Edwards: Clinton Now A Stronger Candidate

But Former Senator Says Hillary Cannot Make A Case For Her Run Based On The Math

(CBS)  Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said that in recent weeks Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has become a stronger candidate, and has made a compelling case for her continued candidacy for the nomination.

However, Edwards said, "The math is very, very hard for her," as Sen. Barack Obama continues to lead in pledged delegates (and now in superdelegates). "The problem is, I think, you can no longer make a compelling case for the math.”

Edwards, D-N.C., told Face The Nation host Bob Schieffer that his own reasons for pulling out of the race for the White House came out of both a recognition that he would not accumulate enough delegates to secure the nomination and that his continued candidacy would likely prolong the selection of a nominee.

"It's a hard judgment to make," he said. "The overwhelming likelihood was I would not be the nominee. And I believed, that if I got out of the race, it would accelerate the process of one person pulling away. Well, I was obviously dead wrong about that!"

When asked about the position Clinton is in right now, and the calls by many for her to withdraw from the race, Edwards said, "I think it's a judgment that she has to make. And I think she's in a very, very tough place.

"I have to tell you, I'm different than a lot of people. I actually admire some of the strength and fortitude that she's shown. I know how hard it is to get up and go out there every day, speak to the media, speak to crowds, when people are urging you to get out of the race. I mean, it's a very hard place to be in. But she's shown a lot of strength about that.

"I think the one thing that she has to be careful about - and she doesn't need my advice, she knows this full well - is that, if she makes the case for herself, which she's completely entitled to do, she has to be really careful that she's not damaging our prospects, the Democratic Party, and our cause, for the fall."

Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe reiterated the Senator's position that she would not pull out of the race until all states have had a chance to weigh in. "We still have 7 million Democrats yet to vote," he said, alluding to primaries in West Virginia and Kentucky, among others.

But he also admitted that with more superdelegates announcing their preferences, it was likely that the nominee would be decided in June after primary voting concludes, and the fate of Michigan and Florida delegates is resolved.

McAuliffe also dismissed concerns that the long primary season will create long-lasting divisions within the party. "This is a very close race, and we need to get everybody together at the end," he said.

"I disagree with a lot of these Democrats today that are saying we won't be unified. We will be very unified. George Bush has been the greatest unifying force in the history of the Democratic Party. He has brought us all together. We will be together."

Also appearing on the show was Jim VandeHei, executive editor of Politico, who said there are those within the Clinton campaign who admit that they need a miracle - or, perhaps a scandal.

"They need an imponderable," he said. "They know they can't just win it by collecting enough popular votes. ... But as long as she stays in there, anything can happen. And this is a family that has had a political career that's been built upon sort of defying expectations and coming back when people thought it was not possible to come back.

"Who knows? Politics is completely unpredictable. And as long as she's in it for another six weeks or four weeks or whatever it will be, she has a chance. And she just wants that chance."

---

Read the full "Face the Nation" transcript here.

[cfin5]

You never know how things will turn out. If the HAMAS issues with Obama had been known publicly early on, Edwards would still be in the race instead of that Islamocrat.

[irliberal]

LOL the first poster mentions fairy tales like they''re facts. Rush limbaugh bot. They figure if they say absurd things enough times maybe someone will believe them... heh... they''re not very bright.

[walker1209]

cfin5 - Please don''t go there!!! I do not support the candidacy of Senator Obama, but there is nothing out there that makes me believe that he is as you say an Islamocrat. There are plenty of things that I do not agree with him on but I don''t think that he is this closet terrorist that some are trying to make him out to be.

Maybe if people would have studied the real issues instead of getting caught up in the RAPTURE we might have a different presidential race right now. A good thing to remember is that if you can''t prove it don''t say it.

[guadalcanal3]

We will be together?...I beg to differ...If Hillary does not get the nomination I will vote for MCcain...I vote for the person who I think is best for the country...NOT for the political party...NOT for racial reasons...and NOT because of gender...Period.

[cfin5]

IRLiberal,....... Tom Baldwin of the Times of London reports:

One of Barack Obama''s Middle East policy advisers disclosed yesterday that he had held meetings with the militant Palestinian group Hamas - prompting the likely Democratic nominee to sever all links with him.

Robert Malley told The Times that he had been in regular contact with Hamas, which controls Gaza and is listed by the US State Department as a terrorist organisation. Such talks, he stressed, were related to his work for a conflict resolution think-tank and had no connection with his position on Mr Obama''s Middle East advisory council.

"I''ve never hidden the fact that in my job with the International Crisis Group I meet all kinds of people," he added.

Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for Mr Obama, responded swiftly: "Rob Malley has, like hundreds of other experts, provided informal advice to the campaign in the past. He has no formal role in the campaign and he will not play any role in the future." The rapid departure of Mr Malley followed 48 hours of heated clashes between John McCain, the Republican nominee-elect, and Mr Obama over Middle East policy.


Malley''s cozy relationship with Hamas really should come as no surprise to Obama or anyone else. And Malley is far from the only advisor of Obama that should give those concerned with Israel''s survival pause before supporting Obama. Not to mention the candidate''s own announced intention to meet with the Iranian regime, certainly no less evil than Hamas.

[cfin5]

Thanks IRLiberal & walker1209 for the opportunity to make you two demtards look stupid.

Clinton IS a stronger candidate now. She has proved her electability with the big blue states and wins in swing states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Obama''s caucus wins and his red states do not convince me that he can pull off this election. He is our weakest shot. Edwards was my first choice and I wish he were still in there, but Hillary is our only real hope now.

[justinlz]

It seems that some Jewish are too scared. I do not think Obama will support Islam. He loves US but wants to make here a fair world. The only concern for Jewish is that you guys need to earn money by hard working rather than earn fast and easy money just by the relationship.

[buttonjockey]

Edwards is pretty bright in this article. Hillary has become a stronger candidate but so has Obama. Both have seen that unifying the Dems is more important than who wins. That''s big picture.

You have to admire Clinton''s tenacity but her math skills are sorely lacking. It''s over.

[cfin5]

The preferences of those delegates can change with the wind,...and Mrs. Clinton does know it. She is correct in not giving up.

[jgunther7]

I think we can count Edwards out as VP.

[cbs4me3]

The party is lost for 2008. Hillary Democrats concede to John McCain and look forward to Hillary for 2012. The annointed one has been dethroned for the emperor will lose West Virginia and as the first black Kennedy, losing West Virginia is abhorrent given that JFK won the Great State of West Virginia.

[allamr18]

John edwards had his chance to be relevant to the campaign. He couldnt carry his own state when he was the VP. Had Edwards spoken up sooner this couldve been resolved and both candidates wouldnt have been nearly beaten up as they are now. He can go back into his hole for all i care

[lindaredtail]

I don''t believe that Hillary can catch him. From some of what I have read and heard today she is hoping that a scandal will derail him in the next few weeks. That is why she is staying in. I think for the good of the party she should drop out. Edwards didn''t endorse her nor Obama. I don''t think that he should. I did hear this morning though that if she continues some of her commentary which is considered hurtful all the prominent superdelegates whose names we know are going to endorse Obama and push her out. (Meet the Press)

[sjbj2322]

justinlz said..."I do not think Obama will support Islam."

How can you say that....he already has. He openly campaigned for his cousin Odinga in Kenya. Odinga was a murderous tyrant who fortunately lost the election; however, it doesn''t escape the fact that he was committed to instituting Sharia law if he won. I''m not implying that Obama is Muslim but he certainly has some explaining to do and unfortunately no one is holding him accountable for much. Don''t doubt that the Republicans will even if McCain maintains his commitment to not go negative. It is not going negative to question a candidates record of endorsements.

[wanax1-2009]

There are presumably lunatics and losers who support each candidate or at least loathe one less than the others. We should not assail any candidate for unsought "endorsements" or expressions of support. I imagine that there will be those on each side that will play to the peanut galleries by waving such support as evidence that a particular candidate subscribes to the objectionable ideas of those supporters. I would hope that Obama would not attack McCain if it becomes known that most members of the cretinous KKK will vote for him. I would also hope that McCain will drop the ludicrous ploy of trying to associate Obama with Hamas, a group that Obama has explicitly and consistently excoriated. The sad thing is that such behavior is reminiscent of *** Cheney''s repeated attempts to associate Sadaam Hussein with Al Qaida and9/11. Even though there was no such link, a majority of those who got their news from Fox News, Limbaugh etc. believed those false assertions and thus were misled into supporting a misguided war that has put America''s future dominance in jeopardy.

[riptide213]

O say can you see by Novembers early vote counting light. What so proudly we hail a new President in sight. Whose message of change and bright hope came through perilous party fight.

Over ramparts of hate and doubt we watched and scandal rockets red glare dirty politics bursting in media air gave proof through the night that our candidate was still there.

Oh say does that change spangled Obama yet wave
over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

On the shore dimly seen through mists of a nations growing discontent.

As campaign fitfully grows now it catches the gleam of voters first beam in full glory reflected now shines in popular political mainstream.

Tis the change spangled Obama oh long may he wave
over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Blest with victory and peace may the change rescued land praise the democratic process of voter power that hath made and preserved us a new nation of hope and change.

Then conquer we must when our cause it is just and this be our motto in a new candidate we must trust.

And the change spangled Obama in triumph shall wave on January 21 2009 over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

[broncfan1661]

I am sick of hearing that Hillary should do the right thing for the party and concede. This is the left wing LOOSERS using fear tactics to get what they want. The chances of the democrats winning in November were damaged from the very beginning when Obama entered the race. Hillary was the hands down favorite to win the Presidency and would have done so if the Left Wing Loosers wouldn''t have pushed him to run. They had the candidate and the oportunity, but have managed to screw up another one. They are now setting up their excuse for doing so by trying to blame it on Hillary. All I can say is we tried to tell you.

[excoachken]

But, don''t count out John Edwards as a "compromise" choice for a deadlocked convention. This is an "all or nothing" smart move by a very intelligent politician, who would be the best qualified President of the whole bunch!

[croft777]

I don''t believe for one minute that Obama will win. Who wants a president that disarms us and says hes going to disarm the world...sounds like hes up to something, thats why I don''t trust the man. The terrorist said they were going to work from the inside to destroy the United States. Let whoever be fools and vote for Obama, I won''t. I''m not going to have any of the blame for voting for that idiot. One has to wonder why he and his wife associates themselves with some of the most wicked people that ever existed. I hope people are happy when he loses to John McCain.

[Jim1900]

There seems to be a lot of wishful thinking here for people who don''t like either Hillary or Obama. You forget all the Republicans and Independents who don''t want a repeat of the last eight years. Any Democratic candidate will win in a landslide.

[karela33]

The thing that many seem to forget in the comments is that there are a great many more registered democrats now than there were in 2004 and the bulk of them have been brought into the party by the concerted efforts of the Obama campaign. This process continues with the 50 state voter registration drive that Obama''s campaign began on Saturday. I hope that all democrats will support whoever is the nominee of our party, but if 7% of the dems who voted in 2004 don''t vote, there will be new dems who will. Let''s hang together and deal with the serious issues that only democrats can and will deal with in this election.

[sean5002]

**********************************

I use to like John Edwards , before i saw a guy who is pretty much spineless, To think this guy at one time wanted to be president, His wife wear the pants in the family , you could tell he wants to support barack but i guess he needs permission from his Wife.

Was John around last week where Hillary got blown out in North carolina and it was a tie pretty much in Indiana.

What strength is he talking about???.

So she will win the next few states big deal!, its over , barack already setting up camp in the big states to take on Mc_bush.

For the 50 million time in November Barack will not be running against democrats.

And to think democrats in the general election will vote republican is insane , That means they were never democrats in the first place. So then one would beg to ask.. why they got involve in the voting process in the first place.


Come on John edwards you need to grow some %$^&

[flreason]

"i meant to type: if only 5% of dems don''''''''t vote because they don''''''''t like the eventual candidate (obama) and only 2% go ahead and vote for mccain as threatened (and it''''''''ll be more), that''''''''s 7% of the vote which both gore and kerry won in the last two elections lost by the democrats."
Posted by ccfsdca

As far as your argument goes, you could be right. But your argument only considers voters who participated in the previous elections. You fail to factor in changes in voter patterns since 2004/2006.

The deciding factor may be the voters, predominantly young and/or minority, who were previously unregistered and who have become engaged in this contest. If they turn out, and if they vote Democratic, which by all indications the majority will, your election math formula is seriously flawed.

[croft777]

There seems to be a lot of wishful thinking here for people who don''''t like either Hillary or Obama. You forget all the Republicans and Independents who don''''t want a repeat of the last eight years. Any Democratic candidate will win in a landslide. Jim1348

I''ve always been a democrat, but let me tell you, it wouldn''t take much for me to jump tracks. You think Obama is the change we need your dead wrong. Better do some more research, the man wants to disarm us, that good considering how messed up this world is right now and many countries are fighting including us. When I say disarm I mean he wants all our nuclear weapons,spy satellights, yeah, that would be smart, he thinks he can convince the rest of the world to do the same, Our country would be crushed for sure.

[croft777]

The thing that many seem to forget in the comments is that there are a great many more registered democrats now than there were in 2004 and the bulk of them have been brought into the party by the concerted efforts of the Obama campaign. This process continues with the 50 state voter registration drive that Obama''''s campaign began on Saturday. I hope that all democrats will support whoever is the nominee of our party, but if 7% of the dems who voted in 2004 don''''t vote, there will be new dems who will. Let''''s hang together and deal with the serious issues that only democrats can and will deal with in this election. karela33

Your forgetting one thing, the people who voted in these primaries are a very small portion of the people who will vote in the election. There are alot of people who do not vote to pick a nominee.

[sean5002]

###################################

I use to like John Edwards , before i saw a guy who is pretty much spineless, To think this guy at one time wanted to be president, His wife wear the pants in the family , you could tell he wants to support barack but i guess he needs permission from his Wife.

Was John around last week where Hillary got blown out in North carolina and it was a tie pretty much in Indiana.

What strength is he talking about???.

So she will win the next few states big deal!, its over , barack already setting up camp in the big states to take on Mc_bush.

For the 50 million time in November Barack will not be running against democrats.

And to think democrats in the general election will vote republican is insane , That means they were never democrats in the first place. So then one would beg to ask.. why they got involve in the voting process in the first place.


Come on John edwards you need to grow some b#$%&

[d33pthroat1]

sjbj2322 said.. He openly campaigned for his cousin Odinga in Kenya. Odinga was a murderous tyrant ...committed to instituting Sharia law if he won
---------------------------------------------
Learn to separate truth from exaggeration, my friend.

If it were the truth, Hillary would be all over it like flies on ***.

First, only Odinga claims "cousinship" to Obama - not vice versa.

It has also been rumored that Obama gave a million dollars to Odinga through an organization called "Friends of BO". Guess what? This was yet another chain email hoax just like the one that claimed Obama is moslem. There is no organization called "Friends of BO". Nor any proof in any tax-records or any bank records of any such money being donated either by Obama or by any group related to Obama.

Obama did go to Kenya where he spoke at an opposition rally organized by Odinga. There he spoke about the need for resolving constitutional crisis in Kenya. But guess what? He said the same to Odinga''s opponent, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki. This is what policiticians do when they visit foreign countries. Doesn''t mean Obama will turn the USA into an Islamic state.

Don''t you see? Iraq associated with Al Qaeda, Carter with Hamas, Obama with Kenyan Islamists - all ploys by Repubs to use xenophobia and fear to antagonize the public against those who would threaten the Repub''s money-making autocracy. And, you are buying it.

[croft777]

And to think democrats in the general election will vote republican is insane , That means they were never democrats in the first place. So then one would beg to ask.. why they got involve in the voting process in the first place.sean5002

Your being blind like so many other Obama supporters. I know alot of people who have always been democrats whoalways voted democratic who now are going to vote for John McCain if Obama is elected. Believe me, this party is not united, it has never been since Obama thought to bring us all back to the 1960''s and the civil rights movement. I won''t vote for Obama, and I have always voted for the dem party. So you don''t know what you are talking about. I bet those older people, as I heard, will not vote for Obama either, hes to radical for the like of them.

[frankky18]

Stronger how? She was the strong favorite to win the
nomination at the beginning of the primaries and now
she''s gone. No wonder nobody voted for this moron.

[tbweb]

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards bashed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton more and harder than any other candidate, at times joining in with Sen. Obama to attack her. It''s no secret John Edwards wife supported Sen. Clinton and John Edwards supported Sen. Obama. Now suddenly Edwards says Sen. Clinton is the stronger candidate, and I say that''s his wife talking, not him! Wimp! lol

[croft777]

Learn to separate truth from exaggeration, my friend.
d33pthroat1

The truth is the real intelligent people don''t find Obama''s company or for that matter his wifes company very funny, not something we over look that easily like so many stupid americans. We can look at all those people who the Obama''s associates themselves with, we can look at all the dumb, careless, inconsiderate, hateful remarks they both made, and some of the stupid, and suspicious ideas that Obama comes up with thast would destroy this country. He''s a christian, right, very unlikely. Ever hear a terrorist say they will work from the inside out to destroy this country, there you see the destroyer. But don''t take my advice, you''ll see for yourself very soon.

[sean5002]

Posted by croft777 at 04:57 PM : May 11, 2008
__________________________________________

Who you fooling you are a republican , in one of your text you were saying Obama was planning to ruin our army. And was spreading a whole bunch of scare slogans the republicans are known for , so please go to Foxnews , you are in the wrong place.

-

[kmccliment]

Posted by frankky18

whats with the name calling. your all the same if someone doesnt support your chosen one then that person gets called names. what ashame

[sean5002]

. I won''''t vote for Obama, and I have always voted for the dem party.

Posted by croft777 at 05:06 PM : May 11, 2008

------------------------------------------------------
Who you fooling you are a republican , in one of your text you were saying Obama was planning to ruin our army. And was spreading a whole bunch of scare slogans the republicans are known for , so please go to Foxnews , you are in the wrong place.

[thisandthat1]

As badly as Edwards wants to be President someday ... he really doesn''t have very good political instincts. Coming out with this statement today is a good example of that.

[croft777]

Who you fooling you are a republican , in one of your text you were saying Obama was planning to ruin our army. And was spreading a whole bunch of scare slogans the republicans are known for , so please go to Foxnews , you are in the wrong place.sean5002

I am a democrat. Dont believe me. Obama is on a video, recent to, for about 50 some seconds talking about disarming the country. I saw it, it is his and his own mouth speaking on it. Now how creapy is that.

[DocD--2008]

What the Democrats have to realize is that many are just like me. Regardless of how well Obama does, I will not vote for him period, so if he is the selected one at the end, it is a loss of a vote for the Democrat party. Many I have talked to feel the exact same way. ABO--Anyone But Obama

[croft777]

I will find that video again it you want to see it, many people have already seen it.

[sean5002]

I will find that video again it you want to see it, many people have already seen it.


Posted by croft777 at 05:11 PM : May 11, 2008

_____________________________________________________


Yes this is such serious stuff and news worthy its all over every news outlet and around the world.

Ok i change my mind you are a hillary supporter, let me guess in the ~UNEDUCATED~ demographic.
I would luv to reason with you and try to make sense of it all..but your demographics wont let me.

[max0010]

Senator Barack Obama says that the more than 3,000 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq were "WASTED" lives. the purpose for which they gave their lives was the principals of freedom that we all love so much. A concept that Obama will never get! Yes, I was told that Obama apologized, Obama said. "It is not at all what I intended to say, and I would absolutely apologize if any (military families) felt that in some ways it had diminished the enormous courage and sacrifice that they''d shown." This is a man that makes his living by the words that come from his mouth---he knew exactly what he was saying. Senator Obama said that %u201Cthe people are bitter and therefore clinging to their guns and religion%u201D. Yet still another insult to the American people, ill chosen words. Yes, I know that Obama apologized for his usage of words. His wife said in a speech that she has %u201Cnever been proud of America%u201D --- Yes, I know she sort of apologize by saying she is sorry if %u201Cmy statement offended any body%u201D. Words are important especially when they come out of the mouth of the President of the United States. If he says these things constantly to the American public, if he has to %u201Cdenounce%u201D and %u201Creject%u201D friends which seem to be growing weekly, how will this man represent us to the world?

[dimmu19]

If you don''t vote for Obama, you are just asking for the world to end. That is what will happen when Insane McCain gets elected. Bush''s 3rd term. Then all these brain dead morons out there will still blame the democrats for their mess...

[barefootboy9]

I hope Edwards doesn''t endorse anyone. He has a good chance of becoming President in four years and if he endorses anyone, it will hurt him then. I believe McCain will take it this time and if so Edwards should run in four years. I have always liked him and think he would be the candidate today if Obama had not gotten in. People voted for Obama before they found out about all his baggage and I really don''t think he can win. Edwards in 2012

[likeitis5050]

Hillary has the best shot to beat McCain...Obama will never make it...but the media still thinks they can force him on the voters.

[wogerwabbit]

Jeeze... even the dems are drinking the neocon kool aid... their spin machine is second to none.

[likeitis5050]

If you don''''t vote for Obama, you are just asking for the world to end. That is what will happen when Insane McCain gets elected. Bush''''s 3rd term. Then all these brain dead morons out there will still blame the democrats for their mess...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by Dimmu19

People like you are the reason Obama won''t win.

[wogerwabbit]

max0010... are you serious? "the purpose for which they gave their lives was the principals of freedom that we all love so much"

Pull your head out! The principles of freedom was what... the fifth or sixth excuse they gave us for this debacle? They''re dying for oil and you''re a fool if you don''t know it. There''s nothing honorable in this war except the warriors devotion to each other and the principles they stand for, not the principles of the rich war mongers for profit that got us here. If you don''t know the real reason we went to war, then you don''t know how to end it let alone win it. We have our troops sitting in a meat grinder today because nobody had a plan to win... they planned to stay.

[krenz4]

Im not surprised that there are people out there who would rather vote for mccain and have 100 more years of war than have a black man in the white house. Do you see how deep racism goes in this country? Rev Wright,while he erred by rambling off point, was basically telling the truth about racism being alive, well, and predominant in the american society. Read these posts and tell me that this country is not overrun with racist and bigots of every color

[tgf33663]

I think at this point any comments that Edwards makes are not important. The race is over Obama is the nominee and and we need to focus on november.Plus Edwards could not cut it in 2000 or 2004 or 2008. He needs to step aside his day in politics are about done.Also I do not think he is in the running for V.P

[micjc6969]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH, WHAT NEWS ARE YOU PEOPLE WATCHING???? HILLARY IS SOOOOOO OUT IT FUNNY!!!