John Edwards Supporters vs. Barack Obama Suppoters
Why Do Edwards and Obama Supporters Differ on the Reasons for Supporting Their Respective Candidates?
But the contrast between Edwards and Obama is more interesting. Both are running as outsiders, against Washington, both are you young, fresh faces. But there is one underlying difference I've noticed when Obama supporters talk about Barack, and when Edwards supporters talk about John. I'm, of course, talking about dedicated, active supporters here not passive supporters.
Obama Supporters
It's all about Obama, the man is the message.
Edwards Supporters
It's all about the message, the message is the campaign.
Let me elaborate.
Obama Supporters
Go talk to Obama supporters and ask them why they support Barack, and I can guarantee you that the first thing they will mention will not be his Health Care Plan, or his plan to end the war in Iraq, or any other policy. They'll talk about, well Barack. His sincerity, truth worthiness, and his ability to transcend traditional political boundaries. You'll hear accounts of when they first saw him speak on TV, or when they first realized that he was the one. There is a great sense among Barack supporters that he is a "once in a lifetime" candidate, and even though they might not be able to dictate his policies, most do know about his stances on the major issues (especially the war in Iraq). But they didn't choose Barack because of his education policy, but because of what they see in him.
Edwards Supporters
One criticism I see on many pro-Obama blog posts is from Edwards supporters - Barack never talks about the issues in his speeches. While not a completely valid criticism, its true that Edwards goes into far more detail about his populist policies than any other candidate. Case in point, the environmental forum last week in California.
Edwards has captured the imagination of those who want to see bold, new policies for America. Edwards stands for his message - of economic populism - more than himself. And Edwards supporters, in my opinion, support him because they agree with his message. The message is what matters, in why Edwards supporters have chosen him over Barack .
Conclusion
Now, this isn't to say that there aren't Edwards supporters who see Edwards as a transcendent candidate, or Obama supporters who are in his boat because of his tax reform plan. But in general, these are the themes that I've noticed from attending meetings and events from both campaigns and reading blog posts on Daily Kos and other blogs.
Now, the question is, if either Edwards or Obama were to drop out, would the supporters switch sides or would they fall into Hillary's boat? I see more Edwards supporters switching to Obama because his message does follow many of the same themes as Edwards, and his message, though not nearly as powerful, is still that of a populist.
Obama supporters, on the other hand, may be less likely to fall behind Edwards unless Edwards proves to them that he has the same potential for creating a transformative Presidency as Obama's supporters believe Obama does. Mutual distaste of Hillary might be Edwards saving grace here, though I did notice that many Obama supporters do have a somewhat positive view of Hillary, whereas Edwards supporters had a similarly lukewarm view of Obama.
Published by Nithin Coca
Born in 1983, Nithin grew up in Kansas, and has a BA in Communication from USC. He currently lives in San Francisco, where he works part time as a Grassroots Media Coordinator for the Sierra, and freelances... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a Comment...I like his action on getting police interrogations video taped. I like his plan for transparent government and accountability. I trust that he will set up that video taping of as one lady said "a big boring government You Tube", because he got the police thing accomplished. What I most like is how he inspires and motivates people to actually get involved; that he wants to lead and serve, not govern and rule and help citizens take back the country from corrupt politicians and rich people. It is rather like he is unifying a revolution that works within the existing system to create a better one. I would still prefer Kucinich or Richardson as VP because I feel they are more in touch with poor people than Edwards.
Seeing him rush to Obama's side (against Hillary) after Obama's win in Iowa makes me wonder about his integrity, although many people tell me he is one of the good guys. The first thing I did after watching all~I think there were 19 of them at the time~You Choose '08 videos, was to check out Senate and other government websites on the few whose messages appealed to me. There was also a site that easily lists how each candidate stands on issues. That helped eliminate most of them. I gave Gravel a second look although his blank stare Rock intro reminded me of GWB and immediately turned me off. I may have looked at Hillary's out of curiosity but I already ruled her out due to Code Pink incident two years back. Her Health Care plan stinks. I did not like Richardson's vote on the Immigration Bill which I read most of; oops, this is about Edwards/Obama supporters...I voted for Obama even tho' I leaned towards Kucinich. I like Obama's work on behalf of vets...
Why I keep coming back to Obama: We are not a Latino America, We are not a Black America, We are not an Asian America, We are not a Whit America, we are not a Democrat America, We are not a Republican America, We are not Red States and Blue states and blah, blah, blah, we are the United States of America." I am sick and tired of the Divided States of America, so I think it is the message and the man who speaks for me, ya see. The two are inseparable. My first introduction to Edwards was his You Choose '08 intro video. It was not so much that I never liked the song "Hair" but that using that and images of hair seemed to be aimed at a limited (or divided) audience. I no longer recall why I ruled him out early on except for his buddy/buddy with Clinton discussing how to get rid of "them". It seems I have also read some bad press about him that I have not confirmed as truth from people who lived in his neighborhood.
The Iowa cacus is over allowing me the priviledge of hindsight. I am a fierce almost rabid supporter of my man Johnny, but i
will tell you that if Senator McCain falls, I will make a quick move to Mr. Barack's side. the man had a tremendous comand of the Engliish languish and the oratorical skills to go with it. He also has the quiet grin and sofr chuckle that only honeswt men are are capable of. Thank you.... .
I love this article. I feel EXACTLY like what you said. Barack seems like he will be trusting and follow through but he dosent go like to talk about how or into depth on how to go about things. Edwards is more to the point and out right about his feelings and and desicions but you wonder if he will come through. I love how Edwards admits his mistakes and dosent constantly talk about how "hes been right all along" He just basically says "I have made a mistake, this is what I will do to fix it" ... Im an Edwards supporter but (as you said) if John drops out, Im jumping on the Obama band wagon. I cant stand Hillary Clinton. She is not what this nation needs... Im glad I read this article. Thank you
I actually agree with barack because of his foriegn policy and war voting record...