Talking about seedy political tactics, see TPM on Karl Rove's past activities here.
Many Democrats find John Edwards very appealing, though some might honestly admit that he is a bit slender on the experience side (no fair comparing him to Bush!). A reader of Four Trials gets a sense why -- Edwards seems like a down to earth guy, someone who could be your neighbor, and attached to the values that this entails. His energy and positive style matched with a "two Americas" economic message (focusing on the value of work, which can appeal even to many conservative sorts) has wide appeal.
A trial lawyer might not be an attractive character to some, but one that is a child of a mill family and defended ordinary victims is a bit different. And, the tragic death of his son only adds to the general appeal. This is someone who one can relate to and feel can do the same. His wife fits in nicely. Elizabeth Edwards is personable, smart (the two met in law school), and has a totally down to earth look. And, though she is a smart career woman, her decision to have more children promotes a maternal image that does wonders.
She also is quite on message:
Two stops in Michigan today left me really heartened about this election -- our voters are so incredibly motivated. I mean really -- when people on corners jump up and down and pump their fists for wives of candidates, I'd say they are motivated. I started to type "race" instead of election in the second sentence, but such language connoted a game, and this is anything but a game. This is a fight for decent, honest leadership dedicated to making the lives of all Americans better -- things that ought to be a given now have to be won in an election. But they are not, and so we fight on. ....
She [mother of soldier] sits at home at watches the images of chaos and disintegration on television, watches the unspeakable horrors by emboldened and horrible enemies, and she hears her president, her son's commander-in-chief repeat and repeat in rallies and the Rose Garden that we are on the right track, that the situation in Iraq is improving. This is not credible leadership, and most of all, it is not the leadership that Beverly's son deserves. Work a few extra hours just for Beverly, would you? Don't just say you will; do it.
The Kerrys provide their own strengths, but turns many people off. I myself admire Teresa, who seems like a wonderfully complex woman, but many see her as foreign and disconcerting. Sen. Kerry also has a lot to offer, but is sometimes painful to watch given his trouble truly connecting with the public. Therefore, it is essential that the ticket have some balancing force, which the Edwards can provide. The key thing, one that some miss, is that persona is central. Howard Dean or (heaven help us) Joe Lieberman just didn't have one that would appeal to the electorate at large, even if one finds their basic positions appealing. [Some might disagree!]
Hillary Clinton still turns so many people off, though some people such as Sen. Byrd go out of their way to note she is doing a good job in the Senate. Thus, for good or ill, the importance of political wives is clear. Elizabeth Edwards is a big plus to the ticket.