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Why Edwards Still Matters

Barring a miracle, he won't be nominated, but could be huge as spoiler

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 12, 2008 3:01 PM CST
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(Newser) – He may have lost Iowa and New Hampshire, but don’t forget about John Edwards just yet, even if he’s not going to win the nomination, writes the Washington Post’s Dan Balz. Trumped by the celebrity and fundraising might of Clinton and Obama, Edwards will likely have to settle for a role as spoiler—but in this year's race, that's no small thing.

With Edwards seemingly on Obama's side, the political calculations are endless. He could help Obama in South Carolina by siphoning white voters away from Clinton—but could also hurt him later by stealing away the same “change” voters that have bolstered the Obama campaign. If he bails before the convention, when and where he does so could prove all-important.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. John Edwards could either help or hurt Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the upcoming Democratic primaries, the Washington Post says. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. John Edwards could either help or hurt Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the upcoming Democratic primaries, the Washington Post says. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)   (Associated Press)
If John Edwards decides to drop out of the race, he will likely support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton, the Washington Post says. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
If John Edwards decides to drop out of the race, he will likely support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton, the Washington Post says. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., addresses an audience during a campaign stop in Summerville, S.C., Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. Edwards could prove to be a spoiler in the Democratic primaries, the Washington Post's Dan Balz argues. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Democratic presidential hopeful former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., addresses an audience during a campaign stop in Summerville, S.C., Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. Edwards could prove to be a spoiler in the Democratic...   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful, former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., leaves Town Hall Penn Center in St. Helena Island, S.C., Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 after a campaign event. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Democratic presidential hopeful, former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., leaves Town Hall Penn Center in St. Helena Island, S.C., Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 after a campaign event. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)   (Associated Press)
Democratic Presidential hopeful, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards could siphon white voters away from Hillary Clinton, the Washington Post says. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Democratic Presidential hopeful, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards could siphon white voters away from Hillary Clinton, the Washington Post says. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)   (Associated Press)
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Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John Edwards • Elizabeth Edwards • South Carolina • campaign fundraising • populist • South Carolina primary

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