Whatever backroom deal Edwards made, I hope that

he got it in writing. Every lawyer knows verbal agreements are worthless. I'm hoping it was a guarantee of either the VP or Attorney General seat at the table.

I thought it was a better chance at a brokered one if he stayed in, to spread the delegate pool. But I feel a little lost about it. What are the possibilities?

...deal with?

(sorry, peeve of mine)

Many "oral" agreements are actually enforceable, if you can prove them, BTW.

which candidate would YOU think he would most need a written agreement with?

Politicians won't break that kind of a deal; they build their careers on the strength of their word in backroom agreements, and a betrayal such as that would instantly destroy all internal capital they had. If Obama/Hillary were to renege on a career-making deal that, it would be impossible to get anyone to do anything with them.

On the other hand, an agreement in writing could be leaked, exposed, or otherwise discovered--and that would look shady as hell. People don't like being reminded that backroom shit like that (and not their honest vote) is what controls politics.

Will be interesting to see how the dynamics play out, and if you can tell anything from what Edwards says over the next few days.

And I think that says a lot, if he in fact doesn't make an endorsement. I sure don't feel I could endorse either Hillary or Barack at this point...:eyes:

As a 20-year old college freshman, I had a choice as to who I would support in our Iowa Caucuses. I read the Edwards platform, and I was instantly hooked. Eventually, I ended up canvassing my entire precinct, making phone calls, and helped to get out the vote. Having met Senator Edwards and Elizabeth both, I know that they are both people of their word and that there is a legitamate reason for him dropping out today. I doubt there has been a cabinet position negociated, however, I do think he will be asked to sit in a cabinet position. I really hope that we can see an Obama-Edwards ticket. Should Senator Edwards earn a cabinet spot, (no matter who with), they have my vote. I will always believe with every fiber of my being the vision that John and Elizabeth had in this campaign, and the realization that our message of change and no more lobbyists met a lot of people.
I will always have admiration and respect for John and Elizabeth, their vision, and smart campaigning. God bless them both.

never know. On one hand it would make sense to me that he would drop out to support Elizabeth in her time of need during her struggle with cancer. What doesn't make sense to me was dropping out the week before super Tuesday that could have held surprises.

That Elizabeth's health may have worsened. She hasn't been on the trail for awhile

She hasn't been traveling with him lately, and I fear that she's taken a turn for the worse.

I'm crossing my fingers that this is not it, but I guess we'll know soon enough.

Sending good thoughts to the Edwards family.

"Who's afraid of John Edwards?"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4285825

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4286520

or that their will be a brokered convention