I Gotta give credit to the Edwards campaign for a novel way of attracting mainstream media attention for his campaign announcement. I don't believe for a second that the Edwards campaign was surprised by the premature publication of his candidacy. Last month Edwards said on the Daily Show with John Stewart to "watch the website", foreshadowing this actual method of announcement. This looks a lot like a typical manipulation of the media...and I think it's a great sign.
I think this is a strong way for Edwards to start his campaign. His success at creating press chatter a day ahead of his announcement shows a good knowledge of how to work the media, a required skill for election. Combining that with linking his announcement with Katrina and ward 9 in NOLA is going to make for a very powerful image. If he will be able to sustain this much cleverness and insight throughout the campaign he will surely go far.