by Karoun Demirjian
KEENE, N.H.—John Edwards kicked off the final push for Tuesday’s primary—a 36-hour bus tour across New Hampshire—by ramping up the rhetoric against the his competitors and attempting, with the help of three families who endured medical tragedies, to hit voters in the gut through a series of emotional town hall meetings on subjects that have traditionally been Edwards’ strong suits with voters—health care, jobs, and the middle class.
Edwards presented crowds several hundred strong in Manchester and Keene Sunday afternoon with Hilda Sarkisyan, the mother of 17-year-old Nataline Sarkisyan, a leukemia patient from Southern California who died Dec. 20th after an insurance company’s repeated refusals to pay for the liver transplant that could have saved her life.
“This is not only about my daughter Nataline. This could happen to any of us,” said a tearful Hilda Sarkisyan. The Sarkisyans joined the Edwards campaign following his showing in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 5. “For every mom and dad out there, we have to make a change…This is it, we have to go for Mr. Edwards.”
While the message that he is the only candidate willing and able to fight for the middle class is not a new one for Edwards, the raw emotion of the messengers seemed to bring the idea home for some voters—even a few of the all-important undecided voters—where words and record have fallen short in the past.
“I definitely think he is the strongest one on health care,” said Kristal Gahre, 28, from Manchester, an undecided who came to Edwards’ event at the Franco-American Center in Manchester after hearing him debate Saturday night. “My husband has epilepsy, so we need health insurance. I’m done, I’m ready to vote for Edwards.”
For his own part, Edwards made sure to capitalize on heightened emotions to drive his message home.
“I want everyone voting in New Hampshire to know what’s at stake. What kind of fighter do you need on your side when faced with this kind of crisis? When you’re job could be leaving? When your healthcare could be at stake?” he asked the crowd in Manchester. “Who do you want on your side? …Because that’s what this is about.”
Edwards’ tactics drew criticism today from Hillary Clinton spokesperson Jay Carson, who accused Edwards of merely using families like the Sarkisyans—and New Hampshire resident James Lowe, who could not speak for 50 years because he did not have health insurance to cover surgery that would have corrected a cleft palate, and Sandy Lakey, a former Edwards’ client who crusaded for new laws after her daughter was badly injured by a swimming pool drain, who are also with the campaign through New Hampshire—as talking points, and not actually helping people.
That attack spurred what is arguably the harshest tone Edwards has yet adopted against a fellow Democrat.
“They have no conscience,” he said, referring to Hillary Clinton’s campaign., and defending his own record as a lawyer who helped the same kinds of people who have joined his last campaign push.
According to the polls, Edwards will have to unearth a violent source of momentum to catch up with Barack Obama and Clinton, who are in what is statistically a near-dead heat for first place. Both are outpacing Edwards with more than a ten percent margin.
Edwards of course says polls are “meaningless”—but still took pains to take the gloves off Sunday, openly listing his competitors’ faults by name and giving voters a set of criteria to take into the voting booths on Tuesday.
“The first test is, is the candidate a candidate of status quo, or a candidate of change?” he said, giving only himself and Barack Obama, and criticizing Clinton for as a Washington insider with financial obligations to special interests.
“You can’t take money from lobbyists from drug companies and insurance companies and fight them to bring about change,” he said. “That’s yesterday, that’s the status quo.”
But while Edwards congratulated Obama on his message of change, he criticized the Illinois senator for adhering to the notion of change only “philosophically” or “academically”—suggesting that when confronted with a challenge, Obama would back away from his signature message.
“You have to not just stand for change, not just speak for change, but actually fight for it,” he said.
He also took digs at the bank accounts of the front-runners’, calling them “the hundred million dollar candidates.”
“Trading a bunch of corporate Republicans for corporate Democrats will change nothing, absolutely nothing,” he said. “Absolutely nothing.”
Whether Edwards’ eleventh-hour efforts to paint himself as the “real” candidate of the New Hampshire will pay off by Tuesday remains to be seen. But Edwards strategy is clear—rile up the emotions of his “ground troops”, and get them to push his campaign—which he promised supporters Sunday he would not disband before the Democratic convention—into a strong finish.
And for New Hampshire voters on the fence, the emotional appeal might well be what works.
“I like Obama for the message of uniting the country. I like Hillary because I think she’d actually do the best job in office,” said Janice Tsai, 32, from Exeter. “But Edwards is angry about the state of things in the U.S. And I am too.”
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Have questions about what's happening on the ground in New Hampshire, or anything else related to race for the White House or Election 2008? On Monday, we'll host a live video chat at 12:30 pm central time from Manchester, N.H. with Tribune journalists who are covering the campaign.
E-mail your questions to us and we'll answer as many as time allows.
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Comments
John,
Don't fight too hard, you may hurt someone. They'll claim [soft tissue injury] and you may get sued.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | January 6, 2008 11:39 PM
Watching Edwards deliver his message Sat. night inspired me to get off the fence and support a campaign.
He's the only one talking about average Americans and their needs. I wish the news people would focus more on what he stands for and stop pushing Obama and Hillary down our throats
I want somebody like Edwards standing up for me.
Posted by: Christopher | January 7, 2008 12:42 AM
The more I see of John Edwards, the more I love him. I pray he can get his message out to all relevant New Hampshire voters. It is sad that we have become a country that now refers to righteous indignation and steadfast advocacy as "anger". What's wrong with anger anyway? To me, John Edwards does not appear angry. He only appears right.
Posted by: nichans | January 7, 2008 2:02 AM
Edwards is pure trial lawyer BS. His insincerity is topped only by that b***h that just lost Iowa......
Posted by: sub | January 7, 2008 2:22 AM
Yep, Edwards really outclassed the other democratic candidates in Saturday's debate. I want someone who really is passionate about change and hasn't taken money from corporations.
Posted by: Rob | January 7, 2008 3:20 AM
Not only is John fighting for us against them and big money but he also has to fight the media blackout imposed upon his campaign.
Grrrrr… Go get em John
Posted by: Phil lasher | January 7, 2008 6:10 AM
I like his message, just not the negative way he is trying to get it across. He seems angry all the time which turns people off.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | January 7, 2008 6:50 AM
Edwards and Obama in '08. Doesnt that sound like a leadership team?
Posted by: Duncan | January 7, 2008 9:03 AM
In 2004, Edwards got 32% in the Iowa Dem Caucuses.
In 2008, Edwards got 30%.
He lost the Dem nomination in 2004. In 2008 he's not even matching his 2004 numbers.
Posted by: Bruce | January 7, 2008 9:52 AM
John Edwards is the most viable canidate in the democratic party to beat a republican in Nov. Sure, Obama and Clinton have star power (shhhh! because they are a black man and a woman) and don't forget Oprah. I say edwards/obama is the winning ticket. Combined, they've got enough experience. But not too much to be corrupt (Clinton). Also, Edwards can capture the southern /rural/heartland vote (important) and Obama would capture, the right/left coast liberals, young people, women, and the black vote. Together, they could do alot of good and turn this country around.
Posted by: Jamie | January 7, 2008 10:00 AM
You should be angry. You're being screwed, and while Barack Obama is talking about "change", he doesn't support universal health care, he votes present (essentially taking a pass) on such important issues as partial birth abortion in Illinois, and he takes money from coal and nuclear barrons (thus his support for the real BS of "clean coal"). There is only one true candidate with a chance who is touting change, with an aggressive agenda to bring about that change, and the determination to make America work for the vast majority of Americans who for so long have been getting the short end of the stick from big corporations and the powers that be in both parties. If you want real change and not just the rhetoric of change, vote for John Edwards!
Posted by: Michael | January 7, 2008 11:09 AM
Is that too hard for the media to swallow? The first 10 or 15 minutes of the NH debate looked like the Obama/Clinton Show.
Finally when Edwards was given a chance to talk, he made mention a few times that in Iowa.... he came in second, he beat Hillary, now that she's behind....
It's about time somebody said it! Too bad he has to toot his own horn. The press should be saying it, calling it an upset, a surprise victory over Hillary, a second-place showing. Isn't that what NEWS is? Something unexpected? Instead, they continue to talk like it's a two-way race between Hillary & Obama.
Is it not newsworthy that Obama & Clinton outspent Edwards by about 4 to 1, and Edwards still managed to come in second?
Is it not newsworthy that Obama bussed in college students from Illinois to vote in the Iowa caucus, because in Iowa you can register and vote the same day?
Is it just a coincidence that the media is continually promoting the two candidates that the Republicans would most like to run against?
Posted by: Mark | January 7, 2008 11:31 AM
I went to NH this weekend to see John Edwards and Hillary Clinton.
The Edwards campaign is very upbeat and optimistic. Hillary's campaign seems to be shutting down. Bill Clinton said he was surprised to see a good turnout and he is the former President.
Edwards seems to resonate with a lot of the NH voters in a way that the others are not.
Posted by: Laura | January 7, 2008 12:02 PM
New Hampshire please vote wisely - if you do the evidence that you made the correct or wrong choice will reflect in the stock Market...As it could certainly restore confidence that the investors (Including myself) are lacking or kill it. Nothing against Edwards and I'm not trying to crash the blog.. I'm just at a point that all the other issues will not amount to a hill of beans if we can’t sort out the Economy...
Posted by: Anonymous | January 7, 2008 12:28 PM
Edwards is the only one standing up for us "little guys." He is the only one who has never taken a dime from a WA lobbyist.
Obama and Clinton are part of the Washington machine.
Go, Edwards!
Posted by: Kathy Callan | January 7, 2008 12:39 PM
The serious manner in which New Hampshire residents look at the candidates and the issues is heartening to the rest of us. Thank you.
I don't understand the occassional snide jab at Edwards for his profession. Wasn't Lincoln a "trial lawyer?" Is anyone seriously suggesting that we need to get rid of trial lawyers and trust anyone who might be sued, such as insurance companies and large corporations, to take care of us out of the goodness of their hearts?
Large companies employ and use many teams of lawyers and spend a lot on determining the legal ramifications of any mistakes. I certainly don't want to villify the relatively smaller number of attorneys available to individuals.
I come from a "medical family" I know that doctors can be terrorized by suits and that most doctors own consciences are vigilant. But when a horrible mistake happens, an individual needs someone to represent and speak for their needs.
In terms of environmental issues, in particular, I think we need a national leader who will fight for citizens against the more money, powerful, and well-represented corporations. There are many good companies, as Edwards says. But there are some who need more oversight and regulation
Posted by: Lane | January 7, 2008 12:58 PM
Wow, Anonymous! If we vote for a candidate that wants to fight for 90% of us, the other 10% will threaten us with dire economic predictions?
i guess we really do need a fighter like John Edwards if the spoiled powers that be cringe like wallflowers and shriek like banshees at the thought of a little economic fairness. (Which by the way would have the long term effect of preserving our economy and society from the decay that inevitably accompanies economic stratification in civilizations.)
Edwards 08
Obama 16
Let's givem' bad cop then good cop!
Posted by: bardonaut | January 7, 2008 1:18 PM
The big money lobby has a strangle hold on the political process and only a populist candidate can break it. John Edwards is a leader who understands that this country belongs to it's citizens.We are not just dairy cows waiting to be milked by greedy corporations. If you're feeling squeezed its time to heard. Vote Edwards
Posted by: Kevin Lynch | January 7, 2008 1:20 PM
John Edwards reminds me of Bobby Kennedy fighting for the same principals 40yrs. ago with the same passion,determination and caring that is so desperatly needed in these times. The masses have to wake up realize that one person can make a difference and that person is John Edwards-
Posted by: Samuel Stergios | January 7, 2008 1:45 PM
Edwards reminds me too much of Rod Blagojevich - gov of Illinois. Expensive haircut, class warfare proponent, divisive rhetoric, and labeling business as evil.
Posted by: Perch Rapala | January 7, 2008 1:47 PM
John Edwards is like a clear air, which we all need. He is so supportive all the people, he is looking out for the poor and lower middle class people. Not though whom has money and he dosen't take big bussiness, health insurance or oil money. Either.
I have fibromyalya that I am in pain all the time and unable to work, but Socail sertuity said, that I am not sick enough, health care we have to pay 1,112.00 and fuel cost is 1,000.00 every two month, mortage is 900.00 and lights are 70.00, phone is 70.00 and this all on 8,000.00 this year for our bussiness. Our bussiness is CPR/first aid trainning in which all the companies need said, goverment and schools need it too. but the companies aren't doing it at all, big bussiness dosen't pay there bills. That is why we are going out of bussiness. Because of schools and big bussiness don't want to pay for traning, even if it is 40.00 or50.00 trainning.
I am from NH and John Edwards gives me hope for the furtue.
I am prond that I am voting for Edwards and good luck for your trip to White house.
Posted by: theresa | January 7, 2008 2:49 PM
He says he's all for the middle class, having to work hard and make money, but then he goes and gets a 400 dollar hair cut? Whats that about?
Posted by: kiley | January 7, 2008 3:46 PM
I agree with Jamie. I think Edwards/Obama would be a great team. I don't get why the average middle class people are not getting the message. He is so sincere and obviously really cares about what he is trying to accomplish. I understand his anger and frustration with Washington. I am so tired of all the powerful people with money who don't give a damn about the rest of us trying to just survive. Why don't they try living in our shoes for a month and see how they like it. Only people with money spend like there is no tomorrow. Why should Laura Bush be allowed to spend OUR tax money to decorate the White House for the holidays? They have more money of their own than they could ever spend in 2 lifetimes, a lot from oil companies that are gouging
the rest of us and putting us in more debt, personally and nationally. Why is everything and everyone in Washington politics allowed to be so lavish with our tax money, when people paying the taxes are forced to lose their homes because they can't pay the taxes or the mortgage, live on the street, go to bed hungry, and not have basic health care when needed? What good is health care only for children when the parents get sick and can't take care of them anyway. There is so much wrong with this entire system that it would take all day to list it. I've been working hard all my life and almost at retirement age, but will never be able to retire if I want to keep on living. So I'm voting for Edwards and just maybe he will be able to accomplish something for the rest of us "common people" which would certainly be nice for a change.
Posted by: E G Hmmond | January 7, 2008 3:58 PM
It seems to me the American people agree with John Edwards, when they get a chance to actually hear from him. Unfortunately, Big Corporate Media doesn't want Edwards to win bc they know he'll take them on...so they only show Clinton and Obama. The Repubs would LOVE to run against Clinton, and they're willing to take their chances that a black man can't win, so they make sure their Media gets out the message...I even saw one Republican "analyst" claim that "the Republicans would have trouble beating Obama, that's what they fear most..." as if a Republican Corporate Mouthpiece would really admit the truth!
Posted by: Molly | January 7, 2008 5:53 PM
Dear John...I met you when you were campaigning 4 years ago. You were awesome then and I believe you and your family are even more committed now. God Bless you and your endeavor to save us from corporate greed. Be safe out there. I worry about you because you are a good person. You have my vote. I hope New Hampshire does you proud tomorrow. Godspeed to you and your family. And no matter what, thankyou for being so committed to us!
Posted by: Tracy | January 7, 2008 9:02 PM
The $400 haircut was to pay a hairdresser for traveling to Edwards' hotel room before a speech. Which candidate hasn't spent a lot of money on haircuts, makeup, and suits throughout the campaign? Probably only Mike Gravel.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 7, 2008 9:29 PM
John Edwards is the person with the most leadership qualities. Although the media has continually ignored him--they only provide publicity to candidates with money, compounding a broken system--he managed to place second in Iowa ahead of a candidate with star power who spent three times more money and had been called the "inevitable" candidate. Edwards had led on health care, the environment, and many other issues. After the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the Washington Post said that Edwards provided the best response to the crisis of any of the presidential candidates. My feeling is that Obama is not experienced enough, and Clinton is too polarizing to many Republicans. Moreover, Edwards works harder than anyone else and is more sophisticated, having met these entrenched interests for years. The strategy of the Republicans has been a winner-takes-all strategy for the last two decades, and that will not change until the American public takes their power away from them through the power of the vote.
Posted by: Irene | January 7, 2008 10:07 PM
I wish you all the best tomorrow and I am really tired of those who criticize Clinton's policy in even the most judicious terms being labeled as "mudslingers." I thought Richardson's comments at the last debate selfserving.
Posted by: Mary | January 7, 2008 10:55 PM
The haircut story is a red herring that the mainstream media pounce on that distracts us from the real issues. How much you think Romney pays to keep himself coifed? Or Hillary? Or the pundits themselves? None of them are going to Sam's. If your lifestyle would change one bit if you lost your job, you are the people Edwards is talking about. If don't support him, don't be surprised about what you get later.
Posted by: Nora | January 7, 2008 11:19 PM
I am absolutely for John Edwards. Our democracy is in trouble. Edwards has stated over and over that special interests in Washington have way too huge influence and power. He has specific ideas to make sure that our voice is heard and not cash filling pockets. He willing to fight for us-- the average american with average means--so lets put him in the place where he can help us the most.
Posted by: Matthew Walton | January 8, 2008 12:30 AM
Edwards is the only one, as Michael Moore says, willing to say that the greedy corporations have a stranglehold on our democracy. With the super rich (1/2 of 1%) owning & controlling the majority of US wealth, let alone he world's wealth & resources, he is the best hope of inspiring the working class, the middle class to wake up, rise up and take back our rights, our democracy and restore our country to one of truth and justice in the world.
Posted by: Wakean Maclean | January 8, 2008 1:14 AM
Clinton, Obama, where is Arty when you need him?
Posted by: Gail Grizell | January 8, 2008 2:38 AM
Clinton, Obama, where is Arty when you need him?
Posted by: Gail Grizell | January 8, 2008 2:38 AM
I have followed Edwards on the internet for several months now. He got my attention and vote right off. I work at a middle class job in a Bush economy and we are sinking like a rock in still water.
My husband and I have not had a salary increases in nearly 5 years. We had to take out a second mortgage
to recover from hurricane Ivan. That set us so far behind we then declared bankruptcy a year and a half ago. We have indured hardships that we have not been able to overcome. We have always paid our bills and done what was needed to keep our heads above water. But under Bush the water keeps getting higher and the flow gets faster and faster and we are left drowning fighting for survival to put food on the table and try to be good tax paying people. I don't want to exchange one royal party for another. I want change and someone who cares about how far my dollar has to streach. Our insurance at work has gone up so much in the last year we can not afford our meds. I don't know but I would think there are lots of people like us out there that would like a better tomorrow and to believe we the middle class or worth something and not just to pay the taxes for the rich in our county so they don't have to. Personally I don't care about his $400 hundred dollar haircuts it is not nor will they ever come out of my pocket and if you think he is the only one that blows money you are wrong. And it is his money that he work for. He worked his way through college and has the right to spend his money however he wants. The rest of us work for our money and we may not be able to get $400 haircuts but anything leftover we spend the way we see fit. What is your $400 haircut a boat a new car an expensive vacation??????????????
Edwards President - Obama Vice President that is the combo that will see change in American
Posted by: Madeline Lowrance, Gulf Breeze, Fl | January 8, 2008 10:16 AM
GIVE AMERICANS BACK OUR COUNTRY!
Taking back America is what I want. And that will take John Edwards to fight for us. We need to make sure this candidate wins this election because it will be the last time Americans will have a chance to throw out the lobbyist with their overseas power on us. Haven't we gotten the picture of fat companies with fat profits while they bank the candidate of their choice. Perhaps it is the one that makes jokes all the times and defers from giving answers. Mr. Popularity, oh yeah....Or maybe we should vote for the Lady who is making changes while her husband made some in his reign and she didin't have a chance? But maybe it is the fresh face who has some changes also, but could use a celebrity with some clout to push him through. And I wonder where some of this clout will be aimed at when he makes President. I don't think for us.
I think I will bank on a true American. One that my heritage and his came from. A person I can trust who won't sell out his political views. A man, who sure can make mistakes, but doesn't do it for money profit, or special interest groups.
If John Edwards can get the red-white-blue Americans to help him win this war on our homeland, I think he will win many wars for us.
Our dollar is weak, employment is down, feds want to keep cutting rates to help out who? Maybe banks would be solvent if the feds would raise the interest rates and let people put their money in a bank to save money. But our culture says-spend-spend-spend. Keep the money floating so we can have strong stocks, and a weak dollar, with no interest given on a normal little savings. Sorry, but that is all us little people know about. We don't have money to invest in a stock market with a lot of hype. It is too much of a gamble. Trying to save a little for education, and retirement would be nice.
Has this country went beserk? We don't care about the elderly, health, and our future children who will inherit this mess.
We want to give status to non American immigrants by supporting their children here.
Our founding fathers would be sick to see what happened in our Country.
If we don't back Edwards, this will the the last time we will have a chance to straighten this mess up.
I am sick of hearing about change. Change went to fast without any true given knowledge us, and kept us in the "barefoot and pregnant stage." Sorry, but I had this baby one to many times. I won't fall for this again.
Help-help-help......Back this man. He is fighting big money from lobbyist because they don't want him as President.
We need John Edwards. I am tired of hearing about change. Just put our Country back the way it was before you all sold out the 'American Dream" for your dream which led this nation into ruination.
Once I was an American. But now I am confused what and where America is anymore.
Glenda Ross
Posted by: Glenda Ross | January 8, 2008 11:16 AM
Democrats, wake up. Not only does Obama steal ideas--and even jokes-- from John Edwards, he's also never been vetted in a tough election (http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/obama_borrows_f.html ) If the Obama wave doesn't hit a stone beach called Clinton, it will crash under the Republican tsunami ... Edwards has already beaten the Jesse Helms machine in NC (where he would have won re-election in 2004, had he run) and in key states like Ohio he is the only democrat who beats the Republican field
(http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/P PP_Release_010105National.pdf ) The Edwards wave will flow right into the White House.
Posted by: Lisa from Ohio | January 8, 2008 12:20 PM
I am from North Carolina and know all about JOhn Edwards. Edwards talks a good game but falls well short on delivery. Look at his senate record. Mr "anti-establishment" consistently voted democratic party lines. He swore an oath to represent the people of this state and the last two years of his term he walked off the job. Edwards is a fake and a phoney - you can't trust someone that stands in a court room and claims to channel dead infants, or, that will sue the Red Cross three times.
Posted by: jgriffith | January 8, 2008 10:54 PM