Edwards Still Neutral

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK — John Edwards is still neutral.

Speaking just a few minutes ago at today’s state convention of the N.C. Young Democrats, Edwards praised both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton as “progressive, Democratic” candidates.

“I know them both very, very well, having competed with them over and over and over,“ said the former senator from North Carolina and former presidential candidate. “We would be blessed as a nation to have either one of them as our president. And I’ll say to all of you, we’d be a lot more blessed to have either one of them as president and not have John McCain as president.“

After his speech, Edwards was cornered by reporters, but gave no indication when — or if — he would make an endorsement in the race. “When I have something to say, I’ll let you guys know,“ he said.

Edwards’ failure to endorse has surprised many Democrats. Today, New York magazine published a story about his indecision. The story, citing an unnamed Democratic strategist, puts it this way:

“Obama blew it. Speaking to Edwards on the day he exited the race, Obama came across as glib and aloof. His response to Edwards’s imprecations that he make poverty a central part of his agenda was shallow, perfunctory, pat. Clinton, by contrast, engaged Edwards in a lengthy policy discussion. Her affect was solicitous and respectful. When Clinton met Edwards face-to-face in North Carolina ten days later, her approach continued to impress; she even made headway with Elizabeth. Whereas in his Edwards sit-down, Obama dug himself in deeper, getting into a fight with Elizabeth about health care, insisting that his plan is universal (a position she considers a crock), high-handedly criticizing Clinton’s plan (and by extension Edwards’s) for its insurance mandate.“

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