Discussion Thread: John Edwards Announces Presidential Candidacy on The Today Show

The Today Show

[governsleastgovernsbest]

There are published reports Edwards has already informed friends he will seek the Democratic nomination.

He will be appearing on The Today Show in a few minutes to make it official.

[leadpenny]

LOL! Wouldn't that be, "Then don't open up a prune stand."?

[Right_in_Virginia]

"I want to be a champion for regular people."

I wish someone would ask him to define "irregular" persons and explain why he's not their champion.

[Adder]

I note that while he has been "exploring" to run, he has NOT been an effective senator from NC. This is, on the one hand, a Good Thing. On the other, and more serious hand, the people of NC have not been well served at all by this part time senator and full time blowhard. I eagerly await the privelege of voting against this pompous liar again.

[Lee'sGhost]

Yes, BJ Jr. was out doing a little photo op yesterday and JUST HAPPENED to drag his kids out with him as though on a casual walk. It was all so formulatic it made me want to puke. And did anyone else notice that today happens to be the anniversary of JFK's announcement to run? That's no coincidence folks. Think about it, wouldn't yesterday -- January 1 -- normally have been the better day? This POS thinks he's next in the JFK/Klintoon line -- and he thinks being like the bent one is positive thing. Major hurl.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

"regular" people."

I guess that means people on high fiber diets.

[twyn1]

little photo op yesterday and JUST HAPPENED to drag his kids out with him as though on a casual walk

Don't discount the importance of this kind of "manipulation"...the pics of him w/ the kids (esp. the adorable little curly-haired blonde child) is probably good for a 3% bump up for the "soccer mom" vote

[Lee'sGhost]

"Don't discount the importance of this kind of "manipulation"..."

Oh, I don't! In fact it's part of why it disgusts me so much. He knows that as well and that's the ONLY reason he did it. It's all about image over substance. More Klintoon strategy at work and soccer moms are already wetting their . . . never mind. You get the idea.

[Aquinasfan]

From what little I know of him, I'm getting a strong Clinton vibe.

[twyn1]

Yeah -- I get the idea -- it's sad really -- even Juan Williams on FOX & Friends this morning -- first thing he says about Edwards is.."he's good looking" -- Cheese and Crackers! -- like this is the main reason to choose someone to run this country...alltho' it was funny when Steve Doocy said "okay Juan, other than the fact that you think he is a "hottie", what else can you tell us about Edwards?"

[mewzilla]

If you think Juan Williams likes Edwards looks, you should have seen the clip of Mara Liason going gaga over Edwards at a photo op. Euwwwww.

[GraniteStateConservative]

I saw that, too. She was star-struck.

[duckman]

When you see this list of "maybe's" it is obvious that all you need is money to run for prez.

[Hatteras]

"From what little I know of him, I'm getting a strong Clinton vibe."

How perceptive of you. Here's a clue from the interview: "Voters in NC: only 35% of NC voters want you to run for President. Why? "I think they want me to be their Senator."

[Quilla]

I saw that clip! I knew Mara leaned so far left that it's a wonder she doesn't fall into Brit Hume most evenings. But her 'gaga' (as you so perfectly described it) reaction was not rehearsed or planned but an accurate representation of her leanings.

[Hatteras]

The Imus show was tearing him apart this morning. One term Senator, only 4 years of experience in elected office, no military, lying, thieving lawyer, etc... Bernie said that maybe he needs to grow some whiskers first.

[Kevin Curry]

His dem backers are betting that soccer moms and other stupid swing-vote women will find him virile, attractive, and intelligent and vote for him less as president and more as a surrogate husband. Consistent with this theme his campaign will stress the economy, day care, health, and safety issues. It will largely ignore foreign policy and defense issues where he cannot contend with Bush (and which appeal largely to men voters).

Don't underestimate this approach. It worked for Clinton despite (maybe because?) he was a proven philanderer and rhino in rut. The Dems cannot win by simply claiming their traditional base of gay/femino sexual perverts and bamboozled racial and ethnic minorities. The soccer mom batallion is their Blucher's army marching to rescue Wellington.

[Hatteras]

Holy CRAP!, I always thought I was in enemy territory in my job... (The bosses are always making snide comments about Republicans and I just keep my head down and collect my checks) but the senior partner just walked in and told his buddy (my other boss), "Guess where I was last night? I was at the Edwards party!"

I'm listening from a distance, he's saying he was standing just 10 feet away when JE made his announcement. I think I'm gonna hurl!

I need to find a new job...

[Lee'sGhost]

The Edwards line re his "four years" experience is to compare to Bush's four years as governor. Lamestream media will NEVER point out that governors actually run governments, create budgets, manage divisions and programs, etc. Senators, on the other hand, only have to attend meetings and show up to vote (sometimes). Truth is, in terms of the day to day, ANYBODY can be a senator and look like you're doing something just by doing those two things. THAT has no comparison to being a governor.

[mwl1]

I saw the Lauer interview. Edwards was flat, at best, and his wife is a real dud... offers him nothing and the country even less. You can sense that she is the typical beaten-down congressional wife. Somebody slap some makeup on the woman, please.

[leadpenny]

Howard Fineman was on the Imus program about an hour ago and said that everyone throwing their hat into the ring are "Inside the Beltway" types. To him that means there is very little grass-roots support for a democrat candidate at this time.

He also feels this is why Hillary! is in the weeds and watching.