On so many levels, I believe that John Kerry has made the right choice in picking John Edwards as his running mate.
I started following Edwards last year. It was clear to me then that "JRE" was a different sort of a politician, and an absolutely prototypical Democrat. He's the kind of politician that makes me proud to be affiliated with one particular political party. Beyond his ideas, he has something that Kerry is having a problem communicating - charisma.
More than just a good guy, though, I think John Kerry recognized something -- John Edwards is a rising star. Even if Edwards was not on the ticket this year, he would have given Kerry a good run for the money (regardless of outcome of the 2004 election) in 2008. Should Kerry win this year, and get another term four years from now, Edwards would only be 58 in 2012 - and perfectly situated in the Democratic Party for his own turn at the White House.
John Edwards' message brings hope to a lot of people. The "Two Americas" stump speech is what vaulted Edwards to the forefront of voter consciousness, simply because it resonates so well. His populist style, views, and life story will all play well in the heartland. More than anything, though, Edwards brings energy to a campaign that has (at times) seemed anything but energized.
One of the problems I've sensed with Kerry, as viewed by the progressive community, is that Kerry is sometimes perceived as "Bush Lite". No one is under any false illusions that Kerry was determined to find a road that led to the end of direct U.S. involvement in the Middle East - but the Kerry's announcement a few minutes ago already gives light to some new positioning vis Iraq. "We will never send our soldiers into harms way without telling the American people the truth." So, maybe the selection of Edwards also ameliorates some of Kerry's potential hawkishness in the minds of, say, ex-Dean supporters.
The bottom line is that the GOP can say what it wants about Kerry - but one thing that John Edwards will never apologize for is being a progressive Democrat. And if only for that, I'm exceptionally pleased that John Edwards is on the ticket.
Oh - and I contributed money (more than I'd like to think) to Edwards. That's how much I believed in him. And now I'll feel a whole lot better about throwing a bit of turkee in John Kerry's direction.
