Four down, three to go. Today John Edwards
Pros: Run for the nomination showed that he is a great campaigner, good on TV and good in debates. Balances Kerry in almost every respect. From the south, an economic populist and quite personable. Even his relative lack of Washington experience allows him to appear as an outsider. Appealed to independents and swing voters in the primaries. Not strictly a regional candidate as his performance in such midwest states as Wisconsin and Iowa attests.
Cons: In all likelihood, won't be able to carry his home state. Not much foreign policy experience. A little too smooth?
Outlook: If the choice was up to the voters, most of the experts or a computer, Edwards would be the one. It's hard to find someone who better complements Kerry. But why do I get the feeling that while he should be chosen, Kerry won't pick him. And I don't think it would be because of the cons mentioned above. Lack of personal chemistry and institutional resentment may very well be the reasons. Nonetheless, he's a top tier candidate and has a bright future regardless of whether he's chosen.