A little good news for John Edwards

DES MOINES -- Yesterday's Democratic debate in Johnston, a suburban town just north of the state capital here in ice-bound Iowa, was notable for little. No new ground was broken. Now-familiar themes and positions were rolled out yet again. And the pundit round tables dissected the performances and generally concluded that the campaign had not been advanced to any great degree.

But CNN reports at the end of this post-debate analysis that members of a focus group it had assembled picked a clear winner: John Edwards, whom we also singled out yesterday for a forceful performance. CNN reports that its focus group "overwhelmingly responded that Edwards came out on top at the end of the 90-minute debate. Many of these voters said he would get their vote if the caucuses were held today."

Good news for Edwards, who most polls show is in a statistical tie for first here with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in a race that is becoming increasingly volatile as the Jan. 3 caucus night nears. The downside: It was the kazillionth debate of the campaign, and it took place just after lunch, so viewership was probably light, despite later re-broadcasts.

But still, in a caucus system where every supporter's voice is magnified, Edwards had to have walked away with a little bounce in his step, like a salesman who had just reeled in a balky customer.

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[George Doctoroe]

John Edwards is the only major candidate who offers a chance for real, meaningful change in America. Our system is held hostage by special interests. He is the only candidate who directly describes the problem and what he would do about it.

[illinoismel]

Senator Clinton was the one that was able to really tell the people what she was ready to do in the first 100 days of her Presidency. Asking for everything Bush has vetoed (stem cell, SCHIP) to be sent to her, a budget ready to go, her ambassadors to the rest of the world . . .this is a presidential candidate and one that CAN hit the ground running from day one.

I am a proud supporter for the Honorable Senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

[Oscar]

Obama and Hillary will be hurt as candidates and presidents by their gender, race, and personality(Hillary).

Edwards has all the makings of a great president, who is popular, and cal use the presidency to marshall public opinion.

[Jay]

Edwards was in the senate and did nothing to stop the special interest group from have power. So why is he now predenting to hate them now. However, he keep say he fought them. yes he did and he made a lot of money for the poor people he represented.

[NC Mom]

What really irritates me is all these ideas and plans Edwards has are ideas and plansthat OTHER PEOPLE came up with AND PUT INTO ACTION in his home state of NC.

Where was Edwards when we were fighting predatory lending, or trying to get a state healthcare plan for children, starting the pre-K program? He wasn't even voting!!! And what about his job with a company that held subprime mortgages and foreclosed on people devastated by Katrina?

Edwards has never LED anything. He's never ACCOMPLISHED anything outside of his law practice. He even left his NC constituents hanging during his one senate term, while he ran around campaigning for himself. He's never FOUGHT for any cause from start to finish--except himself.