Debate Raises Doubts for Kerry-Edwards Run [View All]

Different Personalities May Not Mesh Well

NEW YORK, Feb. 29 -- Sens. John F. Kerry (Mass.) and John Edwards (N.C.) played predictable roles in the final debate before Tuesday's 10-state round of primaries and caucuses that could effectively decide the Democratic presidential race: Edwards sought to shake things up and Kerry played it safe.

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For many weeks now, Democratic activists and party leaders have talked openly about the attractiveness of such a ticket, and by his performance this year, Edwards has certainly earned himself a spot high up on Kerry's short list of possible running mates. But Democrats watching Sunday's debate may wonder whether the chemistry between the two men would allow that, even if practical political considerations and pressures inside the party argue for it.

Kerry allies say privately that the Massachusetts senator is not a particular fan of Edwards, and a question to Kerry about what he has learned from Edwards about how to be a more likable candidate must have rankled the man who is in control of the Democratic race.

Kerry made no bow to Edwards's talents as a candidate in his answer. What he learned, he said, came from the voters he has encountered along the campaign trail. "I learned it in Iowa, and I learned it in New Hampshire," Kerry said. "And I think the reason I've won 18 or 20 contests so far, and I'm now campaigning hard to win others, is that give me a living room, give me a barn, give me a VFW hall, give me a one-on-one, and I think I can talk to anybody in this country."

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17527-2004Feb29.html