Edwards strategy: should he forget about NH and concentrate on SC?

[ringmastery]

If Edwards does well tonight, should he compete in NH or go straight to SC and the southern primaries?

[mlawson]

1. He has said that he 'is running everywhere'.

So, he is in NH. He might surprise you there.

[jmaier]

2. He should go straight to SC

That would give him two weeks on the ground there. As a second, he should also spend some time in Oklahoma. Basically, his competition going forward is initially Wes Clark. If Edwards would outpoll Clark in both SC and OK that would be a problem for the Clark campaign. Those 2 states seem like his best initial post-Iowa options.

Now, I have to add that I'm a strong supporter of Wes Clark, so I hope that he doesn't DO this -- and goes back and blows time and money in NH! Or maybe Delaware... :-)

[jenk]

3. He's rising in NH

latest polls have him around 7-10& where he used to be stuck at 2-3%

[AP]

4. It'd make sense. Like Clinton not challenging Harkin.

There are three NE'ers running.

However, if Clark wins, people will wonder why Edwards couldn't.

[maddezmom]

5. interesting question

If he has a good showing tonight, maybe he could spend more time in SC than is planned at this point. A bump in IA really changes the race. :)

[Cuban_Liberal]

6. NO!

Skipping Iowa is gonna bit Gen. Clark in the butt, and skipping NH would do the same to Sen. Edwards.

[Kathleen04]

7. The best strategy would probably..

to spend time in NH, but spend the bulk of his time in Oklahoma, South Carolina, Missouri (if Gephardt is out), TN, and Virginia.

[saltpoint]

8. Unfortunately for Senator Edwards --

-- he will not be permitted to leave the State of Iowa this evening because Iowans love him too much to bear his departing them. No matter your favorite candidate, Edwards has found a place at these folks' hearth. Even Republicans would have to admit he has run a positive campaign.

I realize the Senator's strategists would prefer he campaign in NH, SC, OK, and so forth, but that will no longer be possible because John will be sorting through thousands of offers of adoption by Iowa families.

[DemPopulist]

9. Retail campaigning

Edwards is a master at it, it's what made Clinton "the comeback kid" in NH, and I think it'll do the same for Johnny E. Anything above fourth is beating expectations for him and will give him more momentum for Feb. 3rd.