JOHN EDWARDS and his wife will hold a press conference today in North Carolina. Wonkette and the New York Times have both hinted that the former senator may drop out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Some have speculated that Ms Edwards, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, may be facing a health crisis that would precipitate an end to her husband's campaign. But amid the rumors, there has been little talk of what the political effects of an early Edwards exit might be.
The Senator is definitely in what appears to have narrowed to a three-person race with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. But while Mr Obama appeals to the political idealists and Ms Clinton counts on the backing of centrist DLC types, Mr Edwards has always been the partisan, hard left Democrats' candidate. He's a trial lawyer, he's relatively protectionist, he has extensive union ties, and he has been the most vocal on issues that appeal to the lefty base — namely the war in Iraq and universal health care.
That's why, if Mr Edwards drops out, Al Gore has a great opportunity. He would provide a rallying point for Democratic partisans who would likely find both Obama and Clinton unappealing. He has perfect credentials on the war in Iraq and climate change, two issues that are very important to the Democratic base. And his higher profile would likely allow him to raise more money and attract more press attention than Mr Edwards ever could. The only thing Mr Gore does not have is a moment, an opening that would allow him to justify entering an already-crowded race. If Mr Edwards calls it quits today, Mr Gore will have just the opening he needs.
