News Tip: Edwards Limited Political Background a Strength in Presidential Bid
Duke professor John Aldrich says John Edwards' background will work in his favor during the 2004 U.S. presidential race
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
U.S. Sen. John Edwards, the North Carolina Democrat who officially announced Tuesday he is a candidate for president, "has such little background in politics that there is little history of votes, bargains and the like to haunt him," says a Duke University political science professor.
John Aldrich, Pfizer-Pratt University Professor of Political Science at Duke, said Edwards has other qualities going for him. "At a personal level, he has the deep family, small-town, hard-working roots that serve him well," said Aldrich, who teaches a number of courses on American politics, political parties and elections. "He is very bright, quick on his feet, confident in the face of obstacles, well-spoken and appears well in public, both in large and small settings."
In addition, "He is Southern, with populist roots, moderate credentials and ability to appeal to liberals," said Aldrich, the author of Why Parties? (University of Chicago Press, 1995). "His peers in politics think well of him."
Aldrich can be reached for additional comment at (919) 660-4346, or by e-mail at aldrich@duke.edu.
