random thoughts on John Edwards candidicy...

[cleveramerican]

I'm glad he's in the race but he's clearly a long-shot( not a no-shot)

I like the "two America's" theme
He has to connect the two John Edwards'. In private he is very different(more relaxed and confident) than he ever appears in the national media.

He's great at working the crowd, can generate excitement with his speaking style.

Being everybody's second choice at this stage of the game can be a tactical advantage. He could turn out to be Mike Dukakis to Obama's Gary Hart, He might be Bill Clinton to Hillary's Paul Tsongas.


He got screwed the most by Dean's scream, He did really well in Iowa but the story coming out was all Dean's scream, He got the votes but never got the bounce. He must not let something like this happen again, He needs to charm the national media far more than he did in '04, so they are less likely to ignore him.


He has spent the time between the elections well, laying the groundwork for widespread support. It remains to be seen if it will materialize.


Three one termer's is all we can muster?

He must be more willing to hammer Kerry's weakness' in the campaign than he has been so far, too deferential to Kerry. It won't help him.

I like the guy, met him several times and he is smart and thoughtful and funny.
I wish him the best, but its a hard road ahead for him.

He must get his message regarding Iraq/ Iraq war resolution firmed up and stick to it.

If all the planets align themselves perfectly for him,He could win.
Stranger things have happened.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. I agree it will be very tough

Until the bump from the new polls with his announcement, he was tied in Iowa with Obama. Someone we do not know will run and has not worked the state outside of 3 appearances to help iowa dems.
Edwards trailed in N. Hamp. where he has been and worked it and still fell short.
His announcement will give him some bump in numbers but, I don't think he'll go the distance.
His 2 years off he did not beef up alot of his street cred in tough issues. I see him as a guy who picked one issue and spent 2 years crafting an image around it.
I am not putting the guy down. I am only pointing out the serious problems he faces.
My son says he has peaked in 04. It's passed now.
He seems like a pleasant sort of guy and I have no ill feelings about him. Just that I do not think it will be easy or he will stand up to some heavy hitting candidates in the primaries.

[Wild Bill PlainTalk]

2. Edwards for President

I met him back in 2004 and advised him that his support for the war would not go well for his candidacy. He has since changed his view. He is a strong labor advocate and could now do extremely well in the upcoming campaign.

[hijinx87]

4. I need you to go have a chat with Hillary

[hijinx87]

3. I have been no edwards supporter . . .

but I have been paying attention this week, and while such a
short period of time probably proves little, he already has me
rethinking my position.

at first glance, he is obviously a vastly more confident, less
self conscious, more mature candidate. he seems very well versed
on the issues of the day, and, in my estimation at least, has a
much improved "presence".

this guy could very well be formidable.