Edwards says no interest in running on Kerry ticket!!!

[NewYorkerfromMass]

Asked on NBC's "Today" show if he would accept second place on the Democratic slate to face President Bush in the fall election, Edwards said: "I think you've got the order reversed. I intend to be the nominee."

Edwards said he would not be willing to be No. 2. "No, no. Final. I don't want to be vice president. I'm running for president," he said...

http://www.tribnet.com/24hour/politics/story/1132397p-7882147c.html

[PVnRT]

1. That's he's saying now

And, in fact, I'm sure all of the candidates would answer that when asked about running as anyone's running mate.

We'll see if he is eliminated and the overtures start coming in if it's really the case.

[sangh0]

2. That's what they all say

No one wins primaries by saying "I'm shooting for VP"

[chimpymustgo]

5. LOL. And you never know what will happen.

Edwards is running for the top spot. Of course he'll take the VEEP slot if offered. But the road is long, and Edwards is a fighter.

Once again, a reminder: let's hold off on the coronation till a few more votes are in.

[Democrats unite]

3. Edwards just got a little more respect from me!

eom

[leyton]

4. I don't think Edwards and Kerry compliment one another

as well as Clark and Kerry do. With Edwards and Kerry you have two legislators who balance geographically but I don't think Edwards adds that much to that particular ticket. (Edwards is electable personality-wise but IMO the question is, is Kerry electable personality-wise? Your VP isn't going to change that.) But adding Clark to the ticket keeps the geographical balance and makes a killer national security ticket. And you have a Senator and a General, giving you domestic and foreign policy experience.

As much as I like Edwards, if Kerry is the nominee, he should beg Clark to be his VP.

[elsiesummers]

13. I agree - not a complimentary ticket

Disclaimer - Edwards in top slot is absolutely my first choice. I think we need the right charismatic packaging to sell the Dem platform.

I agree - I don't think Edwards brings much to Kerry.

If Kerry becomes nominee he should pick Gephardt or Bayh or Breaux or maybe Clark - maybe Bob Kerrey - go after someone who can bring one state - with Clark possibly emphasize the military background. Also don't think Graham helps, because like Edwards, I doubt his ability to bring along the home state. I seriously am concerned about a winning electoral map for Kerry - I just don't see it.

Personally - I don't think Kerry can win unless Bush is in bad shape with the electorate. Kerry's just too much of a speechifier, so why should Edwards sign on to a losing ticket? If Kerry actually wins then Edwards could take a cabinet position, maybe become AG, where he could actually benefit the nation.

As for a surefire winning ticket - either Edwards/Clark or Clark/Edwards. I don't see any other choices. Six months of Kerry drone speechs will sap the life out of his candidacy.

[union_maid]

6. Of course he'd have to say that

And he probably means it. To get as far as any of these guys have gotten takes a different kind of mind from the average person. I'm sure you don't see yourself in a number two spot if you think enough of your abilities to get into the finals in a contest like this. However, I sure hope that the ticket is made up of two out of the four leaders in these primaries because I think they really do represent the best and brightest right at this time.

[beyurslf]

7. They all say that. They have to.

If he said, oh sure VP would be fine then people wouldn't think he is serious.

[Monte Carlo]

8. Exactly - it's a sign of softness...

... if one is going after the Presidency.

When the Dems start dropping out, then we'll hear from them about their hopes as the Veep.

[bearfartinthewoods]

9. stand back...i just got back from freepville

a rough count puts 2/3rds in the camp that's thanking clark for keeping Edwards out of a clear third place because Edwards makes them nervous. the other third doesn't seem to have heard how Edwards screwed the gop/helms machine when they tried to nail him with ...gasp...being a trial lawyer.

[mmonk]

10. It's what he's been running for his whole life as he puts it.

So he'll wait for 2008 if he doesn't win SC IMO. I prefer someone however, that feels more out of a sense of duty to seek the presidency.

[WiseMen]

11. Kerry campaign has rebuffed such an idea in the past. Edwards was

expecting to be Dean's or Gephart's V.P.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

12. What else is he gonna say?

[tryanhas]

14. And he shouldn't

No one is going to vote for the FREAKING VP!

As an Edwards supporter, that wouldn't be enough to make me vote for Kerry!

The country might as well rot in Hell under Bush, if you are going to vote for his Bonesman alternative.

What's the difference?

I'll sit it out if that's the case.