A Not-Quite-Ringing Endorsement

Barack Obama’s orchestration of an endorsement by John Edwards — timed to knock Hillary Clinton’s interviews off of several network newscasts — was a political smackdown for the record books. Not only did it change the subject from his 41-point loss in West Virginia, but it said what it needed to: This is my party, I call the shots, and this is over.

But the endorsement from Edwards, so long awaited it is practically past the sell-by date, was a semi-deflated event. Edwards came alone, without his wife, who is reportedly now behind Hillary Clinton because of her healthcare plan. In addition, Edwards insisted on complimenting Clinton in his first remarks, to the sound of booing from the surprised crowd of 12,000 that had spent hours assembling in a stadium and had heard nothing of a coming Edwards endorsement. Upon hearing their loud boos, Edwards awkwardly tried to press on over the sound while Obama began flailing his arms to quiet the crowd’s disapproval, as if swatting flies. The most poignant part about this shout-out to Hillary was how genuine it was; it is clear Edwards is far more torn than enthusiastic about endorsing Obama.

Can Edwards help Obama with the white blue-collar vote in the heartland? Not this week. Hillary will win them again in Kentucky, and Obama will continue to pay the price for almost completely ignoring West Virginia. There is hope that Edwards can help stop the bleeding for Obama in the general election with this tough crowd, but I would say more hope than likelihood.

The first thing the two men should do, if campaigning together is the plan, is attempt to merge their messages. Edwards was back last night with his old stump speech, more his voice than selling Obama’s candidacy. Also, Obama didn’t offer Edwards any real praise before introducing him. Talking up Edwards can only help Obama when he travels back out where people have trouble listening to him.

For now Obama got just what he needed from Edwards.

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