Edwards going after Clinton

Here's a development that has been in the making-- the Edwards campaign targeting Clinton:

Edwards led the Democratic candidates' boycott of Fox's plans to host a Democratic presidential debate. Now he is objecting to News Corp.'s purchase of Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones & Co. and highlighting the relationships that Clinton and other rivals have with the company's executives.

"The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party," Edwards said in a statement.

He challenged his rivals to refuse contributions from executives of News Corp., and return any they had already received. The Edwards campaign sent an e-mail to supporters with the subject line "Unfair and Unbalanced," asking them to donate in support of his stand against the company.

Said Edwards spokesman Eric Schultz: "Thousands of good people work at Fox News and News Corp., but this is about the bias of top executives, those who make real editorial decisions like Rupert Murdoch, people who continually sanction unfounded attacks on Democrats. And that's why Democrats like Senator Clinton should either reject their money or return it."

This will be interesting to see if Edwards makes traction on the issue. Clinton and Edwards are going toe to toe in Iowa, and it's the only early state where Clinton does not lead in the polls. The donors employed by News Corp. have made $20,900 in donations to Clinton's presidential bid from nine company attorneys and executives. My guess is that Clinton will not return the funds, so the question is whether the Edwards campaign can make it an issue. Clinton supporters here will say no, the Edwards supporters here will say yes, I am not sure.  

There are alot of angst-ridden bloggers among progressives that want to avoid conflict within the democratic primary at all costs, and go to all ends to avoid observing and commenting on the attacks and counter-attacks. Why, I don't know. Perhaps that's a tribute to effective outreach by most of the campaign staffs. The blogs should be right in the thick of it, but because of that dearth of involvement by progressive bloggers, attacks by one candidate on another candidate are going to find it hard going in gaining blog momentum. There's just not much candidate cohesion among the blogs from which to gain traction. The bigger downside of this lack of coverage is that it hands over the reigns to the mainstream media for creating the narratives of the different candidates that are broadcast over more traditional mediums.



Display:


Re: Edwards going after Clinton (3.00 / 1)

My advice to Clinton campaign is to totally ignore him. He's mired in low teen, there's absolutely no need to respond to him.

Who cares about Murdoch? Even the most partisan democrats, I doubt will care.


Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?
by areyouready on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:23:23 PM EST

they probably will (3.00 / 3)

OR make some hedge fund comment - but of course Chelsea works for a hedge fund and more hedge fund donations BY FAR went to Clinton.

Edwards is building a slow steady narrative that Hillary is in the pocket of big business, multinationals, pharmaceuticals and insurance companies...

... did I mention Hillary has not healthcare plan


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:27:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (3.00 / 3)

Yeah Dems love Fox News, especially the activists who actually vote.


by MassEyesandEars on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:30:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well I posted this in the Post (none / 0)

in the Diary list, so I guess it applies here too.

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS /stories/08/22/campaign.nader.reut/index .html


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:23:35 PM EST

as a smart guy (3.00 / 3)

do you think lobbyists spend these billions of dollars for nothing in Return?

If not no need to debate further.

If they do expect something in return what does it say for Hillary to be the top recepient of health lobbyist dollars?


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:28:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

As a Smart Guy (none / 0)

I tend to think Gore received some donations and, as a Smart Guy, I concluded it didn't matter that much and, as a Smart Guy, when Nader popped off his "Return the Money" schtick, I got kinda PO'd cause I knew his goal of blurring the distinctions between Democrats and Republicans might impact the General Election.

As a Primary Campaign tactic, it's obvious that that is not what Edwards is trying to do.

I still view the issue the same.


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:32:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

there are 2 interpretations (none / 0)

newscorps donors either want hillary to win

 A. cause she'd be good for media business,  she'd raise a lot of money and spend a lot and keep TV and print ratings high

B.  She has positions they like/would be most favorable to the NewsCorp business agenda

C.  combination of A and B

 D.  they really don't care who wins but just want to make sure they have some money on the winner...

only D. would not give most activist Democrats pause


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:42:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Can we apply that line of questioning? (none / 0)

To Pharmaceutical Companies donating some money to the Gore Campaign?


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:02:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can we apply that line of questioning? (none / 0)

what gore campaign?


by corn dog on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:04:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The one in 2000 (none / 0)

That he didn't win cause a Third Party Candidate actually thought a few thousand dollars of donations to Gore from Pharmaceutical Companies meant something.


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:17:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And can we also ask (none / 0)

Since everyone has known about this for at least 6 months why is Edwards making these demands right now?


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:10:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

the total amount (none / 0)

includes the 2nd quarter donors...

Now cause daily Kos started...

that's the speculation people at daily kos convention probably know more about murdoch and Fox than average people


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:15:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I knew it was YearlyKos Driven (none / 0)

And I regretted being confrontational.

The inclination to do so is overpowering at times.

Edwards has a right to bring it up.

But I have a right to express my opinion that it means nothing and that Ralph Nader used the exact same campaign tactic in 2000.


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:18:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And can we also ask (3.00 / 4)

>>>why is Edwards making these demands right now?

Uh - because Murdoch just bought WSJ/Dow.
But Edwards is the only one bringing attention to media consolidation. So when the telecoms takeover the net - there should be no complaints from you.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:52:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: And can we also ask (none / 0)

Good point about the sale of WSJ.

I know where Senator Clinton stands on Net-Neutrality.


by Edgar08 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:04:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: there are 2 interpretations (none / 0)

Another interpretation: They really think Hillary is the weakest candidate, so they want her to win the nomination. Sort of like crossing over in a Primary to vote for the wackiest Republican so the Democrat will have an easier race.


by antiHyde on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 10:15:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

BTW,

All Hillary supporters should avoid getting into dirt with Edwards supporters on this issue. It's irrelevant. No need to debate them.


Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?
by areyouready on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:25:01 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

areyouready, areyouahillarycampaignoperative?


McCain is defining Obama, and Obama is neither defining himself, nor McCain. This is awful.
by jgarcia on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:56:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

Jgarcia are you a Hair stylist for John Edwards?


by world dictator on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:03:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

Why doesn't areyouready just answer the question?  Instead you have to make a snide comment to deflect having him/her answer the question.

Personally, it only matters to me in that full disclosure is best.  His/her comments can still have merit if he/she is paid by the campaign, it just keeps everything above board.


A great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy. - Teddy Roosevelt
by minvis on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 07:23:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

i dont care if he or she is paid or not. my problem is that they never add anything constructive.


by bruh21 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 08:13:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

I hope the press picks up this story..Hillary is in bed with FoxNews and i wouldnt be surprised if they were the one of did the madrassa hitjob and pitched it to Fox and the other nuts.


by JaeHood on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:27:50 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

you know sometimes your posts are quite paranoid.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:29:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

you missed the funny (3.00 / 3)

washpost article where the reporter writes that some clinton people were pushing anti-obama research but when told they would be attributed said no comment.

I've never seen a reporter "out" a campaign like that before or since


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:31:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

Dang Lori! you seem to have no perception of Murdoch's and Mark Penn's influence.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:55:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

what's interesting is (none / 0)

in the Times profile of Trippi, Elizabeth is quoted as  saying they know who was pushing the anti-Edwards haircut and poverty stories....


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:30:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what's interesting is (none / 0)

Of course, by not saying WHO, she tries to have it both ways.


by Adam B on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:10:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what's interesting is (none / 0)

what's the both ways?  They said it was rival campaigns....


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:16:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: what's interesting is (none / 0)

come on, you're smart, i've read lots that you've written.  the possibility that it wasn't rival campaigns at least in part is as close to zero as you can get.  this seems like more of the double standard that appears prominently in these pie fights.  inter-party fights have one very loose standard and intra-party fights require a ridiculous level of proof.  or no proof, i suppose, depending on one's side of the argument.


by corn dog on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:08:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

I agree with the poster above. The best thing Clinton can do here is to simply ignore it.

She has steamrolled past Obama by 20 points, and Edwards seems to keep falling and falling, partly because the media demonized him early and his inability to raise as much cash.

She needs to act like a frontrunner and simply ignore him--that gives the impression that Edwards is irrelevant and further projects an image of inevitability which is what they want.

Edwards might want to keep attacking if it's the only way the media will give him any attention...perhaps they will pick up one of those attacks and run with them...he doesn't have much to lose at this point.


by need some wood on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:31:24 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (3.00 / 4)

>>>partly because the media demonized him early and his inability to raise as much cash.

Thanks for admitting the corporate media retaliated against Edwards for his progressive plans and solutions. Makes me wonder why those who call themselves "progressive" aren't supporting him.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:01:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Why return the money? (none / 0)

It will just give the right wingers more resources to attack Dems. I say take as much money from Murdoch and co as you can.


by PhillyGuy on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:33:34 PM EST

Huh? (none / 0)

>>>>I say take as much money from Murdoch and co as you can.

That statement seems very naive. What would the cost be to Americans and what's left of our democracy?


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:04:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Makes me wonder (3.00 / 2)

if Edwards is setting the stage to go after Mark Penn. I hope so. He's scheduled to give a big speech on trade early next week, and that would a nice tie-in.

Great post, again, Jerome. You're on fire.

There are alot of angst-ridden bloggers among progressives that want to avoid conflict within the democratic primary at all costs, and go to all ends to avoid observing and commenting on the attacks and counter-attacks. Why, I don't know. Perhaps that's a tribute to effective outreach by most of the campaign staffs. The blogs should be right in the thick of it, but because of that dearth of involvement by progressive bloggers, attacks by one candidate on another candidate are going to find it hard going in gaining blog momentum. There's just not much candidate cohesion among the blogs from which to gain traction. The bigger downside of this lack of coverage is that it hands over the reigns to the mainstream media for creating the narratives of the different candidates that are broadcast over more traditional mediums.

More than that, bloggers are remaining neutral and refusing to explain the substantive differences between the candidates.

By being afraid to take sides, blogs are actually lessening their influence. Not only are they missing out on a chance to use the race to promote progressive values, they're letting the MSM shape the narrative.

At some point candidates are going to conclude that it's not worth it for them to stake out progressive positions.

Heck of a job, blogosphere.


by david mizner on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:36:11 PM EST

I think there trying to slowly build (3.00 / 2)

pressure on a narrative.  Trying to avoid the Clinton/Obama style smackdowns.

it's pretty easy to imagine a bunch of micro-issues building into a large narrative that sharply contrasts Edwards with Clinton on domestic issues.


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:44:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I think there trying to slowly build (none / 0)

Yes - while Obama and Hillary supporters seek mud wrestling smackdowns - Edwards takes the high road.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:23:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Makes me wonder (3.00 / 3)

It's funny how major bloggers have complained and whined about the DLC and Centrists being obstacles to a Progressive agenda and frequently rail about getting rid of those damn Centrists in Congress!  But now that a DLC/Centrist prez candidate is ahead - and even in bed with another Progressive nemesis, Rupert Murdoch, they're silent.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:11:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

that may be your best comment ever (none / 0)


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 07:19:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (3.00 / 4)

I don't see Hillary returning the money.  Among other well-documented matters, Rupert Murdoch has been a big supporter of the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative.  She's not going to make him into a bogeyman (which is unfortunate, cause he kinda is a bogeyman).

I can't imagine this attack gaining a whole ton of traction, though.  And of course, any time Hillary gets attacked from the left it can't help but improve her general election chances to some extent.

What I really don't like is how Edwards seems to be the only person in the race who is truly sticking up for the Democratic brand.


"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman
by Steve M on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:37:29 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

>>>>Edwards seems to be the only person in the race who is truly sticking up for the Democratic brand.

Wow!  thanks for noticing. You're obviously very informed.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:13:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This seems a bit desperate. (none / 0)

I sense trouble in Camp Edwards.


by bookgrl on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:42:30 PM EST

Re: This seems a bit desperate. (none / 0)

Only trouble? It's past trouble, it's the cliff edge now.

I am less and less confident that they can at least close the gap to Obama.


Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?
by areyouready on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:44:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This seems a bit desperate. (none / 0)

I'm sure Edwards is hoping Obama and Clinton will spend their huge war chests on each other and leave Edwards alone.


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:51:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

he's right on this though (3.00 / 3)

Hillary should ignore this...

FAuxNews has been effectively unmasked among democrats who vote in primaries.

20,000$ is nothing to sneeze at...  For someone with as much money as her she could easily give it back.

Murdoch's son works for the Clinton Foundation...

I'm sure that Howard wolfson will have to poll test a great response.

what's she gonna say the VWRC that she attacked are solid donors to her campaign?


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:03:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

this is obvious (3.00 / 5)

He will eventually attack/differentiate on:

1. Mark Penn
2.  Clinton NAFTA (which also pulls down Clinton stalking horse Richardson - the congressional NAFTA czar who worked with Newt Gingrich to pass NAFTA in congress)

3.  top recepient of healthcare lobbyist dollars

(edwards can pick one lobbyist group a week e.g. Pharma, insurance, defense contractors etc... and each week ask HIllary to give back the money)

4. no healthcare plan

this is obvious, it's just a matter of when and how


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:47:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This seems a bit desperate. (none / 0)

Desperate??  Edwards is exposing Hillary's centrist credentials - talking out of both sides of her mouth. That's what Centrists do and why Washington is broken.


Hillary/Obama08
by annefrank on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:16:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This seems a bit desperate. (none / 0)

of course , he should know because he is one himself . A leopard can't change his spots


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:45:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This seems a bit desperate. (none / 0)

riiight. i know you are, but what am approach to politics.


by bruh21 on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 08:15:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (3.00 / 5)

Geeez....(this is my first post to this blog), after reading some of the posts it I feel a bit insecure in saying that I AM AN EDWARDS SUPPORTER.  Didn't realize it's not okay to call Hillary on her s***.


by marvinsmom on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:45:06 PM EST

Good first post! (3.00 / 1)

Welcome!

I hope Clinton does just what her supporters say and lets Edwards do this without responding.


by jsamuel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:51:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

me too... (3.00 / 1)


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 04:52:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Global Warming Intiative (none / 0)

Should The Clinton Global Warming Intiative return the $500,000 it recieved from Murdoch too?


by world dictator on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:07:16 PM EST

only if it's running for president (3.00 / 1)

as a cyborg.

there's a big difference between philanthropic and political contributions...

hopefully you understand the difference and why some people want public financing of elections


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:09:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: only if it's running for president (1.00 / 1)

so no answer?


by world dictator on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:10:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No ... (none / 0)

philanthropic donations should be kept


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:18:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No ... (none / 0)

I don't get your rationale for why one is alright but the other is not.


by world dictator on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:23:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No ... (3.00 / 2)

politicians make laws that affect directly the donors they regulate, presidents make appointees to things like the FCC that directly approve or reject mergers like WSJ/newscorpse..

giving money to someone who regulates your business as the appearance of a bribe.  giving money to a non-profit to cure irritable bowel syndrome does not..


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:29:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No ... (none / 0)

so you're against all business contributions to political campaigns and not just Murdoch giving money to Clinton? Correct?


by world dictator on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:35:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No ... (none / 0)

i give this thread a perfect 10 for knowingly making a ridiculous argument that you would never make but for the clinton vs. someone you don't support nature of the discussion.


by corn dog on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:12:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: No ... (none / 0)

I have no problem with anyone taking money from Murdoch. I don't have a problem with John Edwards get $800,000 from Murdoch's company for his book deal either.

For starters im not a Rupert Murdoch hater. His news sucks and has a right wing bias but that hardly makes him the devil. I don't hate people I disagree with because im confident enough in my beliefs.


by world dictator on Sat Aug 04, 2007 at 10:42:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

This is almost as bad as Elizabeth Edwards attacking Hillary for trying to act "like a man," whatever that meant.


by Berkeley Vox on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:16:13 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

Are you deaf or just lazy?  Elizabeth Edwards did not say that, this is what she said:

On the issues that are important to women, she has not ... well, healthcare, that's enormously important to women, all the polls say, and what she says now is, we're going to have a national conversation about healthcare. And then she describes some cost-saving things, which John also supports, but she acts like that's going to make healthcare affordable to everyone. And she knows it won't. She's not really talking about poverty, when the face of poverty is a woman's face, often a single mother. She gave that speech on abortion a few years ago [saying abortion should be "safe, legal and rare"].

Look, I'm sympathetic, because when I worked as a lawyer, I was the only woman in these rooms, too, and you want to reassure them you're as good as a man. And sometimes you feel you have to behave as a man and not talk about women's issues. I'm sympathetic -- she wants to be commander in chief. But she's just not as vocal a women's advocate as I want to see. John is. And then she says, or maybe her supporters say, "Support me because I'm a woman," and I want to say to her, "Well, then support me because I'm a woman." The question is not so much how she campaigns -- that's theater. The question is, what does her campaign tell you about how she'll govern? And I'm not convinced she'd be as good an advocate for women. She needs a rationale greater for her campaign than I've heard. When she announced her candidacy she said, "I'm in it to win it." What is that? That's not a rationale. Same with Senator Obama -- I've yet to hear a rationale. John is extremely clear about what he can accomplish and why he's the one to do it.

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/0 7/17/elizabeth_edwards/index_np.html

So, tell me where Elizabeth Edwards said that Hillary Clinton was trying to act like a man you KNOW-NOTHING.

I get so sick and tired of people lazily lapping up every lie that the media tells them without ever fact-checking anything.

THAT is why I'm talking to you in this tone, because your mindset was taking this tone with Elizabeth Edwards even though you didn't have a clue what you were talking about.


by OE on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 07:11:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

check this out (3.00 / 3)

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/8 /2/154738/3317


    FCC Commish wants us to oppose WSJ-NewsCorp merger [YK]

   I am sitting in the panel discussion A View from Washington: Winning a Better Media for Everyone at YearlyKos, with FCC Commissioner Michael Copps. His talk got a standing ovation from a lot of us, and I wanted to let dKos know about some of the major points he made, especially the call for the public to oppose the pending merger of Dow Jones/WSJ and NewsCorp...

   Copps called this action and the overall issue of media consolidation necessary to keeping our democracy alive.

   The commissioner also said he "had a feeling" that a big push for further smoothing the way for further consolidation, especially in the online realm, will come sooner rather than later, hence the sense of urgency in his call. He is trying to make sure we are prepared.


by jsamuel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:21:12 PM EST

I support Edwards on this One (3.00 / 1)

Money from Fox is dirty money.


by parahammer on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:25:20 PM EST

The real fight begins. (3.00 / 1)

She keeps Murdoch's contributions to her Presidential campaign committee:

K Rupert Murdoch
1211 Avenue of The Americas
New York, New York 100368701
News Corporation  
Chairman  
06/05/2007
2300.00

Committee: HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE INC.

http://disclosure.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dc dev/forms/C00431569/295327/sa/ALL/26


by TomP on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 05:29:59 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

ugh.

i almost wish the bloggers i read regularly would stop posting on the primary campaign and the candidates.  because every single time it turns into a third grade argument about who's the bigger doo-doo head.  it should be embarrassing.  too bad it's not.


by corn dog on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:02:01 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

Wasn't there a big article yesterday about Edwards getting his money from lawyers- yeah, that's a real morally respected group.

No one will care about this.  Clinton should ignore him- he's not really in the running anymore and his poll numbers continue to drop.  Answering him just gives him the spotlight and makes it look like he is legitimate competition, which he is not.  This accusation will get about as much press as one of Mike Gravel's.


by reasonwarrior on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 06:53:09 PM EST

plaintiffs lawyers recognize the (none / 0)

little guy against bigger interests.

and other pro bono lawyers represent people like hamdan challenging Gitmo.

I'd bet Hillary has more donations from lawyers at investment banks and insurance companies than Edwards


McCain - a serial Opportunist, from marriage to policy positions
by TarHeel on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 07:23:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm an attorney who donates to Edwards (none / 0)

I don't make big money - I represent children's interests in court.  I see what poverty does to families.  

Edwards is their best hope because, as he has always done, he fights for those with little or no power.

Many attorneys like me support John Edwards.  When people snidely make their sneering comments about "trial" attorneys, I wish they would do some research.  Plaintiff attorneys like John Edwards work incredibly hard to give those with virtually no voice some recourse against the powerful.  He happens to have been an exceptionally talented, intelligent and hard working crusader who is a model for plaintiffs' attorneys everywhere.

BTW, Robert Bork, who once snidely compared "trial attorneys" to pirates, does what all similarly snide critics do when something bad happens to them.  He got an attorney to file a complaint demanding in excess of $1 million in punitive damages against the Yale Club for a fall he took there.  Also, the complaint filed on behalf of this once nominee for the Supreme Court was riddled with legal errors.  Shows how much he knows about the civil justice system.
http://www.newyorkpersonalinjuryattorney blog.com/2007/06/robert-bork-brings-trip fall-suit-for.html


by ashlarah on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 09:17:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

What is wrong with taking money from trial lawyers?

I think they is the best single, wealth constituency around which to build a campaign.  There is almost nothing wrong with the quid pro quo they demand.  Class action suits are critical.  Tort reform is a corporate scam.

Sure Tom Delay and the GOPers have their cheap and easy talking point about how lawyers are the problem for everything.

I guess I am surprised to see their talking point so breathlessly repeated on a progressive website.

I am even more surprised to read someone accuse one of the party's most loyal group of financial supporters of being morally questionable.

Repeated GOPer talking points and slam a key Democratic constituency in less than 50 words.  That's efficient work.


"We live entangled in webs of endless deceit, often self-deceit, but with a little honest effort, it is possible to extricate ourselves from them". -- NC
by Trond Jacobsen on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 12:12:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

WHO DOESN'T TAKE MONEY FROM LAWYERS?

Most politicians are lawyers for crying out loud.  What an ignorant issue to even focus on.  

I saw all of those headlines screaming about Edwards being funded by lawyers.

WHAT DEMOCRAT ISN'T?


by OE on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 06:56:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

attacks sometimes backfire (3.00 / 2)

While I agree wholeheartedly with the premise that the blogosphere should not shy away from reporting the attacks and counterattacks, I do this everyone needs to keep an eye on the actual issues in the campaign, or else we end up just like the MSM, attracted to and reporting on the mudslinging to the exclusion of all else (see the Jon Stewart smackdown on Crossfire).

However, the candidates do need to be wary of putting too much heat into their attacks on the other candidates, especially this early.  In 2000 I believe that Al Gore lost the race for president not when Ralph Nader dedcided to run, but because of the smackdown he put on Bill Bradley during the debate in Harlem, while simultaneously making a dash toward the center right.  Alot of Bradley supporters (like myself)went looking for an alternative after Bradley lost to Gore.

Hillary is in danger of the same party purge if she manages to piss off all the Obama and Edwards supporters, which Dems desperately need to go strong to the polls to beat Giuliani.  This of course is exactly the problem with running from the center - if you piss off the left in the primaries, you're going to be toast in the general, and part of why Hillary is less electable than the MSM meme seems to running right now.


Vote for a true progressive in November: Cynthia McKinney (GRN) for President!
by brooklyngreenie on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 07:46:24 PM EST

Edwards is picking his own (none / 0)

battles. There is no need for him to get into the middle of all the Hillary/Obama spats when he is consistently addressing real deep seated problems in the country.

This is the way he will slowly gain votes, by showing that his incredible focus on the issues that are important to this country.


by Chaoslillith on Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 10:22:41 PM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

Raw Story is reporting that Edwards had a book published by News Corp(or a subsidiary), which netted him 800 K.  Edwards' campaign says they contributed the money to various charities, but still, doesn't that make this attack a little, y'know, hypocritical?


by megaplayboy on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 08:56:40 AM EST

Re: Edwards going after Clinton (none / 0)

No.  I wonder how many people even knew that Rupert Murdoch owns Harper Collins.  I didn't

The problem is the Murdoch owns EVERYTHING.  That's the problem.  

Should John Edwards go on television?  All of these cable news networks work together.  The other night CNN and MSNBC were showing the same live feeds from Minnesota, and for one disaster a few years ago CNN and Fox News were sharing the feed from a local station that they both had ownership.

CONSOLIDATION IS THE PROBLEM

Murdoch owns too much himself.  John Edwards COMMITTED FROM THE BEGINNING never to accept a dime for the book deal.  It all went to charity.

That does not make him a hypocrite.  He was a point of transfer.  The proceeds from the book went from HarperCollins to Edwards to charities like Habitat for Humanity.  

If anything, John Edwards used Murdoch in that deal, whereas Murdoch is using Clinton with campaign cash.

Is Hillary Clinton a partner to the New York Post, like I heard?


by OE on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 06:53:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]


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