  This should prove to be an interesting decision, though ultimately I still hold that no VP choice would change this fall's race from one that is Bush's to lose. Putting aside the idea that nothing anyone does will affect the outcome of the race (being that security, Iraq, and the economy will decide the election), there are many pros and cons about Edwards in the two-hole. Not the least of which will be how they quash the shortcomings Kerry himself called out about Edwards during the primary cycle. They can't all of a sudden say Edwards is no longer inexperienced in government or foreign affairs. So this should be a field day for the ad writers for the President's campaign -- They won't need a voice-over. They'll just clip together all the times that Kerry ripped on Edwards' experience! Who better to give testimony than the candidate himself?! As well, you have a man who's early in his career who's likely going to take this opportunity to make a name for himself. He'll likely be as in the fore as Cheney, in stark opposition to many VPs past. So it will be interesting to see if there might be a thought to the 2008 election cycle where Kerry and Edwards might yet again be opponents.
Then there's the stigma of Edwards' past life as a class action lawyer. While the one side can tout that he defends the rights of the little people (read: Democrats), the other side can run up the flagpole the thought that he made millions of dollars on the backs of the same little people. This courtroom experience, however, will put him on good footing in the debates against Cheney, but I think Cheney's vast experience will shine brighter in a one-on-one debate against Edwards (or any candidate for that matter). Cheney is very skilled at quickly hitting the high notes, ripping at the core of his opponent -- My memories of his performances during the Iran-Contra Hearings still ring clear. One good point is the complementary nature of the Kerry-Edwards ticket. Catholic vs. Protestant, Northerner vs. Southerner, oldie vs. young gun, stiff vs. personable, and life-long politician vs. neophyte. It does make for an interesting ticket. Except for the fact that they are both bleeding heart liberals.
Finally, there's the John-John issue. Both candidates are Johns... Can you hear their speeches and exchanges already? You won't know if they are pulling a Bob Dole, talking about themselves in the third person, or talking about their running mate. I do believe this is the first time in the modern era that the pres. and VP have the same first name. So, would that the choice of VP actually had anything to do with this election, or for that matter any election, this would make for an interesting study. urlLink Read more! 
