WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2006

John Edwards Will Announce An '08 Run

Democratic Officials: Plans To Officially Announce Later In December

  • Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards gestures as he addresses supporters during the election night rally in Boston, early Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004. Photo

    Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards gestures as he addresses supporters during the election night rally in Boston, early Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2004.  (AP)

(CBS/AP)  Former Democratic vice presidential nominee John Edwards intends to enter the 2008 race for the White House, two Democratic officials said Saturday.

Edwards, who represented North Carolina in the Senate for six years, plans to make the campaign announcement late this month from the New Orleans neighborhood hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina last year and slow to recover from the storm.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not want to pre-empt Edwards' announcement.

As Edwards enters the crowded field, the Lower Ninth Ward provides a stark backdrop to highlight his signature issue — that economic inequality means that the country is divided into "two Americas."

Edwards also plans to travel from New Orleans through the four early presidential nominating states — Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Among Democrats, Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois are drawing the most attention almost two years before the actual vote.

On Friday night, another prominent Democrat, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, announced that he would not make a run for the White House in 2008.

Edwards, however, is in a strong position as the leading candidate in Iowa. He was a top fundraiser in the race for the nomination in 2004 before he became Democratic Sen. John Kerry's running mate.

Since the Democrats' loss to President Bush, Edwards has worked to build support for a repeat presidential bid.

Edwards' spokesman, David Ginsberg, would not confirm or deny that Edwards planned to announce he would run in 2008.

Ginsberg said Edwards would make an announcement about his future when he is ready.

©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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by randalds December 16, 2006 2:38 PM PST
Edwards/Obama or Obama/Edwards is the ticket for a win in 2008. Hilliary is just too polarizing of a person and the republicans really have nothing to offer unless they nominate Guliani, which isn't going to happen. All their other choices are either too right wing/neocon (McCain, Brownback, Romney) or just plain looneytunes (Newt). I think the only way the Democrats MIGHT lose is with Hilliary at the top of the ticket.
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by brackattack December 16, 2006 3:38 PM PST
the dummy of a dummy running for prez..It was bad enough in the last one that we had John Kerry now his idiot running mate wants to run..what is this country coming to.
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by randalds December 16, 2006 3:43 PM PST
If the ticket had been Edwards/Kerry instead of Kerry/Edwards last time they'd be in office right now and looking at an easy reelection in 08.
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by processor2 December 16, 2006 4:28 PM PST
I'm from North Carolina, and John Edwards is a horrible joke.

He made his millions by sue-ing corporations into bankruptcy, thereby putting several hundred people out of work. WHEN CORPORATIONS GO BANKRUPT, PEOPLE LOSE THEIR JOBS.

The only thing John Edwards has done is to destroy jobs.....we need someone who can create jobs, not destroy them.
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:36 PM PST
After the last 6 years of republicans who can't understand simple logic, every one of them bent butt up for Bush,, "Iraq is so safe I'll take my family there".. .... NO MORE REPUBLICANS
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:40 PM PST
I'm with you brother. I am also from North Carolina.
Edwards in my book couldn't be a candidate for a dog warden down here in Calabash, NC...... He has illusions of grandeur........as does our favorite broad Hillary Clinton. No Way Jose !!!!!!!!!!!!
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by educates December 16, 2006 4:40 PM PST
Hello America!!!!!
John Edwards scares the heck out of the neocons. He is smart enough to make them look dumb. He has a real knack for connecting with regular people. He took corporate America to task for not looking after the "worker." He made Cheney look like the "stay the course" or "send more troops and then stay the course" warmonger he is during the VP debates. I can tell he is a winner by the way the neocons are spewing lies and garbage about him.
Edwards/Obama in '08. What a beautiful way for we true Americans (rule of law) to apologize to the World for the Unlawfulness of the current warmongers.
Ed Cates
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by randalds December 16, 2006 4:41 PM PST
If corporations get "sued into bankruptcy" because they make a faulty or dangerous product then lives and limbs are saved. The workers who lose their jobs should be angry at the corporate bosses who screwed them over with shady business practices, not the lawyer who caught them doing it. John Edwards did not ruin companies, he should up for people whom companies had ruined. Yes he made a profit at it, but that's the American way. Of course he collects a fee. Did you expect him to practice law out of the goodness of his heart?
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:41 PM PST
Republicans stand for,,, Dishonesty,, Dishonor,, Unregulated money to fill thier pockets at the cost of our troop's and taxpayer's lives,, More damage to our nations national security,, Wars ran by the totally corrupt you wouldn't want to hire for the most meanial task around your yard..
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:41 PM PST
Rudy, Rudy, Rudy..................Giuliani for President...........Yeah Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to this comment
by randalds December 16, 2006 4:42 PM PST
Ahem..."stood up for"...*** I need to proof read more.
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:42 PM PST
I wouldn't let a Democrat baby sit my dog...........
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by randalds December 16, 2006 4:43 PM PST
Rudy, Rudy, Rudy..................Giuliani for President...........Yeah Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by elgraz at 04:41 PM : Dec 16, 2006

He's pro-choice and pro-gay rights (including marriage). he'll never make it out of the southern primaries. The church mice will sink him.
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:46 PM PST
j-whitman
Why don't you learn the English language amigo and I use the word loosely before you comment. Both Democrats and Republicans and all other politicians are slated to spend an eternity in Dante's Inferno.....not that you CBS uneducated would know what I am talking about...........Any comments Whimpppppppppppps?
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:46 PM PST
Republicans stand for,,, Lying to American's,, Cheating our children out of good educations,,, Destroying workers rights,,, Less wages & benifits for your hard work,,, Laws that only protect republicans,,, More home foreclosures than ever.. No punishement for those who chase children ..... How much myre can you republicans put up with ???
Reply to this comment
by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:47 PM PST
Come on Girls...........let's hear what you have to say.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:49 PM PST
elgraz,,,, After the last 6 years,, Why in the world would you elect another republican ??
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:50 PM PST
I am sure that you Bozos can break away from your cell phones and whatever media you use to communicate with your sophomoric equals.
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:51 PM PST
elgraz,,,, Don't tell me,, I can guess,,, All you want is more of the same,, Stay the wrong coarse..
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:53 PM PST
elgraz,,, Compared to the republicans ruining our country now,, Bozo is a great American..
Reply to this comment
by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:54 PM PST
I really like Giuliani. In my mind he is really not a Republican and I don't ever think he will be. That's the way I feel. Please remember 2001 and how he rose above everyone including Bozo Bush to take charge despite his stupid so called wife. ?
Reply to this comment
by elgraz December 16, 2006 4:57 PM PST
YOU CAN DO IT PEOPLE LET'S GET YOUR FEELINGS AND COMMMENTS OUT IN THE OPEN...........THAT'S WHAT THE USA IS ALL ABOUT.
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 4:59 PM PST
elgraz,,, Giullani ?? What was it he said? "Bush should have been elected for 8 years",,, That should tell you something about him... Not to mention he made millions from DHS.. more profiteering.
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 5:00 PM PST
THE ONLY REPUBLICAN, AND I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS THE CORRECT DESIGNATION,WHOM I WOULD VOTE FOR IS RUDY GIULIANI.......................NO ONE ELSE.
Reply to this comment
by elgraz December 16, 2006 5:02 PM PST
JOHN EDWARDS IS A LOSER AND ALWAYS WILL BE......I WOULD RATHER ELECT MYSELF AS PRESIDENT............NOT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT ????????????????????? BUT I DON'T HAVE THE FINANCIAL BACKING TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT..................ANY SUGGESTIONS?
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by elgraz December 16, 2006 5:05 PM PST
j-whitman
I WOULD VERY SERIOUSLY SUGGEST THAT YOU GO FOR AN MRI..........HOWEVER, I DON'T KNOW IF A BRAIN WOULD BE FOUND FOR THE TEST.
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 5:05 PM PST
elgraz,, I think you have a problem getting others onboard with you,, I really don't believe there are many republicans who think honorably of thier own party anymore.
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by jn122736 December 16, 2006 5:08 PM PST
processor2%u2014elgraz

I don%u2019t know very much about Edwards except from his campaign in 2004 but the fact that the two of you are against him, will make him look a lot better to a lot of readers.

I have read many of your previous posts here and elsewhere on this site.
%u201CWords and actions speak to character%u201D
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 5:10 PM PST
elgraz,,, What's your problem with Edwards?? He believes in taking care of those less fortunate... The GOP has showed America they only want the total oppisite,, they prove & show on a daily basis,, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE LESS FORTUNATE..
Reply to this comment
by elgraz December 16, 2006 5:10 PM PST
YOU MAY BE CORRECT. GIULIANI WOULD GET MY VOTE. AND I CERTAINLY DO APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS. HILLARY, RICE, ETC, WOULD NEVER BE IN MY VOTING MECHANISM AND OF COURSE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN.....I JUST CAN'T REMEMBER HIS NAME IT SOUNDS LIKE OSAMA BIN LADEN............I'M VERY CONFUSED AND IGNORANT............THANK THE LORD THAT I AM.
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 5:15 PM PST
elgraz,,, Edwards says we should help those who are less fortunate, actually supports the "culture of life" -- This GOP only shows America how to destroy the "culture of life" while using it only as a bumper sticker dishonest slogan for thier own self-promotion..
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 5:18 PM PST
elgraz,,,, Are you a racist ??
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 5:24 PM PST
elgraz,,, You say you wouldn't vote for an African-American,, you then thank the lord ???... Either I missed something or your just another Christian Bigot..
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by tibu987 December 16, 2006 5:36 PM PST
John Edwards, get outta here.
Edwards, Dean, Hillary, Kerry, Obama, Vilsack, Kucinich, should not, in my opinion get the nod for Prez.
I like what I have read about Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana. He may not have enough national exposure but on paper he looks good. Check him out.
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by tibu987 December 16, 2006 5:45 PM PST
Just after posting my comments about Dem candidates for Prez., I read where the guy I liked has dropped out. Sen. Bayh, D-Ind, has dropped out of the race.
Too bad.
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by tibu987 December 16, 2006 6:06 PM PST
After seeing the slate of possible Dem candidates for Prez., better watch out. Against that slate of losers, Giuliani might walk away with it.
Gonna be interesting.
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by bun6957c December 16, 2006 6:07 PM PST
Thank you, John Edwards, for "throwing yer hat in the ring"...I am very happy to hear that you've decided to "make a run for it"...God bless...Bob Riley (NOT the governor of Alabama)
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by randalds December 16, 2006 6:37 PM PST
elgraz,,,, Are you a racist ??

Posted by j-whitman at 05:18 PM : Dec 16, 2006

Considering how messed up and confused his postings are I'd say he's a racist and very very drunk.
Reply to this comment
by rwk719 December 16, 2006 6:41 PM PST
My ideal ticket would be AL GORE, (remember he has ALREADY won once!) and Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton as running mate.As much as I would like to see Bush impeached,that would only leave the real play caller still in place, so we'd have to get rid of them both. Not sure what that would entail. When all has been said and done, I believe this administration will prove to have been the most corrupt since Caligula, and make Nixon look like Mother Theresa. There was a time we were all proud to call ourselves "Americans";sadly, not any more.
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by treez8 December 16, 2006 6:59 PM PST
What the chattering classes -- and especially the 'self-appointed' pundits who tend to be many of the posters who comment on lists like this -- most often forget is that it IS in places like Iowa where the REAL decision-makers on the next Democratic prez nominee choice live and vote.

So, "sorry!" all you east-and-west-coasters, and any others from non-'key' states who only observe the retail politics courtship that is the run-up to the convention from afar -- Iowans all over the state have already spoken, folks, and the overwhelming cheerleading out here is that John Edwards be the next occupant of the Oval Office -- period. Done deal.

So when his 'official' announcement is made in a few days, please leave the tired, worn-out supposed 'facts' of Hillary's money, and Obama's charm, aside, because neither one of them can win the White House for the Dems -- heck, most smarty-pantsers knew the day after the Ohio numbers were announced in '04 that if Edwards had been at the top of the ticket, instead of the junior senator from Mass., that Bush would have been handily defeated.

I'll finish up comments on Kerry, Vilsack and all the others in the next post.

'Enuff said.

It's Edwards ALL the way in Iowa!

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by treez8 December 16, 2006 7:04 PM PST
To continue ...

And the others in the current batch of wannabees? Well, we ARE very disappointed to not have the opportunity to have Feingold, Warner and Bayh back here in the state over the next year of intense campaigning, because their presence would have expanded the debates on issues on many fronts, and for that we are sorry. But we gladly welcome back Kucinich, and look forward to Gov. Richardson showing up here sometime soon. And senators Dodd and Biden are going to have to miss an awful lot of votes in order to put in the necessary time to run out of the single digits here, and they have no fundraising base outside of their own states.

And much as many personally like Sen. Kerry, most of us knew in advance that he just could not 'connect' with the vast majority of the American electorate, and even less so this time around, so John, please don't de-dignify yourself further by mounting an ego-driven run again, 'kay?

And the last chunk of strategic thinking on why Vilsack hasn't got a chance in hell to win the Iowa caucuses will follow ...
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by treez8 December 16, 2006 7:07 PM PST
And lastly, about that guv of ours ...

And now all of you want to know what Iowans REALLY think of the latest fella who's spouting the "Well, I thought about it, and I thought, 'Why NOT me'?" speech, Tom Vilsack -- and the answer is folks, WHY him???? Sure, he's a nice guy, and all, but his 8 years as governor have NOT been distinguished, and he's never met a corporation that he didn't like a whole lot more than a small business, family farmer, or rural project that would benefit the real people of the state. Geez, he's already flying around the country on borrowed corporate jets, fercryin'outloud!

Nope, Wilsack's ONLY in the race as THE hand-picked patsy for why Hillary can't/won't win here in Jan. '08 -- are you following that, eh??? It's ALL a set-up designed by the Clintonista-run DLC on behalf of Billary, very clever, indeed.

'Enuff said.

It's Edwards ALL the way in Iowa!
Reply to this comment
by processor2 December 16, 2006 7:42 PM PST
I'm from North Carolina, and John Edwards is a horrible joke.

He made his millions by sue-ing corporations into bankruptcy, thereby putting several hundred people out of work. WHEN CORPORATIONS GO BANKRUPT, PEOPLE LOSE THEIR JOBS.

The only thing John Edwards has done is to destroy jobs.....we need someone who can create jobs, not destroy them.
Reply to this comment
by j-whitman December 16, 2006 8:01 PM PST
Processor,,, After 6 years of this corrupt republican leadership with failures in every subject including waging war & protecting America,, Do you actually think any republican has anything to offer our country ??
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by j-whitman December 16, 2006 8:03 PM PST
Processor,,, By the way,, in North Carolina jobs where lost by Bush & his republican leadership, not Edwards.
Reply to this comment
by elgraz December 16, 2006 8:08 PM PST
ADIOS AMIGOS...ENOUGH OF THIS STUPIDITY. IT'S TIME TO WATCH JURASSIC PARK ............IN KEEPING WITH THE TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.......HUMAN BEINGS ARE USELESS.
Reply to this comment
by j-whitman December 16, 2006 8:15 PM PST
Elgraz,,, How about the Christmas Spirit we're bringing to the Middle East ??
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by tibu987 December 16, 2006 9:21 PM PST
Not that I would be all hepped about it but the only Dem combo I could vote for is Gore/Obama in that order.
Kerry, Hillary, Vilsack, Edwards, Dean, and others, forget it.
Against the latter, Giuliani (I spell his name differently each time) will win.
Reply to this comment
by joyful6666 December 16, 2006 9:22 PM PST
John Edwards all the way this time. Let's give him the opportunity and this wonderful family man and proven charismatic leader can make a valuable contribution to our Country. We need him badly to change the direction.

He has more knowledge than Mr. Obama. Mr. Obama might be good 4-6 years from now when he gets much needed experience.
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by djean102 December 16, 2006 9:32 PM PST
tibu97 ...RE: Guiliani... apparently you've not heard about the guiliani/mistress scandal. He hasn't a prayer now. Look it up!
... and I, for one, am done with legacy presidencies. No more Bush's or Clinton's thank you.
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