The results of the March 25 PPP poll in North Carolina show that Barack Obama currently holds a commanding lead over Hillary Clinton. However, another finding in the poll may have relevance to the primary race outside of North Carolina. Specifically, the second question in the poll asks: “If John Edwards endorsed Hillary Clinton, would it make you more or less likely to vote for Clinton, or would it not make a difference?” The results are somewhat surprising: 12% would be more likely to vote for Clinton while 31% percent would be less likely to vote for Clinton, with 57% saying it would make no difference. Even though John Edwards is from North Carolina, it appears that his endorsement of Clinton is viewed relatively unfavorably by North Carolina voters. Note: The poll did not ask a similar question about an Edwards endorsement of Obama so we cannot compare the results.

The fact that an endorsement by Edwards would have such an unexpected negative effect raises questions about the public’s evolving view of uncommitted superdelegates, especially given the increasingly divisive and damaging campaign rhetoric. The poll results may indicate that other voters share my feelings of disappointment in Edwards’ lack of leadership and conviction, and therefore attach a negative association to his endorsement of Clinton. With regards to my own view, I recently emailed a letter to John Edwards that is included below.

This recent poll also gives food for thought for uncommitted superdelegates to consider as they wait to make their endorsements, especially if they are elected officials. If they are waiting for a politically “safe” time to announce, there may political ramifications depending on the political leanings and demographic make-up of their district.

Dear Mr. Edwards,

I am writing to express my deepest concerns about the destructive battle going on in the Democratic primary race and the damaging effect it may have on the future of the party and, more importantly, on the progressive values that I believe in.

I was a strong supporter of yours and donated to your campaign while you were still running. I was disappointed when you suspended your race but I respected your decision to do what was best for the unity of the party. I was initially undecided about who to support following your suspension but I gradually came to believe that Barack Obama can take us away from the "politics as usual" that has made the public cynical and apathetic about the political system in this country.

At the same time, I have been outraged and horrified by the growing attacks made by the Clinton campaign on Obama and his supporters. Not only have they been extremely harmful to the unity of the party but they are providing ammunition for the Republican party to use in the general election against either of the possible Democratic nominees.

Needless to say, I have been waiting for the Democratic Party leadership to stand up and take a stand against this kind of short-sighted, self-serving behavior. In particular, I have been expecting you to provide leadership on this issue. Your concern with the "two Americas" (one poor and one wealthy) is one of the primary reasons why I supported your vision for the future. However, how can one talk about poverty in the country without being honest about the effects of racism, discrimination, and bigotry of all types. While Barack Obama has spoken to the country in a profoundly honest way to try to confront these problems, the Clinton campaign has been using racist charges and divisive appeals to pit one group against another in her quest to win primary votes.

Poverty exists in every state in the country, and every needy American deserves to be respected and counted. However, Hillary Clinton has repeatedly made statements dismissing the significance of voters who live in states that voted for Obama, and in particular the significance of Democratic voters who live in “Red” states. This shows a shocking insensitivity to the plight of those loyal Democratic voters, many of whom are unfortunately among the poorest and most neglected segments of society. Study after study shows that states in the deep South and other red-leaning states with large populations of African Americans, Native Americans, and Mexican Americans rank highest in extreme poverty, lowest education, and poorest health. The problems of poverty cannot be truly addressed in this country by appealing only to the voters who “count” in the convoluted electoral primary system. Even more, it cannot be done by invoking themes of racial animosity, suspicion, and distrust in order to court these voters.

I am sorry to say this but my respect for your candidacy has greatly diminished with your continuing silence. I believe that you have a moral obligation to speak out against this type of un-American and anti-Democratic behavior. If worse still you are trying to keep the door open for a cabinet position in a possible Clinton administration, I would have to feel that you have betrayed your loyal and dedicated supporters.

Please take a stand and support Barack Obama so that the party can move forward before further damage is done. The Clinton campaign appears to be willing to do anything that will bring them political advantage, even at the expense of the Democratic Party. The Obama campaign has mobilized large numbers of young voters as well as independents who can grow the Democratic Party base for years to come. I am convinced that the destruction of the Obama candidacy would not only result in the loss of these new voters in this election cycle but in future elections as well. Once real-life experiences have produced cynicism, it is difficult to become idealistic again!

Thank you for your consideration of my concerns. I sincerely hope that you will speak up on behalf of all Americans and in particular the Democratic voters who are being marginalized, insulted, and belittled by the Clinton campaign rhetoric.