Edwards Goes Home to Back Up the Quarterback!
Senator Edwards returned home again to North Carolina this past Tuesday to campaign for
Heath Shuler candidate for US Representative, running against Charles Taylor and we were there to vlog the event.
Hundreds of dedicated Democrats stood out in the pouring rain to hear Senator Edwards and Heath Shuler speak. At one point, Senator Edwards said, "you all might want to get shelter," and the crowd shouted, "you just keep going!"
We were standing in the crowd, with videocam under our umbrella. . I made the trip up from Raleigh to vlog the event, with nannyboz who drove in from Wilmington. While I have been to countless political events and CJed several, this was my first vlog. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to videoblog such an important race as the one Mr. Shuler is running in, but also, Senator Edwards has been giving bloggers access at most of his events around the country. So, I figured, we'd have a good chance to get some one on one face time with him and test the waters on this CJ vlogging gig.
Senator Edwards has talked a lot about the importance of engaging people at all levels and bringing democracy back into the process. In fact, several months ago, he attended the Gnomodex conference where he told bloggers he believed that bloggers should have access to candidates, so that people have an opportunity to see more than a "plastic" teevee version of the candidate.
Fortunately, we were given some access after this event and had a chance to ask Edwards about citizen journalism, at a private meeting "for citizen journalists only," out on the tarmac at the Asheville Airport before he flew on to South Carolina.
VIDEO: Senator Edwards comments on citizen journalism: http://www.youtube.com/...
Since this a vlog, I'm not going to add a lot of commentary but will give just a few highlights from the event.
Senator Edwards and Heath Shuler Campaign at Henderson County Democratic Party Headquarters
VIDEO: Heath Shuler's Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/wathc?v=_CSkXqcIkc
Heath Shuler is a "gifted, good spirited, good hearted young man with courage and natural leadership ability." -Senator John Edwards
Senator Edwards and Mr. Shuler arrived to a crowd of around 400, at the Henderson County party headquarters. Mr. Shuler is running against Rep. Charles Taylor.
Heath Shuler, former NFL quarterback is tackling taking US Congressional seat away from Republican Rep. Charles Taylor. Taylor is an Abramoff cronie and is about as corrupt as they come.
Senator Edwards was instrumental in recruiting Shuler to run for 16 year incumbent Taylor's seat and said on Tuesday, Shuler is a "leader not a politician and we need the kinds of ideas that he has. Instead of tax cuts for multimillionaires, tax cuts to help people to build and own a home. That's something we need all across the country."
Shuler has a plan to give a tax credit for a down payment for first time home buyers.In his speech, he discussed how homeowners have a net worth that is 15 times more, than renters. He stressed the importance of helping families build up assets and tied the strength of families to the strength of communities. He further noted that it's our children that are impacted the most.
After the main event at the Henderson County Democratic Party Headquarters, we were invited by both Shuler's campaign staff and Senator Edwards' staffer, as citizen journalists, to caravan with Senator Edwards and Mr. Shuler to a Habitat for Humanity housing development where Senator Edwards and Mr. Shuler visited with a family and did a press conference on the front porch.
Standing along side of the mainstream press, videotaping the interviews, it was apparent that Edwards and Shuler are aligned on strengthening social programs, such as home ownership programs, that lift people up long term. Homeownership is the number one vehicle in which most families pass on assets, thus has a multigenerational effect. Edwards may be left of Mr. Shuler on some issues, but both are committed to opening up opportunities to families who have been marginalized.
If Shuler manages to make a touch down with this one, he'll help to pave the way to swing the state in the 2008 election and take yet another corrupt Republican out of the game. He has the opportunity to reach the constituents of rural Western North Carolina and bring about the much-needed change in that area. Let's hope he wins!
VIDEO: Senator Edwards Campaigns for Heath Shuler: http://www.youtube.com/...
Despite the rain, Senator Edwards gave a barn storming speech. He talked about how 'there are two things America has to do to lead in this world. We have to keep America strong economically and militarily and we have a responsibility to humanity---not to just America.'
Edwards noted that Bush had said that genocide would not occur on his watch and that there are "two things America has to do to lead in this world. We have to keep America strong economically and militarily and we have a responsibility to humanity---not to just America."
Senator Edwards has spoken out extensively about the genocide in Darfur. Recently, he has sent out a petition calling to End genocide in Darfur: http://oneamericacommittee.com/...
The underlying theme of his speech was leadership in America. He closed with his favorite quote, "The leaders we have been waiting for are us"
If we want to live in an honest and just America, we have to lead. We can't wait for somebody else to do it.
And finally, listen to what some local Western NC Democrats have to say.
VIDEO: Interviews with Western NC Democrats: http://www.youtube.com/...
Check out Screwy Hoolie, blogger at ScrutinyHooligans and
BlueNC!