Still in the Running - E.J. Dionne, Wash Post (re Edwards & Gep)

[chimpymustgo]

Once again, E.J Dionne looks ahead. He's sees a big opening for John Edwards in particular - also Gephardt. This race is just beginning.
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Friday, August 1, 2003

To judge by many news accounts, the campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination is rapidly narrowing to two New Englanders: Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont.


Which makes this a propitious moment to suggest that Rep. Richard Gephardt and Sen. John Edwards are being written off too quickly. The reason: Foreign policy and Iraq have been the dominant issues for the past several months. If the argument moves homeward, Gephardt and Edwards will have an opening.

-snip-

But the incessant focus on Iraq has created a climate especially beneficial to Dean and Kerry -- and inhospitable to Sen. Joe Lieberman, the party's strongest supporter of the war.

-snip-

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10954-2003Jul31.html
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EDITED BY ADMIN FOR COPYRIGHT REASONS

[clar]

1. I agree with E.J.

The absurd and ever more common practice of counting candidates out this early in the race cannot be relied on. Edwards is bright, charismatic, relates well with people and has plenty of cash on hand.
Gephardt, that old war horse is gobbling up unions like pac-man. There's no guarantee that Dean can maintain the momentum he now has. Lieberman, despite his leading in some polls has no momentum. He clearly should have been doing better. Kerry hasn't lost ground. It's all still up in the air and at this time, unknowable. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Edwards' numbers started creeping up in September.

[Terran]

2. chimpmustgo

Please review DU's rules regarding posting of copyrighted material--a maximum of four paragraphs is allowed.

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[Friar]

3. My first choice is Edwards

I think he is the JFK for the 21st Century. I'm not particular though, I'm thoroughly ABB. At least Edwards is young, is getting name recognition and can run in 9 years (assuming we win the next two elections) if he doesn't get the nod this time.

The mod is right. Too many paragraphs.