Could the unifying link have been a Ted Kennedy/Tom Harkin-type of liberal in the race?

In thinking about this year's primary field, I realized what, IMO, is really missing -- and what could have been the cure for what ails us: a traditional passionate liberal populist in the mold of a Ted Kennedy or a Tom Harkin.

I believe with the right candidate, that could have been the missing link to bring together the squabbling factions. Both of them are unapologetic liberal Democrats with a solid track record. They epitomize the "bread-and-butter" type of liberalism that was the successful basis of the Democratic Party for so long.

Compassionate, but also in the self-interest of the majority of Americans. Tough but able to negotiate and compromise.

Solidly liberal and progressive, but still in the true center of the mainstream.

I realize Ted himself can't do it, because of his personal baggage. Harkin tried before, but didn't make the cut.

But IMO a candidate who had the same heft, abilities and message as those could do a lot to unify Democrats, and win over enough voters to bring victory.

What do you call John Edwards, chopped liver? At least he's running as a liberal/populist, he was DLC when he was in the Senate, though.

IMO Edwards has the right message, but he lacks a track record bit in length of service and in the votes he did cast. There' a disconnect there, that many people don't trust.

...had some kind of personal epiphany...after being away from the Senate?

Edwards was DLC, but he spent his life fighting corporations and helping
the little guy who was harmed by those corporations. Granted, he made tons
of money--but he could have been a corporate attorney, making just as much (if not more)
money defending powerful corporations.

Did his time away from DC has enabled him to really see what a rank
cess pool our government is? Edwards talks about corruption and how lobbyists
and corporations are too powerful. He said on "This Week" that our entire system of
government needs an overhaul.

Running as a populist, with liberal viewpoints--isn't exactly a winning ticket. It's
a challenge to explain these sophisticated ideas and easier to play the terror card
and appease the nation with platitudes. I think he's taking a more difficult road.
You don't take that road unless these ideals are in your heart--because you have to
fight more and the ideals can't be explained in two-second soundbytes and slogans.

The more I listen to Edwards, the more I'm pleasantly surprised at how progressive
he sounds. He seems to really get how corrupt our system is and that we are in
dire straights.

Many might call his DLC connections and previous views "flip flops" compared to his
current rhetoric. People do evolve and grow. Maybe taking a step back enabled
Edwards to "see the light."

I'm open to the epiphany possibility. But in larger terms he has to prove too much to too many people at this point.

I do disagree with you that "Running as a populist, with liberal viewpoints--isn't exactly a winning ticket." That's basically what Clinton did in 92.

But you know something, I think Edwards knew Hillary would be big going into this primary season, and he decided to flank out the left of the front tier candidates (this is what I thought Gore had been doing, but it doesn't look like he's getting into the race). He watched the enthusiasm over Dean last time around, and he took notes. You're right about the trial lawyer thing, I believe they are fighting the good fight.

in 2003-4, and Edwards and even Kucinich, who used to be staunchly pro-life and against flag-burning.

The stoic Kerry who faced machine gunfire and Nixon, Reagan, Bush1 targeting would break into tears over some of the stories he heard from everyday people on the road then.

Living in towns like LA who attract the discarded and disinherited was an eyeopening experience for me - the stories can break through some of the toughest walls we put around ourselves.

Some pols are sincere about being touched, others are calculating. I am most likely to believe the evolution of those who have shown a tendency to be compassionate in their every day lives.

never quite comfortable, the last time he ran. He told her
he is much more comfortable and true to himself this time
around. Chuck Todd, MSNBC reported something similar.
He feels more freedom to be himself and stand for his own
beliefs.

I've thought this myself. I think some one in the party told him, here's how you have to win in the South (be moderate/DLC). But he's thrown aside that play book, and shooting from the hip a little bit more.

x(

Not the most exciting of the bunch, but a pragmatic progressive.

could have made me switch from Hillary, but he didn't run. He would have been a unity candidate probably, acceptable to mainstream Dems and the fringes.