NPR: The Importance of Being John Edwards ... For Now

The Importance of Being John Edwards ... For Now

Right now, John Edwards is one of the most important men in the Democratic Party ... particularly if your name is Hillary Clinton.

CNN reports that Sen. Clinton confirmed she has had conversations with Edwards since they had an in-person meeting two weeks ago. Clinton talked about her long term friendship with Edwards on ABC's Good Morning America. (And as our Political Editor Ken Rudin points out, she invoked him by name twice during Thursday night's debate.)

Edwards has yet to announce his support for either Clinton or Senator Barack Obama (who has also been heavily courting the former North Carolina senator). As one of the few high-profile Democrats yet to announce a preference between the two, and a former presidential candidate himself, an Edwards' endorsement is seen as a much-desired plum.

Earlier articles in the media indicated that people who know Edwards say he is having a very hard time deciding between two people he likes very much, and is aware of how important his endorsement could be. Not to mention that, as Senior Washington Editor Ron Elving says, the moment he actually makes the endorsement he "disappears" again.

1:53 PM ET | 02-22-2008 | permalink

Comments

Had Edwards endorsed Clinton or Obama the day he left the race, it might have meant something. Today, it's a photo op. His endorsement does not equate to a gift of "his" 26 delegates; they are not bound by their earlier decision or his wishes. And don't you think that after 7 weeks, each one of those delegates has had a chance to decide for themselves between Clinton and Obama?

Sent by Marla | 2:58 PM ET | 02-22-2008

Dare I say that John Edwards is playing his cards close to the chest for a reason? Let's hope he makes the correct choice and chooses the nominee who will give him a place on the ticket, a Cabinet post or makes him our next Attorney General.

Sent by Nancy Sullivan | 3:47 PM ET | 02-22-2008

The typical pattern for nominations:
(in hard fought close primaries)

1st place: Presidential nominee
2nd place: sore loser (left behind)
3rd place: V.P. Nominee (that would be John E.)

Sent by Harold | 11:02 AM ET | 02-25-2008

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