John Edwards -- his time is now (Des Moines Register Endorsement)

[chimpymustgo]

 
By Register Editorial Board
01/11/2004
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When we first met John Edwards, we were inclined to write him off as the possible Democratic presidential nominee. The North Carolina senator is short on experience in public office. Nearly all his rivals are far more seasoned.

-snip-

Until Edwards is given a closer look. The more we watched him, the more we read his speeches and studied his positions, the more we saw him comport himself in debate, the more we learned about his life story, the more our editorial board came to conclude he's a cut above the others.

John Edwards is one of those rare, naturally gifted politicians who doesn't need a long record of public service to inspire confidence in his abilities. His life has been one of accomplishing the unexpected, amid flashes of brilliance.

-snip-

If Edwards wins the Democratic nomination, voters this fall would have a choice between two men who almost perfectly embody the rival political philosophies in America today. George W. Bush and John Edwards are attractive, likable, energetic. They have about the same level of prior experience in government - and they are polar opposites.

-snip-

Like all the Democratic candidates, Edwards is strongly critical of Bush, but with him it tends to be a little less personal. He emphasizes his goal is not merely to replace Bush but to change America. He tends to conduct positive, optimistic campaigns.

What a clear and attractive choice an Edwards vs. Bush fall campaign would offer. Beginning in the Iowa caucuses next Monday, Democrats would do well to give that choice to Americans.

http://DesMoinesRegister.com/opinion/stories/c2125555/23214048.html
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This is a beautiful, thoughtful editorial, with lots of biographical information on Edwards - and very persuasive arguments for why he should be the Democratic nominee.

[realdem]

1. Congrats Edwards folks.

John has done well.

[La_Serpiente]

2. Congrats

n/t

[BJ]

3. The "Kiss of Death"

As usual The Des Moines Register is taking its usual editorial position, backing the least controversial, and therefore, least likely candidate to win the national presidential election let alone the Iowa Caucus eight days hence. True to form The Des Moines Register does its utmost in maintaining Iowa's image as the ultimate bucolic state, preferring political Casper Milquetoasts than that ...Hollywood loving, left-wing freak show... from Vermont, the wild-eyed radical from Cincinnati, either one of those other two New England "liberals"-- there are questions that the guy from Connecticut's even a Democrat--the union-lackey from Missouri or even the retired Army general in the cheap suit.Link

[chimpymustgo]

4. Or MAYBE they just think Edwards is the best candidate!

I do.