July 11, 2004

Kerry-Edwards Dem Team Fixes on Class Warfare

Now we can get down to serious politicking since Tweedledee and Tweedledum – err, John Kerry and John Edwards – have kissed and made up.  

Poor Rep. Richard Gephardt. He carried water so long for the labor unions.

Unfortunately, as House Speaker for many years, he compromised with Republicans to get largess for liberals.  

In politics, the response is: "But what have you done for me lately?"

Gone is the malarkey of selecting a vice-president qualified to take over leading the free world should misfortune overtake the president.

Or, of bringing wavering states into the electoral fold.

Democrats dub their not-quite-ready-for-prime-time team as the "John-John" candidates. This nostalgic back-to-the-future bit of Kennedyesque challenges credulity.

Reality is that Kerry is from Dullsville, and Edwards from Pizzazz. This according to beltway media types who specialize in baiting bears.

Thus we now have a pair of populist liberals expressing their identical, political philosophy in different accents – "mais oui" and "yawl."

It is mind boggling to watch two multi-millionaires play the class-warfare card. "Hey, we feel your pain – just not as much."

It is to laugh. Manor-born Kerry married his millions (billions?). Lawyer Edwards squeezed his out of hapless defendants in personal-injury lawsuits.

This is a unique pair to tax other people’s money earned by sweat of brow and/or risk of savings in the free market.  

Puzzling is how the "working class" seems to be attracted to wealthy Democrats while suspicious of middle-class Republicans.  

It is instructive to review the qualifications that Kerry told the Washington Post was the criteria for choosing Edwards.

Foremost was "someone with a distinguished record of leadership." Edwards has served part term as a U.S. senator for North Carolina. He excelled as a pipeline for the American Trial Lawyers Association in squashing court reforms.

Next, Kerry wanted "someone committed to my core agenda." The non-partisan National Journal of politics ranks Kerry and Edwards the first and fourth most liberal senators. They voted nearly alike on core issues.

Thirdly, Kerry wanted "someone with ability to campaign in all parts of the country." During the Dem primaries, Edwards carried South Carolina but lost in his home state and all other "southern" states -- plus the border states of Tennessee and Virginia.

Kerry insisted he wanted "someone compatible on every level." Here, Edwards shines. He stayed positive toward his fellow senator throughout the primaries. Pundits averred he was campaigning for the vice-presidency.

Finally, said Kerry, he wanted "someone immediately ready to assume the presidency at any moment." The prospect of a tort lawyer -- with no administrative experience, and precious little public service -- running the nation gives political scientists the shivers.

It is true that Edwards is a boyish 51, articulate, with a ready smile that eclipses that of President Carter. He kisses babies compulsively and bear-hugs any adult standing.

Don’t underestimate Edwards. Sex appeal sells. An overly large segment of the electorate is impressed with people famous for being famous. Ability? Fergedit.

Polls indicate ladies are enthralled with Edwards. Babies are noncommittal.

 Rural folks of all ages, sexes, colors and political persuasion are said be impressed with his "down home" demeanor. Indeed, Edwards scored well in Iowa where the tall corn grows.

Edwards’ problem will be trying to keep from upstaging his boss.

Democratic leaders salivate over the prospect of their hugely-successful, courtroom-persuader of juries debating the incumbent vice-president. They expect Edwards to make dog meat of Cheney.

Careful, Cheney is an experienced campaigner. He is noted for smiling shyly as he slips a shiv between the ribs.

It is likely the match between Halliburton Cheney and Trial Lawyer Association Edwards will be a standoff.

Thus, fireworks will center on the big guys and two issues -- the economy and the war against terrorism.

Make that the ability of Kerry-Edwards and surrogates to convince a majority of Americans that Republicans victimize them.

Don’t underestimate the power of the incumbent White House bully pulpit.  

A presidential election is the great American pastime. It will be decided by an "October surprise," not by palaver, big bucks or charisma.  

Fasten your seat belts.

Lindsey Williams is a Sun columnist who can be reached at linwms@lindseywilliams.org