Any thoughts on John Edwards?

[Thump553]

It's puzzling to me the continued inaction from John Edwards. He ended his campaign four weeks ago (01/20/08) and was courted furiously by both Clinton and Obama. But he still has not endorsed anyone.

It would seem to me that as each day passes his endorsement has less and less value. I know enough about politicians to know that they rarely do anything which will not benefit them.

I suppose it's possible that if the race turns out to be a real mess, and it gets down to the convention without a clear winner, he could reintroduce himself as the white knight to save the party by accepting the nomination. This seems to be mighty farfetched, however.

Any thoughts on what is going on with Edwards?

 

[nageov3t]

perhaps he's trying to stay neutral so as to not alienate either powerful figure for his own inevitable '12 or '16 run.

 

[Nitemare]

he's a trial lawyer, he is waiting to see who will pay him the most.

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: Thump553
Any thoughts on what is going on with Edwards?

I heard that Al Gore was staying out of it in case it came down to a messy convention, he wants to remain neutral so he can help broker the solution.

Maybe Edwards wants that too?

Maybe neither Obama or Hillary offered him what he wanted for an endorsement?

Whatever, looks to me like he won't be endorsing anyone. Too late to have much effect now, IMO. I thought he might endorse before Ohio because that's a strong labor state and he could possibly make a difference. About all he could do now is make an anouncement about an endorsement, but there's not much time left to campaign for anybody (like Kennedy's doing).

Fern

 

[heyheybooboo]

Historically, 'old style' statesmen stayed away from primary endorsements with a commitment to support the ultimate nominee (and the 'party')

 

[Lemon law]

The OP, Thump553 assertion is---It would seem to me that as each day passes his ( Edwards ) endorsement has less and less value.

And I disagree in a number of areas. First, by remaining neutral, Edwards angers neither camp. And if Hillary fails to carry Texas and Ohio, forcing Hillary to withdraw, he avoids backing the wrong horse in Hillary.

Second, if Hillary stays viable, she may be able deadlock the convention, making Edward's delegates a hotly sought prize worth bunches to both sides.

We also have to remember Edwards is out of government and needs to wangle a high profile appointment if the dems win POTUS in 2008.

 

[SickBeast]

He's just bitter that he didn't win. He won't support someone else because he's jealous. :light:

:beer: :wine:

 

[Jiggz]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
He's just bitter that he didn't win. He won't support someone else because he's jealous. :light:

:beer: :wine:

Did I hear somebody say "Sore loser"? It's obvious ain't it!

 

[trenchfoot]

my guess is he may be waiting in the wings for the eventual primary winner to offer him the vp slot. a supposedly "better position?" to re-launch another go at the presidency?

 

[Rockinacoustic]

Originally posted by: tweaker2
my guess is he may be waiting in the wings for the eventual primary winner to offer him the vp slot. a supposedly "better position?" to re-launch another go at the presidency?

I doubt it, if that were the case he'd back the Obama Bandwagon.

Edwards is taking the Regan path: "if at first you don't succeed try, try, try again".

 

[dphantom]

He wants more power and the way to get it is to hitch yourself to the eventual dem nominee. So he will wait until Clinton or Obama are the clear winner before moving.

 

[Siddhartha]

Is anyone begging for his endorsement? His impact on the nomination process is at best minimal.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Could he be hedging his bet, possibly hoping to be tapped for VP?

 

[Thump553]

Originally posted by: Siddhartha
Is anyone begging for his endorsement? His impact on the nomination process is at best minimal.

Initially (at least) both Clinton and Obama were courting him hard. Obama went to visit him at least once, I don't know about Hillary. I saw both of them speak in the week after his withdrawal-each gave Edwards such a glowing tribute at the beginning of their speech that you would think the guy passed away and entered sainthood or something.

It may be just me, but I just don't see him as VP. If he was angling for that and either Clinton or Obama met his price, he would have endorsed already I think.

Maybe he was/is gambling on a brokered convention, that seems the most likely scenario.