Posted on 09/12/2003 4:01:40 AM PDT by PJ-Comix
WASHINGTON (SH) - John Edwards is finding out that a pretty face in politics can be just as detrimental as it is helpful, particularly when there seems to be a general impression that good looks are about all he has to offer in his race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Barring some major stroke of good fortune, the North Carolina senator will be out of politics completely next year, and one supposes back at the business of chasing ambulances, so to speak. Edwards, who made his fortune in personal-injury litigation, has declared that he won't seek re-election to the Senate next fall. He will instead devote his time to the campaign he has been engaged in for the last year, though he barely registers in any of the categories necessary to win that honor - money, voter identification and enthusiasm, charisma and experience.
He, thus, becomes the latest example of political ambition run amok.
Having been elected to the U.S. Senate in his first attempt at political office, he had barely taken his first Washington breath when he became intoxicated by the rarefied atmosphere of the upper chamber and began seeing himself as far more than just a member of Congress. He was helped along by media references that talked of his movie-star looks and touted him as not only a potential Al Gore running mate in 2000, but also a possible presidential nominee in 2004.
So barely two years into the term that voters of his state decided he should hold for six, Edwards began spending his energies on a quest for the White House. It would be fair to ask him whether he has given his constituents their money's worth. One would suspect that the answer would be a resounding negative, especially among the Democratic faithful who now stand a good chance of losing that seat and its perks to a Republican next year.
Edwards is one of the younger victims of what Lyndon Johnson referred to as "Senate syndrome" - which infects many members with the belief that they could do better in the Oval Office than the current occupant, no matter what his party. Another was Gore, who after only a couple of years in the Senate and little or no experience in much of anything outside of politics decided in 1988 that the country needed him to save it. His campaign ended much as Edwards' can be expected to, unceremoniously cut off at the pockets.
The difference was that Gore had the good sense to realize his mistake and to understand that he needed a bit more seasoning before making such a move. He remained in the Senate until selected by Bill Clinton as his vice-presidential candidate.
Edwards apparently believes his decision not to seek re-election to the Senate relieves him of responsibilities to North Carolina and frees him to stump full-time for the presidential nomination. But in early primary states like New Hampshire, his numbers aren't even in the double digits.
The front-runner for the nomination is Howard Dean. Despite serving as governor of Vermont, he would hardly qualify as a major political presence, having spent most of his life in medicine. But the volatile doctor, with a penchant for shooting from the lip, so far has captured the imagination of his party to a greater degree than have more prominent politicians like Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri.
How long that will last is anyone's guess. Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer from Plains, Ga., who served one term as governor, managed to win the 1976 nomination over a large field, after the more qualified candidates did themselves in.
The Democrats have a way of devouring their own, so what is left to the victor is not spoils, but spoiled. By the time it's all over, the nomination might be worth the proverbial pitcher of warm spit - the value John Nance Garner placed on the vice presidency.
Edwards, who is only 51, might have become a viable candidate even with a background in ambulance-chasing had he given himself half a chance, and fulfilled his obligations before seeking new ones.
And build up his resume for his return to ambulance chasing in 2005.
He, thus, becomes the latest example of political ambition run amok.
Also the latest example of a politician becoming a sucker for Clinton promises. Edwards actually thought he had the inside track for nomination because of his support from Billy.
Funny you should mention Clinton. About a year or so ago, the Virginian Pilot,(Norfolk, VA), ran an article touting Edwards as "The Next Bill Clinton."
But that's what many thought he would bring. Sure doesn't look that way now. He may still be able to deliver NC as a VP, with all the manufacturing losses there, but I wouldn't even put money on that.
A great Freep would be to have Edwards autograph a copy of this article.
Are you kidding? That is the major stroke of good fortune. :oD
Unfortunately, spoiling so much for the rest of us (non-Democrats) along the way.
ROFLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately for me, I chose to drink lemonade this morning instead of ice water..... I am now wiping sticky lemonade off my screen!
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