Opinion: John Edwards picks up a potentially helpful endorsement

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

DES MOINES -- John Edwards today picked up the endorsement of Mari Culver, the wife of Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, and while it’s not an Oprah-sized endorsement, it can’t hurt with just over two weeks to go before the Jan. 3 caucuses.

Speaking in a wood-paneled performance space here on the fourth floor of the Temple for Performing Arts -- great name, that -- Culver told more than 250 people that beyond policy issues, she believes the former North Carolina senator can win a general election because he ‘inspires the best in people. His message has always been rooted in optimism and opportunity, and lifting people up. And that inspires people to their highest calling.’

Culver initially was going to stay neutral in the Democratic caucuses, but she decided to jump in for Edwards, whom she supported four years ago when her husband was state secretary of state. Then, as now, Chet Culver is remaining neutral.

As a rule, endorsements don’t carry an awful lot of weight unless they come with strong political machinery to get people to the caucuses. Also today, U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack of Iowa announced his suppport for Barack Obama, so it could be the two endorsements cancel each other out -- part of a slew of endorsement announcements that have trickled out in recent months.

But having such a high-profile woman publicly backing Edwards can’t hurt him in a race in which gender is part of the undercurrent. And the timing is good for him as Obama continues to surge here and Hillary Clinton seems stuck in idle, judging by the polls. Edwards trails slightly in most polls, though he remains within a statistical tie for first in what is a very fluid race. A Diageo/Hotline poll the other day showed 8% undecided -- and 44% saying they could still change their minds.

So every voice counts at this point.

-- Scott Martelle