Political Buzz

If Huckabee has been the loser of the news from Iowa over the last week, John Edwards has definitely been the benefit of some real gains and solid momentum. That continued today as crowds at his events grew, Hillary started to take serious shots at his campaign - a sure sign that HRC is worried, and he received the one endorsement that any Dem never expects (or, after 2000, really wants); Ralph Nader.

Granted, Nader hasn’t specifically “endorsed” Edwards, but his comments this afternoon all but assured the dean of the liberal movement’s support if JRE were to get the nomination.

On Monday, Nader also issued a public statement criticizing Clinton as a “corporate Democrat,” echoing the exact words Edwards uses to challenge Clinton. Nader said he has watched Edwards from afar and sees his more pugilistic brand of populism as a “glimmer of hope.”“It’s the only time I’ve heard a Democrat talk that way in a long time,” Nader said, acknowledging what was, for him, a rare moment of praise for a Democratic leader.

“Iowa should decide which candidate stands for us,” he added. “Edwards is at least highlighting day after day that the issue is who controls our country, big business or the people.”

Both John and Elizabeth were riding so high today that they even decided to jab at Michelle Obama, perhaps the most well-liked person involved in the entire race. Even the crowd at the event was “shocked into silence.” Attacking Michelle Obama? How confident can you get…

“What he’s saying, is he’s hearing directly from the other campaigns, including Senator Obama’s wife, that well, Edwards, he may be a great candidate, but is he going to have enough money to go on and be able to win,” Mr. Edwards said.

“Can I say something first of all? We’re not going to have an auction in Iowa, we’re going to have an election,” he said, to enthusiastic applause.

Then Elizabeth Edwards, who was also on stage, jumped in. “I just want to say, cause I’ll say it later and I don’t want to forget,” she said. “You may not be surprised. But I am surprised, and disappointed, in Michelle.”

The audience was shocked into silence for a full four seconds, until Mr. Edwards moved things along by asking, “Who’s next?

The same insider info that has Huckabee continuing to fall in the new DM Register poll out tonight has Edwards doing well but behind either Obama or Hillary. Maybe a couple points back? Still better for JRE than as little as a week ago.

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Filed under: Iowa, John Edwards, The Blog