Edwards provided BBQ Birthday Celebration to Supporters-- Only $15 ...LINK

[Blackhatjack]

John Edwards has reached out to those least able to support his campaign with money on many occasions. When it came to addressing supporters on his birthday, they got quite a deal. A barbeque and fixings were provided to over 500 supporters who donated $15 or more to attend.

I am guessing that kind of 'fundraiser' must drive his critics crazy since it appears that the event was designed to give access to people who will give their time to support him but are capable of making large monetary contributions. What a great idea!

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/06/10/edwards_courts_shallow_pocket_voters/

"Edwards courts shallow-pocket voters"

By Mike Baker, Associated Press Writer | June 10, 2007

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. --Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards used his Sunday birthday fundraiser -- an event light on cash but heavy on voters -- to urge his shallow-pocket supporters to donate their time to help mobilize his campaign.

While most presidential campaign fundraisers feature thousand-dollar-a-plate meals, Edwards returned to his hometown roots with an event featuring backyard barbecue and pie. The entrance fee: $15.

Campaign officials said more than 500 people attended.
"If you want to see big, bold change in this country -- your country needs you. It needs you badly," Edwards, who turned 54 on Sunday, told the crowd. "The great movements in the American history did not start in the Oval Office, they started out across America."

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[havocmom]

1. There's a lot of power in the old, traditional DEM base

to anybody with the wisdom and courage to tap into it!

Grassroots are less fickle and less greedy than the big corporate contributors. Heads up, DEMS, get back to basics and let the REAL base know you are listening to them.

[Blackhatjack]

2. By doing this, Edwards violated Conventional Wisdom ....

There is a great fear among political strategists and fundraisers that if you expose your candidate to people with questions who do not contribute lots of cash to the candidate, they might ask the kind of questions the candidate most wants to avoid.

As long as the audience the candidate is facing has already put in a thousand or more, they are less likely to raise questions that might make themselves appear to have made a mistake in making such a contribution.

[Blackhatjack]

3. How much coverage did this get? n/t