CQ Politics | Sen. John Edwards

Sen. John Edwards, North Carolina, Democratic

Edwards’ turn as the most recent Democratic vice presidential nominee might, in some election cycles, have made him the front-runner for the next presidential nomination. But the 2004 John Kerry/Edwards ticket lost narrowly and he has been overshadowed by New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, the front-runner for the 2008 Democratic nomination. Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina, maintains strengths, including charisma, generally liberal positions, a trademark issue in fighting poverty and sympathy for his wife Elizabeth’s battle against cancer. But polls suggest he lacks a defined image and he has struggled to keep up with other top-tier opponents.

In-Depth CQ Politics Profile

Brief Biography

Residence:Chapel Hill, N.C.
Born:June 10, 1953; Seneca, S.C.
Religion:Methodist
Family:Wife, Elizabeth Edwards; four children (one deceased)
Education:North Carolina State U., B.S. 1974 (textiles) ; U. of North Carolina, J.D. 1977
Military service:None
Career:Lawyer
Political Highlights:U.S. Senate, 1999-2005; sought Democratic nomination for president, 2004; Democratic nominee for vice president, 2004; sought Democratic nomination for president, 2008