise that right.
What this country truly needs is give the citizens are real hand in running this country. The Constitution needs amended to add provisions for every elected Federal official to be recalled by the PEOPLE.
Think Bush and Cheney would have made this long if there was a recall procedure? If we didn’t get them recalled do you think Congress would have refused to begin impeachment procedures if they risked a recall election?
Yes we can vote and elect people to speak for us. But no one is listening and we need a way to make them listen other than waiting 2, 4, or 6 years to try and unseat them.
That’s my solution to the mess this country has become. My 2 cents worth but in the long run I just hope we make it to 1/20/2009 in one piece and without the United States of America becoming a dictatorship.
As an ad, it was pretty good theater. A bit schmaltzy. Bringing up his wife’s illness, however truly it has focused their resolve, should be used sparingly. Pity does not win elections or lovers.
On the other hand the idea of someone in a high place that would bother to listen to working class America–all age groups–and that our voice would weigh in on the serious issues of our times, finally after years of tone deaf national and world leadership, is appealing. A nice idea, and damn it, what we’re all saying to the Democrats is to get a little backbone, be generous with our voice, we’re the ones shoulder to the wheel, rather than making us have to continually scratch and nag to get even them to listen. If the Democrats wont speak for us–who will?
He is wooing the electorate with this message, and he’s right to do so; we want to be won. In the end, we don’t want to be holding our nose as we mark our ballots.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 57
Some great sub-definitions there. Meat-puppeting! Astroturfing!
An example of astroturfing was the on-line ballot stuffing by Mitch Romney and Ron Paul at the fundy Christian “Value Voters” conference in NY City. The on-line voting showed these candidates got 500-1000% more on-line votes than live votes at the Convention. That was done simply because it was so easy to penetrate the system.
We are going to see a lot of astroturfing on polls and surveys this campaign season, especially on the internet.
Of all the candidates, Edwards is always the one I feel a connection with. His style and message jibe with what I want from a president. It is a good ad.
The ad works for me, its simple and gives one hope… But I always favored Edwards…
I have been a Edwards supporter since his Kerry days. This ad strikes me as forthright and from the heart. Look, these people have been through it all and they have distilled THIS LIFE down to its essence FOR THEM. Amazing. The essence of life for them is to help other people. What a concept. I can’t even conceive of any other candidate but Edwards.
I like John Edwards. He seems like the real deal.
But I noticed that there was not one person of color in this advert. Maybe it is designed to play in Iowa only. But America is all kinds of colors.
I like Edwards and I like the ad. However, I agree with Feliciana and Dan R. above. I was immediately very struck by the failure to show any heroes of color. . . and I wondered if it was just because this is playing in Iowa?
finally, someone who talks about heroes