I really think that after Feb. 3 it will be clear that this is a two-man race between Kerry and Edwards. Like (apparently) most of you, I think Kerry will be a sure loser. He'll run a very respectable race, won't get blown out, but won't win. The Bushes will just get out their playbook from '88 and '00. Whether it be Massachusetts liberal, aloof, arrogant, or unpersonable, these are memes they, and the media, will play. The war hero stuff will help some, but not enough. I see a five point loss and maybe fifteen states for Kerry.
Edwards, on the other hand, can't be tagged with any of those things. Plus, campaigning as a populist will force the Bushes to dust off their losing '92 playbook. It will throw them for a loop. Sure, they'll throw the trial lawyer crap. But Edwards can swat that down as he did with Lauch Faircloth. Inexpericence? Edwards has the same amount of elective experience as Bush, except he's been in Washington, dealing with foreign policy. Edwards will kill Bush in a debate, both in style and substance. Kerry might only win on substance which, as we all know, doesn't mean shit.
So, if I'm correct, you Dean and Clark folks are going to have a decision to make in about two weeks. It may not be the ideal one. But if you want to win, and you want someone less tied to the beltway establishment, Edwards is the choice.