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Don't overlook Edwards

Posted: Thursday, December 28, 2006 11:31 AM by Jen Brown

All the pundits and publicity now focus on Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

Don’t get stampeded into believing all this.   When it comes time for the Democrats of Iowa and other early contests to pick someone to run they will be looking for the candidate who is the best shot at winning in November.

Just think about the passion of the rank-and-file Democrat.  Twelve years of Republican control of Congress going back to Newt Gingrich who they despise.  Eight years of Republican control of the White House.  They want it back, and they are not likely to want another loser standing out there once the votes are counted.

This is the case for John Edwards, the case he will be making between now and a year from now.   He’ll be saying that Hillary and Barack can draw the crowds in January; he can draw the votes in November. 

Expect that message to hit home first with the labor unions who dearly want a friend in the White House.  Edwards is running well ahead in Iowa, the first contest for ’08.   Given his support from key unions he has a good chance to match a win in Iowa with a win in Nevada the Saturday afterward.  That could give him a real momentum heading into New Hampshire the following Tuesday.  A strong showing there could catapult him to victory in South Carolina the week later.

This is the Edwards chance: win early; knock out Obama, get into a long, drawn-out fight with Hillary with him as the only live alternative.    It could happen.

 

 

 

Click image to watch Chris Matthews discuss John Edwards

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Comments

"...they will be looking for the candidate who is the best shot at winning in November. " Hmmm, they certainly did not do that in '04. Kerry, please! The republican machine will play up Edward's lack of political and foreign policy experience, although their candidate in '00 and '04 had none. I like Edwards, and think Hillary can't win nationally...but it's going to be brutal. Of course, if Bush continues his Iraq debacle for 2 more years, I might run and win.

Bill Buffington, East Berlin, PA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:00 PM)

John Edwards would be the best thing that would happen to this country in a long while. We would have a President that is concerned with America for a change, as well as a man that would eliminate the identity that Bush has created of the United States as the “bully in the school yard” and bring us back to a respected World Power in the International Community of a fair and just presence. I believe John Edwards is the only one that could undo some of the reprehensible deeds and actions of Bush, and turn this Country around to the Great Nation we actually can be once again, with American peoples needs and interests the priority. The only voices Edwards will hear in his ear is that of the American people.

Janet Blackman, Edison, New Jersey (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:07 PM)

I am so thrilled and excited to finally have candidates running for president who know how to change current policies and who are willing to finally look America in the face and say, it is time for a change. Its a good feeling knowing that Edwards or even Clinton will work with us instead of against us.

Rose, CA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:08 PM)

I voted for Edwards in the primaries last time and I'm voting for him again! EDWARDS in '08!

Keri Caffreys, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:21 PM)

Edwards is,for me, a very good pick that sidesteps Clinton and Obama who both present tough obstacles for winning in 2008.

lynford (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:23 PM)

I absolutely agree. I think Mr. Edwards is a more believable, more likeable candidate for the Democratic Party. While Hillary carries the magic "Clinton" name, she is definitely not Bill. I still don't understand her presumed clout given how un-liberal she is - pro-war who up to now refused to disavow her misguided vote and seemingly only give lip service to other Democratic causes like human rights, right to choose (abortion), gay rights, etc. She's truly a conservative wolf hiding under the Clinton wool. Mr. Obama is indeed very charismatic, almost like Bill Clinton. But he has very limited experience to actual governing. Listen, my fellow Democrats, we should continue thinking of winning, of continuing our victory momentum

Manny Tacugue, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:24 PM)

No more Republicans and no more southerners!

Nach667,Mount Clemens,Mi (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:26 PM)

I'm Republican. I didn't like Kerry. I do like Edwards. I didn't vote for Kerry. I would vote for Edwards. Nuff said. I like Edwards and if he manages to win the nomination I'll likely vote for him. I have spent the last two terms doing my best to believe that the Republican party in this nation knows more than I do and are working for the betterment of the country, but it has taken far too long and too little has been done, and as a result, I believe that this country needs a sweeping change. If I thought someone from my own party could manage that, I would vote for them, but at this point it seems that the ideology that my party possesses is bad for the Nation in general.

Patrick Gleason, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:36 PM)

There are tons of better qualified dems than Clinton, Obama, and Edwards--folks who have been around the Senate for decades, not just one (Clinton, Edwards), or worse--half of one (Obama). Think about that for a minute. I would much rather have Joe Biden for president (or Patrick Leahy or Chris Dodd if they runs). Seasoned politicians who've been around Washington for long enough to know the history of how the game is played, not rookies.

Justin D (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:40 PM)

I voted for him last time 'round, and I'll do it again. Heck, I'll vote for Edwards just to have Elizabeth in the White House! "Saving Graces" should be a must-read for anyone feeling particularly cynical about the current state of affairs in this country; it's beautifully written, painfully honest and tremendously inspiring. Seriously, though, Edwards is a man with a vision... something sorely lacking from a number of recent political candidates. I'm ready for a candidate who is asking us all to make a difference. Slapping a magnetic "Support our Troops" decal on your SUV does not equate to positive action for the country. We all should be working towards making this a better country for our children and grandchildren. No one person can solve all our problems; but one person can spark a passion in the rest of us to do our part. That, I believe, is Edwards' greatest strength--aside from Elizabeth, of course.

Helen, Weddington, NC (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:40 PM)

Sounds like we are getting on the right track. Good luck to Edwards...I think he will help America.

Patti Farris, Milan, MO (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:40 PM)

John Edwards did nothing as a senator and could not even win his home state with Al Gore. His rhetoric is mostly to the underclass and unions and does not resonate with many other voters. He will definitely not get my vote!

Willie (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:42 PM)

I think right now at this point in time, Edwards is a much more attractive and viable canidate than any other democrat that has been mentioned as a possibility. The republicans will savage both Hillery and Obama and this still plays well in certain parts of the country. I just want a democrat who can win and one that is able to restore this country to its past greatness and ideals.Right now Edwards appears to be that person.

Joseph Franks Cleveland, Tennessee (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:42 PM)

I believe the most probable ticket that will present the best chance of decocrats gaining the white house is Edwards-Obama.

Robert Casper WY (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:43 PM)

as things are now I can't think of a Republican I would bet on to win against Obama.

wm b disney (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:43 PM)

We (America) know Edwards. We like Edwards. He has no Congressional seat to focus on, only this race to the White House. Those are some strong cards to be holding in your hand. I agree with all the comments before. The idea of waking up tomorrow with John Edwards in the White House delivers a real sense of peace. I think even moderate GOP memebers, although not likely to be elated, would not be entirely disheartened should he win. I would vote for John Edwards as my President. In fact, I already did.

Pierre Durand, Concord, NH (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:45 PM)

IAfter the idiots we've had for 8 years...I would welcome Barney the purple dragon to run for president. Bush and his family have left a black eye on americas integrity...I hope there's plenty of investigations towards Chenney and Bush and their corrupt friends...A La Starr investigation of Clinton...let's really investigate these traitors to america...they sold out to big business...SOMEONE FIND OUT WHAT HAPPEBNNED IN THOSE dICKY cHANEY'S MEETINGS WITH ENERGY GIANTS!!!

ROCKY, fort lauderdale, FL (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:45 PM)

I see in John Edwards glimpses of Kennedy in '68. This is a man who I believe is dedicated to transforming American politics. Just one way he is already doing this is online - his grassroots civic volunteerism org, www.OneCorps.com is EXACTLY how we make America work of by and for the people again.

Suzanne, Memphis, TN (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:45 PM)

Greetings,Just to hear him speak John Edwards is intelligent very educated and smart with the american people to bring his message accross and a hard worker that listens and is not a stubborn man a great communicator and a gentleman fom a terrific State N.C. Remember he is the best to lead our country!!!

Boyd Retra (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:47 PM)

I was praying John Edwards would run! He is a family man with values who has compassion for the poor. He will focus on the U.S.A and make us proud once again to be Americans. He is not so ego driven that he would subject us to the hell of the Bush administration, just because he was too stubborn and swollen headed to admit defeat! He has my vote.

Theresa Novak, Dallas, Texas (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:49 PM)

I feel Edwards can win the Democratic nomination, provided Al Gore doesn't run in 08!

Patrick DeChristopher, Waynesville, Oh (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:51 PM)

Edwards is a trial lawyer who made money suing big business. He is an upscale ambulance chaser. With all the hype, where are the solutions. Be it Democrate of Republican, they had better present proposed solutions to their planks, not just "I want to change ....." (you fill in the blanks) before they get my vote.

Katie Trumpour, Fair Play, SC (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:54 PM)

as things are now I can't think of a Republican I would bet on to win against Obama. McCain will probably experience what Doel did in 96. The war hero identity will be old news and he'll vulnerable to attacks from someone like Steve Forbes crawling out from under a rock, too bad for John McCain. Too bad for Edwards that he and Obama can't run together as equals instead of as president and Vice President, each seems to appeal to what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature", the only way out of this wreck if there is one.

wm b disney (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 12:59 PM)

Thank goodness Hillary is no Bill, Mr.Edwards bring no solution only nice ideas in an unrealistic time frame. Ending poverty ! Whats the plan? How many decades? Continue to offer illegales everything Americans can't have. Edwards is the wrong guy at the wrong time.

Ernest Giancola (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:01 PM)

John Edwards is not the man for the White House. The Democrats are just now shedding the image of weak, leftists, and people like Obama are showing that we Democrats can be strong, centrist, and can represent the moral majority. While Edwards may have the right message, he physically wilted like a lily under pressure from Dick Cheney. At a time when national security is of the utmost importance, our new president must appear strong and unfazed in the face of aggression and conflict. As I said earlier, John Edwards wilted under the pressure of a debate. That doesn't project a strong image for him. Obama might take it, but it's still a long shot. Edwards also has the stigma of a trial lawyer, and that works against him. Of course, the Republicans would like the weakest possible candidate in there, so they can sabotage him to make their choice look good. Look what they did to Howard Dean.

Will Hanbury, Jr., Sitka, Alaska (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:02 PM)

Edwards is a VERY welcome alternative to a self serving, cameleon-esch Hillary & a patronizingly slick Obama. Either Hillary or Barack would be terrible choices as they both shy away from taking alot of real, clear moral legislative stands on the most important issues facing our nation today. Edwards is clearer, bolder, has a great deal more integrity than the so-called "front runners" , & is a heck of a lot more likable!

Steven Hawley, Milwaukee, Wi (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:06 PM)

Edwards is the only candidate with the right vision of what America should be. He understands the problems. And he knows how to solve them.

Edward Shipwash, Oakland, CA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:09 PM)

I'm glad that Edwards announced early to stop this Clinton and Obama thing that the cable news stations are focusing on so intensely. I hope the media will stop looking at the 2008 Democrat campaign as a two horse race. Edwards is clearly a more viable, i.e., electable, candidate then either Clinton or Obama (admittedly he has little foreign policy background -- but then what did Bush know about foreign policy in 2000 or even 2004? and what background does Obama have?) Edwards seems to have a great popular platform and I would like to see more balanced news coverage, especially now that he has announced and neither Obama nor Clinton have done so.

Carole, Fort Lauderdale (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:11 PM)

John Edwards is the candidate with the only winning formula that's worked for democrats in the last several decades; he's the charming, wealthy, white man from the south. He could easily be the default choice when voters get cold feet about choosing a woman (Hillary) or a (half) minority (Barack).

Ryann, Winnipeg, Canada (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:12 PM)

Hmm...imagine if it comes to an Edwards/Obama ticket. That would mean the Democrats could control the WH for like...16 years!;)

JGatan (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:14 PM)

Isn't the key for the democrats finding someone who can be elected. we have to find a candidate who is acceptable to the middle 60% of the electorate. the 20% to the left and the 20% to the right have been both out of step with america. lets return this country to the middle--john edwards can do just that

gordon pate;birmingham al. (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:17 PM)

I made the Edwards/Obama prediction for the Dem ticket back on November 15th... view it on OpEdNews.com by finding articles by Vince Williams (ACTORguy). What will be the "SWIFT-BOAT" type smears, though, will include trying to say neither one has foreign policy experience, AND no doubt they'll play the race card. That's how low they are. However, both Edwards and Obama are knowledgable about history and smart, unlike Bush and his gang. Edwards/Obama are an awesome ticket and very electable.

Vince Williams, Dubuque, IOWA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:20 PM)

The man is nothing more then the tried and true lib class warfare player. That is all he has and the man is loaded. Maybe he can sue his way into the oval office. Maybe you can post this once Chris.

Rich, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:21 PM)

Having met the former Senator I was impressed with his "genuineness." He appears capable of pulling together the Robert Kennedy coalition of middle-america as well as those less fortunate and that message has to resonate with all Americans. This translates into 'electibility' as well as having solid ideas on how to fix what's not working so well in this country and abroad. Time for a major change.

Brad Wick, Chicago, Il. (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:22 PM)

John Edwards sounds refreshing, after these past terrible years of the Bush's and all of his wrong doings. We need to start getting back to America. We need to protect our people, the boarders, the seniors, health care for all. I believe if John Edwards runs, he'll have a strong VP to support the ticket.

Dominic, Boston, Ma. (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:23 PM)

Edwards is great; as are most of the other Democratic candidates. Even McCain and Giuliani, on the Republican, side don't look to bad. Actually, after six years of the current administration, just about any of those that I hear are running, except Brownback, from Kansas, sound pretty good.

R Michel, St James, MO (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:24 PM)

I voted for Mr. Edwards in the Massachusetts primary, but because he was with John Kerry I could not vote for there ticket. What I would like to see is someone (Mr. Edwards) going after the insurance companies they are getting away with murder.

Marilyn H. Brockton MA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:27 PM)

disney, Gulliani would beat Obama hands down. McCain would likely do the same. Edwards would be a much better national candidate, as his appeal(and Elizabeth's) should resonate nationally.

Bill Buffington, East Berlin, PA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:28 PM)

For the Democrates to win the independent vote they need, they are going to have to convince those voters that they have loosened the ties to labor, trial lawyers and other historic special interests. Voters voted AGAINST Republicans, not FOR Democrats. Edwards history as an aggressive trial lawyer does not comfort indpendents.

Kevin E. Somerville (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:29 PM)

How about an Edwards-Byrd ticket. That would just about show the party for what it is. Better yet, Edwards-Byrd-Clinton-Obama-Kennedy-Carter-Pelosi-Kerry-Clinton-Carville-Sharpton. The campaign slogan could be "Surrender First" or even "We Got a Little Something Fer Yah!" or even "Viva la Mexico!" or "Viva la France" or "Where's Mine?" My money is on Newt Gingrich. Intelligent, articulate, not-PC whipped, visionary, patriotic, etc. The best thing that could happen to the Republican party would be for Hillary Rodam Clinton to win the nomination and then put Obama in the VP slot. This, of course, after they have trashed one another in the primaries.

Chuck Wentzel, Mobile, AL (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:29 PM)

How ironic that John Edwards has announced his candidacy on a day that the nation is mourning the death of former President Gerald Ford. Could there be more of a contrast than that between the plain-spoken, modest Ford and the slick, oportunistic Edwards? Even his choice of the Ninth Ward in New Orleans as the site for announcing his candidacy appears calculating. I might remind readers that far from being concerned with the needs of the people of North Carolina whom he represented in the Senate, he was off and running for president after just two years in that august body. There are many good, experienced potential candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. Why choose one whose main experience is running for president with little of substance in terms of political accomplishments?

maryann mortimer, Charlotte, NC (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:33 PM)

I will vote for Edwards ~ Even better Edwards/Hillary or Edwards/Obama either is far better then letting this war go on any longer. Stop pouring 1/2 a trillion dollars in to Iraq and use that money at home and around the world to teach us all how to take better care of our earth. We should stop all dependence on oil. With this kind of money it should not be that hard.

SKF ORLANDO FL (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:34 PM)

FINALLY we Democrats have a candidate who can actually win! Edwards seems like the breath of fresh air sorely needed by the US.

Judy Howell, Laguna Hills, California (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:37 PM)

I voted for Edwards the last time. He was right on when he spoke about "two Americas". It is even more appropriate now. Hillary can't win and Obama probably can't win. Both will be trashed by the conservative media and the "right wing conspiracy"

gary boggs (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:39 PM)

He lacks experience and I don't believe he can win. Biden is the one Democrats should be begging to run. He has experience and can win.

Alyson (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:43 PM)

How can anybody think of Edwards as having universal appeal when even the Southerners among us cringe at his accent? No one outside of South Carolina can listen to him speak without wincing. Image is important, and he certainly does not sound like a President of all the U.S. I hope he spends a large part of the upcoming year with a diction coach. Otherwise, he'll have no chance in the national election.

Jim Merritt (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:44 PM)

The timing of President Ford's death and John Edward's announcement is apropos. If elected, he would be known as another "healing President".

Joe C., Orlando, FL (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:44 PM)

Anybody that I think can whip Hillery will get my vote, and I feel like at this time, I think Edwards is the guy to whip her behind, and run her back to New York!

BG Grand Forks, ND (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:45 PM)

The only Dem that stands a chance in 2008 would be a centrist Dem, one who could pull the Midwest back into the "Blue" column, and one that can appeal to independent, swing voters everywhere. The Dems will take the coasts, it is the Midwest that holds the keys to the White House. Obama and Clinton are DOA in these parts--take it to the bank. Personally, I doubt that Edwards could pull them but he has time to position himself as the only alternative to what will surely be a formidable Republican backed by the machine. I was disheartened when Bayh pulled out of the race; he was the best shot for the Dems in my mind. Perhaps an Edwards/Bayh ticket can do the job.

JC Flanagan, San Francisco, CA (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:45 PM)

It's interesting that Edwards is better liked the farther away you get from his home. I would vote for his wife - but not for him. He basically became a Senator to set the stage for a presidential run - maybe he's running for President to become Sec General of the UN....

Mike Smith, Raleigh NC (Sent Thursday, December 28, 2006 1:45 PM)



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