Edwards is a viable candidate - why is he ignored by the media?

By: relawson
Published On: 4/27/2007 10:32:45 PM

Senator Edwards is in my view just as likely to win the primaries as either Clinton or Obama.  I think it is terrible that someone with his level of support is getting edged out of the media's depiction of this race.

First and foremost, it is way to early to determine who the leading candidate is.  Senator Clinton did well in this debate, but my guess is that Obama and Clinton will start slinging mud and Edwards comes out smelling like roses - if he doesn't fall into any traps.

The primaries always start out to the left and then work towards the middle.  Currently Hillary has such high unfavorable ratings that if they remain the same she has no chance against a strong Republican candidate.  Even with Bush's stain on the party. 

Obama is a newbie Senator.  He is not ready.  He has strong political support and I could see him on the VP ticket.  He also won't win in a general election against a strong Republican candidate.  I personally like him and think he is a superstar in the party.  I just don't think it is his time.

Edwards is the most populist and the best option for the American middle class.  I personally think he needs to toughen his image some and present himself as a strong leader.  Perhaps change his haircut so he doesn't come off as a "pretty boy".  But his message and politics will appeal to a wide section of America.  He could win in Florida and Ohio.  I think that Hillary and Obama will lose soundly in the south.

I guess the question is if most Democrats are in the mood for a victory, or are they going to make a turn to the left? 

The water's just right in the center, come on in!!!


Comments



I'm not sure "ignored" is the right word... (Detcord - 4/28/2007 10:31:08 AM)
...but with the NY Times rehashing the "Breck Girl" story over and over, it can't be helpful.
http://www.nytimes.c...

Helpful Hint #437: He might also want to take a walk down his very long driveway and introduce himself to his neighbor.  If you're going to be "for the little guy" it's probabaly not a good idea to have your wife characterize his own neighbor as some kind of white trash.
http://www.journalno...



Point well taken, but I don't entirely agree (relawson - 4/28/2007 11:14:05 AM)
Someone sent me a concerning email regarding the Senator not taking a position on H-1b and L1 visas.  Apparently his message may be moving towards one supported by corporate high-tech lobbyists - and away from labor advocates.  I do want to make sure his pro-middle class talk isn't just rhetoric - and there is substance behind it.  So at this point I lean Edwards but if he doesn't start clarifying positions that could change.

I just read that article in your reply.  I found no reference to the word "white trash".  She called him a "rabid Republican".  Also, he chased away workers WITH A GUN who were simply trying to establish a right away.  That doesn't sound very neighborly.

As a gun owner I WOULD NEVER brandish a weapon unless I felt that my life or safety was in jeopardy.  This man was reckless in his use of that weapon and I don't blame the Edwards one bit on not wanting to talk to such a dangerous man.  Weapons should be use for defensive purposes only, not inciting fear.  If you came to my home you would never know I have a weapon - it is locked safely away and out of site.  It isn't for show and tell or to scare people.  That man was in the wrong.  Period.



That visa stance is and position are critical.... (Detcord - 4/28/2007 11:32:47 AM)
...since he can't very well take US companies to task for using foreign workers overseas and ignore their continued employment of 12-15 million illegal slave laborers here in our own country.

If you'll read what I wrote more carefully, I never said she used the term white trash.  That's the characterization she left about trash on his property and other snide remarks that clear made her look uppity and snooty. 

I'm not sure characterizing all people with guns as "dangerous" people is fair and it's unfortunate that's the only part of the article focused on.  I find it laughbale that that would be the only reason they wouldn't simply go say hello as most southern neighbors would typically do.  This will come back to bite him again (which is how this string started) and my point is more about the little missteps that get interpreted by the press than anything else.  This could have been defuzed but was left to simmer...you'll likely see it again as a result.



I don't think this specific incident will stick (relawson - 4/28/2007 12:22:28 PM)
But I do agree that his stance on a variety of issues are critical - and I want all candidates to give us details.  And like all candidates in this race, they need to step very carefully and manage things like this before they become a crises.  On this issue, I believe people will be more forgiving of his wife than of him when she says controversial things.  I don't see this gaining traction, but time will tell.

I suspect that people will start looking at his healthcare plan, and comparing if other candidates actually care to share their plan.  I'm not quite sure how it stacks up just yet because most of the plans lack details.

I would consider shifting my support to Obama - but I have the same problem with him that I have with Edwards right now - which is question marks surrounding their positions.  I find their positions to be abstract - with very little specifics.  I think when it comes to chances of winning a general election Edwards has the greatest chance.  Obama is next, and Hillary needs to manage her unfavorables.