Two Americas Came Together

IMG_3554.JPG, originally uploaded by vargas2040.

Truly a great man and one of the strongest candidates the Democrats have had in years, John Edwards is out.

One could make the argument Edwards was the only Democrat capable of beating the Republicans (John McCain) in the general election, but one thing I'm certain of is that Edwards' message penetrated deeper into his base of support more than any other candidate. More than Hillary Clinton and more than Barack Obama, once Edwards' message of two Americas and a moral obligation to fight for those without a voice was first broadcast he picked up one of the most tried and true 15% this country has seen in a long time.

Through Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida that 15% turned out for John Edwards, and they would have voted for him on Super Tuesday around this country.

In one of the most upbeat and passionate withdrawals from a campaign I've seen in a while, Edwards formally ended his quest for the presidency, but in his year on the trail he did bring two Americas together, and that 15% has the potential to continue what Edwards first inspired.

We'll miss you, John.