Hillary's Strategy Last Night -- Help Edwards

Going into South Carolina, Hillary's only shot to win is to help Edwards so that Edwards takes enough support from Obama for her to sqeak out a close win.

Personally, I think it was a brilliant move.

It might hurt her too, but she can afford to take that risk, being in a far second place in the polls.

The objective was to turn people off from Obama by bringing up his negatives by making him look angry. In the process, she and him could have a slugfest, thereby making Edwards look like the voice of reason and civility.

I think it worked last night.

Then when you add in the news of Clinton meeting with Edwards after the debate, there's no doubt in my mind this was planned. It's good for her, it's good for Edwards, and it's bad for Obama.

Smart, smart, smart.

No knock on Obama, he had to respond. And any human being with a pulse would have reacted exactly the same way he did last night.

Nonetheless, Edwards came across well last night.

If we find this Saturday night that the final numbers are 35-34-31, or 34-34-32, then we'll know this strategy worked, no matter which candidate is in which place.

Kudos to Clinton and Edwards. Well played. Well played indeed.

but the margin between 1st and 2nd will be much greater.

and looks like he can fight. I get the Audacity of Cynicism and Doubt when I hear him give his pie-in-the-sky speeches about change and unity.

she and Edwards are fighting for the white vote. She came to cap Obama's knees, and she did it.

John Edwards was on his own. And he rose above the fray - and kicked ASS.

He stands up for what he believes. He isn't going to throw that away for Clinton or Obama.

Edwards is as calculating as anyone else.

He's a freaking lawyer, and I say that will all love and reverence for lawyers everywhere. I love them. But if you knew any lawyers, you'd know they think about everything they do beforehand, every question and every possible strategy.

Edwards knew what was going on.

The fight helped him, which is why he went along with it. South Carolina is his last best shot, what did he have to lose?

take advantage of an opening.
They don't want surprises; but if an opponent makes a mistake and brings something into the courtroom, they're probably prepared to pounce

in that strategy.

But I don't believe that it was necessarily a joint strategy between Edwards and Clinton.
Edwards seeing the pissing match between the two is experienced enough to take advantage of the dynamic to make some headway.
Likewise I think Obama's strategy was to take on Hillary; he was not a victim in this as well.

about how bickering wasn't helping get healthcare to kids.

This whole thing is a game -- we just need not get sucked into the theatrics and vote our conscience (and that includes people voting for their #2 because they are media lemmings).

I think Edwards hurts Hillary more in SC. I believe that 80% or more of the African-american vote will go to Obama. That pretty much leaves about 40% of the White vote (if in a dem primary about 60% of the turnout in SC will be AA) I think many younger whites will go to Obama as younger people in other states have. I think many older white women will go to Hillary (younger white women I think will be split). That leaves white males especially older ones who I think will be most receptive to Edwards than a female politician. I think that Edwards helped himself last night but I also think Obama will take SC by double digits and the real race will be who comes in second--Clinton or Edwards.

knew there were going to be fireworks between Clinton/Obama. And, Edwards was going to stand by while they went after each other. He did that.

Any intrigue between them happened after the debate, which seems to be initiated by Hillary. She could be working with Edwards now to put the nail into Obama's coffin.

Edwards has to win something in the south to show that he is an asset to Camp Hillary. If so, and Edwards can siphon votes from Obama, then it can be win-win for both of them.

Right now, Obama is the one with the most delegates or so close to Hillary for her own comfort.

they both did it very effectively.

And he shares support with Hillary. Obama's support will likely stand strong. Edwards will pull from Hillary. If he pulls her down, Obama's win looks bigger.