Just as poll numbers are coming in that show Edwards as the man to beat, the Drudge Report features the story of an illegitimate child between Edwards and a former employee. Their reliable source… The National Enquirer.
Among the problems with the Enquirer’s story, other than the fact that they are basing this report on an unnamed acquaintance, is that some of Clinton’s former staffers are reportedly owners of Evercore, the company that owns the tabloid. Conflict of interest, anyone?
Evercore has also donated money to the campaigns of both Obama and Clinton, so attacking Edwards at this crucial time could certainly be beneficial for both of those candidates.
Matt Drudge’s site has often been accused of right-leaning bias, and if relying on a tabloid is any indication of his credibility, then we’d better turn somewhere else for news.
The latest poll numbers:
Edwards 48 Giuliani 43
Edwards 50 Huckabee 43
Edwards 52 Romney 40
Giuliani 46 Clinton 39
Huckabee 48 Clinton 42
Romney 46 Clinton 42
Giuliani 46 Obama 43
Huckabee 47 Obama 42
Romney 45 Obama 42
Edwards has also received an important endorsement from Iowa’s First Lady Mary Culver, who stated:
Iowans have an important decision to make on January 3. I - like all of you - have carefully examined and considered the candidates and their positions.
I have enjoyed getting to know each of the candidates and their families and value the friendships I’ve made along the way. I applaud and appreciate the great public discourse each of them have shared with our state and the nation and their public service which has so greatly contributed to our democratic process.
Like you, however, I must select only one candidate to stand with on Thursday, January 3.
That is why today, I announce my support for John Edwards for President.
There are many reasons why I am supporting John Edwards.
First, John is a great person and a gifted public servant, with a very compelling personal story. John was born of modest means - so modest in fact that his father had to borrow money to pay the hospital bill for John’s birth. But he and his parents scraped and worked hard.
You know, John Edwards has never forgotten where he came from. It is the source of his passion for fighting for the middle class, for hardworking American families.
One more thing about John Edwards the person. He has an incredible partner, his wife Elizabeth. She has earned the respect and admiration of the country with her courage, her advocacy and her decency. She is an amazing woman, the mother of 4 kids, and a great asset to John. And I know a little something about the importance of a solid team in political life!
Second, John Edwards is right on the issues that matter most. He has a vision to put America back on track, with a detailed plan to make it happen. For example, he was the first candidate to offer a proposal for universal health care for all Americans. And he is the first candidate in my adult life to make it his cause to eliminate poverty in America.
As some of you know, I have tried to advocate for those who struggle mightily in this state – specifically the women and their children who live in emergency shelters - who because of lack of education, lack of employment or opportunity and lack of affordable housing have nowhere else to turn. John Edwards has done the same thing across the country. He has been a true leader on those issues about which I - and so many Americans - care so much.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, I believe John Edwards can win! Not just the caucuses, but the general election too. In fact, recent national polls show John will beat every one of the Republican candidates in the general election. Without a doubt, he is electable.
John can win because he inspires the best in people. His message has always been rooted in optimism and opportunity and lifting up people. I believe Americans are ready to rally behind a President who inspires us to our very best.
I’m honored to support John Edwards. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work on his behalf and I respectfully ask Iowa Democrats to join me in caucusing for John Edwards on January 3. Please encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Visit John Edward’s website for more information.
4 Comments
I’m not political so I’m not up on the numbers or anything. But even if the National Enquirer were actually right about this and Edwards really does have a child by a former staffer? How does this effect his ability to be president of the United States? And going way back, did they make a big deal about all of Thomas Jefferson’s children? I think he had like dozens of kids with women who were not his wife.
I hate dirty politics aimed at getting the Religious Right all frothy at the mouth.
Brian,
Check out the Dec 24 issue of Newsweek: John Edwards is on the front cover, dubbed “The Sleeper” and inside there are several good articles about him. Some predict that many people will be surprised when the caucuses are concluded in Iowa–while Obama and Hillary are focused on the big cities, Edwards is quite popular in the rural counties.
JimT
@ Wendy: I guess some people would say that it reflects on his ability to make good judgments, but I think it’s all lies anyway. As much as I love reading the covers of the rags when I’m in line at the supermarket, I recognize that most (if not all) of it is nothing but baloney.
@ jimthomp87: Will do! I read yesterday that he’s drawing much larger crowds than the other two and that his website traffic and donations are setting records. Also, most of the polls that show Hillary leading the Democrats don’t really represent the majority. One said that 67% of the typically Democratic voters were still undecided. What if just 20% of those voters decided to go for Edwards?
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/12/a_real_edwards_surge.php
That’s funny, because NBC ran the comparitive poll numbers last night but they were the opposite — Dems beating Reps in every category, Obama more than Hillary. However they didn’t even run the Edwards numbers, as if he can’t even be considered. The media does this every election…ungh. In my opinion the two best candidates, John Edwards and Ron Paul, are getting the least coverage in this election.