Now, when it is absolutely vital for Democrats to choose...

“John and Elizabeth Edwards” — apparently they were both running — show Democrats how not to choose.

I’m not sure what it is about third-placeness that makes not-choosing look like such a sophisticated option. François Bayrou has sunk almost without a trace in French politics, after briefly competing seriously against Sarkozy and Royal for the presidency. He still sees his irrelevance as an asset and guards it jealously. Apparently it is a malady that crosses oceans.