Reply #10: Thanks for posting this

[fujiyama]

It might be easy for some to get somewhat dissapointed that Kerry isn't 15 point ahead already, but we shouldn't get our hopes up way too high.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Edwards, as good a pick as he has been, isn't necessarily a surprising choice. I mean, sure many of us may have expected Gephardt, but Edwards name was talked about in the media for weeks since the primaries.

I myself also wasn't surprised when I heard it that morning -- just kinda relieved that it wasn't Gephardt (who would have been more of a "I guess he has some strengths", ho-hum candidate).

Edwards's main strengths are: 1) complementing Kerry's own speaking style, which can be dull at times. 2) solidifying the democratic base. 3) that he has shown he can draw independants and moderates, while not alienating liberals in the party.

That's pretty much all we could hope for. Some more national security/ foreign policy experience may have been desirable, but Edwards has been on some important commitees (intelligence commitee for one I think).