I know, I know -- I should prepare for incoming. But I've been thinking about this for a little bit. I think I could see John Edwards leading the Democratic National Committee as Chair. I'm not ready to endorse quite yet, but I could see him doing this. A John Edwards candidacy for DNC chair brings a plethora of pros and cons.
We'll start with the negative. It's widely-known that John Edwards is quite ambitious. What's more, it's widely known that John Edwards has his eye on the 2008 race. It's also privately known that John Edwards presence as VP did not add the "umph" people originally thought. I think we can get beyond the "umph" factor and the ambitious piece. I would actually be a bit afraid of an umabitious presidential candidate. And Edwards is still new. He's gotten quite far for a newbie, but he's still relatively green.
The 2008 race thing is a bit tricky. He would have to be completely unbiased in that position and would have to agree to serve faithfully for four years -- something he would be loathe to do. But I don't think that would be a bad thing. I like Edwards, but think he should sit out 2008 anyway. In 2012 or 2016, I think he would be at his prime and ready for live action.
The positive. He's Southern. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that didn't bring us anything in this past race, I know. But John is a life-long Southerner and I think he could help the party evaluate and redefine how we court that electorate. He's articulate. You don't have to tell me: You're sick of hearing about the mill worker bit. Well, I think that is the only part of the Kerry-Edwards personal narrative that connected with regular folks. It's a sincere and appropriate message. Not too many people I know married rich heiresses or attended Yale or grew up in Mozambique. But many people do understand the sentiment behind the millworker story. Coupled with the One America theme, which is a double entendre considering the focus on Red and Blue. "We must build One America and the Democratic Party is that party that can do it."
Don't know too much about Edwards' ability to manage. That would be my only concern. But serving as DNC Chair -- if done appropriately -- would position him for a run in the future. Even if a Democrat did run and win in 2008, Edwards could be appointed to a Cabinet position, etc. I think he is in a strong position to serve the party well after four years as DNC chair, then run for the big slot again.
So, who is with me in drafting John Edwards? He should at least seriously consider it.