Pictures I took of John Edwards and others at the union rally in Miami Tue

[RagingInMiami]

The rally was sponsored by SEIU (Services Employee International Union) in support of the janitors who have been on strike for almost two months. John Edwards, James P. Hoffa of Teamsters International and Charles Steele of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Alabama group that MLK Jr. founded also gave speeches.




















It was a scorcher yesterday, as you can tell by John Edwards' shirt.






This is James P. Hoffa, son of former Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared in 1975.



Charles Steele of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Alabama group that MLK Jr. founded in the early 1960s. He's been playing a strong role in this fight.









After the speeches, there was a march.




Then Hoffa and Steele walked into the Admissions Building on campus, where the students conducted a 13-hour sit-in one day and attempted a second sit-in the second day, only to be tossed out the building by undercover cops. They wanted to meet with UM President Donna Shalala. But they were not allowed in the building.

EDIT: Here is a press release about what has been going on.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060425/nytu159.html?.v=45

[saltpoint]

1. It looks as if democracy is more on the march in Miami

than it is in that Middle Eastern country we bombed a while back...

Great photos. Thanks for sending these along for us.

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. Great pics

Way to go Edwards!

I like to see a guy who puts his money where his mouth is.

[IndianaGreen]

37. I agree, those are great pictures by RagingInMiami!

The only bad thing I have to say, which I won't, involves former Mafia lawyer Jimmy Hoffa, Jr.

Edwards looks fit as a fiddle!

[flordehinojos]

3. good pictures.

thanks for posting them. what's happened to donna shalalá? has money, the miami sun, the diaz-balart brothers or the ros-lehtinen woman persuaded shalalá to become a republican at heart?

[wicket]

4. Excellent pics

Thanks!

:kick:

[kentuck]

5. He looks like JFK..

when JFK was campaigning for President. :)

[Doctor_J]

39. I was thinking RFK

but you may be right.

[LaurenG]

6. Oooo, good pictures, all tanned and presidential looking, Edwards

that is, especially this one! Good job.

[bmbmd]

8. Comfortable

in his own skin.

[beachmom]

21. He is quite dashing, isn't he?

Easy on the eyes, our John Edwards!

[Olney Blue]

7. I feel like I was there- thanks!

[SunDrop23]

9. Great pics! Love seeing John with sleeves rolled up gettin at it!

There's no valid reason this guy is not VP right now.

[AmericanDream]

10. Awesome work!

Edwards looks fired up.

[Catchawave]

11. Very nice !

I'll be his "towel girl" any time ! For my country, of course :patriot:

I read this in another article:

The health insurance plan being offered to workers costs roughly $500 a month for a family, union spokeswoman Renee Asher said. The workers earn $1,200 a month.

Sounds like price gouging from the insurance companies to me?

[RagingInMiami]

14. So either you pay the insurance

Or your rent.

[bdamomma]

12. John Edwards is such a

humanitarian, and still fighting for the people!!!

[JNelson6563]

13. Great pics!!

Edwards looks great!! The day sure looks perfect, if a little too warm.

I'd rather have Edwards in the WH over this idiot we have now. Since JE's been out regretting his IWR vote I've got a newfound appreciation for him.

Thanks for posting the great pics! You've got my vote for the Greatest page.

:toast:

[senseandsensibility]

15. I am very impressed that Edwards is out there

helping the janitors, and I can't help but think of MLK's last public appearances, in which he was marching with garbage workers. And. on a side note, he looks GREAT!

[Sugarcoated]

16. I hope Elizabeth is doing well

Was she there? Has she been attending any of his appearances? I would love to see her more visable.

[benny05]

32. Elizabeth is on the OAC Podcasts

She just finished a book, still in editing stages, but due out in mid to late September this year.

I asked a question about immigration policies in our country, and she & Senator Edwards answered it--they do listen and want our questions! You can go here to hear them and their answer. http://oneamericacommittee.com/media/podcasts/

Meantime, you can read about Edwards here: http://daily.stanford.edu/tempo?page=content&id=20223&repository=0001_article

He is appearing at Stanford tonight to talk about US-Russian relations work he and Jack Kemp have been doing for the Council on Foreign Relations.

[ChiciB1]

17. I KEEP Talking Him UP!!

Heard a reporter on Olbermann, Craig and I KNOW his last name, but slips my mind right now, Oh, yes Crawford, said that "don't count Edwards out, he's still very much a contender!"

Listen up you guys... Edwards has many many pluses! Not the least of which is ELIZABETH!!

Thanks for the GREAT pictures, I LOVE them! And yes, Florida is HOT now, and we have had soooooo little rain! It's been months! I've been trying NOT to use my AC yet, but just about to give in! But I figure a little sweat cleans out the pores!!

GO, JOHNNY, GO!

[senseandsensibility]

18. kick! Just one more rec

needed for the greatest page. C'mon Edwards fans!

[ChiciB1]

19. I Just Recommended... Don't Know Where My Post Went!

I wonder if the vote got counted. I just HAD to come back for another look, the pictures were so GREAT!

When I posted a minute ago I mentioned that if Dems wanted to get the "women's" vote, WELL more of these pictures don't hurt anything!

I CAME back for just another look myself! But I AM very BIG for Edwards!

[ChiciB1]

20. Looks Like My Vote Got Counted... But Post

went POOF!!

[senseandsensibility]

22. Try to remember what you said and repost it

You're right about the womens' vote, and I think men will vote for him too.

[blue neen]

23. Edwards is fighting the good fight.

I really admire what he is doing to help American workers.

[BrklynLiberal]

24. Kicked and recommended !

[benny05]

25. K & R!

And have posted this thread at OAC blog: http://blog.oneamericacommittee.com

:woohoo:

[snowbear]

26. Hot dayum!

Is Edwards getting even better looking or is it just hot in here?

[ultraist]

27. Great photos & report, RagingInMiami, nice work.

Video of the event: http://cbs4.com/local/local_story_115104313.html

[benny05]

29. Good video, Ultraist

Raging in Miami, I invite you to the OAC blog and join our community if you have the time. I've posted the link in my other comment.

Good photos and very up close! :headbang:

Benny

[sandnsea]

28. So what is up with Donna Shalala?

I'd have expected better from her. This is another case of naming names. Put her out there, front and center. Don't bash her, shame her into doing the right thing.

Great pics, great rally!!! Although, I'd like to see "Make Work Pay" at every labor, immigration rally in the country.

[benny05]

30. Despite her work for Clinton

She's always been more of a Hillary type, and I think that says it all.

[sandnsea]

31. To not even meet?

Really stupid politically, she's smarter than that. And I think she did a good job at HHS, one of the better people in Clinton's administration.

I imagine she's got as many budget cuts to deal with as anybody else. Still stupid not to meet with people, unless she privately thinks sit-ins and rallies are the only way to get any change.

[benny05]

33. She works at a Private Institution

Therefore, she may or may not believe she needs to stand up to anyone.

It's a Hillary attitude, in my view.

[sandnsea]

34. I don't think so

She actually has met with them. The university has agreed to wage increases and $3 a week health insurance. The only thing she says she can't take a stand on is how the union election is held.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14209247.htm

[benny05]

35. While she makes over $520K a year...

She is right about the organization issue of the union. The workers need to decide on that, but UM also contracts to that company, who doesn't want it to happen.

[sandnsea]

36. But not $5 million

Probably should be careful to tune in to the really horrific salary abuses. Yes, UM contracts with that company, when does that contract come up for renewal? Perhaps that's a better time to hold her personally responsible. Not that I think they should stop protesting or anything, they should just to draw attention to the vote. Having read over her response and employee contracts, I don't think she's the biggest part of the problem anymore. That's all.

[benny05]

41. She Was Not the Middle Class Woman for Students @UWM

She took her dogs to work many times and expected folks at UW-Madison to treat her as though her dogs were to be better respected than students or others.

Ms. Shalala did a poor job in supporting Josslyn Elders. This Miami President is too used to favors and blows with the wind otherwise. She reminds me much of Senator Clinton, who came from an upper middle class family and never went to public universities. I don't understand her charisma. If folks want to know Sen Clinton for President, meet Dr. Shalala.

[sandnsea]

42. Oh for pete's sake

I would never vote for Clinton in a primary either. But it serves no purpose to smear anybody's character or personality. It's cheap politics.

[benny05]

44. Well, take a look

by the person who took the photos. I am not into the smearing game, as you know from my other posts, especially when I don't like it either that Kerry gets smeared. I'm stating that Dr. Shalala has moved into the "I don't care" realm since she is wealthy and doing well.--and I do believe Sen Clinton doesn't care--which is why I think Dr. Shalala doesn't either. Sen. Clinton should be a senator...she does OK for NY, which is why she isn't for ARK or IL.

Many administrators take that position, which I believe is less than neutral.

[AmericanDream]

68. Oh c'mon

Stop with the unnecessary Hillary bashing... what's the point of even bringing her into this? Dr. Shalala is no Hillary Clinton!

Quite frankly, hillary will be a better President than her husband was, but she will never get there.

[benny05]

71. I Guess I'm with many DU'ers on this one

Sen Clinton is a good senator. However, as one journalist (citizen or professional) stated, her ambition gets in her way; I think she is a dynamic speaker, but I guess because I haven't met her personally that I find her to be insincere. I think the Republicans do not fear her in the least, unlike some other potential Presidential candidates.

[AmericanDream]

72. DU'ers like her

Most DU'ers like her... they just don't think she can win in a general election.

As for her ambition... she did more as the first lady of Arkansas (she essentially researched and put together the whole education reform for the state) than what most elected officials will ever do... and what does that give her? In the history books, the credit will go to Bill Clinton and not hillary. To say that somehow she is blinded by ambition when clearly she has been doing a lot of stuff without getting deserved credit for it for long is just a little overstated.

Her ambition doesn't get in her way. True: Ambition is what drives people and she is very ambitious and as is John Edwards and anyone who wants to accomplish something in life.

She is not an ideal presidential candidate and I don't even like her much, but it is not that somehow if she is elected President, she is going to run wild on a power trip as you are suggesting. She is very competent and she will do well... but like I said, she won't get to.

[benny05]

73. There is Ambition and There is Looking into one's Heart

JRE has ambition, but his is very different. He was motivated by Wade's death to do something more than just pity for himself. He is motivated by his heart.

Sen Clinton's ambition is motivated by the 70's in some respects. I don't blame her for wanting to be the first female president. As I alluded in another post, I am motivated to support JRE because I have met him in person, and to me, he is all heart about our country. He wants to make it better and I think he can heal so many wounds that many of us carry who post here and other places. He's very spiritual, but he doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve; it just eminates from him.

I saw Sen Clinton on tv at Mrs. King's funeral. I thought it was really tasteless that Pres Clinton felt the need to share his spot with her on speaking there; he should have stood on his own. She gave a good speech, but I still could not feel her sincerity or her spirituality, for that matter. President Clinton mentioned that there is a body in that casket; Sen. Clinton spoke nothing about Mrs. King as a person, but only as an icon. To both of their credits, they got a good slap in at * and his ilk.

My beef: I'm tired of politicians who don't care about this country, only their egos. Edwards is not in that camp. He gave up his seat in NC because his ego is not in the Senate anymore; he is truly compassionate about us because as growing up, he remembers the struggle.

[AmericanDream]

74. Ummm...

No, Wade's death didn't give him ambition.... he has always been ambitious since childhood, his mother said he was "just born with it" ... like I said, you can't accomplish anything unless you are ambitions... ambitious as in you have dreams to get somewhere and do something (for some people it is for themselves and for others it is doing something for others).

And, seems like you see everything through the prism of Edwards Vs. Clinton. I wasn't even talking about Edwards. Just because one likes Edwards, doesn't mean we have to attribute negative characteristics to Hillary which she really doesn't deserve.

As for the clintons, sure they have egos, but they also care a lot about this country... for anyone to suggest otherwise is well, just meaningless.

Once again, you don't have to bring Edwards into everything... judge hillary by herself and quite frankly, she is a very fine person.

[benny05]

75. I Agree on one of your comments

Wade's death did not give JRE ambition, and if I suggested that, I am wrong. To me, it gave him motivation to care about our country outside of his family, and Elizabeth and Cate support him.

He is spiritual and I think that's why people are drawn to him. I look at the speech (one I have posted a few places and it still is revered) at the CBCC on 9/11/2004: "Walk with Me Through this Day".

Good morning.

Today, on this day of remembrance and mourning, we have the Lord's word to get us through. "The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place."

And let me show you how we are building and putting cedars in those three hallowed places-the footprints of the Towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania. Walk with me through this day and you will see that this is a season of hope.

For at this moment, just outside of New York, a mother laces up her daughter's shoes. And they are ready to start their long walk through this day. The daughter is two and a half. She can say his name, "Dad." She can point to his picture, but she does not know him.

On this day, they go to Central Park to remember with the other families. Then, they head downtown to place a flower where he died-the once tall tower where he left his first, last and only message addressed to her. And they return home still in their Sunday bests after a Saturday of sorrow.

So walk with me through this day.

Today, a town gathers in front of their church. It is a town where so many-53-were taken before their time. For a week after that September day, the Lord's doors were open. The Lord's doors were open for that hour of loneliness just before dawn. That night when the silence inside the house was too much to bear. And for that moment when just missing their wife, their husband and the love of their life was the greatest pain they'd ever known.

But today, they are there to ring a new church bell-a gift born out of their grief. They want it to ring from the bell tower to ensure that "sorrow and sighing shall flee away." That bell will toll for the souls gone home. It will toll for those who still weep. And it will toll for those who rejoice in life's great gifts.

Walk with me through this day.

And across our great river, the men and women who stood at their posts at the Pentagon; who helped rescue the wounded and carried the dying, and who still guard their post at this moment will pause in a sea of stone and valor. They will lay a wreath. They will pray onward soldier you answered your calling here but your work is not done in the Lord's house. And they will pray for those whose wounds have not healed-the burns that cause them great pain every time they reach out to hold their wife's hand until the stars rise and the night falls on this day in September.

So walk with me through this day.

To that field in Pennsylvania where-the mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors of that day's warriors- will stand in the middle of all things beautiful. They will read the names of those who charged. Those who fought back. Those who never gave up so that evil never had the chance to finish its plan. They come together, as their loved ones did, to find hope in the middle of the Lord's green field.

They will sing. They will pray. And they will lay a wreath where Flight 93 fell. And in a place where smoke once rose, you and I we will see that cedar rising.

Walk with me through this day.

At this hour and all day long, strangers will follow the Lord's wish. In memory and in the hope that goodwill and grace will always triumph out of tragedy, they will give. In "a day's payment of service," New York City firefighters will give and fly to California to help rebuild homes destroyed in the fires. Businessmen from Long Island will give and take sick kids to a ball game. Men and women in Memphis will give and build wheelchair ramps for the disabled. And there are thousands standing in Afghanistan, standing in the very place where evil grew, giving their service to ensure that evil never rises again.

These Americans will give because so many were taken from us. And for them-the three strangers who came together to start this day of service-a mother who lost her son, a brother who lost a brother, and a friend who lost a friend-for them September 11th is never in the past; it is enduring. It is never just an anniversary; it is a time of renewal for each and every one of us to do God's work here on earth.

So walk with me through this day.

At this breakfast, our prayers will be heard and answered for those who still need comfort. They need a hand to hold as they try over and over again to forget the crashing windows, the fire, and the falling steel that took their coworkers but not them. They need the comfort of prayers as they sit in solitude. They have their head in their hands as they wonder like the other tens of thousands who walked out-why I lived and the others did not. And they need to know that we are with them even when it feels like we aren't as they try to rebuild their lives without.

Whether it's one year, two years, three years or until our short time on this earth comes to an end. Those who lost that day will always miss them. Those who worked night and day until the last cart was carried out of Ground Zero will always know they did their best. And those who unfurled their flags, gave blood, comforted a child who lost their Dad, and made that day the defining day for them to leave their mark on this earth-we will always remember that unity of purpose.

Walk with me through this day. And you will see that while those bricks fell and the sycamores cut down, our people are making those cedars rise.

"And let us not grow weary in well-doing for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart."

And let us not grow weary of taking care of those families. Let us not grow weary of praying for those soldiers who defend us from that evil at this hour. Let us not grow weary for giving up a day in our lives for those who are gone. And let us not grow weary in our determination to never forget, to never grow indifferent to what occurred that dark day in September.

This season of hope does not have to end tomorrow. We do not have to wait for yet another anniversary to come and go. We know what we want in this country. We want that one America.

There have been few times when we saw the possibilities of one America more than on September 11, 2001. All Americans, black and white, young and old, rich and poor, were bound together in tragedy and resolve to ensure that once again good triumphed over evil.

Sitting here today, after so long in the desert, it may seem like a mirage. But we know it is real, and that it is possible because we have seen it. We want one America. We want that hope, that faith, and that purpose without the tears, the pain, and the sorrow.

You know, I have learned two lessons in my life. One is that there will always be heartache and struggle in our lives. We can't make it go away. And the other is that people of good will can make a difference. One lesson is sad and the other is inspiring. And walking together through this day, we choose to be inspired because we know that we can fulfill the promise.

In times like these, if we can work together, comfort together, and help communities rebuild together, then let's do that for all of the challenges that exists right now and build one America.

For that child we see every day sitting on the front step, locked out and alone, let's work together to give him a safe place to go with friends and teachers while his mom works.

For that mother who works hard all day-forty hours plus a week- and she still has to sit at the kitchen table and divide her bills into pay now and pay later, let's work together to give her a country that honors work so she can get ahead.

For that whole town that's watched their factory lock its doors, let's work together to make sure that we bring opportunity and an equal chance to their front door.

For that young boy who always sits in the back of the classroom unable to read the basic instructions, but is too scared to ask for help, let's build him a school that's a palace for learning so no child is ever afraid to ask for help.

And for that family we know on every street. The mother and father are working hard. He takes the late-bus to work and she takes the early bus. They're doing what's right, what they're supposed to do to take care of their family. And yet later tonight, they might have to put their kids to bed hungry again because they can't afford dinner on a Saturday.

So let's work together to end poverty. Now some are going to say "end poverty" you can't do that. That's something we've been fighting for centuries. We just have to live with it. Says who?

Anything is possible in this country when you and I work together. If we put a man on the moon; if we conquered diseases like polio; if we can live through a terrible day like September 11th , then we can build the Lord's house in every heart and home across this land.

Some days sorrow just storms in doesn't it. You wake up one beautiful morning and the kingdom is at hand. You're on your way to work, to school, or to fly west to see your family. You're washing down the fire truck or walking the halls in the Pentagon. You're waving good bye to your young son on his first day at his new job. You're just talking on the phone with your child. And then sorrow hits.

It never asks if it can drop by. It doesn't knock. And it never asks if you're ready. It just hits and knocks everything down. And the next day, grief washes over thousands and sorrow surrounds us.

But we know how to beat it back. In America, we always rise up. Sometimes not on the first day or the second day, but we begin to rise up and build something new.

This is who we are, and this is the eternal spirit of America.

That is why that young girl who never knew her father, will feel the comfort of millions as we walk with her through this day and her life. That is why the men and women at the Pentagon will feel the prayers of millions as they salute their fallen. That is why the families in Pennsylvania will know that we weep with them. That is why the firefighters and police officers who miss their brothers will know that we miss them too. And that is why a new bell tolls in a church on the other side of the Hudson River.

You and I, we hear it. It tolls once for the dead. It tolls a second time for the mournful. And the third time, it tolls for us. It tolls for us to seek joy in our families, comfort in our children, and hope in our neighbors.

Each time that bell tolls, it calls us to a greater purpose. It calls us to never forget. It calls us to do the Lord's work here on earth. And it calls on us to always remember that when we walk through this day together-the cedars will rise, the stones will go up, and this season of hope will endure.

Thank you and God bless you, the families and friends who mourn, and our great United States of America.

[RagingInMiami]

80. Would that be before she voted for the war

Or after she voted for the war a second time?

[RagingInMiami]

43. She can put an end to all this with a simple phone call to Unicco

She is not the neutral party she claims to be.

[sandnsea]

46. How do you know that?

I'm not challenging your assertion, I'm asking sincerely how you came to that conclusion.

[RagingInMiami]

47. I've been photographing this since day one

I've also written articles about it. I have personal friends who are very involved with this issue.
And documenting it has become a personal project of mine.

What we're seeing here is SEIU's attempt at unionizing the traditionally union-weak south. And Miami is their battleground, specifically, the University of Miami.

Miami is the ideal place because it has northern influence, a large income disparity and a thousands of immigrants. You see, despite what many pro-union people on DU may think, the 21st century labor movement will come from the immigrant community.

Shalala is anti-union. If the janitors get unionized, then the university professors will want to be unionized. And other university workers.

If SEIU wins this battle, then it will be easier to unionize the rest of Miami. And if that happens, it will be easier to unionize the rest of the South. And if that happens, then the rest of the United States will follow suit.

This is not your father's union. This is the emergence of the unions who broke away from the AFL-CIO last year. The unions that broke away, including SEIU and Teamsters, have done more in the past year than the AFL-CIO has done in the past 20 years.

And they're even offering an olive branch to the AFL-CIO, which was denied, according to today's article in the NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/25/us/25labor.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[sandnsea]

50. Let's try again

I'm very familiar with the union split and what the SEIU and Teamsters are trying to accomplish.

So again, what specifically has Shalala done to lead you to the conclusion that she is anti-union.

[RagingInMiami]

52. Try reading the post again

"Shalala is anti-union. If the janitors get unionized, then the university professors will want to be unionized. And other university workers."

[sandnsea]

53. Oh, okay, because you said so

:eyes:

Come on, you can give me more than that. I know you can. I am seriously asking, I really don't have any info on what she's done except for that one article I posted.

[RagingInMiami]

54. You asked how I know and I know

I really don't give a shit if you believe me or not. I am there every day covering this issue. I am living it.

If it's going to take Shalala to call a press conference or send out a press release to announce that she is no longer neutral on this issue for you to finally accept it, then you will never be convinced.

So whatever. I have no qualms in stating she is NOT neutral in this issue.

And I'm through discussing this with you because I have to get ready to go to NY to photograph the antiwar protest and immigration rally this week.

[sandnsea]

56. *sigh*

Well I hope the people leading the union fight have a better set of arguments put together than that. And I hope you're not in any position to ever have to answer questions or sway people to join the fight. Somebody has to take the pictures though, so I'm glad you're there to do that.

[RagingInMiami]

57. Go fuck yourself

[sandnsea]

58. Did you read my first post?

Where I said if Donna Shalala isn't helping she should be shamed into helping? I went to try to figure out what her malfunction was, and didn't find one. She's offered good pay, good benefits, met with students. I asked for more info, and get told to go fuck myself. And I'm the crazy bitch, you bet, right.

"I'd have expected better from her. This is another case of naming names. Put her out there, front and center. Don't bash her, shame her into doing the right thing.

Great pics, great rally!!! Although, I'd like to see "Make Work Pay" at every labor, immigration rally in the country."

[RagingInMiami]

60. My last post on this and then I'm logging off

I get really annoyed when I come on DU and get patronized by somone who apparently isn't doing anything about promoting democracy and justice and liberty, other than bitching about the lack of it on DU.

The revolution is NOT going to happen in cyberspace. It's happening out there in the real world as we speak. I'm doing my part. I'm documenting it through words and photos.

If you really want to know more about this issue, there are tons of information out there on the Internet. I'm not going to be your personal researcher and reporter. Especially with that condesending attitude of yours'.

[sandnsea]

62. Well excuse me

I'll remember not to ask people who are directly involved with "the revolution" whether it's happened or not.

Ig-nore.

[RagingInMiami]

81. Well then you won't hear me say

Go fuck yourself, bitch.

[RagingInMiami]

79. And I should have added

You bitch.

[benny05]

82. I like the pics

RIM, can we avoid getting personal about this? The person who asked you the q's cares deeply about our country. S/he just wants to know how you know. You have mentioned you get information from friends and get your ear to the ground. I believe you! and I appreciate you supporting my notion about Sen Clinton. Sen Clinton is a good senator for her state; I question her reasons for considering a run for the Presidency--is all.

I love the pics. Come blog over OAC if you wish.

Benny

[RagingInMiami]

83. I was drunk last night

[Haole Girl]

38. Thank you for sharing these. n/t

[laheina]

40. Awesome pics!

Edwards is a great looking man, but the angle that you took these from make him look even better. ;)

[machka]

45. Thanks for the pictures!

:D

[genieroze]

48. Go Edwards!

:applause::bounce::woohoo::loveya::patriot:

[barb162]

49. great pictures and I love Edwards (even sweaty)

[AtomicKitten]

51. that's one good-looking VP for the people, of the people

[Placebo]

55. John Edwards needs to ditch that Timex, and quit running for President...

and then maybe he'll do some good.

Great photos though. :)

[wiley]

84. Thank You!

[FrenchieCat]

59. Well, I ain't ever gonna say that the man doesn't take good photos,

and I'm glad he's making appearances looking very populist....

But what I want to know is, did he say anything? Cause I remember the coverage he got during the primaries....tons of footage shown on the Teevee, but never with the sound of what he was saying.

This thread reminded me of that.

[AmericanDream]

63. Yes, he said a lot

Ultraist posted a link to the video of his speech, but here are articles about it:

You can watch the video clip here: http://cbs4.com/video/?id=[e-mail]&cid=5


"No Americans should be working full time and still living in poverty," Edwards told the crowd. "This struggle is about earning a wage, about having health care benefits, about everyone in America - not just a few - having a shot at the American dream."

Edwards and University President Donna Shalala discussed the issue Tuesday, said university spokeswoman Margot Winick.

http://www.alligator.org/pt2/060426ap_strike.php

[AmericanDream]

64. Frenchie Cat

I want to extend some thoughts here.

I know you are an ardent Clark supporter, but why do you (and basically all of us) have to dismiss (and/or ridicule) every other potential 08 candidate just because he might be Clark's competitor?

Clearly, your comments show that you've never really done any research on or have had any interest in knowing enough about Edwards. Fair enough. But shouldn't you at least give him a look and what he is saying before passing a negative judgment on him? And, I say that to true believers of all candidates. Appreciating the good qualities of another candidate doesn't mean you have to jump teams, you can still be a Clarkie (or a Deaniac or an Edwards supporter) and still like others, right?

Here's a video I would recommend you watch to know about what Edwards is "saying" and not just what he is seen doing:

http://oneamericacommittee.com/assets/video/speech-20060208-uap.rm

[FrenchieCat]

65. Well, I have news for you.....

But, please don't assume that I don't care for Edwards becoming my President due to my lack of research. That is a patronizing assumption; one that is a mistake to make.

I researched Edwards, listened to his speeches on C-Span, read articles on him, and even read one particular article in the NYT or WAPO that had me in tears (the story about his son).....and initially on discovering him, thought that he could be "it" for a nano second; even told my husband so. He certainly has it down as far as imagery.

However, the more I watched and the more I learned about him, the less he endeared me to him. I just simply didn't like his IWR vote and his reasons for voting for it (I marched against this war; twice), his mannerisms began to annoyed me (including his tongue games). He just seemed too packaged; too put on; too rehearsed. To put in midly, I just didn't get the right vibes from him in terms of his motivations for being in the race. I simply never felt, that on substance, he had the leadership skills required to turn this nation around. Plus, the populist stuff came later on in the campaign, and wasn't there when I was Candidate shopping. I guess once his "Two America" speech became the stuff of pundit legends, he understood what worked and stuck to it...which was a great move on his part which attracted many new supporters, but I just wasn't sold on the sincerity of it all.

In addition, as a naturalized citizen, I always valued Foreign policy experience....in particular after seeing what not having any did for this country under George Bush. The War was one of the reasons I became so much more actively involved politically.

It is precisely because I did research all the candidates that were running at the time, and concluded that none running could beat Bush in the General Election, that I passed on John Edwards and others. I liked Graham and what he was saying about what was happening at the time, but understood that he wouldn't make it before it was apparent to many.

that is how I ended up finding the candidate I ended up supporting through a draft movement in June of 2003.

But I understand that it doesn't hurt to suggest....so no harm done.

[AmericanDream]

67. Ummm...

I wasn't trying to be patronizing... I was just using your statements to understand your viewpoint... in your post that I replied to you mentioned that they always showed him on TV but never showed what he was saying and you wanted to know what he was saying, so I assumed that you weren't aware of it and apparently wasn't even interested in researching him because really if you wanted to know what he was "saying", his website is only a click away.

But I have to say that you make many assumptions about Edwards in your assessment there - but I guess each one of us forms some assumptions or others regarding almost all public figures.

Obviously, your experience with Edwards has been far different with mine, and I'm not going to spend time convincing you otherwise. I can only hope that perhaps one day you'll see in him what I do - or, on the other hand, if you have the hang on the "real" Edwards, then hopefully I'll see the light some day.

I know this though: almost every member of the media, press, or public who has had a few minutes to share with him, doing an interview or whatever, comes away saying that he is for real... trust your own eyes, but don't shut them, that's what I'm saying. The point of my post was - yes, you have a candidate, but what's the harm of keeping an eye on others too? And I would say so about warner, feingold, etc. too. I check out what Clark, warner, Feingold, etc. are up to all the time *shrugs*

[FrenchieCat]

69. Good....that we both have open minds....

And I "like" Edwards ok....just not to be my President.

And my point in stating that I had noticed during the primary coverage that for whatever reason, when I watched my TeeVee, most reports on Edwards showed him...but never provided any substance on any of his words....unless one watched C-Span. It was very noticable, because no other candidate was covered in quite that way.

I distinctively remember watching one Rally report, when he was at his peak of popularity as "who's gone be the number 2" where they played some "Go Johnny" song...and had him walking through a crowd...and not once did the camera stop to have us hear what he was saying...nor did they use his words, but rather they had the song blaring in the backround, while they, the pundits, told viewers how wonderful Edwards was, as they showed him on the screen. That's why I said that this thread reminded me of that....because, face it, there was very little substance offered in this thread by those who admire him.

But the thread was OK....but it did remind me of the type of coverage Edwards got from the corporate media during a critical time (not saying he was responsible for it--But I did wonder why they covered him in that particular way--emphasizing the imagery of what is John Edwards, but very little of the substance.

[AmericanDream]

70. This thread is by a photographer displaying his/her work

This thread was originally posted in the "photography" section by this upcoming photographer to show this work... then the people who responded to the original thread (in the photography section) asked this person to post this in the GD or GPD sections. I believe that the focus is on Edwards in this person's work because, well, he was the big guy at the rally.

So, I don't think this person was trying to give a report on the rally... just displaying his/her work, and he/she was asked to post this here by a few people who liked the work. Hope that explains the lack of reporting in this thread.

The original thread in the photography group:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=280x15269

[ChiciB1]

78. I Posted Twice Here Yesterday... Came Back For MORE!

Just wanted to add my name to your column. As a Liberal, I never thought I would be one to support Edwards to the extent that I do. Once I committed to him I have yet to find a real reason to leave.

I was fortunate to actually see him in person and get to shake his hand, and as you said... once you see him in person you really DO get positive feed-back! And it's NOT just that he's very good-looking, he has an extremely warm quality that comes through.

Now many could say that "warm" doesn't get it, but he's also very intelligent and from my vantage point does make a real effort to answer questions in FULL SENTENCES! Then of course, there's Elizabeth! I watched her at town meetings on C-Span and it was then that I KNEW I would be an Edwards supporter. She was so genuine and truthful and she didn't dodge any questions either. I could go on with other pluses, but I've posted them before. But there is ONE big plus that Dems should consider... he is a Southerner and even IF many say he didn't carry the state for Kerry... I say I'm not so sure. To this day, like the 2000 Election I still think that 2004 was a Fraud too! I really don't doubt it anymore!

Edwards IS NOT just another pretty face, I think he's shown that he cares about those less fortunate and the middle class who are struggling today! He rolled up his sleeves and got to work right after the election and is STILL doing it. That says a lot to me.

[1932]

61. Has US ever had a president who stood on a picket line with workers?

RFK stood on picket lines, right? So did MLK.

I read Clinton's biography. I don't remember him saying he ever stood on a picket line.
.

[FrenchieCat]

66. Yes...

It is just priceless!

The only problem with your question is that John Edwards is not President (you must have meant future, right?)

But I will remind you that John Kerry marched in Anti-War demonstrations, and I don't think any President had done that either......

So big Kudos to the both of them! What courage!

[1932]

85. My point was about politicians aligning themselves with labor, like RFK

did with Chavez and MLK (not a politician, but rumored to have been the person RFK was going to put on his ticket) did.

I like war protestors as much as the next person, but it has been awhile since an adult politican aligned himself with workers on the picket lines.

[katinmn]

76. Have not seen a leader in solidarity w/people like this since Wellstone

Thank you, Raging.

And thank you John Edwards! :yourock:

[1932]

86. Yes. Wellstone. Are there any other Senators who are/were so pro-labor.

I suspect that Michigan must have had a Democratic senator who walked a picket line.

[FW_]

77. Steele

Is Charles Steele C.K. Steele's son?

[mdmc]

87. Nice OP!

thanks for posting ... great pics!