Reply #44: I agree - and the Shrum book likely captured some real [View All]

[karynnj]

distance between them. Kerry clearly took Edwards because all the powers in the party argued that he could bring the most to the ticket in terms of votes. In a way it made sense that a Southerner might be able to pull in some people who a MA liberal would have difficulty reaching. (Not to mention the media and likely these same powers essentially insulted Kerry in arguing he needed the excitement and charisma Edwards would bring - ignoring that people in state after state chose Kerry over Edwards.)

Kerry was said by Shrum to have been put off by Edwards having a negative gut feeling - which is why Kerry insisted on an additional meeting. Edwards was apparently able to then convince Kerry that he was ok. Kerry was right (as usual) and should have trusted his own reaction - though it would have been hard against everyone else.