Question about Edwards in 2004

[gateley]

Hi -- So now I know that Edwards received the Des Moines Register endorsement in 2004 and that gave him a big boost. Then - what happened? What transpired to make him decide to not pursue the Presidency any more, but to run with Kerry as his VP? Serious questions -- my education in politics began just a couple of months ago.

Thanks.

[MonkeyFunk]

1. umm...

he lost the primaries. Kerry won.

[gateley]

2. Ha! D'oh! I feel like an idiot for asking. Thanks. (still laughing at myself!) nt

[Blackhatjack]

3. Edwards was the last Democratic Candidate to withdraw...

... and the projection by Edwards Campaign staff at that time was he would not capture enough delegates to win the Nomination at the Convention. (Later polling showed Edwards was surging, and that was a factor in Kerry choosing Edwards as his VP running mate).

Top Democratic Party officials also weighed in that Edwards staying in keep interest in the Democratic Race for the Nomination would not be as beneficial as settling on a ticket(Kerry/Edwards) and beginning to run against the Repubs right away.

The Des Moines Register endorsement is not as important this cycle for Edwards since he has spent so much time there that any Iowan who does not know him by now just does not mingle with people.

That is it in a nutshell.

[gateley]

4. Thank you! It helps me understand it a LOT better! nt