I. Future First Lady Elizabeth Edwards: Saving Graces Book Signing  & Upcoming Women's Conference

Saving Graces Book Signing

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend another one of Elizabeth's "Saving Graces" book signings. The book signing was held at a locally owned bookstore, Quail Ridge Books, which is situated adjacent to a Whole Foods Store. Quail Ridge Books is an intimate bookshop where the smell of the books lining the shelves and the personal attention from the owner Nancy and the salespeople, takes you back to the sense of community of small businesses that is often left behind in the big box chain book stores. (I hope if Elizabeth reads this, she doesn't count the number words in my sentence; watch the book signing video clip for more on that).

Elizabeth began her presentation with some friendly hellos to attendees, many of whom she knows personally, some remarks that drew much laughter and a request to support the "Kids for Books" program that has provided over 50,000 books to economically disadvantaged children since Elizabeth supported the bookstore owner, Nancy Olsen in establishing the program.

Elizabeth went on to read some excerpts from her book, injecting commentary along the way. At times, her words evoked intensity and even fear, emotions often felt when discussing the serious concepts that Elizabeth is not afraid to broach, while at other moments, Elizabeth's words filled the bookstore with laughter.

Elizabeth Edwards possesses a depth of intellect, emotional insight and sensitivity that is truly inspiring.

Following is a short clip where Elizabeth discusses "Books for Kids" and reads excerpts from her book:

Women's Conference

Tomorrow, Elizabeth will participate in a Women's Conference along with a distinguished panel of speakers in California. The forum will be live webcast beginning at 8 am PDT.

"The conference's capacity to transform, to empower and inspire women to take charge of their lives and get involved in their communities, to connect with their friends, neighbors, and family members, and to find and use their voice, individually and collectively, is truly remarkable. The 2007 conference will be no different, especially in light of the extraordinary, world-renowned speakers who will join us this year to share their stories, experiences and insights."

The Women's Conference has grown into the largest one-day conference for women in the nation and become an iconic destination for important and lively discussions. This year will feature two greatly-anticipated breakout sessions including "Race, Religion and Gender - The New Face of the White House," and a separate dynamic conversation between the 2008 presidential candidates' spouses

II. Expanding the Map: A True Blue Majority!

The Edwards for President Campaign launched, "Expanding the Map" last week. Expanding the Map is an intiative to invigorate Democratic races in all fifty states by having the most progressive and most electable Democratic Presidential candidate at the top of the ticket: John Edwards. A number of key Democratic leaders from all regions of the country have endorsed John Edwards for President and spoken to the electability issue, with regard to how having Edwards at the top of the ticket will not only ensure that Democrats will win the White House but will but also expand majorities in Congress and help state and local Democrats down the ballot.

Today, the Edwards for President Campaign held a Conference call with a few of these key leaders, including:

NJ Senate President and former NJ Governor Richard J. Codey
U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (AZ)
U.S. Representative and former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Mel Watt (NC)
U.S. Representative David Price (NC)
VA Democratic Party Chair C. Richard Cranwell

During the conference call, all of these Democratic leaders were clear on the fact that Edwards is the only Democratic candidate who holds the nationwide appeal that is necessary to compete and win in states in every region and invigorate down ticket races.

U.S. Representative David Price (NC) stated, "In critical states, where control of Congress hangs in balance, we must have someone at top of the ticket that gives us lift. John Edwards gives them the best prospects."

A number of participants expressed concerns of the negative effects Hillary would have on Democratic races due to her high unfavorable ratings.

Virginia Democratic Party Chair, C. Richar Cranwell said, "Down ticket races are influenced a lot by unfavorables. Clinton's unfavorables are consistently in the 40 percentile range; it concerns me what this does down ticket. John Edwards does not have the high negatives that would energize the base on the other side. He will give us the chance to build our majorities in all states."

Mel Watt, U.S. Representative (NC) said it all, "All Americans want bold leadership and real change, John Edwards can win voters in all of these states. We will retain our margin with Edwards on top of ticket. With other candidates on the ballot, there will be a tremendous drop off down ticket."

Elizabeth spoke a bit about the electability issue today during her appearance on The Situation Room:

III. John Edwards: War Funding & Military Spending

War Funding

Today, Bush  requested an additional $189.3 billion to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, despite the widespread opposition to ending the war in Iraq. Disregarding the will of the people and skepticism from Congress, Bush charges on in his mission of an endless war.

Senator Edwards, who has led the way on demading that Congress not back down to Bush and demand timetables for withdrawal, issued the following statement in response to Bush's request today:

EDWARDS: LATEST WAR FUNDING REQUEST CONTINUES FAILED IRAQ STRATEGY, CONGRESS MUST DEMAND TIMELINE FOR WITHDRAWAL

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - In response to President Bush's request for an additional $46 billion for war funding, Senator John Edwards released the following statement:

"Today President Bush will ask for another $46 billion from Congress to fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This request comes on top of his original request for $140 billion and confirms that his administration is pressing on with the only Iraq strategy it has ever had - more time, more troops and more war.

"Enough is enough.  The American people voted for change last November and now, almost a year later we still have the status quo. Once and for all Congress must stand up to President Bush and pass a funding bill with a timetable for withdrawal. If the president vetoes that bill, Congress must send it back, again and again, as many times as it takes for the president to finally get the message that he can't defy the American people.  Every member of Congress who believes this war must end has the moral responsibility to use every tool available to them, including a filibuster, to send the president one simple message:  No timeline, no funding.  No excuses."

Edwards has proposed a clear plan to end the war in Iraq as well as a number of policies to clean up the wasteful military spending.

In this clip, Edwards speaks to this issue to the Iowans for Sensible Priorities: