Edwards could be a very strong candidate in 2008 or 2012, but I don't see why some are drinking the JE Kool~Aid. People are getting carried away w/ the regional appeal thing.
Essentially, the right can run on their bread & butter issue, terror. They can portray Edwards as a Southern whimp who's can't protect us, just like Jimmy Carter. And a guy who's too inexperienced & Ken Doll~looking to be trusted, Quayle.
Basically, they can throw the "don't wanna change horses in the middle of the race" card at him.
Imo Edwards won't be so great when the media starts to critique him. He has faced NO scrutiny as yet, unlike the other top 3 candidates.