Assuming that Edwards doesn't win the nom what is his next step?

[Cant trust em]

Let me just say right off the bat that I like John Edwards and this post is not intended in any way to besmirch the man.

Right now it seems most likely that Clinton or Obama will win the nomination. Assuming that they do, what should Edwards do next? Is he still a good running mate? How about Secretary of Labor? Should he go the Al Gore path and become a big name advocate for a national interest?

[Essene]

1. If he doesn't do fairly respectably, i think he really has to bow out before Feb 5th now.

Although he's trending upwards so who knows...

[Alexander]

If he doesn't win I think he will endorse someone for the AG spot.

[Snotcicles]

2. Oh please, this one again?. nt

[hisownpetard]

3. He has said that he's going right through to the convention, and I hope he does.

[davidwparker]

4. If he is not the nominee, then I think he should run for NC governor.

[Dhalgren]

5. Well, he has enough money and international standing to get his family out of the country.

That's what I would do. He would have no problems immigrating to some descent country with human rights and citizen oriented government. He and everyone else who can afford it and swing it should get the hell out. The next few years in this concentration-camp of a country are going to be hell on earth...

[ozone_man]

8. Oh Canada!

Here we come! I've got to get the kids their passports before the new rules go into effect. :hi:

[Dhalgren]

13. Good luck! And don't dawdle!

:hi:

[Botany]

6. I hope he finds peace and loves from his family

I want to see a picture of John and his kids playing in a leaf pile as
Elizabeth looks on and laughs.

He is really a nice man.

[Ken Burch]

7. I don't think he should seek the running mate position.

If I were him, I'd push to get Commerce or Labor in the next Dem administration.

[saracat]

9. He stated today he has no interest in anything but the presidency. Period .End of story.

He will NOT bow out.Only those not involved with his campaign are saying so.Enough is enough.

[Cant trust em]

11. That's a good way to play yourself out of public life

I remember watching the Daily Show a year or so ago before he announced his candidacy. He was plugging a book he wrote about his travels in Africa working to eliminate poverty. I was thinking at the time that while that is a worthwhile venture and I hope he does some good he hasn't been in the spotlight and it would be tough to make a comeback. It's tough to be away for 4 or 8 years and still be relevant.

[saracat]

12. I wouldn't do squat if it was me, should the unthinkable happen. Democrats would

have proven they don't deserve a good candidate. Just as a voter I would have a lot of rethinking to do.But I no one thing, id JRE is not the nominee, I swear that the Dems have forever seen the last of my money.I contribute every month and if the nominee is another candidate, that is over.

[Cant trust em]

15. Feeling the way you feel is why I don't want to care about the primaries

Next time I'm going to try and put my blinders on and not pay attention to any of this. Willful ignorance might be the only way that I can get excited about a Dem candidate that wouldn't have been my first choice. When the general comes around I'll start reading again so I can see what we're really up against.

I understand where you are coming from, but I hope you rethink your donation policy. I urge you to think of the long term goal which is ending the republican presidency.

[saracat]

17. Nope.I won't rethink that because at that point I wouldl know that it doesn't make a difference.

I'd vote but that will be it.I have been at this too long not to know the score. My life and my money, would better be spent in other ways.There are many ways to contribute to the world without being "political".

[Cant trust em]

19. Donate your money to a non-profit, that always feels good

The primaries are almost masochistic for me. I hate feeling like this towards other dems, but I can't stay away. If anything, reading up on DU is a case study on how to bust out other people's bad arguments.

[saracat]

22. I actually need my money. I was sacrificing it to what Ibelieved was a good cause

But if it doesn't work out the next good cause is "Me'. I am enough of a non profit and I would feel good about myself!

[lumberjack_jeff]

10. Not going there yet.

... but the Al Gore track worked okay.

[B Calm]

14. He'll win the nomination. Be calm and have faith!

[Yukari Yakumo]

16. Go back to the Senate.

And start backing up his words with actions.

[saracat]

18. He already backs up his words with action which is more than some can say. Ugh.

[Historic NY]

20. He would have to get elected again and I don't think he can...

in his home state NC a seat he vacated in 2004. He would have to run against Richard Burr or Libby Dole both Rethugicans.

[Gloria]

21. If he wants to stay in the political game, run for gov. If not, head some

wonderful organization that helps where our gov't. won't.

Of course, a lot will depend on Elizabeth's health.

[2rth2pwr]

23. His next step? Run some polls to set up his next theme

for the next Presidential election. We'll go through the same thing next time, "Don't you remember what he was saying in 2008?"

"Yes, but he has changed, why don't you believe him? When I hear him speak he's talking about my issues!"