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Edwards adds support in Iowa

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor December 3, 2007 12:43 PM


John Edwards today announced an noteworthy endorsement in Iowa and launched a new TV ad on healthcare in New Hampshire.

Congressman Bruce Braley is the most senior Iowa Democrat to publicly announce for a candidate. Edwards is locked in a tight three-way contest with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in Iowa, where his presidential hopes could rise or fall in the Jan. 3 caucuses.

"Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people," Braley, elected last year in Iowa's First Congressional District, said in a statement issued by the Edwards campaign. "John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas. I truly believe he is the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008."

The fight against special interests is also at the heart of the new ad, in which Edwards blames insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and their lobbyists for blocking healthcare reform.

He says it's misguided, as Clinton and Obama suggest, to give insurers and drug companies a seat at the negotiating table and expect them to give away their influence over healthcare.

"You have to take their power away," he declares in the 30-second spot.

14 comments so far...
  1. Edwards is the best candidate. I just hope and pray that we have the good sense to elect him.
    He won't suffer prejudice like Obama and Hillary. We can wear well over time.

    Posted by Oscar1958 December 3, 07 01:41 PM
  1. I am voting for Edwards because I want my country back!

    Posted by TekBoss December 3, 07 02:27 PM
  1. Go, John! Keep talking like a real Dem...

    Posted by Deb Chasteen December 3, 07 02:35 PM
  1. How typical. Vote for the rich white guy

    Posted by tj December 3, 07 02:38 PM
  1. As there are no republican candidates worth voting for, I've decide I will vote for Edwards.

    Posted by Parajo Jones December 3, 07 02:41 PM
  1. Of all the candidates, Obama presents a new face and hope for America. I hate bashing, not we need honest and transparent candidate like Obama not spin doctors like Hillary, just as Bill Clinton poke and wagg his finger at America that he had nothing to do with Monica. Enough of Washington interest and we need a new face that can change Washington as JFK did.

    Posted by Scott Jeff December 3, 07 02:42 PM
  1. Edwards has a chance if he can afford to stay in the race long enough for either Clinton or Obama to collapse. One of them has to, they are both getting a ton of press. Unless they trade victories state by state, it is only a matter of time before the media decides one of them hasn't met expectations and hence can't win. At that point a lot of people will be looking for another choice. Hopefully Edwards can keep the funds coming in, won't drop out, and can pick up a few states of his own.

    Posted by John Gossom December 3, 07 02:44 PM
  1. Edwards is the only candidate who is talking about the economic challenges that face real, hard-working Americans. How much longer can people work 2 or 3 part-time jobs, just to pay the rent or mortgage? I'd like to take night classes. Even if I could afford them, how would I find the time to take them?

    Posted by 2manydayjobs December 3, 07 02:55 PM
  1. I'm voting for Edwards because he believes in what he is saying. I know how it is to lose a child - it changes your whole relationship with yourself and the world aroung you. Death makes you realize how extremely important it is to be a moral and ethical person and not waste your abilities.

    Posted by Sheridan Rogers December 3, 07 05:15 PM
  1. Mr. Edwards goes to Washington...

    We don't need a president who served less than one term in the Senate...no matter how charismatic he is. Focusing on the poor when you are rich is nice. If I style my hair and focus on the rich can I run for president too?

    Posted by Bryon December 3, 07 05:21 PM
  1. edwards is a protectionist candidate... who will lie to the public about the need for ethanol. Ethanol will kill america. WE NEED PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP... not candidates who will do anything for lobbyist in their part of the country.

    LET'S unite and stand behind OBAMA!!!!!

    Posted by informedDeMOcraT December 3, 07 05:39 PM
  1. Publicly funded federal elections! What more do you need to know. With his help we can get this democracy working FOR the people again.

    Posted by democrazy December 3, 07 05:52 PM
  1. I would vote for John Edwards, he is wealthy beyond all means, has been tremendously successful in his private life and career as an Attorney,

    I do not believe Hillary or trust her, she totally lost me on her weakness on border controls, and again when she did not take a strong position agains offering illegals a drivers license. She does not present herself as a representative of the legal citizens in this country, and quite frankly I am tired of it.

    Obama, just does not have enough experience !!

    Signed Danny harrington

    Posted by Danny Harrington December 3, 07 06:24 PM
  1. ABH- anyone but Hillary. As much of an embarassment as Bill Clinton was, George Bush has been worse. the only candidate from either party that could wrest the thorny crown of "worst president ever" from W would be Hillary - how much lower than a snake's belly can you go?

    Posted by Pete Burton December 3, 07 08:26 PM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

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