Perception of the Democratic base...

Media Matters spanks NPR's Renee Montagne for her approach to interviewing John Edwards last friday on Morning Edition. Clearly Edwards has a solid position on the Iraq war, and it's dead-set against it.

What's odd is Montagne's position that there's nothing else to talk about other than the war. That's not even a Republican talking point. In fact, most Republicans standing for election next year would prefer that the conversation move away from the war--it's such a loser for them.

But Democrats also know there's more messed up about Republican control of government than the war. Even if BushCo would somehow miraculously "win" the war, there are still numerous issues where it makes a lot of sense to get the GOP the hell out of power.

What's great about Edwards is how he's hitting those points home. He's playing to win here, when his opponents are playing not to lose. Emulating RFK is a good way to galvanize the part of the base that has cash and will part with it for the right cause. At a time when Obama and Clinton are falling over themselves to chase corporate contributions, Edwards is talking about poverty and New Orleans. He's talking the talk black voters want to hear. By regularly returning to New Orleans, he's also walking the walk black voters want to see.

This is why sitting senators have a lot of difficulty winning the White House (only McKinley and JFK in the 20th century). It's more than just having the free time to go to New Orleans when his main opponents are tied down in DeeCee mumbo-jumbo. It's about not having to straddle fences.

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