Years ago, I was deeply involved in politics and government, but I'll save those tales from the crypt for another day. Now, I'm pretty happy that I am far from that maddening crowd. But I spoke to my one good friend who remains very close to the center of it, at least on the Democratic Party side where he rubs elbows with people who consider themselves to be powerful insiders.
He tells me that these Party elite believe that John Edwards will win the Democratic nomination. They believe he has the right message in his "Two Americas." They think he is primary savvy because of his experiences four years ago. These insiders believe that all Barack Obama is up to is making a dry run, so that he will be in the right position four or eight years from now. They also think Hillary Clinton is already too controversial and will implode long before the democratic nominating convention.
Me? It would be nice to have a personal friend who has a personal link to the president of the United States. I liked John Edwards the last time around and was among the first to predict he would be a finalist. But then I was absolutely disappointed at the vice presidential debates of four years ago, when Dick Cheney just aboutput him accross his knee and spanked him. It left me wondering if Edwards had the tenacity and stature to play in the Big Leagues.
I still wonder about it. Four years is a long time. Losing to this particular administration is a tough blow. You learn from that kind of stuff. Four years gives you time to think, to plan. I have little doubt that John edwards will conduct a fine campaign.
I'd like to be convinced that he will make a fine president.