In response to Jon Stewart’s hammy attempt last night to get Edwards to declare his candidacy on The Daily Show, former North Carolina senator John Edwards coyly told his supporters that if they go to his website in the next few weeks, “they may see something new and exciting.”
“Dude, did you get a shower cam?” mugged Stewart.
Well, no, but Edwards offered another hint at his possible presidential bid in the same appearance. “Do you feel that going back into politics would diminish your effectiveness or enhance it,” asked Stewart. “Depends on what’s the job,” replied Edwards with a smile.
Edwards is showing signs that he’s ready to run. There’s his new book, Home, in which celebs and everyday folks tell stories about their childhood houses (the proceeds go to charity). Add to that his very well-publicized poverty center in South Carolina, successful attempts to raise the minimum wage in several states, trips to war-torn Uganda, and his appearance tomorrow night on The Late Show with David Letterman, plus various interviews, and you’ve got yourself a bit of a media blitz.
And of course where would any would-be candidate be without action in the blogosphere? He’s got that too, offering up details on his charity work and even the obligatory pics of his adorable offspring.
Edwards (who, remember, got 34% of the vote during the 2004 democratic primary) has been abetted by his faithful wife, Elizabeth, who said in October that Hillary would be “a formidable opponent” to her husband. If he runs.
Hypothetically, that is. Possibly.
—Jen Phillips
