It is good to see Edwards getting some endorsements. But the question still remains if he can beay Bush on economy alone with a not so impressive record on defence issues.
Editorial: Edwards more appealing
Savannah Morning News
WHEN GEORGIA Democrats go to the polls Tuesday to vote in the state's "Super Tuesday" primary, most will be choosing the candidate they think has the best chance of defeating President Bush in the November general election.
We believe North Carolina Sen. John Edwards would give the incumbent a run for his money.
Mr. Edwards, 50, has declined to run for re-election in the Tar Heel State after serving one undistinguished term in Washington. What he lacks in legislative experience, however, he makes up for in his ability to communicate with audiences, a skill he honed in his career as a successful trial lawyer.
Most who saw Mr. Edwards on the stump at a campaign stop Feb. 20 in Johnson Square can attest to his skill as an orator, his ability to connect with a crowd and to deliver a rousing speech that enunciates traditional Democratic Party themes -- all done in a folksy way with touches of humor.
Mr. Edwards' record can't measure up to that of the Democratic front-runner, four-term Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry. But neither has he displayed a propensity to flip-flop on so many issues as Mr. Kerry has over the years. Mr. Edwards may be a bit of an unknown, but so is Mr. Kerry in a bizarre way -- voters can't be sure where Mr. Kerry will stand on some of the most important issues of the day.
An inability to take strong, clear positions isn't a sign of intellectual depth, but rather political opportunism. The White House, no matter who occupies it, needs steady leadership, not waffling.
Mr. Edwards is simply a more appealing candidate than Mr. Kerry, and his Southern roots and charm would match up well with President Bush in the presidential debates next fall.
Mr. Kerry has won all but two of the Democratic primaries so far (Mr. Edwards only one), but the race is by no means over. Super Tuesday offers a whopping 10 contests, including such delegate-rich states as California, New York, Texas and Ohio, providing Mr. Edwards his last, best chance to stage a comeback and stall the Kerry momentum.
Democrats can affirm the status quo, or they can vote for the man who stands the best chance in November. That's John Edwards.
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