Reply #25: Dean could negotiate with Edwards from two positions

[Samantha]

in exchange for the second spot on the ticket.

Dean could throw his big donors Edwards' way (he's already talked to his "advisors" so he must be aware of their willingness or unwillingness to back Edwards).

Looking ahead at Super Tuesday, assume Dean's supporters hold fast and vote for him in states where his name is on the ballot. Consider whether Pat Buchanan is correct and Edwards might now have the momentum. If these two things come together March 2, Edwards wins an unexpected amount of delegates (but not enough to threaten Kerry) and Dean supporters hold fast in New York and California by voting for him (Dean), Dean could use the delegates he has, plus those he will gain, and bargain for the number 2 spot on the ticket.

True, it would not be politically wonderful for Dean to bargain with Edwards, considering Edwards' position on the war; however, in his quest to take back the Democratic party and ultimately the White House, and with his delegates as bargaining chips, Dean must choose between two yes votes on the Iraq resolution. Inasmuch as he has publicly stated he prefers Edwards to Kerry, my guess is that he would indeed reach out to Edwards. And if Dean has the minimum of what it would take to help Edwards overtake Kerry, Edwards will deal. Afterall, he already bought his house in D.C. and he's not running for the Senatorial seat from North Carolina this time.

Yep, I can see Dean kicking Cheney out of Al Gore's house.