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Posted: December 6, 2007 5:25 PM
Edwards Strategy: Stay Above Clinton-Obama Fray
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The harsh tone of Democratic candidate and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards last month has given way to a more positive tone.

Politico’s David Paul Kun said Edwards “played good cop” in a New Hampshire candidate forum. And according to CNN’s Candy Crowley the ratcheted-up rhetoric between the Democratic front-runners, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., may offer Edwards a chance to step back and gain support as an observer. The New York Times also picked up on this new wait-and-see approach.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Edwards said his experience in 2004 has made him a more “seasoned” candidate and he is still confident about his chances.

Columnists Froma Harop and E.J. Dione said Edwards will need a “January surprise,” but didn’t rule it out.

To ensure his Hawkeye supporters are ready for the big day, the campaign has produced a seven-minute video laying out the caucus process. The AP reports the video even gives hints on how to record the Orange Bowl and reminds folks to bring snacks (might be a long night).

This week, Edwards also gained the support of Rep. Bruce Bailey, D-Iowa, which could help him with rural support, The Washington Post reports.

A new Washington Post/ABC poll has Clinton’s lead narrowing. Edwards’ camp launched a new ad in New Hampshire that focuses on the idea of corruption in Washington. You can see the ad at the campaign website. Edwards argues that a change of party in the White House is not necessarily an end to the influence of industry lobbyists.

Yesterday, ahead of a White House announcement on the mortgage crisis, the Los Angles Times reported on Edwards’ call for a seven-year freeze on interest rates for families in mortgage trouble. President Bush went with a five-year freeze.

This week, Edwards plans stops in South Carolina before heading back up north for events in New Hampshire. He’s slated to head back to Iowa and then participate in the Des Moines Register’s Democratic Presidential debate Dec. 13.