secret favorite

My secret favorite candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination is not so secret anymore...

I've been riding with Sen. Edwards since I first pulled the lever for him in the 2004 primaries. Any man whose given name is Johnny is alright by me. (don't let the NYTimes trip you up, that boy's name is Johnny. He went by John when he was on the come up). I'm keeping my fingers crossed, saying a prayer and lighting a candle for a dream ticket - Edwards/Obama!

Given the dynastic political name behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's rockstar status, my man Johnny has been pushed to the sidelines as an understudy candidate. Not quite 2nd tier like the Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel, and Chris Dodd crew. But not in the Clinton Obama strasophere either. Dennis Kucinich knows he doesn't really have a chance, which is a shame. That little man packs a punch. But when was the last time an uber-liberal former mayor of Cinncinatti was elected president?

Back to Johnny; cute, erudite (have you seen him debate? well if you haven't you'll have approx. 50,000 more chances before the primary season hits), and charismatic - he's a throwback to the Kennedy era, without the scandal. And his personal story reads like a Horatio Alger tale, poor Southern boy through pluck, smarts and good luck becomes succesful lawyer. Doesn't forget humble roots and commits himself to fighting poverty. He and wife loose son, Wade, but keep family intact and strong. Wife, Elizabeth is a brave cancer survivor and force in her own right. What is there not to like?

Besides he's incredibly electable! His North Carolina roots (campaign song would be by Peety Pablo) would help him carry the South. Not being an African American male or a woman, sadly also works in his favor, many Americans, who claim to be tolerant aren't necessarily ready for a President who's name rhymes with Osama (not matter how fine he is). Nor are many prepared to vote for someone who has gone through menopause, although she's one of the most talented politicans ever. I guess Rep. Maxine Waters won't be running for office anytime soon.

Get to know Johnny Edwards, and give him your not so secret support.