Tonight Eric went to the big Dean volunteers meeting that was held in St. Paul. The crowd had the opportunity to hear from representatives of the other campaigns, and then to talk amongst themselves. Eric came home convinced we should support Edwards in the coming days, and vote in the presidential preference poll for him. Why? For at least the following reasons: very few at the meeting thought Dean could pull in 15%, which means little chance of delegates (and remember, these are key Dean volunteers); most people didn’t think Edwards could win Minnesota without the support of Dean folk; there are clear differences between Edwards and Kerry — with Edwards closer to Dean’s positions; it’s crucial for the process in the long run (that is, in unseating Bush), that we keep the primary season as energetic as possible for as long as possible, so a coronation for Kerry next Tuesday doesn’t help us at all; and, Edwards himself personally called in via phone to address the group (while all the other campaigns only sent surrogates). I’m not sure I’m convinced, but I’m certainly leaning more towards Edwards now. I suppose for me it comes down to trying to continue the lively debate amongst Democrats, and Edwards and his wife have been more persuasive than the Kerry camp — or even Kucinich, for that matter, who is also campaigning in town this week. Senator Edwards and his wife also sent letters to the Dean volunteers, and I’ll include them below.

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From Elizabeth Edwards:

February 26, 2004

Dear Minnesotans for Dean and Dean Corps Volunteers,

I was in college in 1970 and 1971 during the anti-war movement, and what I saw was the beginning of a community committed to the idea that what they did together could affect real change.

That idea was bigger than any one of us — bigger than those that led us — and I personally have been inspired in that last year, the supporters of Howard Dean have managed to recreate something I thought was lost.

My husband John is running a campaign to bring real change to our country, and he knows that change comes when we all work together for it — not when one person orders it.

It is my hope that John’s emphasis on returning democracy to the people — that his belief in what can be accomplished by an engaged citizenry — reflects your goals as well. We know that the only way to bring real change is by working together. Now is the time to do it, because this fight is so important. It’s a fight for good jobs, access to health care, and a responsible government that is respected around the world instead of feared. I know that these are goals that we can achieve together.

Thank you for showing our party and our country what a community dedicated to change can do. I hope you’ll allow us to continue that fight with you, all the way to the election and beyond.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Edwards

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From Senator Edwards:

February 26, 2004

Dear Minnesotans for Dean and Dean Corps Volunteers,

Together, we can change America. But I can not do it alone.

Over the past year, I’ve been impressed not just by what Governor Dean did, but by what his supporters did all across the country. Beyond political organizing, you’ve led community-building that has set a new standard for campaigns and political movements.

The message from this unprecedented effort is clear: unless the energy is from the people, it cannot be sustained. The support that communities build will always be stronger than the support that money buys.

The community of Dean supporters in Minnesota know that, and it is because of your commitment to these ideals that I hope I have the opportunity to walk with you in unseating this President. I’m not asking you to leave behind the community that you have built — in fact, it is the very strength of that community that will give us a chance to change this county.

I believe that our country needs real change. I believe we live in Two Americas — one for the privileged and another for everyone else. I believe George W. Bush is making the problem worse with tax cuts for the wealthy and favors for special interests, and I believe that we must build one America, together.

But mostly, I believe in you.

You have already proven that working together, we can change America. As we head towards November, I hope you’ll give me the chance to fight this fight with you.

Sincerely,

Senator John Edwards