Candidates get ready to debate

As usual, second tier candidates like Bill Richardson and Joe Biden will have a lot riding on this Youtube debate.  The same could be true with John Edwards.  Both Biden and Edwards were out early in Waterfront Park, the site of the South Carolina debate.  In fact, the two ran into one another just hours ago:

So Mr. Biden’s worried aides sussed out what happened and – tryingto avoid the political equivalent of bumper cars – raced down thestreet to where Mr. Biden was energetically shaking hands. As theytried to warn him, Mr. Biden’s aides realized that the candidate wassurrounded by people. (Bloggers? On-lookers? Or spies from rivalcampaigns, recording everything that was being said?)

“Senator Edwards,” one aide said, putting his finger over his lipsto suggest that Mr. Biden not continue the conversation. Mr. Biden madehis way up to the fountain where all the action was. “What should wedo?” he asked. “Should we say hello to John Edwards?” His questionunanswered, Mr. Biden spent the next few minutes shaking hands andbuying Italian Ice for himself and four children.

Finally, he went over to where Mr. Edwards was standing. By thistime, Mr. Edwards was signing a few autographs, taking a break fromtossing a football into the water with Jack. For a long, uncomfortablemoment, Mr. Edwards didn’t acknowledge Mr. Biden as he signedautographs. Finally, Mr. Biden said: “John, I need one too!”

Over the last month, John Edwards has continuously been declining in the polls, as Clinton and Obama further establish themselves as the presumable front-runners.  This will be a big night for the former North Carolina Senator.  Look for him to perhaps be the most aggressive of any candidate.