Paul Krugman on "the Edwards Effect"

Op-Ed columnist Paul Krugman has a nice column of the effect of John Edwards departure from the field of candidates for the presidency. I, not surprisingly, agree with just about everything Mr. Krugman says. He is so good at hitting the nail right on the head and continues to be one of the only reasons left to continue to read the Times.

From New York Times by PAUL KRUGMAN:
"The Edwards Effect" —

At the beginning of 2007, it seemed likely that the Democratic nominee would run a cautious campaign, without strong, distinctive policy ideas. That, after all, is what John Kerry did in 2004.

If 2008 is different, it will be largely thanks to Mr. Edwards. He made a habit of introducing bold policy proposals — and they were met with such enthusiasm among Democrats that his rivals were more or less forced to follow suit.
...
One thing is clear, however: whichever candidate does get the nomination, his or her chance of victory will rest largely on the ideas Mr. Edwards brought to the campaign.