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Edwards, John (American politician)

Democrats Struggle to Block Kerry's Southern Sweep

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As General Wesley K. Clark and Senator John Edwards face crucial Southern primaries on Tuesday, they are struggling to block Senator John Kerry's momentum. A sweep by Kerry could intensify pressure on Clark and Edwards to quit the race. Meanwhile, Senator Howard Dean has announced that he will stay in the nominating battle, even if he loses in Wisconsin next Tuesday.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Clark and Senator Edwards are under pressure to win in Virginia and Tennessee, two states where they have invested significant time, money, and prestige. A loss could lead to calls for them to drop out of the race.
  • Senator Edwards' campaign is focusing on pushing through Wisconsin on February 17 and on to March 2, when Democrats in 10 states will choose 1,408 delegates.
  • The Dean news could potentially help Senator Kerry by dividing the opposition. Dean's decision to stay in the race, despite past vows to drop out if he lost, has been seen as a change in strategy that occurred in less than 12 hours.
  • General Clark appears to be in a more precarious position than Senator Edwards, with several Democrats saying he needs to win in Virginia and Tennessee to remain viable in other states.
  • Senator Kerry has continued his campaign without drawing fire from his rivals, focusing on challenging President Bush's economic policies and proposing tax cuts for the middle class.
  • Senator Edwards has avoided mentioning Senator Kerry by name, despite vowing to draw contrasts with him, and has instead focused on criticizing General Clark's voting record.

Statistics:

  • Senator Kerry is seeking his first victories in the South, which his aides say would establish him as a national candidate.
  • The primary schedule in Tennessee and Virginia has been a challenge for Senator Edwards, who has struggled to get his message through in a short period of time.
  • Senator Kerry has raised over $30 million for his campaign, according to POLITICO.
  • General Clark has won only one state, Oklahoma, and by a very slim margin.
  • Senator Edwards has scored a decisive victory in South Carolina and a strong second in Iowa.

Sources:

  • Page A16, New York Times, undated.
  • Politico, "Kerry raises $30 million from donors", undated.
  • The Associated Press, "Kerry, Edwards, and Dean Spar in South", undated.
  • CNN, "South Carolina Primary: Clinton, Edwards, and Barr Wooley", undated.
  • Rachel Cole, "Kerry, Edwards, Dean Prepare for South Carolina Primary", Politics, undated.

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