Edwards faces tough call

[Freddie Stubbs]

Ottumwa, Ia. - Sen. John Edwards, well-financed but little known, is at a turning point in his campaign for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.

Facing pressure from North Carolina Democrats to choose between the nomination race or a Senate re-election bid, Edwards is airing television ads in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina in hopes of raising his profile and poll numbers in the early nominating states.

"The Senate seat is something I know I'm going have to make a decision about at some point," Edwards said Monday aboard his tour bus titled "Solutions Express" after meeting with Democrats at the Second Street Cafe in Ottumwa. "I am 100 percent committed to getting the nomination."

Edwards begins a bus trip across New Hampshire Wednesday, like the six-day trip he wrapped up in Iowa on Monday, with the belief that he can rally Democrats to his candidacy if they take time to learn who he is.

more: http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4789004/22032662.html

[chimpymustgo]

1. Edwards is picking up steam.

Iowans are seeing it for themselves, and he's heading to NH. I'm eager to see the polls after Labor Day. More:


The audience of about 1,000 at the Hawkeye Labor Council's presidential forum became gradually more enthusiastic before rising in applause and cheers as Edwards accused the Bush administration of allowing illegal anti-union activity to go unchecked.

"When executives in corporations violate the law to put down working men and women who are trying to organize so they will have a voice in what's happening in their lives, they ought to be prosecuted and treated as the criminals that they are," Edwards said, his voice growing louder as he chopped at the podium with his hand.

[demnan]

2. I think Edwards will step down

He's young and can always run again or would be an excellent VP, but we really need to keep Democrats in the Senate just as much as we need them in the White House.

[AP]

6. I'm certain the Edwards is doing overnight polling in IA

and you should be able to tell from the way he's talking as he heads to NH how he's polling well in IA following his blitz there. Unlike the other candidates, Edwards is going to close the door earlier than others on the pres campaign if it isn't working. If it is working, he's going to press on. His demeanor should reveal whether IA was a success. If it was a success, you can probably expect more success in NH...and SC...et c.

[Abigale Applewhite]

3. There is going to be a voteing change in the Carolinas

Charlotte morning break the.... Tease,.... Carolinas are going to change.

Religious Right, will face the fact that the moral issues aren't the most important thing to come up in the next election. It is going to be a vote on the economic policies of the parties...It is looking now as if Edwards may be capable of carrying not only South Carolina...but his home state of North Carolina. North Carolina has voted for Carter and since then has followered Jesse Helms advice and voted Republican. It's the economy stupid

[HFishbine]

4. Sort of

Don't forget that North Carolina did not vote repulbican when it elected Edwards. (We also have a democratic guvnuh.)

If Edwards sticks to the presidential campaign, Erskin Bowles (D), who lost to Liddy Dole in the last senatorial race may run, and he'd have an excellent chance of winning. But he'll need to get started soon. If North Carolina is going to keep one senate seat democratic, Edwards needs to make his intentions known soon.

[Abigale Applewhite]

5. Edwards knows what he is doing, Bowles is happy with his decision

Bowles, I think is happy with what Edwards is doing...the North & South Carolina are showing signs, of going democratic. To many of them it is the economy over republican religious right morals, when you are hungry and need a job..they will vote democratic.