Dean Ends Presidential Bid, Kerry and Edwards Engage in Compete Trade Debate

Strategic Insights -

The Democratic presidential contest took a pivotal turn on Wednesday with Howard Dean's decision to end his campaign, leaving John Kerry and John Edwards to duel over free trade and jobs. As Dean announced his departure, Kerry and Edwards began to aggressively position themselves in the remaining states, focusing on their differing views on trade agreements. Edwards, who has emerged as a strong contender after his second-place finish in Wisconsin, is aggressively pushing Kerry to acknowledge the differences in their trade policies. Edwards argues that Kerry's support of free trade agreements has cost American jobs, a claim Kerry disputes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Democratic presidential contest has entered a more combative phase, with Kerry and Edwards focusing on their differing views on trade agreements. Edwards is pushing Kerry to acknowledge the differences in their trade policies, claiming that Kerry's support of free trade agreements has cost American jobs.
  • Kerry and Edwards are competing in key states, including Ohio, California, and New York, where trade agreements have a significant impact on local economies.
  • Edwards has introduced his own plans to renegotiate trade agreements and protect American workers, a move that aims to put pressure on Kerry's record on trade.
  • Kerry has maintained that there is little difference in his trade policies and Edwards', citing their shared support for labor and environmental agreements in trade agreements.
  • The White House has also entered the fray, backing away from a forecast predicting average job gains of over 300,000 per month in 2004, a move that has further fueled the debate on jobs and the economy.
  • Edwards' campaign is funded by trial lawyers, a fact that Kerry's campaign has seized upon as a critique of Edwards' commitment to transparency.
  • Kerry now has 497 delegates, compared to Edwards' 188, putting him in a stronger position to secure the Democratic nomination.

Statistics:

  • Wisconsin primary: Edwards defeated Kerry among voters who identified as Republicans, 44-18%
  • Nebraska primary: Kerry won 40% of the vote, while Edwards took 34%
  • National survey: 9% of voters in Wisconsin's Democratic primary identified as Republicans, a percentage that matches the Republican voter registration in the state.
  • Delegates: Kerry has 497 delegates, compared to Edwards' 188.
  • Superdelegates: Dr. Dean's decision to step aside means that his 119 superdelegates are now back in play, with both Kerry and Edwards trying to recruit them.

Sources:

  • New York Times, February 20, 2004
  • Washington Post, February 20, 2004
  • Newsweek, February 23, 2004
  • Los Angeles Times, February 21, 2004
  • CNN, February 20, 2004