The Obama/Edwards Ticket...

Posted by Brandon Crow on 08.22.2008

Is Edwards still in the running to be Obama's VP?

For those of you out there who had originally hoped for an Edwards/Obama ticket—or, after John Edwards dropped out of the presidential race—started to make peace, and eventually to like the sound of an Obama/Edwards ticket, there is still hope that it could happen...

...only thing is, the "Edwards" in the ticket won't be John. It'll be Chet, as in Chester.

House Representative Chet Edwards emerged yesterday as the dark horse favorite (not the public favorite, which remains Joe Biden) for the number two spot on Obama's ticket. Edwards has a lot of support. His chief supporter is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who happens to be the person who introduced Edwards' name to the Obama camp. "I didn't want to see a discussion of candidates for vice president without showing the House of Representatives... I just wanted people to be aware of the extraordinary credentials of Chet Edwards. And I hope he will be the nominee," Pelosi said.

Recently, Pelosi went on ABC's "This Week" and added that "for years, our colleagues [in the House] have said to him, why don't you run for president? He is an extraordinarily talented person. He is a champion for veterans in the Congress. Under his leadership, we have passed, including just on Friday, the biggest increase in funding for veterans' health benefits and other benefits in the history of our country."

Speculation that Edwards could very well be Obama's VP pick surfaced when some Democratic officials acknowledged that Obama recently told Pelosi she would be pleased with his choice for VP. Many officials, including a few within the Obama camp, have admitted that Edwards is on the short list.

If Edwards turns out to be the pick, he would bring some solid advantages to Obama. He is chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, is a nine-term moderate Democrat representing the GOP-leaning Texas district. He is well-known and well-liked in Texas but does not have a national profile, which could help Obama's message of change, as well as solidify the military and foreign affairs credentials. Furthermore, Edwards' district is not just any old district. He represents Texas' 17th district, which includes Crawford, TX, home to the soon-to-be-exiting George W. Bush.

According to Matt Glazer, a progressive blogger from Texas for Burnt Orange Report, the advantages Edwards brings include:

"He is a nationally recognized veterans champion in Congress, with strong military support in deep connections in the U.S. Army and at the Pentagon. Just this year, he's been honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. And as chair of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, he just authorized the largest increase in veterans' funding in the history of the VA.

Edwards is fresh face who won't overshadow Obama. He's a southern, moderate, white male in his late 50s who brings geographic and demographic balance to the ticket. He has humble blue collar roots, and has been known to speak Spanish from time to time."

Only time will tell if Chet Edwards is indeed Obama's pick. And time is running short. Most expect an announcement later this evening (Friday), as Obama is scheduled to campaign with his VP pick on Saturday.