"The Edwards Effect" from the St. Pete Times today...

[flpoljunkie]

http://sptimes.com/2004/07/11/Worldandnation/The_Edwards_effect.shtml



The Edwards effect
In 2000, both major parties chased the "soccer mom" demographic. Will John Edwards attract suburban female votes for John Kerry in November.

BILL ADAIR and WES ALLISON
Published July 11, 2004

BETHESDA, Md. - Anne Patterson is a registered Republican who voted for President Bush and isn't especially fond of Democrat John Kerry. But as she hopped out of her green Honda minivan during a blitz of errands last week, she said she has qualms about the war in Iraq and the president's religious zeal.

And thanks to last week's selection of Sen. John Edwards as Kerry's running mate, she might now vote for the Democratic ticket. Edwards "at least makes Kerry palatable," said Patterson, a mother of three school-age children. "He just seems more moderate and reasonable."

<> Historically, the vice presidential selection hasn't held much sway in determining the outcome. The major exception was Texas Sen. Lyndon Johnson in 1960, who was instrumental in winning the South for John F. Kennedy. But in a race as tight as this one, especially in states such as Florida and Ohio, a tiny edge with a key group can make the difference.

Interviews with more than two dozen suburban women last week revealed strong support for Edwards, 51, a telegenic father who coached his children's soccer and basketball teams. While some derided him as a liberal trial lawyer or inexperienced with foreign policy - precisely the image the Bush campaign hopes to paint - most said they like his vibrancy, and many believed he understands the pressures of parenthood and the rush of suburban life better than Bush or Vice President Dick Cheney. Or Kerry, for that matter.

more...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. People aren't buying the GOP line about Edwards

maybe because Edwards comes across as an intelligent person who cares about people, unlike the current occupant in the WH.

[Kahuna]

3. The GOP line about Edwards is totally ridiculous and reeks of desperation.

Edwards being a father of young kids could be good for a couple of points when all is said and done.

[AP]

4. They see themselves in Edwards -- suburban parent, coach, pressed for time

We live in a democracy. We want to be represented by people who know where we come from. We like to lift up one of our own to the top.

[chimpymustgo]

2. WONDERFUL story. And it captures the changing tide.

Edwards makes people take a look - and another look at Kerry. Dream Team, indeed! They are going to pull the suburban indies and repub women big time.

[King of New Orleans]

5. First suburban candidate?

Hadn't thought of that. Although, I have a hard time building sympathy for "the pressures" on the suburban soccer mom, I reckon if it opens the door to these peoples minds....