About two weeks ago, Kerry aides told the Boston Globe that a Kerry-Edwards ticket is “unlikely” and that Kerry is “skeptical about Edwards’ strength as a running mate.” That, of course, was when the two were still being nice to each other.
Since then, Edwards has taken on the role of a much more aggressive Kerry critic. It’s hard to blame him; if Edwards is going to seriously compete for the nomination, it only makes sense that he’ll take a few shots at the frontrunner.
These criticisms, however, further demonstrate why a Kerry-Edwards ticket is improbable.
The Washington Post’s Dan Balz, for example, noted today that Kerry aides have acknowledged privately that the senator “is not a particular fan of Edwards,” and in light of increasingly-negative jabs at recent debates, I suspect Kerry’s opinion of Edwards has not improved.
Indeed, it was Edwards who was accusing Kerry yesterday of offering “that that same old Washington talk that people have been listening to for decades.” It’s not unfair of Edwards to levy the charge, but it’s hardly the kind of thing Kerry will ignore when considering his short list.
Balz added:
Edwards’s allies debate privately what makes the most sense, if Edwards is truly interested in being considered for the ticket. Should he campaign hard against Kerry in an effort to demonstrate his vote-getting appeal in primaries and caucuses, or should he scale back his criticisms in an effort not to inflict damage on Kerry that the Republicans could exploit in the general election?
On Sunday, Edwards walked that line carefully, nicking Kerry but avoiding an all-out attack. Still, Kerry did not look pleased. If the race goes on much longer, the senator and his advisers may be even less charitable toward Edwards and his tactics. That is why, once Tuesday’s voting results are in, Edwards will face a most difficult decision.
The way things are going, Edwards’ decision may not really matter. Even if he stays in the race, one gets the impression that Kerry will be looking elsewhere for a running mate. Nevertheless, I hope Edwards sticks around for a while longer, because I remain convinced that this primary race is doing wonders for the party and our prospects in November.