Edwards takes risky step today

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/politics/6781993.htm

Edwards takes risky step today
With odds at 20-1, he makes presidential run official
JIM MORRILL
Staff Writer

On Jan. 20, 2005, Democrat John Edwards will be doing one of two things: moving into an office at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. or packing his bags for North Carolina.

For Edwards, who officially kicks off his campaign for the Democratic nomination this morning in his hometown of Robbins, the White House remains a long shot. Las Vegas oddsmakers give him a 20-1 chance of winning. Edwards' S.C. kickoff will be at 4 p.m. in Columbia.

Despite those odds, he's gambling his U.S. Senate seat and with it, a platform for any future national run.

But Edwards "doesn't take wild risks; he takes calculated ones," friend Robert Zaytoun of Raleigh has said. Dropping out of the Senate race, he and others say, is just another gamble in a career full of them.

More http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/politics/6781993.htm

He may very well become the nominee, but if he doesn't, as a Southern centrist he has a good shot at getting a VP slot. I don't see this as tremendously risky, although there is always the danger of fading into private practice. Which sounds like a pretty lucrative danger to me.

Frankly I don't think there would have been any problem with Edwards winning his Senate seat for a second time..Politics are changing in the Tar Heel State... I will be suprised if Bush carries the state in the next election..Republicans don't like Bush even though they want admit to the fact...Bush policies are not at all in touch with the Republicans in North Carolina. He has spent too much money.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=101942

Edwards pulls out of run for Senate
Frees N.C. Democrats as he commits to all-out race for White House
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/6718799.htm
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=108&topic_id=35103

and would still be even if he dropped out now.

First, we need his voice among many. Second, he needs national attention for future runs. Third, he gains experience at campaigning. Fourth, he makes contacts with people. Fifth, he brings issues to the public. Sixth, if he isn't nominated this time, at least we know what he's got and what he thinks... therefore will likely get a post in a Dem admin.

Edwards has huge charisma and a concern for the underdog.

And walked away thinking that John Edwards really has the message for this time. His speech about opportunity and returning to the kind of place that allowed him to become who he is was really inspiring.