Edwards might be a strong contender in '08

[WI_DEM]

This is hardly an endorsement on my part--but of all the candidates being discussed for '08 he is the one I think is really talking about true core Democratic issues affecting working people and people who live in poverty. I also feel that his rags to riches (while still being true to his working class roots) story would go a long way--he has a strong biography. He has a good family and is a effective speaker and debator.

Now as I said on another thread every potential candidate has weak points and these are Edwards:
1) he is part of a ticket which lost
2) he didn't help carry his homestate
3) he has a lack of experience especially on defense issues.

ok, how do we overcome these?
1) he was part of a ticket which got more votes (59 million plus) than any other Democrat--well above what even Bill Clinton got in '92 and '96 or Al Gore in '00.

2) he didn't carry his homestate. Part of that may be he was the VP candidate rather than the presidential nominee. His populist message, I think would make the south much more competitive in '08.

3) He has a lack of experience in national defense. Well so did Reagan, Carter and Bush in their first elections and they won. Kerry had great experience. I feel it is who you surround yourself with--and obviously Edwards will probably attempt to pick a running mate who might help him in this regard. Finally I'm beginning to feel that after 8 years of Bush that the electorate may want someone who is stressing domestic issues rather than than more foreign adventurism. These things run in cycles.

Another advantage which Edwards will have which other candidates likely to run will (Clinton, Kerry and Bayh come to mind) is that he will be able to run full-time since he is out of office. This was a huge advantage to Jimmy Carter after he left the governorship in January 1975. He also cannot be labeled as part of Washington as those other candidates can. Bayh and Kerry have had long careers in the Senate. Hillary will be in her second term in the senate and 8 years as First lady prior to that.

A long time yet to go. It will be interesting to see what the field will look like in the end.