Edwards quizzed about Senate

[Freddie Stubbs]

Presidential candidate says that he is not "doing anything to run for the Senate seat."

DURHAM, N.H. -- U.S. Sen. John Edwards' indecision over whether to seek re-election in 2004 has been an issue back home for some time. But the subject is starting to echo on the presidential campaign trail.
On Thursday, Edwards was questioned pointedly about his election plans while holding a meeting at a restaurant here. A questioner wanted to know how the North Carolina Democrat could be running in both 2004 races at once.

"I'm running for president," Edwards said. "That's all I'm doing. What I'm doing is 100 percent running for president. ... I'm not doing anything to run for the Senate seat."

Despite such declarations, Edwards has yet to foreclose the possibility of returning to the Senate race. Nor has he publicly given his blessing to other Democrats to start campaigning for his seat. His questioner here -- who later identified himself as a Carrboro resident who happened to be visiting New Hampshire -- said he fears that Edwards' delay could jeopardize the Democratic Party's chances of keeping the seat.

more: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/nc/story/2802711p-2590839c.html

[CMT]

1. well if that is what he is doing

is running for president 100% then why doesn't he get out of the Senate race?

[jos]

3. Read a report somewhere

that he will make it official when he formally announces for President in a couple of weeks. Erskine Bowles will be the likely candidate to run against Richard Burr. I think he will have a better shot at winning this time than he did against Dole. However, next to Georgia, North Carolina is the Dems most vulnerable seat.

[AP]

4. Because Edwards's motivation is to do the most good for the most people

and if he drops out of the Senate race, and then drops out of the Presidential race, he might have to go back to being a lawyer, helping one person at a time.

Now, if you're a person who needs help, like I do, wouldn't you be glad that he's got his priorities in order, like I am. Aim for president, fall back on senate, and try to help as many people as possible.

[diamondsoul]

7. There's also the fact that

more political experience unde their belts is a good thing if they decide to make another run for President in 2008 or later.

I like Edwards, quite a bit. He's my second choice, as a matter of fact, my first is obvious by my sig. He's a good guy, just a little less...I think less inclined to be confrontational than I'd like to see right now in a Presidential candidate. His recent challenge to the EPA legislation is great to see, and I hope he comes out that strongly on a few more things along the way.

Frankly, after hearing Kucinich say he gets along best with John Edwards, the idea of the two of them as Pres. and VP is kind of appealing (and I don't care which one is in which slot either!).

[renie408]

17. I think he is...

settling in fast. I think that part of his support of the war and the Patriot Act stemmed from being a little 'green' around town and following his party leaders a little bit. He seems to be coming on strong now, though. He just gave a great speech in SC about working to get incentives for companies who locate in areas that have recently had large plant shutdowns.

[renie408]

2. COOL!!

Hey, Edwards supporters!! We get to be in the club, too!! Now the Dean people are taking shots at Edwards!!

This is like a step up from being ignored, right??

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

5. lol

Fair enough, renie.

[diamondsoul]

6. Seems to be, and has the added benefit

of giving you a chance to debunk the nonsense. ;)

For my part, I can't figure out why leaving the option to keep their current positions in Congress is such a big deal. For pity's sake they sorta need a JOB if they don't manage to get the nomination, don't you think?

[AP]

8. I know. For crying out loud, the guy WANTS TO REPRESENT PEOPLE

AND HELP PEOPLE! Why in the world would he choose a strategy that reduces the possibility that he'll be representing anyone.

The only people I can imagine would prefer that strategy are right wingers who want fewer progressive voices in the government (whether it's the WH or the Senate).

And I don't think the issue is the job. Edwards probably has a better job waiting for him than most politicians. He doesn't need to get on the board of any corporation, or take a handout from some university. He's got some skills he can put to work on behalf of ordinary Americans looking for justice.

[diamondsoul]

9. I don't doubt it.

Edwards and Kucinich, since they are our two favorites, both have skills that can be put to good use outside of Government. The thing is, if they're completely wiped out of the political arena they won't have a strong a chance to influence real change in our legislation which is the best way to help the MOST people.

Not only that but letting themselves be pushed out of the legislative branch shoudl their bid for nomination fall through, slows their progression in politics and reduces their resume for a future bid. Since I respect both of them, I'm pleased as punch they both want to stay in Washington even if they aren't in the Oval office. Hell I'm tempted to move to Cleveland just so I can be represented by the guy who actually SAYS what I believe up there!:D :silly:

[mndemocrat_29]

10. I want Edwards to make a decision

If it's that he's going to be in the Senate race, that's fine. If he chooses the presidential race, that's fine. But we need to know who will be our candidate in North Carolina 2004. I don't think that Erskine Bowles will have as much trouble against Burr as he did Dole, but it will still be a tight race (Bowles will be a terrific senator). However, if Edwards will run in NC, he better decide soon enough. I don't do this because I dislike Edwards (I like Edwards a lot and think that he is a fine senator), but because I can't stand the thought of Repukes retaining the Senate because we acted too late.

[renie408]

11. Eleven months?

Do you think that eleven months is long enough to campaign for the senate seat? Cause Edwards has to make a decision in January, right? Doesn't that give Erskine Bowles eleven months to run? I live in NC and I haven't seen any campaign ads for anybody else. I also reckon that if they are smart, Bowles will start 'sort of' running beforehand based on the vibes he gets from Edwards. If Edwards is leaning towards not running, Bowles will start to get out more.

[AP]

12. And, honestly, will the Republicans waste money running against

Edwards if he decides to run for Senate? Edwards and the party are going to make sure he's not going to lose, and I think he can transfer all his money to the Senate campaign (and he's going to have a lot of it). I suspect the Republicans are going to react to Edwards's waiting by waiting themselves. They have better ways to spend their money than running against a guy who isn't going to lose.

[mndemocrat_29]

13. The basic thing I'm worried about with Bowles is money

Burr has raised mountains of cash, and if Edwards is full set on running for president, than Bowles should be using this time to counteract all of the money that Burr has been raising. Current campaign finance laws discourage Bowles from using a lot of his own money, and he needs to start raising funds. Like I said, either Bowles or Edwards would make a great senator (or president, for that matter), but we need to start sorting this race out.

[AP]

14. Why are you worried, if Edwards and Bowles aren't worried?

They met a few months ago, talked, and agreed on a strategy. Bowles isn't complaining. The NC Dem Party isn't complaining. Nobody's complaining, except the media, despite the fact they can't get anyone on record whose opinion matters to say they're worried. If you're worried, write and undated check to Bowles and set it aside. Send it in January if you need to. Don't if you don't have to. It's that simple. Everyone knows it'll be Bowles or Edwards. That doesn't give Burr that much of an edge (if any).

[kang]

15. Anybody see This Week w/Edwards Campaign?

Was the concerned democrat from North Carolina who confronted Edwards during a mini-forum talk a plant by the Dean campaign? Edwards seemed to suggest that it wasn't an accident. Just wondering what people knew or thought.

[w4rma]

16. There are many other campaigns with motive, including Bush's and Burr's.

Why single out the Dean campaign?

[chimpymustgo]

18. The protester admitted he was a Dean supporter.

Nobody's picking on Dean - just the facts, ma'am.

BTW, it was a great segment on Edwards - especially the way he handled the Deanie. And he was suprisingly good-humored about the "attack".