Three ways to pick a VP

[Darkamber]

This a good article by Thomas Oliphant today. He makes a good case for some of the reasons why Edwards would be a good VP pick. I found it odd that Clark's name was not even mentioned as Nat. Security option for Kerry. It might be that When Clark says that he's not interested that he is really is not interested in the VP spot. I still think Clark would be must better in another position in the Administration...

It is sometimes forgotten, moreover, that Edwards is also experienced from his Senate term as a centrist. Thrust into the limelight by an unabashed admirer, named Kennedy, it was Edwards who angered his own trial lawyer supporters by fashioning an approach to reforming the civil litigation system that avoided surrender to the special interests seeking exemption from responsibility for malpractice, but instead focused on curing real defects. This was one reason Kerry pal John McCain came aboard the bandwagon for a patients' Bill of Rights.

It was also Edwards who was chosen to shape the constitutional case for campaign finance reform, another topic dear to Kerry's and McCain's hearts, when it was before the Senate. Edwards's arguments turned out to be both accurate and eloquent when the law was basically upheld by the Supreme Court.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/06/22/3_ways_to_pick_a_veep/ For the full article...

[AP]

1. "Edwards ... angered his own trial lawyer supporters" -- you know why...

...he can do this and then still be loved by them?

Because NOBODY doubts his convictions. He's not tyring to deny anyone the right to make an honest buck for doing the right thing.

Everyone can sense what motivates him. And the things that motivate him are obviously policies that are going to lift all boats.

[Darkamber]

6. about it shows his ability to fight against malpractice complaints

This article also points out why Edwards can stand up very well against him about being a Personal Injury lawyer and the high rise in malpractice insurance. He can say, yes, I understand the problem and this is how we can fix it without hurting the victims and taking away their rights or changing the justice system.

The fact that he was able to get McCain on board is big to those swing Repubs. McCain is also quoted in Edwards book if I recall correctly. I don't have the quote though, but it was favorable to Edwards.

[Tom Rinaldo]

2. "I found it odd that Clark's name was not even mentioned ..."

Well, Oliphant has his clear bias, and why not? Seems like everyone else does also. But I at least will acknowledge that John Edwards is a strong contender lol.

[lanparty]

3. Bob Graham ...

He'll deliver Florida from the Busheviks.

Attorney General: John Edwards
Sec State : Wesley Clark
Health and Human Services : Howard Dean

[chimpymustgo]

4. WOW. Oliphant makes an eloquent, powerful case for Edwards as VEEP.

That was a beautiful argument.

[chimpymustgo]

5. "he is the best new breeze to hit the Democratic Party since Bill Clinton

Now THAT'S a compliment. Here's more from the article. 

-snip-

The value-added idea is where Senator John Edwards of North Carolina dominates. Edwards has been Kerry's principal surrogate since the primaries ended. Most recently, over the weekend, he was dispatched to party conventions in Louisiana and Texas. The result, no matter where he goes in the country, is always the same -- another dramatic demonstration of Edwards's ability to communicate with ordinary people, not all of them partisan or even Democrats, followed by a clamor for him to be the veep.


It is not simply or merely the gift of gab. What Edwards brings is an understanding of why most American families are worried about their present and future instead of just watching the last quarter's job statistics. His appeal, uniquely documented during and after the primaries, is both national and Southern, and it has an added, generational element. In addition to an ability to reach the relatively nonpartisan directly, Edwards has also shown a unique ability to reach younger voters -- as befits a 51-year-old who represents a post-9/11 world.


-snip-

Edwards would change the national equation; he is the best new breeze to hit the national Democratic Party since Bill Clinton.


Thomas Oliphant's e-mail address is [e-mail]. 

© Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/06/22/3_ways_to_pick_a_veep/