Edwards is getting a closer look in N.H.

[renie408]

AS A MARK of seriousness, it was unmistakable. US Senator John Edwards surprised the political world this week by ruling out a run for reelection to his North Carolina seat, an option widely assumed to be his fallback if his presidential campaign sputters. "I obviously feel very optimistic or I wouldn't have made that decision," Edwards says, noting that he is now ahead (albeit very narrowly) in South Carolina, site of the most important early Southern primary, and making progress in Iowa and New Hampshire.

By boldly burning his bridge, the first-term senator, who will formally announce for president on Tuesday, has underscored his determination. That hasn't gone unnoticed in New Hampshire, where Edwards is in the hunt for third place.

With most media watching the duel between former Vermont governor Howard Dean and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry, little attention has been paid to the battle for bronze. Still, finishing a solid third is important for those candidates hoping to survive Iowa and New Hampshire and then jump-start their campaigns in the Feb. 3 round of primaries.

A new Boston Globe poll has three of those hopefuls -- Edwards, US Representative Richard Gephardt of Missouri, and Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman -- bunched in single digits


However, among New Hampshire observers, there's a sense that Lieberman is fading and Gephardt is stalled. And increasingly that it's Edwards, the new face, who is earning an interested look as the campaign quickens.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2003/09/12/edwards_is_getting_a_closer_look_in_nh/

[jos]

1. Keep on eye on Edwards

If anyone surprises, it will be him.

[chimpymustgo]

2. Edwards is poised to move.

His numbers are heading up everywhere. I wonder how much media he'll get on Tuesday when he formally announces.

[sandnsea]

3. Good in Iowa

Did you see it Renie? I loved how he brought the crowd into his speech. And while people have been complaining he gives the same speech all the time, he turned it right around and made it more like, yep, we know the speech because we like what we hear. I thought he did really well.

[renie408]

6. I didn't get to see it.

But I am going to Robbins Tuesday. My husband is going to try to go, too. I am also going to get a couple of friends to go along. I am pretty excited!!

[sandnsea]

8. Ooooh I know you are so excited!!!!

I'm so glad you're going to get to go! Oregon hasn't been needed in a primary since 1968. But this year looks like a tighter race than we've had in alot of years, so who knows. I sure hope you get lots of friends to go and cheer, and you take LOTS of pictures to show us! Wish I could be there too! Have fun.

[blm]

4. Groundwork.

Laid down methodically.

[chimpymustgo]

5. Can't wait for Tuesday. This is make or break.

I really respect his going for broke on this.

[AP]

7. the announcement is NEVER make or break.

I think, in all seriousness, the second round of primaries (including SC) will be make or break.

IA and NH are not the make or break primaries, and haven't been for anyone in while.

So, if all you really want your candidate to win, focus on the second round of primaries.

[chimpymustgo]

9. AP, I was referring to his go for broke decision. His plan has always

been to lay the groundwork (as blm pointed out), and make his move in the fall. Now is his time.

You are correct that IA and NH are not break or break, especially for Edwards. Third, even fourth will be fine. Then the cannons go off.

BTW, AP, I always enjoy your level headed, thoughtful posts.