Reply #20: How about Edwards? [View All]

[katieforeman]

1.) Edwards and Clark are both future oriented candidates. One of the things I liked about Clark was his focus on the future. He had his plans for 5 years, 20 years, 100 years. Edwards is also focused on the future. Edwards, like Clark, has the ability to lead by inspiration and by articulating a coherent vision for this country. Edwards' vision of One America appeals to the best in people, and in his Real Solutions policy booklet available at his website he specifies his plans for moving towards that vision.

2.) Because Edwards doesn't have the military credentials of Clark, he is more likely to choose Clark as a running mate than Kerry is.

3.) Edwards, like Clark, has appeal in the South and would force Republicans to spend time and resources there.

4.) Edwards, like Clark, cannot be labelled by the Republicans as a Washington insider or career politician.

5.) Edwards, like Clark, comes from a working class background and is a self-made person. Both men have an understanding of ordinary Americans from personal experience.

6.) Edwards, like Clark, has a positive, optimistic style that will help this country move beyond the politics of personal destruction and change the tone in Washington. Furhtermore, by articulating a coherent, positive vision of One America, Edwards frames a debate the Republicans cannot win. We must not let the Republicans continue to set the agenda. Edwards plays offense, not defense.

Finally, I think Edwards is the most electable. He connects with ordinary Americans. He does not have a long voting record for Republicans to attack. He knows exactly who he is and what he is all about as a candidate. His message is consistent. He is very persuasive and he is a fighter.

I know Edwards doesn't have the foreign policy experience of Clark, but he does have more foreign policy experience than Clinton, Reagan, or Carter when they were elected. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on intelligence, he has travelled to places like Afghanistan and Pakistan and met leaders there. (Remember Bush couldn't even name the leader of Pakistan in 2000.) Furthermore, unlike Bush, Edwards has the integrity, judgement, humility, and intellect necessary to make good decisions on behalf of the American people.

Because Clark has withdrawn from the race, Edwards may be your best second choice.

Whatever you decide, thanks for voting and lets beat Bush in November!