Edwards, the New Comeback Kid?

In January 2003, a freshman Senator strolled out of his Raleigh home and announced his candidacy for President of the United States. I watched this announcement live, and new immediately this was the candidate I wanted to support and work for in the 2004 Democratic primaries.

I first heard of John Edwards in 1998 while reading an article in the Washington Post about his challenge to incumbnet Senator Lauche Faircloth. After his election to the Senate, I followed Edwards and was impressed with his star power. I saw him as the next generation of Democratic politicians who could build upon the successes of the "Clinton-way" of presidential campaigning.

Like many Democrats, I ignored Senator Edwards' lack of political experience because I believed him to be the only candidate capable of defeating President Bush. The senator's resume turned out to be a political liability after the South Carolina primary in 2004, paving the way for John Kerry to win the nomination.

Since the primary and general election defeat of 2004, Edwards has worked to bolster his political credentials. He has co-written a report with former HUD secretary Jack Kemp for the Council on Foreign Relations regarding U.S. relations with Russia. He has made numerous trips abroad, including a recent visit to Israel. He also has expanded his work to fight poverty, an issue Edwards believes will determine America's future.

Edwards' has quietly worked to make himself a credible candidate in 2008. His name ID is strong amongst the American public, and Democrats have a very favorable view of him. With potential candidates Hillary Clinton and Al Gore having high negatives amongst the public, Edwards may be the alternative candidate who can forge party unity and still win the general election.

Is Edwards the new comeback kid? Only time will answer this question, but any observer of politics must admit that Edwards has made himself into a candidate who must not be overlooked.

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