This is Edwards' big chance (the Bush war bill)

[bluestateguy]

I suspect Hillary will vote yes. That will deflate what remaining patience Democratic primary voters have for her. And even if she votes no, Democratic primary voters will not be suddenly enamored with her. But say she then gets the nomination. A no vote by Hillary is Karl Rove's wet dream; you can already see and hear the 30 second ads with clips of her tortured explanations as to why she voted for the appropriation before she voted against it.

Obama has made statements in the past saying that he will "fund the troops" even without any conditions in the bill. That will alienate many of his base of supporters and expose him to fair criticism that his vote is at odds with his stated position, and at odds with his efforts to position himself as the anti-war alternative to Hillary.

Edwards has staked out a position against the bill, clear and crisp. He has admitted that his yes vote in 2002 was a mistake, without tortured explanations, conditions or hypotheticals. Keep in mind, even George McGovern voted for the Tonkin Gulf Resolution in 1964. This is Edwards' opportunity to inject momentum into his campaign and distinguish himself from Hillary (who seems to be already running a general election campaign as if she is the inevitable nominee) and Obama (who is not ready for prime time and makes constant rookie mistakes).

Kucinich and Dodd will vote no, but they are--and I don't mean to be rude here--not heavyweight candidates.

[terisan]

1. So Edwards wins because he is not in the position of having to Vote on the issue ? nt

[Phredicles]

3. There is that, although I like what he's had to say on this.

[cynatnite]

2. I think you're right...

Anyone who votes no on this bill will get the 'you don't support the troops' treatment by the right. They don't need a lot of brains to come up with this one. Kucinich and Dodd don't have much of a chance at the nomination.

Unless Al Gore throws his hat in the ring, Edwards is ahead of the pack on this issue.

[illinoisprogressive]

4. I understand your excitement but, wait until tomorrow and see what happens

don't get in front of yourself and end up looking silly.
I am an Obama supporter. If he votes yes I will have a crisis and have to do some deep soul searching.
If he votes no, his supporters will be thankful and relieved.
I admire that Edwards said what he did today but, I am not ready to think about what I will do if he votes yes.

[Bluestar]

5. I think you might be right

I didn't think anything could stop the Hillary train, but this just might do it. I don't think she has the guts to vote no tomorrow. Her yes vote would put Edwards in much better shape. It's going to be interesting. I don't think any candidate will be able to withstand the backlash of the rank and file Dems.