CQ TODAY ONLINE NEWS
March 28, 2008 – 12:10 a.m.
Edwards Donors Prefer Obama to Clinton
By Jonathan Allen and Alex Knott, CQ Staff
John Edwards ’ former donors broke toward Barack Obama by a 2-to-1 margin over Hillary Rodham Clinton in February, the first full month after Edwards dropped out of the Democratic presidential nomination fight.
The analysis by CQ MoneyLine identified 287 former Edwards contributors who donated to Obama for the first time during his record-breaking $56 million month. Collectively, though, the former Edwards donors amounted to a small fraction of Obama’s haul, sending in $200,000. In comparison, Clinton banked $114,000 from 138 Edwards donors who had not given to her in past months as she piled up a personal-best $35 million in February.
“I looked at both the candidates and basically the reason I chose to shift allegiance over to Obama was how I perceived his message of hope,” said San Diego lawyer Blake Muir Harper.
“One of the things I think is wrong with our country is that the people have been left behind by big business, big corporations, big government, big everything. We need a return to ‘We the people,’ no exceptions. From my perspective, Obama seems to be more aligned with the people’s interest rather than big corporate interests and government interests,” he said. “Whereas Hillary is, to me, a vote more for the same old, same old, politics as usual.”
Last month was Obama’s best to date not only in fundraising but in vote-getting, as he earned a split decision with Clinton on Super Tuesday and then reeled off wins in 11 consecutive contests to close out the month with a clear lead in popular votes and pledged delegates.
For some, the migration from Edwards to Obama was natural.
“To me it was pretty easy,” said Corpus Christi lawyer Darrell L. Barger. “I think it is time for a change, and if Edwards is not the man to make the change, Obama is.”
Barger said Clinton might also be able to effect change, but that her political baggage could make that tougher.
“I think we need a fresh look at everything,” Barger said. “We need a fresh look at social services — more health care, more educational [investment].”
Barger was one of more than 50 donors who made maximum allowable donations of $2,300 for either Obama or Clinton in February after previously supporting Edwards. The average amount contributed by all of these former Edwards donors was $750, and some were as low as $25.
Despite Obama’s edge among Edwards donors, February was also Clinton’s best fundraising month and she collected scores of contributions from givers looking for a new candidate.
Becky Curtis, a college professor and bandleader, said she finds Obama’s pledge to reach across the aisle appealing but believes Clinton has proven she can deliver on that promise.
“What Obama claims he can do, she has done,” Curtis said.
She also said news stories about Obama voting present in the Illinois Senate and exaggerating his role in passing legislation in Congress have led her to question his credentials.
Dallas lawyer Quentin Brogdon said he weighed his ability to predict what Obama or Clinton might do as president before cutting a check to Clinton.
“It was kind of a gut-level, who did I feel more comfortable with,” he said.
Four donors donated to both Clinton and Obama in February after giving to Edwards previously. For this study, CQ MoneyLine counted common donors as people who were listed by both campaigns under the same full name, zip code and similar or matching employers and occupations. It is likely that other common donors exist but were not counted because their contributions were below federal reporting requirements or because information about their identity was not disclosed properly.
Comments
Obama! Why his fanatics are so rude & disrespectful? Do they really think by forcing their views to the rest of the Americans they will win the November Battle? Do they think by alienating Latinos, white women, Asians, military, etc. (Senator Clinton's supporters) they stand a chance of wining the General Election? They are wrong. Just ask Senator Kerry about it... He knows! It was just four years ago If Obama was white he would not have been still running after all of that scandal with his "uncle" pastor. We, the "white people", cannot use the word "black" in public, only African-American; while on the other side, a person that attends an African-American racist church every Sunday and listens to the bias of anti-white preaching, can still be running for president!!! Do you really think Wright has preached that kind of preaching just that one time? Also do not forget! Obama has been listening to Wright's preaching for almost 20 years!!! Obama said "the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning". I don't think so! I never ever heard of any white priest preaching from the altar such racist ideas against blacks, or any other segments of the American population. Probably that is happening in Obama's neck of the wood... If he genuinely believed in solving the race issue, he should have done that "outstanding speech" long before his ass was in hot H2O because of his close connections with Wright I believe that Obama's vote against the war in Iraq was more influenced from the anti American rhetoric such the one he listened to for more than 20 years than his proper "judgment" against a wrong war I still believe the Americans will Know how to make the right difference between anti American and pro American... Obama's rhetoric about "hope" & "change" is just a grammatically & ideologically misspelled propaganda... Imagine him being the Commander in Chief...!!! Well, if lefties (Kerry & Co.) succeed in hijacking the Democratic Party leadership, I can see that a lot of Hillary supporters would vote for McCain. Obama's candidacy has been artificially blown out of all proportion. Does he really believe that he stands a chance to win the General Election? Everyone I know would vote Republican this time if Hillary is not going to be the nominee... Obamatics forget that the majority of the US are not lefties. Bill Clinton knew this very well. That's why he was able to build a centrist oriented coalition & won both elections. Also, it was in Obama's interest for Florida & Michigan not to rerun their primaries. Do not forget the majority of the voters in both of these states voted for Hillary. That's why lefties are not interested in finding a solution. He knew full well he would lose both of them. So, how he is going to win without Florida & Michigan? What a sad joke!!! The whole point is supporting a winner in November. I can't see that happening if the Democratic Party goes for Obama... A good portion of white Americans center-left, center & center-right either will vote for McCain, or will not vote at all; same with Latinos & Asians... He will lose Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. He will have a weak showing in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles. He will lose most of the so-called red states that gave him their votes to just convincingly defeat him this Fall... The rhetoric about Hope & Change is just propaganda, without being backed by substance. His voting records are disturbing. His pullout-the-troops plan without having a real plan is disastrous... And overall, when McCain will win the November Elections, the African-American community will feel even more anti-American & racial than they feel now, because their hopes got demolished by their hunger for power without the backing of the majority of the American people... These are my reasons why I cannot support Obama. Poor Americans for the news coverage they get!
Arben's comments make no sense.
Hopefully, Obama or Hillary's health care reform will arrive in time to help ARBEN Camaj. Good luck buddy. "BLACK"! There, I said it and I'm even white!!!!
Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John McCain is part of the past. We need to update to the future. Senator Barack is the future!
When most churches held services at 11am on Sunday it was said that the 11am to noon hour was the most segregated hour in America. Now that services are held at many other times, still usually on Sunday morning, it remains accurate to say that that period of time is the most segregated morning in America. To deny it is to stick one's head in the sand. Arben must be kin to an ostrich!
I agree he/she makes no sense
re-tool may regard himself as "white" and there are certainly people out there who regard themselves as "black." I am anglo-american if I choose to look upon most of my ancestors, or franco-american if I look to my father's father's side of the family, or german/dutch-american if I focus only on my mother's father's side of the family, or just plain "white" if I accept that moniker being applied to light-skinned people. But the truth is that the vast majority of Americans are mongrels and the mixes are quite amazing at times. When I see "black" people on the street I see people who are as light-skinned as I am or nearly as dark as the night and everything in between. But why should I assume that their heritage is all "african?" They may honestly lay claim to a great many European ancestors, just as I do. Or their ancestry may be as mixed as a Cuisinart salad. Skin color doesn't speak to intelligence, station in life, occupation, moral judgement or anything else -- other than ancestry, of course. One of these days maybe we will have the wisdom to disassociate these labels from the people we see and focus instead on who they really are. Perhaps the honest discussion of race that Senator Obama and others have called for will help us get to that point more quickly.
Just FYI: Obama's "The most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning" is not something he came up with. I've heard it many times, and I'm an active member of a mostly white evangelical megachurch. Respect * Empower*Include
Arben, had a massage lately. You seriously need to RELAX. Your angry diatribe doesn't appeal to decent Americans that use sound judgment, reason and INTELLECT. Are you sincerely a true democrat, a true American, a REAL voter? Otherwise your over the top statements and obviously venomous dislike for Obama are not welcome and prejudicial, if not racist. Your essentially stating that whites won't vote for him, and that is ridiculous and you know this. Clinton's approval rating has DROPPED and is still dropping, so I suggest you go back to your drawing board and try another angle/outlet for your hatred or jealousy.
To Abern Camaj- I think you might want to look at your own writing before you accuse others of being "fanatical and disrespectful"
Oh. Well. Since ARBEN Camaj has pointed out so well that Obama is a skeery, skeery black man, that settles it for me. Can't have any of those skeery, skeery black men running the country. Not to mention those skeery, skeery lefties.
What an utterly deceiving headline! The Edwards supporters who considered Obama in February were certainly UNAWARE of Rev. Wright's rages against non AA's - nor were they aware of all the other Obama fiasco's that had deliberately not been made public! Once again, more spin and skewing to mislead the public! How about some polls since then... and make them honest for a CHANGE! Go Hillary!
I cannot in good conscience vote for either but I must. No more money from me to any candidate when they do not speak to the issues as John Edwards did; with honesty, integrity and great plans to get us out of the mess we are in and move forward for our future. In having to choose the lesser of 2 evils, I'd have to go with Hillary for experience, and performance and track record. She has worked hard in the Senate and has accomplished much over the years. It's a scary world out there now and BO hasn't had the experience. I can't say he'll be there on health care, environment , (being for more coal plants when it's the #1 contributor to Global Warming!) nuclear power, (being for more nuke plants? we don't know what to do with the waste we've got now! & he's taken most $$ from that industry). Then he sounds like a Republican calling victims of subprime loans partially responsible...sorry, that was planned by Corporate lenders to suck 'em all in whether they could afford or not. Then it comes out that BO has taken more from that Industry as well ..actually the top 10 in that industry contributed quite a bit to him. He calls Hillary on NAFTA yet he voted for the Peru trade agreement..much the same problem. Believe me, I could criticize her in very many ways, too. Yet she has accomplishments, she is feisty and will try to make a great legacy as the first female..so I think we'll see a better HC in future. And I hate to say it, even tho I don't want to see the same old politics, we had quite a surplus when Bill was in. Lastly, I get nervous when Republicans are saying good things to promote Obama...what are their real plans once he's the nominee? They started out for HC thinking they'd smear her later...why did they fall off her bandwagon and on to his? What's up their sleeves? Remember there are a lot of Democrats that liked McCain in 2000 and the public often has a short memory. I do often hear, if Obama is the candidate, I'm voting for McCain! It's great that Obama seems to say "change" and he won't be influenced by Corporate interests. Saying it and actually doing it once he's in the middle of that entrenched system are 2 different things. I just don't see it and am an Edwards supporter that will have to vote for Hillary. I know too many JE supporters that feel the same. Maybe we just aren't ready to pour money to people we aren't as passionate about. So from my perspective, I am surprised at your report that Edwards people are going to Obama. I think it's a lot more split as far as who they are supporting and closer to half and half Obama or Hillary. Many of us even hope he doesn't throw his support to either. Although, since most Americans don't like any of the 3 running, some of us are dreaming of a brokered convention and a Draft Gore/Edwards campaign!
I am a Hillary supporter and I am tired of reading about people who don't support Hillary. Don't they know that they do not matter? The only support that matters is the support for Hillary Clinton. It does not matter that Obama has more delegates, states won, popular vote, and has even raised more money from ordinary Americans. At the end of the day Hillary is going to win because the only people who matter are those who support Hillary. Hillary might be at second place when all the voters are considered, but if you only count Hillary supporters, Hillary is #1. This is why Hillary is going to win the general election. For the general election we are only going to count those who support Hillary.
**Whatchoo talkin about, Arben? I understood, and agree with, your last sentence, but you're getting your news from the same source aren't you? At least you seem very uninformed.
Arben, this White/Asian woman supported Edwards and, now, Obama. I never considered Clinton (and I voted twice for her husband). Angry, misinformed, and confused rants like yours don't bolster the case for Clinton, I'm afraid; but I hope you feel better getting all that off your chest. Try applying reason, objectivity, and balance (and grammar check, while you're at it) when forming your opinions and presenting your arguments – this will better support your position and your candidate's. [BTW, if Obama were white, he probably would have clinched the nomination by now and he wouldn't have been subjected to either subtle or overt racial digs that continue to dog him. So much for political "affirmative action"...]
Dear Arben, Sad, bad analysis. Don't worry about us Dems and Indies. Our candidates are talking about real issues that face everyone in the country. We don't all agree and many of us are pretty passionate so sometimes things get a little testy, but we will come together in the end. Why? Because we have weathered eight years of Republican hypocrisy and incompetence and we love our country. You think John McCain will win the General? Isn't he the guy preaches about the pernicious influence of lobbyists in Washington, then makes his campaign top-heavy with those very people. And he's the one who says he doesn't know much about economics and demonstrates it every time he opens his mouth, even as the American economy is hitting the skids. Also the man who was pro-choice before he wasn't. Flippity-floppity. Most American voters are disgusted by the prospect of a copycat Bush administration. Whoever is the eventual Democratic Presidential nominee will have the support of an astounding majority of American citizens, all of whom have had enough of the amoral policies and gross mismanagement of George W. Bush and his cronies and sycophants in the Republican Party. The huggy-kissy photo of Bush and McCain says everything we need to know about the presumptive Republican nominee. To borrow a phrase, we will just say NO. Watch.
Spread the TRUTH about Rev. Wright's sermons not the edited and parsed sound bites of Fox News...These videos are in total about 20 minutes long. But please watch them and then you will see that there have been some egregious liberties taken with what has been broadcast. America's Chicken have come home to roost: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOdlnzkeoyQ&feature=related God Damn America: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvMbeVQj6Lw&feature=related Hillary ain't never been called N****R Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciWzbtiwUxA Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvcmqnju9PM&feature=related By the way I am a WHITE PECKERWOOD CRACKER and I can say Black, Black, Black all day long...I support Barack Obama for PRESIDENT
Maryland Democrat you're hilaryous! You got me rolling on the floor laughing out loud.
I am one Edwards supporter who shifted to Hillary Clinton. I had never given to anyone other than John Edwards, although the Obama people called me multiple times BEFORE Edwards dropped out trying to get me to donate--even AFTER I told them that I had no intention of donating to Obama. Now, my money is going to Hillary Clinton. If Obama ultimately wins the nomination, he will receive NOTHING from this Edwards supporter. I was already infuriated with the obnoxious arrogance of Obama's solicitors for my donations, but when the Obama campaign went after Geraldine Ferraro, they lost me FOR GOOD! There is NO WAY that I am voting for McBush, but don't expect me to support Obama either--not after his right-wing rhetoric on health care and Social Security. I may sit this one out!
Well, Arben, I for one am fine with the fact that you don't like Obama; I don't think he needs or wants to add "complete and utter loons" to the diverse spectrum of people who do support him. You'll find more kindred spirits in the Clinton or McCain camps; where I assume you already are. Stay there. Please.
Here is another Asian (for the record) for Obama.. or let me restate it as another American for Obama. By the way.. it is high time we address ourselves as Amerincas rather than Asians, Latinos, Whites, African Americans.. that is the difference between Obama and Hillary. She is still from the past and views the citizen of this country in colors and divisive terms rather than just citizens..
Arben belongs to a group that fears change. His kind would rather resist change and continue paying high gas costs and healh insurance premiums.
Obama more closely matches John Edward's message. He supports the average person, that is where his money comes from and that is where he started out working for people suffering from economic downturns. Hillary represents the old guard well moneyed people, like those weathly supporters who threatened to pull their money out of the DNC if Nancy Pelosi didn't stop saying they should vote with the pledged delegates. Fighter? Hillary has shown us that she can employ the kneecap strategy. Obama has showed us that he can face a controversy head on and deal with it gracefully and in a way that doesn't insult the intellegence of the populace. He gets my vote.
Lava - I suggest you look up Hillarys record in the Senate. She may have been there longer but has accomplished far less than Obama has in his short time in the Senate. Hillary is my Senator but I support Barack Obama for President.
Sign an on-line petition and let Hillary Clinton know that it's time for her to drop out of the race. http://www.dropouthillary.org/ FORWARD THIS LINK TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
Arben, were you being analytical or just plain dumb. You suggestions that white American would not vote for Obama is pure fallacy. Obama is where he is today because of the support he has had from his white lineage, his white voters and his white friends. So the notion that because of the colour of his skin, white people are to flock to Mcain is to undermine the intelligence of the good white people of America. Don't forget part of Obama is also white what about that. Do you think America should continue with its current policy domestically and internationally? Do you think the superpower of the world should continue going and leading on this blind alleyway? What about the war in Iraq? Do you think America should keep funding the war (12billion a year) for next 100years whiles the economy is in recession domestically? If yours answers to this questions is in the affirmative, then I pity you and people like you who refuse to use common sense just because of their hatred of someones skins colour. Good luck if you want to vote McBush but don't the future of your children and my children is what we are talking about here. So for the sake of the future generation, I say OBAMA 2008.
Arben said, "Obama's rhetoric about "hope" & "change" is just a grammatically & ideologically misspelled propaganda..." I wonder how you misspell something ideologically? Seriously Arben, until you get a little more education, I would suggest you refrain from casting aspersions on the grammar of others. He also said,"Obama said "the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday morning". I don't think so! I never ever heard of any white priest preaching from the altar such racist ideas against blacks, or any other segments of the American population." Allow me to enlighten you. http://youtube.com/watch?v=H-CAcdta_8I
I am beginning to get upset with John Edwards for not coming out and supporting Obama. It would make such a difference and makes no sense to wait.
Arben needs to get some rest! I didn't take the time to read his full rant, but it seems to me that he is the one "forcing their views to the rest of the Americans". Arben, get some r and r. You shouldn't be posting at 4:30 in the morning.
Amen, I can't stomach Hillary's campaign. If she didn't run her campaign rovain style it wouldn't be so bad. The big fight with the Republican machine will be bad enough. They have enough swift boat people out there ready to start trouble that this in fighting is stupid and non productive.
I was raised with Americans in the 1950s as a service kid. I never ever was exposed to the type of racist tripe which the first poster has expressed, all in the name of support from Senator Hillary Clinton, a member of the Democratic party. It goes to show how these ideas of race and hostility continue to plague the American electorate. It saddens me a great deal. However, as Senator Obama has implied, there are others who have progressed from the quagmire of race to an awareness that we are all in this together (that is, unless you are in the top 10% of the population). Santiago471
In the article: Becky Curtis said: "What Obama claims he can do, she has done" REALLY?? Is the tendency to LIE also spreadign to Hillary's supporters?? What has Hillary done to blur the boundary of race? Having a few prominent black supporters and donors don't count. What has Hillary done to CHANGE politics? She's calculated her chances to become Senator and picked New York purely for the reason to be elected, representing WHATEVER TOWN, USA. This is not the kind of person who wants to DO; she just wants to be ELECTED. Same old politicians, as usual, is Hillary. Obama wants a leader in the White House who has never supported Iraq War; Becky what do you know about Clinton's voting record, say @ 2002-3? So, Becky, WHAT has Clinton done that she can be proud of?? Hoarding 20 billion dollars in earmarks for her NY state region is about the only thing. What has she championed, changed, crusaded for besides Iraq? Great! Now we have to worry about Clinton supporters having credibility gaps too.
Wow. It really gives us all reason to despair when reading a post such as Arben/ Abi-normal.... Also it really highlights how intelligence and discerment are fundamental in this political process and when they are lacking ....well we get what we've had these last 7 years or worst.
I'm an Edwards supporter that never gave him money but now that he is out of the race I support Hillary and have gave her money. The fact that Obama has more that gave to both doesn't mean that he actually has more support from Edwards people. Edwards will endorse Hillary right before North Carolina if she doesn't need him sooner.
I am a Republican, but did vote for Carter, big mistake. This guy is coming from where I don't know. If anyone wants to vote for Ms. Clinton they haven't read or are not very learned about her inability to tell the truth. White Water, Travel Gate, Bosnia, injury from bigotry during a soccer game that never existed, and on and on. Is that what Americans want in the White House? In my opinon anyone other then a Clinton would be an upgrade in the White House. It was when the Americans, by popular vote put Mr. Clinton in office were we called, "Infidels" by the Muslim World. I remember telling Jeff Y who with his father are Democrats, "There goes the Morality of the Country." I rest my case.
I have followed this election process closely from the beginning. After reading this article and many others and reading all the posted comments, it is abundantly clear that a Clinton/Edwards ticket in November would be best. This would assure that the common folk of this country could hope for a better future. These are the only two candidates who have thought about us....those without health insurance....those who need jobs....those who are in need of help...those who want the Iraq War to end. These are two people who could get the job done. I have watched Senator Obama function over these many months. His body language belies his words. It is very apparent from his presentations, that he knows he cannot achieve what he promises. The words he mouths are not his own. He is an unknown puzzle being assembled by powerful politicians behind the scenes. There are still many missing pieces. He has done nothing that would assure me that he could lead this country or anyone else in the world. I am so grateful that Senator Clinton is tough and has been able to withstand the unfair calls to drop out. Although he will probably never see this posting, I hope Senator Edwards will support Senator Clinton so we can all have a better life.
Whatever Maryland Democrat... Your post is the stupidest post here... you speak no sense... How can Hillary win if she is second place when all voters are counted? Please, please post something with more substance and sense, because your last post doesn't even make sense, ergo IT DOES NOT MATTER!
I have always liked Edwards. He seems very sincere in his ideas and attitude. I don't think that either candidate needs his support. Lest we not forget that during the 2004 election, Edwards did not carry North Carolina. I think it would be a news headline and that people would speculate and conversate over whomever he endorsed, but Edwards is not a superdelegate nor does he have a great deal of political influence at this time. I also find it difficult to believe that Obama was glib or arrogant with Edwards or that he got into a fight with Elizabeth. From all accounts, Obama has been portrayed as a good listener and respectful. Clinton does not NEED Edwards support. I mean it would be nice, but I think that she is doing well by herself. I think some of her surrogates are hurting her more than anything else. Regardless of who gets the nominee, I'll vote for them because I cannot vote for McCain. We need to cut this mess out with the fighting and the negativity--either candidate would be fine. They both have strengths and weaknesses. Let's help whoever gets the nomination. DEMS 08, 12
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