Edwards Being Discussed As VP Candidate

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040213/ap_on_el_pr/veep_disenchantment&cid=694&ncid=2043

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards (news - web sites) wants to be president and says he won't settle for anything less — not even the No. 2 slot.


But when it comes to disowning interest in running for vice president, saying "no" can mean "check with me later."


Edwards' strong performance as runner-up so far has raised his prospects as a running mate. And politics has a rich history of people who think being on the ticket is a chump job, then chomp at the bit for it.


Nelson Rockefeller once called the vice presidency "standby equipment," then climbed on board. Al Gore (news - web sites) called it a "political dead-end" in one election, then became Bill Clinton (news - web sites)'s running mate, and vice president, in the next.

more

[Renew Deal]

1. Strong performance?

Edwards does absolutely nothing in the north and has gotten smoked everywhere but SC. His "strong performance" is a myth.

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. Does Iowa ring a bell?

Last time I looked at a map, it was well north of the Mason-Dixon line.

[spooky3]

6. 2nd also in Missouri

With his limited resources, he did not campaign in many other states. He did well where he devoted time and money.

[Renew Deal]

8. Yeah, he finish a weak second in 2 states.

:party:

[ShaneGR]

3. He's the probable choice to balance out the ticket

He's clearly become the #2 guy, and we'll see how the rest of the nominating process goes. But, at this point it looks like he'll be the VP. Gore had him as his #2 choice in 2000 and it appears that Edwards hasn't gone on the attack against Kerry because he knows there's a spot for him if he doesn't.

[mmonk]

4. What will our foreign policy strategy and outlook

be with such a ticket? I would have some concerns. But I know the vice president typically is not that powerful in foreign affairs (except the current admin). Also, don't know what Kerry thinks about the situation in that arena concerning Edwards. We will see.

[SangamonTaylor]

7. Why does the VP need foreign policy stategy and outlook?

When has the VP ever been highly involved in foreign policy? Are you mistaking the position for Secretary of State?

[krkaufman]

9. Cheney

> When has the VP ever been highly involved in foreign policy?

You mean other than now? Not that we want a VP-controlled Presidency again.

Of add'l note from the article... (1) the author doesn't acknowledge the criticality of Cheney as VP in 2000; Bush wouldn't have won without him; (2) the only talk of Edwards as VP is speculation from the author; no sources quoted within the Kerry camp as actually considering him or any other candidate, yet.

[KnucklesBuchanan]

11. Al Gore...

was Bill Clinton's FP crutch in the first election. How quickly they forget...

[trogdor]

5. This would close the deal with a lot of folks.

Edwards could probably get our candidate both Carolinas, and that would likely be enough to win.

[aldian159]

10. WHAT??

Both Carolinas!

Jesse Helms and Strom Thurman come from the Carolinas. No way in hell could any Dem win.

That's why Edwards isn't running for re-election in NC: he's gone so far left (in relation to NC voters) that he'd lose.

[KnucklesBuchanan]

12. I've some friends in NC...

none of whom are pleased with Edwards and his essential abandonment of his role as Senator of the state of North Carolina to focus on his presidential campaign. By refusing to run for re-election he's given up a seat that the Republicans will take easily.

[AP]

15. Apparently they're in minority. 93% NC'ians approve of his run.

http://www.newsobserver.com/edwards/polls/story/3207866p-2878099c.html

[krkaufman]

16. Yep. And NCers are miffed that he abandoned them

... following a hurricane, as well. I thought it was common knowledge that his reelection to Senate wasn't assured, and that's why he pushed for the Pres/VP this year?

[AP]

18. Yet 93% approve of his running for president. NC'ian "friends" of DU'ers

seem to be in the minority.

Have DU'ers fallen among bad companions?

[incapsulated]

13. "Discussed" by who?

Only the writer of the piece, from what I can tell.

Gephart would be a good choice, especially since Kerry is going to have a tough time in the south, he needs to shore up those midwest votes.

I also heard that Kerry isn't impressed with Edwards, much. But that's rumor, I don't know for a fact.

[krkaufman]

17. Just an opinion...

... but Gephardt would be a good choice... only in comparison to Lieberman. (exagerration, yes, but..)

We need to pick a VP based on credentials and future expectations, and NOT just whether he/she can hypothetically pull a few votes is a target state or two. Pick a good candidate, and it will make the ticket stronger; pander to a particular demographic, and it will be weaker.

[AP]

14. They'll do anything to undermine his presidential bid.