One of the burdens the Democrats have had to carry throughout the primary season is the baggage of their niche candidates, Al Sharpton and Dennis Kucinich. The felt necessity of treating them with respect has, at least to some observers, diminished the rest of the field and raised some questions about the seriousness of the party as a whole.
Now it appears that Courageous Kerry either really does respect them and what they represent, i.e., is afraid to offend their supporters, or is hiding behind them, using them as human shields.
John Edwards has now formally challenged Kerry to a series of debates “wherever and whenever.” (Link via Mickey Kaus)
Kerry spokesman Mark Kornblau said his boss was willing to debate “anywhere, anytime” but only if the two other remaining candidates, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Dennis Kucinich, aren’t left out.
One of the burdens the Democrats have had to carry throughout the primary season is the baggage of their niche candidates
Niche candidates? What do you mean niche candidates? Don’t you realize that they represent two of the biggest constituencies of the Democratic Party: aggrieved minorities and loons.