Release date: July 6, 2004
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or dhammac@emory.edu

Emory Experts Weigh in on Kerry-Edwards Ticket

Emory political scientist Merle Black, an internationally renowned expert on Southern politics, says John Edwards is a "very popular" choice for Democrats across the country, and many Democratic politicians will be eager to campaign with him.

"The choice of Edwards certainly helps in North Carolina, and makes that state very competitive. It will probably have much less impact in other Southern states because most usually don't choose the president because of the vice presidential nominees," he says.

"Edwards will be helpful in campaigning for Democratic Senate candidates in the South. Edwards is very popular with labor, and I expect he will be very useful in states such as Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia. He has an ability to connect with people who have lost jobs."

Reach Black at 404-727-6570 or merle.black@emory.edu.

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John Edwards will give Kerry's candidacy a needed boost, says Drew Westen, an Emory psychologist who has developed a political forecasting model that looks at the role of emotions in how people make decisions about political issues and candidates.

"For a campaign that has had difficulty arousing passion, there was no better way to balance the ticket," Westen says. "The selection of John Edwards may signal an important shift in the Kerry campaign. The consideration of Dick Gephart, who had everything to recommend him except charisma, who could not excite even the Democratic base in two runs for the presidency, was a worrying sign that the Kerry campaign did not get it regarding the importance of having a ticket that excites people rather than just representing the 'anti-Bush.'

"Edwards has the populist appeal and the Southern accent that puts many voters south of the Mason-Dixon line at ease. Most importantly, he has the interpersonal ease and comfort that voters can detect in the first 15 seconds of watching his body language that signals a successful candidate."

Reach Westen at 404-727-7407 (w), 404-375-6639 (cell) or dwesten@emory.edu.

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John Kerry's pick of Edwards is a strong choice, although not surprising, says Emory political scientist Alan Abramowitz.

"Edwards seemed to be the only one of the main contenders that had an effect on Kerry's polls, and gave him a boost. Kerry and Edwards see eye to eye on most major issues, and Edwards certainly brings excitement and an invigorating message that resonates with voters. He's an effective campaigner and will certainly be a good contrast with Cheney."

One criticism of Edwards is that he doesn't have as much experience as the other possible candidates, especially in foreign policy. Kerry, however, can argue that with six years in the U.S. Senate, including service on the Select Committee on Intelligence, Edwards is ready for the job, Abramowitz says.

Abramowitz is an expert on national politics and elections and the author of "Voice of the People: Elections and Voting in the United States." His expertise includes election forecasting models, party realignment in the United States, congressional elections and the effects of political campaigns on the electorate. Reach him at 404-727-0108 or alan.abramowitz@emory.edu.

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After hours reach Deb Hammacher at 678-358-6705.

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