I think he was perceived as all of the above and that's what hurt him. He was peddling a hot brand of left populism but it contrasted so sharply to his persona during his Senate term that, even if you agreed with his message, it seemed like it was coming from a snake oil peddler.
Not to mention his run in 2004. In 2004 he was MUCH more optimistic. Even with that though he only won two primaries: the two Carolinas. He wasn't as strong a candidate as he seemed.
Agreed. I was a college Junior during the 2008 primaries and was open to Edwards bc it seemed cute and progressive against the two behemoths. It did not take long to get turned off. Absolutely did not buy his schtick as a Southern guy turned progressive.
I don't think Edwards was perceived as angry. Incredibly fake and shallow, maybe.
I think he was perceived as all of the above and that's what hurt him. He was peddling a hot brand of left populism but it contrasted so sharply to his persona during his Senate term that, even if you agreed with his message, it seemed like it was coming from a snake oil peddler.
Not to mention his run in 2004. In 2004 he was MUCH more optimistic. Even with that though he only won two primaries: the two Carolinas. He wasn't as strong a candidate as he seemed.
Definitely fake and shallow. It was a precursor of revelations to come.
Agreed. I was a college Junior during the 2008 primaries and was open to Edwards bc it seemed cute and progressive against the two behemoths. It did not take long to get turned off. Absolutely did not buy his schtick as a Southern guy turned progressive.
That film footage of the hair was devastating imo