After careful thought, I've decided on Edwards [View All]

[Armstead]

I've been basically non-committed in this nomination race.

I've finally decided that, in my opinion, John Edwards is the best of the bunch.

He's not perfect. I've been a little suspicious of the contrast between his current rhetoric, and his past behavior. (And some of his current behavior like that big ol' house.)

However, since none of the candidates is perfect, when I weigh the alternatives, he seems to me to have the best mix of qualities and positions.

1)I agree with his message. I like the fact that he's focused on poverty and on the excessive power of the elite corporate interests, and their effect on our economy and society. I think we need change, and Edwards is one who can bring it.

2)In the longer interviews I've seen (i.e. Charlie Rose) he comes across to me as sincere, thoughtful and able to combine the larger view with the details. He also seems to be honest about himself, and honest that change is going to be a long, difficult road -- but one that is necessary.

3)He could be electable. If he had the backing of the Democratic Party, he has the qualities that can resonate with "mainstream America" and capitalize on the "anything but more GOP" mood of the country.

I was going to compare him to other candidates both in terms of pluses and minuses, but it's probably best to focus on the positive, and simply say that -- in my opinion -- if he can make it through the primaries, Edwards stands the best chance of both getting elected AND delivering the reforms that are needed to move this country back onto a better track.