Chances slim for Kerry, Edwards

John Kerry and John Edwards have gone their separate ways, but already some pundits are scoffing that either Democrat is on the road to the White House. -So says Emma Ratliff of the
Boston Herald. She says “Edwards, the ex-North Carolina senator who appeared overjoyed to be tapped as Kerry’s presidential running mate, yesterday announced he’s striking out on his own on a presidential bid as the Bay State’s Kerry continues to mull another run.” This may be due to Edwards always boyish glow and joyful appearance, because on a recent edition of Hardball, Edwards admitted to host Chris Mathews suspicion that he did not like running as VP at all.

“Edwards is obviously the more serious of the two candidates, but the two do have one thing in common: They’re both losers,” said Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

“Neither one will walk away with their collective 2004 base. Democrats did not vote for the Kerry-Edwards ticket because they loved either candidate, they voted because they thought the two could beat George W. Bush,” Sabato said.

Democratic strategist Doug Hattaway is more skeptical about Kerry’s prospects, though,as the Massachusetts senator weighs a 2008 bid. “Democratic voters are not big on second chances,” said Hattaway, and unlike Edwards, Kerry also will have to deal with the issue of his “botched Iraq joke.”

In a Dec. 11 ABC News/ Washington Post poll, Edwards came in third among those whom voters would select for their Democratic presidential nominee. Kerry ran behind Al Gore at the No. 5 position. Kerry is expected to reveal his intentions soon. Edwards’ press secretary, Jennifer Palmieri, could not confirm whether Edwards, 53, contacted Kerry prior to launching his own effort.

But she insists there is no animosity between the two former teammates, welcoming Kerry to join the presidential race. “Sen. Edwards feels that the more talented candidates in the field, the better.”

Kerry was not available for comment yesterday.