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First of all, these posts that critique Edwards or anyone else as a lightweight are amazingly ignorant. Any candidate who earns a major party nomination is granted stature and respect, surviving months of scrutiny in every region of the country. Republicans will attack our candidate as flawed, not unworthy. Anything else would be a hysterical waste of time and cash.
The other side elected Reagan, Bush and Arnold, yet we're worried about political depth and longevity?
A multi-term popular governor in an unlikely but winnable high populus state would be ideal. Otherwise:
* Dean: too short, too regional, too negative, too hyper, too easily morphed into a cartoon figure. He needs to save his most remarkable speech for an early night at the national convention, emphasizing to his supporters that none of the passion and contributions will mean a thing unless every single one unites behind our nominee, presumably John Kerry.
* I admire Clark tremendously, but the brilliance of his academic and military backgrounds simply does not translate on the stump. Politically, IMO he is vulnerable everywhere and special nowhere. Wonderfully telegenic. I'm wondering if he dashed VP hopes with a somewhat lackluster campaign. Too many conflicting statements and a reluctance to admit as much.
* Kerry: height is a tremendous asset, never emphasized enough here. The military background and heroism are overstated. For a decade+ I've looked at too many studies on voting trends to think vets, and white males in general, will do anything but default Republican. Obvious regional concerns, and a voting record that will be twisted beyond recognition. Can he sharpen his longwinded speeches and come across as more of a regular guy? If not, even the states we are taking for granted will be in jeopardy.
* Edwards: charisma + looks + speaking ability + optimism + talent = teflon, margin for error, and therefore our best chance. I'm not afraid to ignore every major issue and Edwards' related stance, because that's precisely what the critical swing and independent voters will do. Trust me, I host apolotical voters to watch debates and that is the mindset. They're shopping for an ideal next door neighbor or big brother type, not policy wonk. The gender gap with John Edwards atop the ticket would force Bush to capture more than his 2000 percentages among hispanics and seniors, unlikely.
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