Hillary's biggest threat: Edwards or Obama?

Over the last two months, as Obama has sounded more long-winded, and as John Edwards has transformed into a more authentic leader, I have struggled with this question.

Who should us non-Hillary Democrats endorse: Edwards or Obama?  Many of us just wish they would join forces, or one would simply drop out of the race.  Most of their supporters share the same concerns about Hillary Clinton -- that she is indebted to the Washington establishment, does not say what she really thinks, uses wedge issues to divide voters, and would cause hardcore conservative voters to rally against the Democratic Party during the general election season.

These two videos from the Edwards Campaign pretty much sum up my personal distaste towards Hillary:

It is in Hillary's interest that these two candidates split the votes in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.  However, if Hillary loses the nomination, it will be because one of these two candidates fizzled while the other surged ahead.  The longer we hesitate on a decision, the less of an opportunity we will have as concerned citizens to make a difference in the Iowa Caucus.

And also, if you are doubting the impact of blogs, that skepticism might be mildly true about general elections.  But when it comes to primaries, blogs have a proven history of making a difference.  Ned Lamont beat Joe Lieberman in the Connecticut Senate primary because of the netroots.  Each of us can make a difference this time around.  What we have staring us in the eye is the most important Democratic nomination since 1968.  We must get involved in any way possible to prevent eight more years of closed government.  If Hillary wins the nomination, there will be nothing we can do other than endorsing a Democrat to run against her in 2012, who would surely lose.  Are we going to wait until 2016, or are we going to actively participate in this discussion?

Who should it be: Edwards or Obama?

I am introducing this issue today because in exactly one week, the Democrats will take to the stage in the last presidential debate until December 10th.  This is absolutely huge.  We will need to watch both candidates closely, and evaluate them.  What are their strengths and weaknesses, and how will those traits impact their ability to beat Hillary?  Both of them would make great presidents.  But we can only pick one.

So if any of you have an initial opinion, then comment on this post.  In the meantime, all of us will keep a watchful eye on the two in next week's debate.  Every few days, I will readdress this issue as objectively as I can so that all of us 'regulars' can make an informed decision.

Comments

[CV]

Edwards/Obama'08!
Unbeatable.
Edwards has the background of fighting corporations for the people they have harmed and organizing unions, unlike any other candidate this cycle (or any cycle in memory). He really gets what's wrong in Washington.
Obama is still wet behind the ears and his race will energize the racist right to prenet his presidency, but as vice president, he is less threat to the bigots and more nope for people of color.
Edwards speaks perfect Bubba and Obama will sweep the Northern Mod/Lib vote.
A DreamTeam.

[sagereader]

If I were a Republican, I wouldn't mind running against John Edwards. Anybody who knows his political record well knows that would be an easy race to win.

My first commercial would be on his 2004/2008 universal healthcare flip-flop.

Democrats would do well to vet him as much as they have done Clinton and Obama before giving him the nomination.

[Matthias]

first of all I am glad that this fundamentally question about the decision for a common candidate is mentioned and discussed.
Personally I would like to see Obama as the democratic candidate, because I favor his personality and his political positions but I must admit that I am not so well-informed about edwards standings.
But moreover I think the decision for Obama would be a pragmatic one. Obama is already seen as the biggest threat for Clinton by the media and he is the newcomer, he already has momentum because of this in the media.
To raise edwards in this position and to decline the position of obama (I know this words sound problematic but lets see the things just pragmaticly) would need a lot of work, and remember there are just two month to go until the first votes are cast

[Tyler Bezio]

Edwards/Obama 08 Sounds amazing to me. Its unbeatable, Edwards is charted to beat any of the Republican Candidates 1vs1 and with Obama's support it would be a match made it heaven. This would also get Obama more experience and set him up for a 2012 or 2016 Race as well! Go EDWARDS!

[george]

I dont think Edwards can win a national election. So I pick Obama. Although, i dont think he has the guts to beat clinton right now.

If clinton lost the primary she'd probably pull a Lieberman and go I. Then she can express herself for real.

[MLP]

I agree that Edwards/Obama (or vice-versa) is a very powerful ticket. on an individual basis, it's really difficult to choose between them as they both have merit and very little downside. I have had the opportunity to meet both of the men and both men exude warmth and confidence. I believe that each is genuine in their concern for our country.
I do feel that, of the two, Edwards would give the RW less opportunity for smear and innuendo, despite the 'haircut'.

[MLP]

By the way, will the debate be live-chatted here?

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Thanks for all your comments, everyone. I'm glad that all of you see the importance of pushing one candidate, even though both would certainly make great presidents.

MLP, it is 70% unlikely that the debate will be live-chatted here....because I will have work. However, I could put a live chat up and people could chat on it during the debate, even though I won't be there. :)

[Aron]

As someone who has taken a real interest this primary season, I have to say that I have been most impressed by Edwards. His vision and ability to articulate positions (and in detail) has been fantastic. His willingness to talk about important issues like Poverty, Labor and the like is really refreshing and I think that in large part it has been his agenda that the other candidates have been responding to. My support is with Edwards!