While I still hold a VERY slim hope that events could push Gore into the race, I have to consider other candidates at this point. I WISH I could believe in the promise of Obama, but he just doesn't look ready for prime time.
I like a lot of what Edwards is saying (how could I not: he has wedded Dean's message of political empowerment to his own orignal message of economic empowerment) even if contradicts much of his voting record in the Senate (just as Dean was not exactly a radical when he governed Vermont). And I currently see Edwards, with his populist message, as the one candidate who might have a chance of stopping the Hillary juggernaut if he does well in Iowa.
BUT I really worry that if Edwards won the nomination, he would be off the airwaves (as far as advertising is concerned) from about April through the Convention in late August, when he could finally spend money again.
During that time, the Republicans would run about $100 million in ads smearing Edwards with whatever sh** they feel like making up while he will be unable to respond. I worry that this will leave him as crippled a candidate as Dukakis by the time he is able to run ads again.
Please DON'T tell me that the corporate-owned traditional media will help Edwards get his message out for free. And don't tell me that the "internets" will be enough to combat the Rethugs' air war. Maybe in 2020, but not today.
So what is the answer? Do we trust the DNC to come up with ads that innoculate Edwards from the attacks? (I love Howard Dean, but did you see the ads he was running right before the Iowa caucuses in 2004? They're a major part of the reason he dropped like a rock in the polls there.)
I am seriously looking for answers as I would like to get over this hurdle and be able to seriously consider John's candidacy (barring an unlikely late Gore entry).
Thanks in advance for your responses.