Good Ole Boys to Give Bush Fits?

Ain't Likely, But Any Thing is Possible

James at OTB wonders if Judge Roy Moore would hurt Bush if the controversial Alabama jurist elects to pursue the presidency.

While I don’t think Moore will drain enough votes to seriously hurt President Bush in the Deep South if John Kerry is his opponent—Bush is still quite popular with the religious conservative part of the base—his impact could be significant in places like Florida where the vote will be tighter. And if John Edwards somehow gets the nomination, a Moore candidacy would be fatal unless he’s counterbalanced by a significant spoiler on the Left.

I don't see Moore as a huge problem either way. Think about it, Southerners are not particularly likely to support Edwards in sufficient numbers to ensure victory due to a number of factors, not the least of which is national defense. Edwards simply has no experience that would prepare him to jump headfirst into the War on Terror and being a good ole boy, if we excuse the ambulance chasing activities of Edwards, will not endear him enough with southerners to get them to change horses in the middle of the race. The same can be said about Roy Moore. While a majority supported his position in the Ten Commandments matter, that doesn't mean diddly when it comes to the presidency. Besides, whether facing Edwards or Kerry, Judge Roy Moore should have the gumption not to help defeat the very candidate that is most likely to be sympathetic to his cause. Hizzoner would be in effect aiding the enemy should he choose to siphon votes from Bush in what is bound to be a losing bid for office. I don't think the Judge would want to ensure an Edwards or Kerry victory and therefore will elect to remain where he is. Failing that, Moore will not garner enough votes, even among the religious right, to make a substantial difference in the outcome of the general election.

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