Are you like me? Do you also doubt that Edwards would be willing to accept the VP slot again?

[More Than A Feeling]

If Edwards was not nominated, it strikes me that being second banana twice in a row wouldn't be very appealing to him, even assuming the candidate asked him. Does anyone else want to speculate on this?

[asthmaticeog]

1. He'd take VP.

He's ambitious as hell, if he got thrown that bone he'd gnaw on it.

[MonkeyFunk]

4. Agreed

but I don't see anyone offering it to him. He didn't really add much last time.

[greendog]

24. Hell, he'd knock 2 or 3 of the others over to be first in line for VP.

He knows his chance is slim for the top job.

[MethuenProgressive]

2. He can't - he's being too negative about the other candidates

The Repubs would have a field day running Edwards quotes in their own adverts.

[PresidentObama]

3. I don't think the nominee would pick him.

And I don't think he'd accept it if they did. My thoughts are if he loses the nomination, he'll run for something!! What? Who knows!!

Edwards has a good shot at the nomination though.

[ElizabethDC]

5. I definitely don't think he would

he's said a lot recently that he didn't like being in the VP slot because he was essentially just stumping for somebody else.

[Leilani]

6. Look what he did for Kerry

I'm sure the nominee will have Edwards as #1 for Veep!

:crazy:

[More Than A Feeling]

7. The reason I ask is that I like Edwards as much as I like Obama

and on any given day, either could be slightly ahead. SO the ticket I would like the most would probably be some combination of Edwards and Obama. If Edwards wouldn't go VP, that would mean in order to have a chance at getting both, I'd have to support Edwards for the top spot, and hope he takes Obama for VP.

[Leilani]

8. There is soooo much time between now & then

who knows what can happen.

But if I was putting money on this race, I'd put it on Obama, rather than Edwards.

[liberalpragmatist]

9. I'm in a somewhat similar boat

But I agree that Edwards wouldn't take second spot again.

Firstly, I don't think it would even be offered. It isn't unheard of historically for someone to be nominated for vice president a second time after a loss (Adlai Stevenson and Charles Fairbanks - former vice presidents - were nominated for the second spot again on different, albeit losing, tickets several years later). But these days, the VP pick is a big buzz-getter. Even if the direct effect of the VP nomination is small, the ticket benefits from the burst of publicity and the introduction of a new face that usually produces a nice bounce. Edwards is a known quantity and I don't think he would add much a second time around in the way of "buzz."

Secondly, Edwards himself has said that he didn't really enjoy running for Vice President because, as he put it, it wasn't his campaign and you're on a tight leash.

So my thoughts are no.

[mtnsnake]

11. Things would've been worse if Kerry got his first choice, McCain, as his VP

That would've been so embarrassing if had ended up with a Kerry/McCain ticket. Thank goodness McCain shunned Kerry on his overtures to get McCain to run with him as his vice presidential running mate.

If I was Edwards, I wouldn't be too happy, either, to have played second fiddle to a Repuke like McCain.

[Leilani]

12. Do you think he really would have chosen McCain?

Or do you think that it was an embellished story?

[mtnsnake]

15. Here's a link to the story. I'll let you decide...

http://www.counterpunch.org/nimmo05172004.html

[PresidentObama]

21. see #20 n/t

[Crunchy Frog]

28. Counterpunch is not exactly the most reliable source.

That article makes a lot of assertions, but offers precious little evidence in support of them. I'm sceptical until I see a bit more solid evidence.

[PresidentObama]

37. But, but.....

He/she also provided a link to MSNBC, which takes you to Joe Biden talking about the possibility of the Kerry/McCain ticket.

Well, that confirms it was true!!

:sarcasm:

Crunchy Frog, basically it's all empty speculation and both McCain and Kerry have said no offer ever occured. And Kerry has said they only had one brief conversation about the possibility, and both had issues with it. McCain didn't just turn him down, they both had issues with it. Beyond that, it's empty speculation!!

[PresidentObama]

13. Again, this has been debunked.

No matter how many times you bring it up mtnsnake. Weren't you the one that started a thread about the Kerry/McCain 'rumors' and the moderator closed it saying "it'd been debunked and debunked"?

Yep, I believe so ;)

Distortions and lies, my friend!! Stay away from them, they're for the RW!!

[mtnsnake]

17. I don't subscribe to distortions and lies

There are way more links that support the idea that Kerry courted McCain for his VP, such as this one, among others:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4542516

You don't wanna believe it, fine. I have no problem with that, but don't tell me what I should stay away from.

[PresidentObama]

20. Tisk, tisk. Then why do McCain and Kerry BOTH deny McCain was offered?

Once again lying and distorting....

Here is the truth. That was baseless speculation. Kerry never went after a Kerry/McCain ticket. It is documented by Kerry himself that they talked briefly once about the possibility, and neither put ANY real thought into it and both had major issues with it. The reports that Kerry offered him the position and sent out feelers is wrong, and has been debunked time after time.

This is from the John Kerry- Teresa Heinz Kerry on CNN's Larry King Live that aired July 8, 2004:

"KING: Clear up something, was John McCain felt given an offer?

KERRY: No. No, nobody was offered anything until I called John Edwards.

KING: Was he given a feeler?

KERRY: No, what happened, Larry, was, and I think it was the responsible thing to do, that many people, myself included, admire John McCain..."

Kerry himself said no feelers were sent out to McCain, and no offer was made before Edwards. He also said he consulted with Al Gore and former President Bill Clinton to make his decision. I doubt either of them would offer he form some outlandish "unity ticket" with McCain.

McCain himself said it wasn't offered:

"SNOW: Well, you're absolutely right though, it's going to be fun to see. Now John Kerry, is it true that John Kerry asked you to be his vice president?

McCAIN: Uh, no. No, it was never offered.

SNOW: It was never offered. So, it may have been discussed elliptically, but never flat out request.

McCAIN: Never was an offer, no."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/7/8/112444/9988

EDIT: The link from MSNBC you just posted was from Joe Biden. Is Joe Biden the person in question? Both McCain and Kerry have said NO offer was made, NO feelers were sent out. It's EMPTY speculation, and LIES!!! And total bullshit. Just because Biden said he'd support the ticket doesn't make it so, when facts tell otherwise in the people in questions statements.

[mtnsnake]

23. There was never an OFFICIAL offer made. That's why. Kerry just courted him

but never made the actual offer after getting negative feedback from McCain's camp that McCain would NOT accept any offer. It's been explained a thousand times that since McCain shunned Kerry's overtures, no official offer was ever made by Kerry. Geesh, why on earth would Kerry make an official offer to McCain after his advances got thwarted?

[PresidentObama]

25. Kerry said both had issues with it.

And they never even talked about it but once briefly as friends. And there never was an official offer, or unofficial offer. And McCain and Kerry have both said so!! Unless you have proof from a John Kerry campaign official or from JK himself, or something credible it's basically speculation. And speculation doesn't mean SHIT fact wise.

[mtnsnake]

27. Tell it to the hundreds of people who wrote the articles about it

I guess they're all wrong but you're 100% right, so you might wanna contact them if you don't think there was anything to it. Knock yourself out.

[PresidentObama]

30. Hundreds of people write stories about Anna Nicole.

Doesn't mean I read them ;)

I'll take Senator Kerry and Senator McCain's word for it. They're the most reliable sources on this subject, and otherwise their is NO credible evidence AT ALL to suggest Kerry seriously considered McCain. None. It's speculation. And again, speculation doesn't mean SHIT!!

[Inspired]

22. What did Kerry do for Kerry?

This crap about Edwards not helping Kerry is nonsense.

[catgirl]

45. He complained afterwards that it was hard suddenly....

being Kerry's running mate (not the pres. nominee).
His ego could handle it then, I doubt it could handle
it now. Obama has a better shot at it.

[BeyondGeography]

10. We can get hammered in NC again without Edwards on the ticket

If he doesn't get the nom, it will be the last we hear of him.

[mnhtnbb]

31. NC demographics are changing. Recent poll in Raleigh showed

a generic Dem would beat a generic Repub.

http://www.newsobserver.com/722/story/545345.html

North Carolina is a red state when it comes to presidential politics, having last voted for a Democrat in 1976 for Jimmy Carter.

But with public opinion turning against the Iraq war, might the Democrats have a chance?

Yes, says a new poll by Public Policy Polling, a Raleigh-based polling firm.

The survey found that a generic Democratic presidential candidate would beat a generic Republican presidential candidate, 43-41.

The firm polled 448 likely general election voters on Feb. 12. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points.

[Janiam]

14. Thought I'd bring this over

This gives you an answer strait from Edwards himself.

These are snippets (pertaining to the question at hand)from transcripts of radio interviews. I'd recommend a full read of the interviews.

The Diane Rehm Show (February 2, 2007)
Full transcript here:
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/2/7/18944/96433#commenttop

DianeR: Would you be willing to serve as a vice-presidential candidate with either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama?

JRE: I will not.

DR: You will not?

JRE: I will not.

DR: You will not run as a vice-presidential candidate at all?

JRE: I will not

DR: Would you welcome either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton as a vice-presidential nominee?

JRE: Well I think it is awfully early and awfully presumptuous to be, for me to be talking about that but they are both certainly two leaders in this country who would deserve consideration.


Another interesting interview.

From NPR radio Talk of the Nation (February 8, 2007).
Full transcript here:
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/2/9/135336/3156#commenttop

Listeners questions:

Caller, Eddie: Hello, John Edwards how are you doin'?

JRE: I'm find Eddie, how are you?

Eddie: I'm doin' good. I'm from the Maryland area, DC area, and I'm pretty much up on the politics and I really don't feel the nation isn't ready for a minority president and I think you are going to come out because of that. What I really wanted to know was , running with two minority candidates with you would you take either one as a running mate and if so do you think the pro's would outweigh the con's of having a minority candidate?

NPR Radio Host: And Eddie, when you say minority candidates are you speaking of Barack Obama, and uh, whom else?

Eddie: And Hillary

NPR Radio Host: Ah, women are actually in the majority but go ahead you'll get an answer from John Edwards...

JRE: Neal, could you give me a quick summary because it was breaking up a little and I couldn't quite here the question?

NPR Radio Host: He was asking how do you feel running in campaign against an African American Barack Obama, a woman Hillary Clinton and he says given the difficulties they face would you accept either as a vice-president candidate should you win the nomination?

JRE: Well, I'll answer the later first and then I'll go to the heart of the question. I think either of them if I were to be successful, and I believe I will be, but if I were to be successful in the nomination process either of them would be very serious candidates for the vice-president. I have a high opinion of both.

As to the fact that Senator Obama is African American and Senator Clinton is a woman I'll just say this in the simplest language I know how to every democratic primary voter who hears my voice right now - if you are considering not voting for Senator Clinton because she is a woman or Senator Obama because he's black you shouldn't vote for me. Because I think having a real diversity in both in the candidates and in the campaign and in an administration, in my administration, is the heart and soul of who I am.

[Ethelk2044]

16. No he will Not

He made a similar statement earlier.  

[mtnsnake]

18. I don't think he would accept it if asked. Just human nature

It's not that he wouldn't make a good addition to anyone's ticket, it's just that I think he's gearing up to be President or nothing.

[Clarkie1]

19. Why would someone nominate Edwards for VP (based on his previous record)? nt

[Crunchy Frog]

26. I don't doubt he'd be willing to accept it,

but I doubt he'd be given it a second time.

[AshevilleGuy]

29. He might with Al Gore

I can see that. It would be a dignified situation because Gore has already been VP (and also elected President). And they could WIN - what else matters?

[SharonRB]

32. I don't think he'd take it

Even with Gore.

[thoughtcrime1984]

34. Just an honest question

Wouldn't you think he'd be wise to accept such an opportunity, should it arise, if he has any presidential aspirations for 2016? I believe that whoever the Dem candidate is will win and hold the office for two terms. As VP for eight presumably favorable years, Edwards could be in a great position to be the next President. Should he not be on the ticket in 2008, I would think his chances for future Presidential candidacies would be diminished. I do like and respect JE, and hope he ends up on the 2008 ticket.

[geek tragedy]

33. No one would ask him anyways. Doesn't add much

to the ticket. Obama and Clinton would take someone like Clark or Richardson. Clinton could also take Obama.

[More Than A Feeling]

35. He adds populism. I appreciate that, even if perhaps the other candidates might not.

[geek tragedy]

36. VP's are picked for geography and experience and personality

not ideology.

Since he was DLC until 2004, I'm suspicious of this newfound progressive populism he's preaching.

[Colobo]

38. Vilsack, Richardson, Obama or Clinton

One of these four will be the next VP.

[geek tragedy]

40. Clark would also be a possibility. But Richardson

is running for VP, and doing a good job of it.

[More Than A Feeling]

39. Was he literally affiliated with the DLC or is that short-hand for "he was too conservative"?

[geek tragedy]

41. He belonged to the Senate New Democrat Coalition, the DLC's

Congressional arm.

The New Democrat Coalition has their own space on the DLC website.

So, yes, his record in the Senate was that of a DLC'er who eagerly supported the war.

Until he became a born-again populist in time for primary season.

[More Than A Feeling]

42. It's tempting to be cynical, and your insinuations might well be right.

Still, I used to be a DINO myself. My libertarian friend says that I scare him now when we talk economics, whereas I used to be right with him. I also thought feminists were silly, and unions a drag on the economy. The two things that kept me from becoming a Republican were atheism and gay marriage, which I have always supported. Nowadays, I ponder how close I am to democratic socialism. I'm no less sincere now than I was back then, but I'm almost a mirror image of where I used to be. My younger self would be horrified.

So I'm hardly in a position to attack Edwards for saying things I agree with now. People change. Circumstances change.

[geek tragedy]

43. People do change. But Edwards reinvents himself

every political cycle.

[saltpoint]

44. Seems as if most candidates are going for the top slot but maybe

some on both sides would reconsider the veep role if in Denver others had more delegate votes on the floor.

Tommy Thompson could be the GOP nominee, but I just somehow doubt it, and it's possible that he's gambling that a McCain would choose a former Wisconsin governor to carry a formerly blue state.

Hard to say how any candidates would respond to a different scenario than they hope for now.