Reply #350: answers [View All]

[Two Americas]

If Edwards couldn't even stand up to the forces arrayed against him early in the primary election process (including those in his own party) without backing down, why would you vote for him with the hope or expectation that he would campaign effectively against the forces of the opposing party in the general election or fight effectively against even more powerful and entrenched forces as president?

The two are not related to each other. Public support can overcome insider pressure - in fact, history shows that is the only way for any progress to be achieved. The politician's job is not to be a strong man or dictator, it is to rally the real power in the country - the people. Lincoln was probably the greatest master of this art of any of the American presidents. As Lincoln often said, without public opinion, nothing can be done and the powerful insiders will rule, With public opinion, anything can be accomplished. Edwards had that sort of humility and respect for the people.

If Edwards had been clearly ahead in the race so far, and faced the same threats or coercion you claim have been made against him, would he have simply dropped out? If not, why did he do so now, when he's running third?

Had he been in the lead he would have had enough public support to resist the pressure. Ultimate power still rests with the people. I believe he would have gotten such public support, but he needed more time and too many forces were arrayed against him.