Edwards a sure pick for VP

[seahawky]

Momentum will appear for Kerry after Kerry picks Edwards. Kerry will come out smoking after the convention. The convention is surely the thing to move Kerry.:)

[cjbuchanan]

1. Welcome to DU!

I would be very surprised if Edwards did not get the spot. Too many higher-ups in the party are pushing for it. If Kerry does not want him, he needs to start sending out signals soon.

[cosmokramer]

17. He already has been sending out signals he doesn't want him...

...but no one wants to listen to them. Two weeks ago, a story where Johnson himself said what Kerry required of a VP--and it was definitely not Edwards. Kerry himself said he wanted someone with FP experience--definitely not Edwards. And even Chris Heinz, who originally supported Edwards, said he believed Kerry needed to go with more FP experience in his VP. Not to mention the statement made by Kerry himself: 'What makes him (Edwards) think he is qualified to be President'.

I don't care if it is Clark as long as it is someone who can step in to the presidency and know what they need to know about foreign policy immediately--that isn't Edwards.

The signals are out there, but one has to unplug their bias to hear them.

And this, linked to another DU'er with media links:

Kerry's campaign manager has also recently made a number of statements about Kerry selecting a cnadidate who has had considerable political experiene, because the campaign is rapidly moving from one of demoestic issues back to one regarding Foreign Affairs and National Security.

One thing is certain, Kerry is being more cautious about making his selection than any candidate in the last century. He is said to have been closely studying the vice presidential selection process made by every president clear back to the election of 1930 and has been said to have made the statment that he will not make the kind of mistakes that others have made. He is carefully looking at the pasts of all of the people being vetted for the vp slot. He is said to want to avoid the kind of scandals about VP's that have cropped up over the last 50 years, in some cases. like Agnew, requiring the VP to resign to avoid problems...

How much any of this will influence Kerry, who is reported to have held two private discussions with Edwards, is unclear.

Campaign manager Cahill also said recently that the war in Iraq had increased the importance of picking a vice president with "the stature" to handle national security.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x556937#557657

[DjTj]

18. yes, but...

...if he doesn't pick Edwards, the truth is, he'll have to answer the question, "Why didn't you pick Edwards?"

...he won't have to answer that about anybody else.

I think there are definitely mixed signals and since Kerry is trying very hard to keep the process secret, I don't put much stock in any of the flak the campaign people are throwing around.

It's much easier just to sit back and wait. It used to be that I could go out and waive signs, make phone calls, and pass out flyers, but in the veepstakes game it seems best to just let our nominee make his own decision.

[cosmokramer]

26. You actually think Kerry is going to be PRESSURED into...

...choosing someone he does not want and does not believe is qualified? Rubbish. It is the WORST reason to choose a VP.

[lanparty]

30. Reagan / Bush

Reagan didn't like Bush and distrusted the man (rightfully so). Yet he was pretty much forced to choose Bush as his VP. Otherwise, the Bush people would have sabotaged Reagan.

Thats the way politics works. Vice President has been a pretty poorly regarded position until recently. VPs have typically been appointments forced on the presidential candidate as a condition for receiving the nomination during closely contested conventions.

I am surprised to hear that Kerry is looking for a foreign policy oriented VP. Typically the Veep serves the role of "congressional liaison". But given the situation in Iraq and the terrible damage done to American prestige, perhaps a foreign relations VP working as the presidents "personal envoy" would be a good choice.

I'll tell you though, that makes Bob Graham an even better candidate given his experience in the Senate AND his experience on the foreign relations committee. It also puts Evan Bayh back in the running, though I would rather swing Florida with Graham than Indiana with Bayh.

[surfermaw]

34. Come off it ...Reagan chose Bush

Because he wasn't well educated, Bush graduated for Yale...that is the reason....and at that time many independents were thinking Bush to be leaning more toward a moderate.

[Donna Zen]

47. "American Dynasty"

In the book "American Dynasty" Kevin Phillips clearly outlines the case that Bush was thrust on Reagan by the Wall Street and big banks, both of which play huge roles in republican politics, and both of which have major ties to the bushes.

Quayle bolstered bush's credentials with the money Christian far-far-rightwing. Quayle's in-laws are major players with the ever scary Christian reconstuctionist movement.

VP selections are made for many unseen reasons, let us hope that this one is made for all of the right reasons; that is, because the person can best be up to the job if called upon.

[lanparty]

29. Edwards for Attorney General !!!

I think it would be a natural choice if Edwards doesn't get the VP spot. Personally, I thought it was foolish of him to walk away from his Senate seat. It will be a serious loss for Democrats. We could have used him there.

[surfermaw]

35. Edwards knew what he was doing

he is going to paint north carolina blue and get Bowles elected to the Senate. Gore would have won by such an amount that the election couldn't have been stolen if only he had chosen Edwards.. Many in the state said they felt like crying when Gore chose his V.P.

[lanparty]

32. One thing going for Clark ...

I'm 100% sure that he's "Clinton's guy". And I'm 100% sure that Clinton still has some influence in the party!!!!

[surfermaw]

37. If you are hinging on Clinton liking Clark to get Clark the VP

I would think for a little, Edwards would make a terrific running mate for Hillary in 8 years. And I have heard Clinton praise Edwards during the primary in fact when it would help Edwards campaign.

[Padraig18]

2. Welcome to DU, seahawky!

:hi:

[Auntie Bush]

3. Well I don't agree!

[David Dunham]

4. Edwards will add the most to Kerry's chances.

[AP]

5. Regardless of influence on chances, Edwards would make a fantastic VP & P

and that's all the reason I need to want him on the ticket.

[surfermaw]

36. Right on AP

[LiberalManiacfromOC]

43. Exactly

n/t

[Southsideirish]

6. His warmth and charm will go a long way to soften Kerry's cool

and aloof image.

[Alpharetta]

7. What's Cheney's domestic agenda?

Cheney is no match for Edwards.

I'd love to see that debate. Cheney will be smug debating foreign policy and Edwards will be short and sweet and ask "how's that working for ya?"

Then we move to domestic issues. Cheney has zero empathy with average Americans and it will show on the first question.

[Scoopie]

8. Psssstttchhh

What poppycock.
While I find Cheney personally repulsive, when Edwards makes one of his numerous foreign policy faux pas, Cheney will mop up the floor with him.
And, with domestic policy, Cheney won't answer a direct question, anyway, so it matters not. Besides, Cheney is a longtime policy wonk, so whether or not he's seen as "likable," won't matter. I think the man knows his policy, even if he is a bastard.

Sorry, I don't share in your assessment.

[PurityOfEssence]

9. and just what are these numerous Edwards foreign policy faux pas?

Let's limit it to the last couple of years, and since the war resolution can't be an issue between the two, please refrain from pointing out how wrong he was to believe the "proof" proffered by the administration or mischaracterizing the resolution vote as a thumbs up on invasion.

What are Edwards' oh-so-many stumbles, mischaracterizations and such?

[Lefty Pragmatist]

11. Remember Bush's foreign policy faux pas during debate one?

Neither does anybody else. These things are beauty pageants, and unless they stroll Liebermann, Graham, or Gephardt out there, *anybody* is going to cream Cheney.

I'm fine with either Edwards or Clark. I don't see a lot of upside to anybody else.

[Scoopie]

14. I don't want a beauty contest

And, yes, I very much remember Bush's foreign policy faux pas's, both before the election AND after he was selected. But, I'm a FP wonk, so I WOULD remember it and it's a tragedy - from 9/11 to the Iraqi War to Abu Ghraib to world disdain for the United States.

And, in so-far as Edwards foreign policy bobbles are concerned, I'm on dial up and don't feel like looking for the links, but I know Robbed Voter has them and maybe she'll see this and post.
However, I can tell you that as the mother of an all-American, yet half-Arabic son, Edwards lack of understanding of the people in the Middle East leaves me cold. In fact, it scares me nearly as bad as Bush's neo-conservative, religious wingnut philosophy. At least Bush's people has an agenda (even though a horrible flawed agenda). Edwards seems merely to be ignorant of the whole issue.
He also still thinks attacking Iraq was a good thing and said so in a debate.
And, the biggest kicker, is when he seemed not to know who Yitsak Rabin was - or, in the least, his wife (Rabin's not a common last name in the world politic).
Surely, a sitting senator who is allegedly making foreign policy regarding our biggest challenge - our position in and on the Middle East and Middle East peace - should know who Rabin is. Geesch.

[Darkamber]

19. Wasn't it you who talked about the great eyebrows Clark has?

It might have been cos...but one of you guys were talking about about how good looking Clark was and about his eye brows. I also remember over on at the Kerry forum that the Clark supporters where posting the picture of Clark in his bathing suit. I think alot of the Clark supporters think his looks are good.

As for the Rabin statement...again...that was from 6 years ago and from a second hand non-confirmed source. But the point it was SIX years ago when he was running for Senate. Please do not make that comment as though he made it this year, after he has been a sitting Senator for 5 years because that is wrong.

And I'm not sure how comfortable the people of the middle east will be speaking to a General given some the fact they want the military out of their country.

As much as I respect Clark, I am not that comfortable with career military a heart beat away from the President. I can live with it, but I'm not that comfortable with it.

[lanparty]

31. Cheney has the charisma of Dr Evil on ...

... a bad hair day!!!!

[JI7]

12. Kerry isn't cold and aloof

and the people who got to know all the candidates the most voted for him and they sure didn't see him that way.

[surfermaw]

38. I don't think he is Cool, I think he has poise something many

rednecks wouldn't notice if it fell on them.. I think we have chosen the right guy for the moment...Go John/John...Kerry/Edwards

[venus]

45. What a reason to select a V.P:

"warmth and charm"!

[JI7]

10. i think it will be Edwards also

i just wish people would stop tearing down others to boost their candidate. i notice it everytime it seems like kerry might pick someone and supporters of candidates other than that person start attacking them. if it's differences on issues i can understand. but many times it's just a smear job.

[wjsander]

13. A SURE pick? No. The RIGHT pick? Absolutely.

:7

[bigwillq]

15. Another Welcome to DU 2 U!

I would be really happy if Kerry picks Edwards. No matter who Kerry picks I think his momentum will pick up after he makes a decision and after the convention then we will really kick Shrub's ass!

[cosmokramer]

16. If I were a betting person, I would bet Edwards is not it.

Count on Gephardt--70% chance, Clark 20% chance, Edwards-no chance, 10%-other, more seasoned democrat.

[DaveSZ]

20. I also think it will be Edwards

Everyone seems to like a rock star:

Kennedy
Reagan
Clinton

[AP]

21. I don't know who it will be, but I know Edwards would be thet best VP

and would be a fantastic President too.

[JI7]

22. do you think he would be a better vp than Clark ?

or do you just think he could be a good vp in his own way ?

[AP]

23. I think he'd be a fantastic VP in an absolute sense. Gore got to run

a telecoms commission that advised for maximum deregulation.

I imagine Edwards will head a few commissions and will advise much more sensibly.

I also imagine that he'd be a great spokesperson for liberal progress.

But I really wish that Dole's seat were up in 2006, because then Edwards could run for it in two years. Or maybe he'd run for governor of NC whenever that's available, which will then set him up for a presidential run in 2012.

[Darkamber]

25. There's some problem with that...

I'm not sure how the people of NC will feel about it. They will know that Edwards will want to run for President again. Knowing that will you want him as your Senator or Governor for a short time? It would be my call, but I know there was some hard feelings there now.

To me, if Kerry doesn't tap Edwards for VP, is for Kerry to win and then give Edwards a spot in his Administration. Even an Ambassador position would be good to give him Foreign policy experience, but some position. This would give Edwards experience without leaving that to the people of NC.

Also, I think if Kerry doesn't pick Edwards as VP there will alot of pressure on him to give Edwards a position.

Let's just hope for the best. Of course,that would be a Kerry/Edwards ticket.

[venus]

46. Kennedy was a Navy war hero, Congressman/two-time (?) Senator,

Clinton was a four time or more Governor. Of course Reagan was a Governor more than once. How can you compare Edwards to these guys. He barely served one term in the Senate before dropping out two years ago to run for Pres. He doesn't even achieve rock star status: that would go to Aunold.

[surfermaw]

39. I wonder if we have some republicans on this board?

[Darkamber]

24. this was an interesting article about it...

Of all the surrogate candidates and vice presidential hopefuls, none can touch Edwards's ability to electrify crowds and charm voters out of their socks. But Democratic big shots and small-county chairmen alike say there is no question that the charismatic senator still covets the presidency -- in 2008, 2012 or whenever the next opportunity arises.

Among the biggest decisions Kerry faces is whether Edwards could check his ego and ambitions for four or eight years and play the loyal, subservient and rarely glamorous role of vice president, whose greatest concern is supposed to be the president's best interests. Purely in terms of campaigning this fall, the Massachusetts senator also must consider whether Edwards's sizzle would make his own more prosaic style seem unacceptably wooden by comparison.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8456-2004Jun26.html

It's from the Washington Post and very long and should be read fully, but I think it made some good points.

Personally, I think that Kerry can trust Edwards without question and Edwards would work as hard for Kerry as he did for his clients when when was a Lawyer.

One of the Grassroots supporters over at JRE Grassroots, wrote an amazing write up about the Texas convention that he went to. You can read it by following this link if you like..

http://www.jregrassroots.org/jre/viewtopic.php?t=2981

I think one of the most telling moment was when the long time Democratic official cut down the newcomer, Dean supporter, who was trying for a spot as at the national, saying he was an Independent until recently compared to himself who had been with the party for years and years. Needless to way the new kid didn't get the spot and old time insider got in instead.

Part of why I want Edwards in is because I want change. I want a fresh set of eyes looking at the situation. Sometimes when you sit on the inside for so long you can't see a solution if it's in front of your face.

I will support Kerry no matter what, I hope that he has the courage to trust Edwards like so many others have. I'm sure that Edwards will not let him or this country down if given that chance.

[cidliz2004]

27. Edwards isn't the best choice in any way shape or form

unless you want ....pretty much an "empty suit" for a while.
He doesn't have but 5 years experience in politics and virtually no
experience in FP. This election may be one of the most important
elections in our lifetime, why would we choose somebody that has
so little to offer except in campaigning and legal knowledge?
The world is a lot bigger than that, isn't it? Our needs
our more vast than than and what is more we have many
other people in the party that would be much better qualifed.

Besides which, it has been said over and over again by various
sources, Kerry isn't to fond of Edwards and furthermore, isn't
impressed with his lack of "experience".

Think about it. Kerry has been in the Senate for over 20
years, and now he is running for President. Edwards, not even
finishing his first term ran Against Kerry.
Truly what does Edwards bring to the table other than
Charisma? There are other candidates that can help
with the Southern vote so what exactly is so special
about Edwards?

[sadiesworld]

41. Well said!

BTW, Welcome to DU :hi:

[Darkamber]

42. Disagree...here are the reasons why he is special..

It is true that Kerry has been in office for so long. And it might be true that he dislikes someone who jumped the line to move up to the top. Howard Fineman did an interesting story talking about the "outside" race for VP...Edwards and the "inside" race for VP Gephardt.

Inside means you are part of the system. You have been there for years and you have the experience and inside support. You are a personal friend to Kerry and have known him for years.

The Outside track was Edwards..your support comes from outside. You have not been in the system for years but you have big money, grassroots, State Democratic party leaders and House and Senate member plugging for you. You are not a close personal friend of Kerry.

The question becomes what voters are you trying to add to Kerry from the VP pick? If Kerry thinks that he can win this on his own then he can pick anyone. If he wants to try to go outside of his base then he might look to Edwards.

What does Edwards have that other Southern candidates don't have.

1. National name recognition
2. Moderate appeal
3. Known fundraising ability and big money that comes with him.
4. Appeal that goes beyond the South...the Midwest..IL, WISC, OH, the WEST - WA and even such GOP strongholds as ND. And Support in other key states like FL. Even adding Edwards to the ticket could turn NC and force Bush to spend a huge amount of money there and OH, where Edwards adds a boost to Kerry as well.
5. Independents and Swing Republicans. Do you really think this group of voters want another long time Democrat on the ticket as an option for them? Edwards is fresh and even seen as moderate/conservative. He can bring in voters that Kerry and another long time Democrat could not bring in.

I'm sure there are more points, but Edwards is not a weak pick, unless you believe that you must work your way up through the system before you ever dare to run for President or be considered for VP. If that is the qualification then maybe we should change the Constitution because that is not part of the requirements to run for President.

[lanparty]

28. I agree that Edwards is on the "short list"

But I doubt that it's a shoe in. Wesley Clark, Bob Graham are probably also on the "short list".

Among them, Bob Graham is my favorite because he would probably deliver Floridas electoral votes to Kerry despite the Busheviks vote tampering.

Winning over the Carolinas will be a much harder affair than winning Florida. And they won't deliver nearly as many electoral votes.

I DO really like Edwards and think that Clark, Edwards and Graham would be good VP candidates.

[Eurobabe]

33. keep dreamin'

it may be someone we are not even thinking about.

[Darkamber]

40. True...

He may pick someone that no one is expecting.

I just hope that if that is the case that he gives Edwards a position in his administration.

[tinanator]

44. one thing is for sure THEY WANT MCCAIN!

Its incredible to watch the congnitive disconnect between the Kerry campaign and Kerry supporters on this subject. For that reason alone I hope they succeed in pulling Mccain aboard, if only so all you prognosticators can feast on your confusion and seek sustenance from the Kerry diet so eagerly substituted for a just candidacy in these dark times.