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We scruffy media types around here tend to get worked up about Edwards because he’s the hometown guy and the presidential campaign is a big story and hometown connections to big stories are happy things for us.

But less we get too carried away; there are some folks who don’t really have the hometown sympathetic vibe.

Randy Turner was typical of many when he wrote:

He made no contributions as a NC Senator and managed to lose twice in the same election - once as a Presidential candidate, and again as a Vice Presidential candidate. I just wonder what he'd do if elected to the Oval Office? What candidacy would he announce for in 2009? Our country deserves leadership that inspires confidence based on solid performance and the ability to clearly communicate a vision as they engender trustworthiness. It seems more and more clear to me that the most trustworthy among us are those who don't stand to lose an election.

And there was this note from Jeff in Greensboro:

John Edwards is a smart lawyer but otherwise just another pandering politician. He lacks the skills to run this country. America cannot afford another “on the job” learning curve President. Simply put, he is just another pretty face, with lots of money. If the public buys his “poor boy” background, then woe to America. Show us his new 100 acre estate near Raleigh and tell me he is poor. He lacks sincerity!

All that is there is still some hangover in North Carolina from Edwards’ time, or lack thereof, here. On Republican analysts honed in on this point while I was on the phone with him today. He was emphatic:

“I want to make clear, there’s no way John Edwards, should he get nominate, would win North Carolina.”

I paused and asked, “Fair enough. But is there a Democrat who can?” Tar Heels have been reliable red state voters in presidential elections.
Without missing a beat, the analyst said “Zell Miller could do really well here.”