Does Anyone Else Think Edwards Is Kicking Butt In The Debates?

[Doctor Pedantic]

I have been very encouraged by the debates so far. I think everyone has had very good things to say, and I'm impressed with/proud of the number of really good people we have running.

If I wasn't committed to Dean, I would be taking a very hard look at John Edwards. I thought he was masterful at both debates. He is incredibly articulate and forceful, and comes across as very sincere and passionate. I think he exudes charisma, and his boyish good looks -- at 50! -- aren't exactly a negative.

His decision not to run for re-election surprised me, since the most negative thing people seem to say about him is that he lacks experience. If, God forbid, W wins next year, I think four more years in the Senate would position Edwards as a formidable candidate in 2008. Although my original first choice for Dean's VP was Graham, I'm thinking Edwards might also be great (I'd like to see Clark as Secretary of Defense or something -- I like him, but he has no political experience yet).

I'm just wondering why Edwards' candidacy doesn't seem to be getting any traction. Am I the only one who thinks he's been making an impressive showing of late?

[flamingyouth]

1. I agree that he's done well in debates

But I think it's a big loss to the Dems that he's not running for reelection in the Senate. I understand his rationale, but he won't do anyone much good after Jan. 2005, I feel.

[renie408]

4. Eh

We went through all that. It is still early days. I reckon if he is in the White House, he will have plenty of influence and can do lots of good.

[renie408]

2. He is an impressive, intelligent speaker

who knows how to stay on his message and he knows how to express passion without getting TOO carried away.

[chimpymustgo]

3. I think Edwards has been in the top 2 of every single debate.

He is a great candidate. Did you take some kind of vow to Dean? Keep an open mind. Edwards' numbers are going up everywhere. Doubled in Iowa and SC in recent polls. This is so far from over.

The nominee is never chosen in August. Read more about Edwards, his positions, his history, his family:

www.johnedwards2004.com

[renie408]

5. Did you mean to reply

to the number 2 post?

[chimpymustgo]

6. No renie. Replying to original post.

Such great news about Edwards all around. He's getting a fresh look by a lot of people - and they're impressed.

[renie408]

7. Ok

I was wondering about that 'vow to Dean' thing, but I figured it out upon re-reading.

[kang]

8. On pure political style, Edwards is #1

His delivery and his speaking ability rival even Bill Clinton's. I do think it comes through in the debates. Rove's line of attack on him: the "experience" issue and his trial-lawyer fundraising. I think Edwards' "fighting for regular Americans" and a few examples of his past courtroom victories would answer the second attack, but it's a shame that the candidates that have a good delivery and message lack the desired "experience" credentials.

He's got the dough to compete, so if he doesn't pick up traction in the next 3 months I guess it means he's not the guy. I do like his TV ads though.

[renie408]

11. Rove can't touch him on experience

He will have been in an elected office just as long as Bush had when he was elected President. And if they go after Edwards on experience, he can say that about their time in office, plus that his experience in life did not start with his family's position and wealth. He can also cite his single-handedly building a fortune and working himself through college, where he did very well indeed. Dubya is not going to come off looking better than Edwards if they bring up experience, BELIEVE me.

[sandnsea]

19. That's so true

And how are they going to criticize somebody who came up from next-to-nothing and became a millionaire? That's their party's mantra. And he did it as a trial lawyer? Yep, protecting children from unscrupulous corporations. Who's going to criticize somebody about getting a product that was killing children off the market or improved... the pool drains. They would have a heck of a time with Edwards.

Although, I'm a bit concerned about his experience, but I trust him alot more then ol' whistle-ass.

[jos]

9. He comes across well

Smooth and articulate. He has a big upside. If he doesn't make, could be the VP selection, especially since he's giving up his seat. If the Dem doesn't win this year, he could be one of the favorites in '08.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

10. He never hurts himself.

That takes skill. His anti-Corporate message is only surpassed by Kucinich. Good for Edwards.

[renie408]

12. That is one of the things I see in him

He manages to navigate tricky waters well.

[blm]

13. IMO, he comports himself well.

I'm proud he is a good Democrat and certainly never should have been labeled "Bushlite" early on by another campaign.

[OneBlueSky]

14. sorry to disagree, but . . .

to me, it always seems that he's doing a poor Bill Clinto impression . . .

[renie408]

15. It's probably the accent.

It's ok that you are not attracted to Edwards as a candidate, but give him a chance and try to see him as an individual. I think he gets compared to Clinton because they share a similar talent of presentation of ideas and of themselves. Maybe it is a lawyer thing, I dunno.

[Jim Sagle]

16. No.

[renie408]

17. Who has impressed you in the debates?

I read that Sharpton did a great job the other night and that Gephardt was doing well in the first one. I had to agree with Jon Stewart (I hope I spelled his name right, I always get it wrong) that he over did "miserable failure", but I guess he was getting applause and wanted to run with it.

I am biased and thought that Edwards did very well, but I am curious to know what other people thought.

[DrFunkenstein]

18. Any Thoughts On His IWR Vote From Dean Fans?

I thought he was a damn impressive speaker since I first heard him on NPR. But he never seemed to claim an issue as his own, at least from what I have seen. Honestly, I wrote him off (perhaps unfairly) because of his relative inexperience. If 9/11 hadn't happened, I would think he'd be in great shape. As it is, I think he'll be President in 2012, with President Kerry's strong endorsement for his two-term Vice President.;-)