I'm testing-out a theory re: VEEP, Edwards, Nader, etc.

Could Kerry leverage this into a more solid lead?

(This theory assumes that Edwards is on Kerry's short list.)
What if Kerry sits down with Nader and tries to make a deal with him: "I'll put Edwards on the ticket if you withdraw (at least in the crucial states) and encourage your supporters to vote for me."

Is this plausable? Most polls with Nader included show him getting approximately 5 or 6% of the vote. (It's pretty evident from combined Nader and Kerry vote totals that the American electorate wants to move the country leftward.) So.. if most of Nader's supporters (75%.. ?) trust Nader enough to follow his request that they support Kerry, Kerry's already-existant lead could strengthen. Meanwhile, Edwards has enough credentials to still come-off as moderate for swing voters in the middle..

I'm sure there are holes in this theory. Let me know..

i'd dare say that moderates (or at least those who'd vote for a pretty, new, face) outnumber naderites.

But who knows if Nader would go for it?

The problem with Kerry is victory is his, he tastes it...the election is being handed to him...but he needs something to push him over that edge...and whatever it is it's eluding him...

If I knew the exact reason why they are going that direction then maybe we could counter act that. If it simply "I'm against the system and the insiders". I'm not sure if even Nader could get people to change their votes if he put Edwards on the ticket.

But it would be wonderful if that deal could be pulled off. Nader withdraws and supports Kerry. We can dream anyway...