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The Kerry-Edwards ticket

John Edwards energizes the campaign and brings a message on jobs, education and health care that connects the Democratic Party with its populist roots.

A Times Editorial
Published July 7, 2004

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Most of the early assessments of John Kerry's choice of John Edwards as his Democratic running-mate focused on style. Edwards has a sunny, youthful persona that can help to leaven Kerry's dour countenance, and he gives the campaign a jolt of energy that the other rumored contenders, such as Florida Sen. Bob Graham and Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt, couldn't deliver.

But Edwards isn't just another pretty face. His strong showing during the campaign for the Democratic nomination was based on substance. His "Two Americas" speech - in which he talks in deeply personal terms about the obstacles ordinary Americans face in finding a decent job, getting a quality education and affording adequate health care - has touched millions of voters. His message also has connected with the Democratic Party's populist roots and exposed the Bush administration's particular vulnerability on issues of economic and social justice. It helps that Edwards delivers his message with a smile and soft drawl that contains none of Howard Dean's anger or Ralph Nader's quirkiness.

Edwards' political message is an extension of his personal history: the son of Carolina mill employees who worked his way through law school and became a champion of the little guy. Republicans wasted no time in reminding voters that Edwards is a multimillionaire trial lawyer who personifies the Democrats' dependence on campaign money from the trial bar. But Edwards has effectively turned that argument against Republicans in the past, saying he had represented "kids and families against very powerful opponents, usually big insurance companies."

Edwards faces a more formidable hurdle in persuading the nation that he is adequately grounded on issues of foreign policy and national security. The one-term senator from North Carolina came across as shallow and unprepared when pressed on those issues during the Democratic campaign. We'll soon know how well Edwards, known for his disciplined focus, has educated himself on those issues in the intervening months.

A debate between Edwards and Vice President Dick Cheney will constitute the most striking clash of styles since William F. Buckley debated Muhammad Ali during the Vietnam War. Cheney was composed and quick-witted four years ago in parrying a nervous Joseph Lieberman, who had been expected to match his gravitas. Edwards is no Dan Quayle, but there's no guarantee that youth and charisma will overcome old age and treachery in an Edwards-Cheney matchup.

Vice-presidential selections seldom have a direct influence on voters' choices, but Edwards already has perked up the Kerry campaign. Until now, Kerry hasn't taken full advantage of President Bush's declining poll numbers. Most voters have made up their minds about the president's handling of the economy, the war in Iraq and other issues, but they are still forming a picture of Kerry. The choice of a running mate is a defining moment. Kerry showed the self-confidence to choose a candidate who might outshine him on the stump - and he showed the equanimity to choose a candidate who roughed him up a bit during the Democratic primaries. In revealing the choice of Edwards, Kerry revealed a bit more about himself.

[Last modified July 7, 2004, 01:03:26]

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