I used to think Kerry would pick Gep--now I think it will be Edwards

[WI_DEM]

I think signs of late are pointing towards the North Carolinian to be Kerry's VP. Why? lots of people in the party seem to be urging Kerry to go that way--including members of congress who you would think would be behind their former leader--Gep. Secondly, I think Kerry is beginning to see that he needs someone with some populist appeal on the ticket. Gep is good on labor issues and such, but he doesn't really come across well. People seem to like Edwards and are taken with his folksy manner. Third, While winning Missouri is one reason to maybe select Gep--it looks like recent polls are showing Kerry with a chance to upset Bush in some key southern states like North Carolina--with 15 electoral votes. Edwards may make that state and a few others more competitive--at the very least it will probably make Bush have to expend time and money trying to secure his southern base which plays into Kerry's plans. Finally, Edwards did give Kerry a run for his money in key midwestern states like Iowa and Wisconsin and came in second in the critical state of Ohio--which seems to indicate that Edwards has some appeal in these midwestern states.

Well it is all speculation--we will know for sure in a week or two.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. I think you are right

and, for the record, I like Edwards and I think he would kill Unca Dick with kindness in a debate. It would be hee-larious.

[Melodybe]

2. Edwards is immensely popular here in MS, even the repubs really like him

He is our best choice, for VP. Clark is my second choice for VP, but he has said repeatedly that he does not want the position.

I firmly believe that Kerry/Edwards is the best ticket we can have.

Reasons for Edwards

1 The press likes Edwards
2 A majority of registered Dems like Edwards most for VP
3 Southern Repubs like Edwards
4 Black people like Edwards
5 He has that great son of a mill worker line
6 He can legitimately say that as a trial lawyer he worked on behalf of the little guy.
7 He is a great speaker
8 He is a good debater
9 He brings balance to the ticket. Kerry is being framed as an elitist, Edwards on the ticket balances that.
10 He is a southerner. Trust me, to plenty of people here, it matters.
11 He REALLY wants it. I am a firm believer in the idea of if you want something bad enough, you can get it. I mean he has been working his tookas off for Kerry in the last few monthes. Edwards wants to be VP and then he wants to be President.
12 He is totally hot, and that never hurts.

[JDPriestly]

3. You are right

Generally, I believe, the candidate that most wants to win wins. Kerry really wants to win. So does Edwards. Both of them stick with things until they finish them. That is an important character trait.

Bush is beginning to weary of the presidency. I don't know whether he has ADD, but his history suggests that he might have a trace of it at least. (I'm just guessing because I'm no expert on ADD.) At any rate, he tends to tire of toys and throw them away -- the Texas Rangers -- the oil business -- you name it, he doesn't stick with it that long, really.

A Kerry/Edwards ticket would be a winner. So would a Kerry/Clark ticket. Same reasons as Edwards, except that Clark's professional experience was in the military rather than in law.

[lancdem]

4. I love how you stuck No. 12 in there

BTW, I agree with everything you say!

[Kahuna]

5. I also think he will choose Edwards.

All I have to say to that is, Edwards is a lot better than some of the other boring contenders.