John Edwards: From long shot to serious contender

[wyldwolf]

Democrat John Edwards, the candidate who has climbed from furthest back into a four-way free-for-all in Monday's Iowa caucuses, is trying to do something familiar to many Wisconsin voters.

He's trying to pull a Feingold.

Russ Feingold's vault from long shot to runaway winner in a three-man 1992 Democratic Senate primary occurred when two rivals with far more money unleashed a barrage of attack ads against each other.

Voters recoiled and flocked to Feingold.

http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/7736770.htm

[BobbyJay]

1. It has been an amazing little run.

I don't know if he has the actual infrastructure to win Iowa, but anywhere in the top 3 would be seen as a victory. Finishing first would be one of the biggest political upsets I've personally seen.

[saltpoint]

3. I agree on all counts, BobbyJay.

I think Iowans must be responding to Edwards' bedrock decency. I don't think they want him for their attorney -- I think they want him to be their son. They are really taking to him.

[Shanty Oilish]

2. Check out Drudge tonight

Lead story has Dean pic but link goes to good news for Edwards.

[A HERETIC I AM]

4. I really like the guy.

I think he has as much on the ball as Dean does. I would like to see him do well in Iowa so that he can get some momentum. Self made men from humble backgrounds impress me.

[Gramps]

5. Glad that Edwards is keeping it positive

Edwards is pleasant and could do well against Bush. He should not attack Bush like the other Dems. That could set him apart. He is very disarming.

[arewethereyet]

7. he does attack Bush as it sets up talking about his vision

because of this known, verifiable problem in America, I say we do this. not that guy said this last week and that the week before.

for example, more people are living paycheck to paycheck and can't save for a home, lets make it easier for people to get into that first home because homeowners become better supporters if the economy than renters.

thats the difference.

he has righteous indignation toward Bush, not anger. very different, very effective.

this guy is so much more clever as a campaigner, the best true polititian in the field and natural charisma honed to a fine edge in the courtroom for 20 years. its no wonder a freshman senator like him got the sort of committeee assignments he did, very rare.

[spooky3]

13. Welcome to DU, Gramps!

[arewethereyet]

6. I think he has much more on the ball as Dean does

how many times has he had to explain himself ?

if you're clear, consistant and stick to talking about your vision, you don't have to explain things.

[beaconess]

8. Good point . . .

The other night, when CMB attacked Edwards by saying he had voted with Bush more than any other Senator and Edwards countered that she was wrong, that, in fact, he had voted against Bush more than any other Senator, it seemed that the issue was pretty much settled, since people have come to realize that Edwards is always exquisitely prepared, he doesn't "misspeak" and he doesn't distort. If you hear him make a claim, you can take it to the bank.

And, sure enough, as usual, he nailed it. He was exactly right.

[BobbyJay]

9. Edwards is probably the best debater out of all of them

He is awesome on the counter-attack. He plays it very well. Probably from his trial court days. It would be fun to watch him debate Bush.

[mourningdove92]

12. I thought Edwards would come out of his shoes when CMB said

that. What was she thinking?

[beaconess]

14. When will they learn that trying to slam Edwards in a debate is like

trying to heckle Robin Williams. You might get in the first punch, but you'll immediately regret it.

[jenk]

10. another great article

his rise in the polls has been nothing short of astounding

[chimpymustgo]

11. Edwards rise is a wonderful story. Ripe for the telling.

If he does okay in the caucuses, he's a fresh face for the media to look at.