John Edward: It isn't a dash, it is a marathon

[LuminousX]

Democratic Politicians say Edwards has chance if he keeps campaigning

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards could find himself in good company if he doesn't deviate from his campaign plan, say seasoned North Carolina politicians.

"We always have to remember that in any presidential primary it's not a dash, it's a marathon," said U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, D-N.C., at an Edwards rally Sunday.

"You think back to people who were willing to lay out a plan, work it, take the knocks when they come and keep your eye on the finish line, they are usually the ones there at the end.

"Bill Clinton was one of them. You can go back to Jimmy Carter."

===

To use the race metaphor, as the candidate approach the finish line, isn't it about time to break from the pack? I guess that is part of a good campaign strategy, knowing when the correct time to pour some money into the campaign, buy the ads, and make the push for the finish line. Earlier there was a thread that indicated that as soon as Edwards got into the tv ad game, we'd see his numbers improve. I'm assuming that was an assumption based on his boyish good looks.

My general question as a campaign watcher, when is the right time for Edwards to make a push. He knows he really doesn't stand a chance in Iowa and New Hampshire, but shouldn't he be shooting for 3rd in both locations to at least show he is more than a regional candidate? What is his national appeal? Will the Northwestern liberals 'take' to his Southern charm?

[helleborient]

1. I admired Edwards more when he was focusing on...

Sticking to his policies and standing out from the other candidates (yes, including Howard Dean) by not directing attack politics.

But then came comments like these:

"Howard Dean's comments defending his record on guns suggested an 'elitism and a condescension ... that's enormously dangerous to us.'"

Accusations of "elitism" and "condescension" seem hollow without something specific to back them up.

To me, candidates who receive large proportions of their campaign money from $2,000 donors smack of elitism. I wish Edwards would define what he means by elitism then I could decide whether I agree with him not.

And stories of collaboration with Gephardt and Kerry to attack the frontrunner.

Unfortunately, I think Edwards' campaign is less and less distinguishable from others.

[DemDogs]

3. Edwards never made that gun remark

Edwards never made that remark -- do you have any source? I feel so certain because the remark would be inconsistent with Edwards' own position on guns.

Edwards has opposed Dean on issues of judgment and candor, not on narrow policy differences, which is what Gephardt, Lieberman, and Kerry have done.

[helleborient]

8. It's referenced near the bottom of the article that opens this thread...

If he didn't say it and the article is wrong, I apologize for quoting it.

[Chef]

2. Edwards

After seeing him on tv yesterday, I think he comes across as sincere and one of the more thoughtful candidates running. I hope his numbers improve as time goes on.

[DemDogs]

4. And Edwards has run a number of marathons

Does anyone know how many? I think maybe five.

[LuminousX]

5. Can he translate the actual marathon experience to his campaign though.

A marathon is just a metaphor. It is an apt metaphor, but just because he's actually run a marathon doesn't necessarily mean he knows how to apply the same tactics to his campaign. This is where his inexperience might haunt him a little. He needs a few more campaigns under his belt, in my opinion. This is not to say that he hasn't been effective thus far. He does seem to have some loyal supporters, yet, he isn't catching fire. He'll need to make some bold moves in the next two months.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

6. His metaphor

sounds like an excuse, like he's purposely kept at the bottom of the pack. Is his strategy to just wait until the other runners get tired, because I don't see that happening. Dean and Clark are showing no signs of fatigue, although Kerry is looking a bit troubled.

Edwards has been at the top of my list for a few months now, but in recent weeks I've been quite disappointed in his appearances. His MTP interview left me feeling that he's a bit naive, even though his heart is in the right place. Perhaps he needs a bit more experience before seeking the presidency.

[AP]

7. I hear Dean can't run long distances.

Bad back.

[SahaleArm]

9. He prefers skiing

:)

[DemDogs]

11. Marathon strategy at work

He is running this just like a marathon - steady pace, putting the miles on his shoes. Not exuding extra heat, because he knows how long the run is. He knows too that the last miles are done on gut, and there is no doubt that Edwards is tough where it matters.

As for campaign experience, Edwards has all he needs. He beat an incumbent in a tough state where he had to reach the widest diversity of voters of any candidate in the race. The only person with more useful experience is Gephardt, who has actual primary experience. Lieberman, despite his 2000 experience, doesn't have a clue how to talk to Democratic voters. Kerry had a hard race in 1996, and that was good experience for him, but that was his hardest race, and he ran it against Weld, a guy pretty much like himself. Dean came to the state house because of the death of the Governor and left office before what would have been his toughest race, after in his last race he turned off the real "democratic wing" of the Vermont Democratic Party by being their Republican-lite. If I had the choice I'd take Edwards' personality and political skills and Gephardt's experience, but if I couldn't have Gephardt's experience, I'd take Edwards'.

[killbotfactory]

10. Heard that one before.