Election Recycling: Veep-Veep, Veep-Veep Edition
•Democrats embraceEdwards, sigh of relief heard across America.Kerry: "I've seenJohn Edwardsthink, argue, advocate, legislate and lead for six years now. I know his skill, I know his passion, I know his strength, I know his conscience, I know his faith."Edwards: "I was humbled by his offer and thrilled to accept it."Kerryinformed plane painter on Monday. Ticket to focus on plight of middle class. [ WP , NYT , LAT , WSJ , WT , BG , USAT ]
•Republicans unleash prepared attack: "Senator Edwards delivers his pessimism with a Southern drawl and a smile, but his message of a divided America rings hollow in the ears of an optimistic America that is united in meeting the tests of our times with strength and hope." Inexperience likely target.BC04official: "No amount of smiling and charisma will make up for the fact thatKerry'schosen a vice presidential candidate who does not really have vice presidential credentials, and it will hurt the ticket." [ WP , NYT , WP , LAT , WT , WT , BG , USAT ]
• Kerrydid not get to a short list; had 25 contenders, each with 30-page profile.Cahill: "He always wanted to have multiple possible choices. In his mind it wasn't a question of narrowing and narrowing. In his mind it was fully evaluating a lot of different alternatives."Johnson: "We talked about Republicans, we talked about businessmen, we talked about academics, we talked about people in the nonprofit sector."Edwards'performance at Bilderberg conference was helpful. [NYT , LAT , WT , BG ]
•Trajectory ofEdwards,a self-described "nice" guy, heavily dependent on his drive.Rahm Emanuel: "He's got a touch. You can just see it... that is an invaluable asset."Harkin: "This guy's got boundless energy, and he's willing to put himself in the thick of things."Daschle: "As soon as he came to the Senate, he became a star on the team... a center of gravity almost instantly." [NYT , WP , LAT , USAT ]
• Kerrymostly praised for selecting alter-ego, a safe choice. Analysis says selection is indication of confidence; a page fromClinton'sbook. [ NYT , LAT , BG , BG , USAT , USAT ]
•Media frenzy played intoKerry'shand.Andrea Mitchellknew Monday night. Joint appearance set for "60 Minutes;"NY Daily NewssendsNY Postcongratulations note with Australian wine.Wilner: "It drove us all nuts, but it worked for him - that's for sure." [WP , NYT , LAT , LAT , , WSJ , USAT ]
•One of the wealthiest tickets ever. Republican strategist: "A billionaire has picked a millionaire."Kerry-Edwardsexpects fundraising boost. [ NYT , LAT , WT ]
•Apart from trade,Kerry, Edwardstake similar positions. [ WP ]
•Ticket of former rivals followsReagan-Bush, Kennedy-Johnson.[ WP ]
•Business groups, executives hostile toEdwardsdue to trial lawyer history. [ WP ]
•Attention turns to North Carolina voters. [ NYT , USAT ]
•Owners ofKerry-Edwardsdomains seek thousands of dollars. [ WP ]
•9/11 Panel disputesCheney'sassertion he has access to more intelligence regarding Iraq, al Qaeda. [ WP , NYT ]
• McCainin freshBushad: "[Terrorism] is the great test of our generation, and he has led with great moral clarity and firm resolve. He has not wavered, he has not flinched from the hard choices, he was determined and remains determined to make this world a better, safer, freer place. He deserves not only our support but our admiration. Thats why I am honored to introduce to you the president of the United States,George W. Bush."[WP ]
• Hillarysubs forKerryat NEA convention: "There's a reason that the majority of Americans did not vote forGeorge W. Bushthe first time around. And, boy, do we have more evidence about how right we were." [ NYT , WT ]
• Clintonstill attracting huge crowds. [ WP ]
• Shrumwon fight for control ofKerrycampaign, brings message of populism. [ WSJ ]
•Recommended attack slogans: "Real Men Don't Need Facts!Bush/Cheney'04" and"John Kerry- On Your Side. (You Decide - Either side is fine with me.)" [ WP ]
•527s behind most negative ads. [ WSJ ]
•Election attention increases criticism of media. [ LAT ]