Does Edwards’ Endorsement Matter?
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in 2008 Election, Edwards
I’ve been asking myself this over the course of the past couple weeks, especially since he didn’t endorse before Super Tuesday when I think it really could have made a difference.
And now ABC News reports that he may back Hillary because of her “experience.”
Huh?
Obviously it would seem very odd that he talked about change so much on the campaign trail and then reversed and picked Hillary. That would rank up there as one of the stranger things that’s happened so far in this campaign because it would mean Edwards is aligning himself with one of the ultimate insiders. This is somebody who unapologetically takes money from PACs and lobbyists, something he specifically stated creates an atmosphere where real change can’t happen. So yeah, endorsing Hill would be extremely odd.
My advice to Edwards is to stay out of it and remain neutral. Don’t get into the endorsement game. Don’t let the idea of being able to hold sway seduce you. Because if Gore’s endorsement, the de facto “President” in many Democrats’ eyes, didn’t matter in 2004 then why would a guy who has failed to capture his party’s nomination twice? Gore has stayed out of it this time around, and that’s a smart move. And honestly, I think most endorsements are essentially worthless. At the end of the day it’s all about a compelling message, and nobody giving somebody else a thumbs up can replace that.
But I put it to you readers…what do you think?
UPDATE:
Matt Yglesias with some sage advice…
It seems to me that if it’s really true that John Edwards is torn about who he would endorse were he to endorse that the most reasonable course of action is to not endorse. I mean, if he feels torn because there are things he likes about Clinton, but then there are other things he likes about Obama, then he should probably just say that.
Indeed. If Edwards’ says they’re both great and lays out their strengths, I bet both of them will respond by talking about his poverty message. He’ll also build more credibility with voters by being able to demonstrate he’s above taking sides, i.e. not playing politics.
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February 13th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I am not an expert on delegates but doesn’t he still have his 26 delegates? If so than couldn’t he still bargain with them? I mean this thing is might end up being so close that either of them might actually need them.
Maybe Hillary offered the best deal for his delegates, I know he was in contact with both.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
He doesn’t have complete control over them. They are pledged to him, but they don’t have to follow what he says about supporting others.
I agree with your final point. His endorsement probably doesn’t matter too much and if he is really torn, he should talk about it publicly. That would create a good conversation within the Dem Party.
February 13th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Aren’t they more obligated than superdelegates though?
February 13th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
The Edwards delegates are now essentially uncommitted delegates. It is up to them whether they want to pay any attention to who Edwards endorses.
As for predicting Edwards’ endorsement, don’t bother paying attention to anything Edwards has said in the past with regards to principles or a desire for change. The only principle Edwards has ever adhered to in his career, regardless of his rhetoric, is doing what is best for John Edwards financially or politically. Edwards will endorse which ever candidate offers him the most. If he endorses nobody it will mean that neither will offer him enough–which could happen as I doubt his endorsement (like many other high profile endorsements this year) will make much of a difference.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Let me tell you exactly why he did this.
Kerry endorsed Obama while leaving his 2004 running mate standing there looking the fool.
Payback. Thats all this is. Payback.
Al Gore’s 2000 running Mate Joe Lieberman is now an independent. Looks like the Democratic party is eating their own on the way to the White House.