Everything John Edwards is, the positions he is thoughtfully and courageously taking, and the deep passion to serve the people of this country, makes me want to call him The People's President. I'm tired of over-blown rhetoric; he gives us plain, down-to-earth talk. I'm tired of cautious, carefully calculated presentation; he is open, unscripted, and unafraid to take positions that the other candidates would be scared to death to take. It's time we had someone in the White House who like this self-made man (thank you, Shapiro, for pointing out that he had to work hard and go to a state university rather than being the more glamorous Ivy-Leaguer), because he's been there, and understands the struggles and dreams of the little guy in this country. After all, they are the ones who built this country and made it great. And Edwards, more than anyone, understands this. I hope that Americans really do get it this time around. Because this time, we cannot afford to make a mistake.

(In addition to all of the published, peer-reviewed science that one can check out through links provided in the news archives at NORML.org, that is.)

The California State Board of Equalization is officially instructing the state's medical marijuana retailers to obtain seller's permits, so that the state can collect sales tax revenue from the sale of marijuana and marijuana-based products.

Arnold has obviously made peace with this issue and has decided to treat the state's medical marijuana retailers as a new source of state tax revenue, as opposed to some old unsettled "culture war" controversy.

The state is now collecting money that the federal government regards as money gained through a criminal enterprise. According to federal law, the state of California is now a major money launderer, and state assets can now be seized and auctioned off by the federal government.

If Edwards gets elected, he's either going to have to prosecute the whole state of California for laundering drug money, or he's going to have to preside over a major change in federal law.

I hope he comes up with an official position on this issue soon.

This is in today's Sacramento Bee.

When I see people write things like "I won't be fooled again,", I have to wonder "Fooled by what?" Were you fooled by "Gore is a liar?" Were you fooled when Nader (who had been drinking Grover Norquist's kool aid) said that "There is no difference between Bush and Gore?" Maybe you were fooled by the timing of the US warcrimes in Fallujah, which distracted the news media from the election problems in Ohio in 2004?

Or, maybe people who post things like "I won't be fooled again" are taking part in yet another attempt to snowball American voters. If you are trying to suggest that Edwards is just like W., you are wasting your time. Only an idiot on par with our selected president would be fool enough to think that John Edwards--or any of the fine Democratic candidates for president--compare in any way to Dumbya.

It is a subtle thing, but when people choose taglines like "Wont-be-fooled-again" or when they frame the argument in terms of "being fooled" what they are really saying is just a variation of one of the GOP campaign talking points for this election. "John Edwards is a phoney." Another is "Hillary is a bitch." You won't find one for Obama. The RNC is praying that Obama is the nominee. I am not sure why. Maybe they think he will scare their base into a record turn out.

I've been waiting for that special feeling and Walter's article did it for me. I only wish it were election time with Edwards on the ballot. I really believe he can beat anyone the Republicans come up with. Go John and Elizabeth!

I'm glad that a few posters have mentioned what Edwards has been doing since 2004 - working to eradicate poverty and traveling the world. The man is out there LEARNING!!! Oh my god!! What a concept!! Trying to learn about problems you want to solve.

I also agree with Rob Anderson's take on Edwards' passion running very close to the surface. I WANT to see a candidate become impatient with the bullshit questions our free press sees fit to waste time on. You can almost see him straining against invisible bonds and shouting "Are you FUCKING KIDDING ME?! Ask me a REAL QUESTION that will mean something to the people listening! This country is DYING and you want to ask me about how I think being a good-looking, white, male, will help or hurt me on the campaign trail?"

Although I will support the duly chosen Democratic candidate - in the primaries? - Edwards will get my time and my money.

I really like to see depth in ideas. I frankly don't know a whole lot about the details of any of the Democratic candidates.

I do remember George McGovern pushing specific good ideas with details only to see them endlessly butchered and re-wrapped by the media as they let Nixon run on unspecified generalizations.

It is no wonder Obama is long on rhetoric and short on details. Even so, I think Edwards has a much better chance of winning in a general election and part of that is because he is a White male. Not the best reasons for sure, but probably reasons that consider the reality of elections in the US.

I want to see Edwards and all the rest of them present specific plans, but I also am aware of the dangers. It is also still early in the election cycle, but if Edwards or any of the others can establish support, it is much harder for other candidates to strip away that early support by converting his supporters.

Bush and co-conspirators have made giant steps in the wrong direction. Tiny timid steps in the right direction will not undue the bungling of the current administration.

Bush-Cheney: Corrupt, Dishonest, Inept, and Impeachable.

The luxury of having Edwards on the hustings is that he rounds out what is probably the best crop of candidates dems have had for years. It provides us with the opportunity for a real discussion about substantive issues--not just among the candidates but also the electorate. I was for Edwards in 2004, and, even though I think time will prove that Obama is the best candidate we have had in a generation, I am glad Edwards will be there in 2008 to talk about the issues. If anything his positions will make for better discussion, and as the other candidates start putting out white papers, and you know they will, Edwards plans make for a good point of departure. Together they can transform the way politics are conducted in America. In the meantime we have the luxury of a real debate, a real debate on the future of the country. I am looking forward to it.