Will Edwards’ Exit from Democratic Race Help Clinton or Obama?
January 30, 2008
Since John Edwards didn’t offer his support to either of the remaining two Democratic candidates when he dropped out of the race today, it’s anyone’s guess which candidate his decision will benefit more.
My gut to tells me that Hillary Clinton has the most to gain from all this. Edwards was an establishment candidate, after all. Four years ago, he was our vice-presidential nominee. His campaign was based on the divisive notion that the rich don’t really give two craps about the poor. Those kinds of divisions seem more at home in the Clinton camp than in the Obama one.
I hope I’m wrong. What do you guys think?
People were attracted to Edwards because of his strong anti-lobbyist message. Clinton represented more of the same from that respect. I really can’t see the people I know who supported Edwards migrating to Clinton. The fact they chose Edwards also tells me that the “experience” factor that is cited in Clinton’s favor, is was not a big issue for them.
I think the qualities people see in Obama will be far more compelling to Edwards supporters.
The pundits seem to agree with you. I’ll do a completely anecdotal acid test tomorrow by asking my mom who she’s supporting now. She’s a hippie who supported Kucinich and then Edwards, once Dennis was no longer around. We’ll see which side she drifts to.