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I think that what we are really seeing from Hillary and Edwards is jockying for the 2012 election. This is why Hillary is still in it even though she does not have a very good chance of winning the nomination, and why Edwards has not endorsed a candidate even though it would help Deomcratic chances to rally behind one candidate. To win in 2012, Obama has to lose. This is why Hillary's attacks on Obama are so well coordinated with McCains, and why Edwards has stayed on the sidelines even though his homestate is about to hold its primary. I think that Hillary and Edwards, of course, need:
1. Obama to lose in 2008 - This can best be done if Obama is weakened significantly before the general election. 2. Obama has to lose for reasons that Edwards and Clinton say don't apply to them - Both Edwards and Clinton are white.
I think Edwards is the darkhorse to win the 2012 nomination, because there is a chance that Hillary aligns herself too closely with McCain. In a way, McCain and Hillary's coordinated attacks are mutually beneficial, since it helps conserve money for both candidates. However, the problem is that Hillary is becoming defined by her crticisms of Obama, rather than her own proposals. In a way, Hillary is a victim of her own success, because the only real headlines I see is when Hillary is pushing the envelope in an attack on Obama about (1) the bitter remarks, (2) Obama's complaining, then (3) responding to Obama's responsive attacks as being hypocritical. So, where's Hillary?
If I were Edwards, I would start campaigning for specific issues. Edwards should stay out of the campaign, as well avoid any talk that he could be a compromise candidate. Rather, he should play the role of white night by criticizing both campaigns for straying from the issues. In particular, he should try to target Obama everything Obama goes negative to keep Obama from responding to Hillary's attacks. This will weaken both Clinton and Obama, because Hillary comes out as negative right wingnut, while Obama comes off as a wimp for failing to hit back at Hillary.
Then, in 2012, John Edwards will provide a nice alternative to those democrats disgusted by Hillary's attacks, and Edwards will not be blamed for the Democrats losing in 2008. Hillary will get that blame. Plus, Edwards can then target Hillary for the way she has called President John McCain "legendary" and lauding John McCain's experience.
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