Kerry picks Edwards as running mate

Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry chose former presidential rival Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina as his vice presidential running mate Tuesday morning.\n"I am pleased to announce that, with your help, the next vice president of the United States of America will be Sen. John Edwards from North Carolina," the Massachusetts Democrat told the cheering crowd Tuesday in Pittsburgh.\nEdwards, 51, is a former trial lawyer and first-term senator.\nLee Jones, the vice-chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party, said she believes Edwards has "lived the American dream," rising from humble origins to become a national candidate. She said she believes Edwards' place on the ticket will balance well with Kerry.\n"I personally think he's an excellent selection," she said. "He's the one I would have most preferred."\nBut John Shean, chair of the Monroe County Republican Party, suggested differently. \n"Sure Edwards' story will resonate with voters, but does it mean he's qualified to be vice president? No," he said.\nShean said Edwards is not the political moderate many perceive him as, but rather a liberal closer in step politically with Kerry rather than the average American.\n"I would have thought that the more prudent choice would have been someone who would have balanced out Kerry's liberal views, someone with more moderate viewpoints," Shean said.\nJames Andrews, a professor of communications and culture who focuses on presidential rhetoric, said he was not surprised by Kerry's choice, mainly because Edwards remains popular with Democrats. \n"I think if anything Kerry -- like all the other Democrats -- is really determined to win this one, and I'm sure that must have played into this," he said.\nAndrews said one of the things that strikes him the most about Edwards' entrance to the presidential field is the difference in rhetorical style between Edwards and the three other top-of-the-ticket candidates. \n"Bush has a folksy, down-to-earth quality. But Edwards has this ability to identify with people and still be articulate," Andrews said. "Bush sometimes has a forcefulness when he speaks that sounds sort of belligerent. Edwards can be folksy and down-home and still articulate very clearly."\nSophomore Nick Clifton, who supported Edwards' presidential run in the Democratic primary, said he thinks Edwards will outshine Kerry, and people will ultimately like Edwards more.\n"Personally I think the ticket would be better switched around, and I think America will think that, too," he said.\n"I think it shows that Kerry is not worried about looking presidential, he's just worried about winning," Clifton added. "But George W. Bush has already shown you don't need to look presidential to win."\nSenior Glen Coats said while he describes himself as more conservative, he thinks Edwards is probably the best choice Kerry could have made, and the choice may help Kerry in the South and Midwest.\n"I think Edwards relates to people," Coats said. "Kerry is a wealthy guy that not a lot of people can relate to." \nSenior Angel Rivera, president of the IU College Republicans, was more forward and said Kerry's selection of Edwards looks like a political appointment, hoping that he would help Kerry in the South. Rivera saw an instant contrast to the Bush campaign.\n"I think it speaks to the differences between John Kerry and George W. Bush," Rivera said. "John Kerry goes out and looks for someone who will help him get votes. George W. Bush looked for someone who is the most qualified to help in his administration."\nJunior Matt Brunner, the political vice president of the IU College Democrats, was more optimistic, saying he believed Kerry made a good choice for his running mate. \n"I am from North Carolina and have gotten to meet and see John Edwards on a couple occasions," Brunner said. "He is a very charismatic person, he is intelligent and he seems to have a very good grasp on the critical issues that are facing this country, such as health care, prescription drugs and the economy."\nAndrews said there will certainly be a contrast between Edwards and Vice President Dick Cheney in the vice presidential debate this fall.\n"So much hinges on image that Cheney is going to look older and more tired instead of a grave statesman," he said. "Edwards is going to look like the future."\n"Conventional wisdom says the vice president doesn't really make that much of a difference in elections -- and everybody points to Dan Quayle," Andrews said. "But this is such a close election and the country is so polarized, if Edwards appeals to a few people, helps tilt the balance among independents, it could make the difference."\n-- Contact Opinion Editor Tony Sams at ajsams@indiana.edu.