Post CNN-YouTube Debate Buzz Energizes Edwards, Richardson, Dodd

The Democratic presidential hopefuls' campaigns have been energized in the giddy afterglow of the much-watched CNN-YouTube Jeopardy-style debate a few days ago.

And the candidates are taking full advantage of the buzz by reaching out to and mingling with every possible voter...

John Edwards
John Edwards rode with Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong (and thousands more riders) in the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa on July 25. Edwards, ebullient from being declared by the editor of Politico.com as winner of the July 23 debate, rode for 12 miles through Iowa small towns and corn fields, waving to cheering spectators along the way.

(Photo of Armstrong, left in yellow, and Edwards, right in blue, by David Lienemann/Getty Images)

Later, Edwards spoke out in support of strengthening the Americans for Disabilities Act, declaring:

"Congress should pass the ADA Restoration Act to ensure that the law remains consistent with Congress' original intent and restore civil rights protections to people with epilepsy, depression, diabetes, cancer and other conditions."

Bill Richardson
Roundly praised for his plain-spoken debate reply that he would end No Child Left Behind and push for minimum salaries for teachers, Gov. Bill Richardson announced today in an email:

"Today we've launched a new feature on our campaign site that we're calling 'Ask Bill.' I love answering questions, and I love talking directly to people, so that is exactly what "Ask Bill" will be -- direct questions, direct answers, directly to you.

"You submit your questions through video, email or an online form -- whatever works for you. And I'll answer them on video -- clearly, honestly, and without any pundits cutting me off."

Chris Dodd
And today, Sen. Chris Dodd, whose YouTube debate performance (and VERY funny 30-second promo) was the best of his campaign, rolled out an impressive, fully-detailed universal healthcare plan that he terms "a health insurance marketplace called Universal HealthMart that is based on, and parallel to, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan."

Sen. Dodd discussed his healthcare plan via live streaming video from the tablecloth-covered Iowa family kitchen table of a union member. He then held a press conference call in which the senator directly took tough questions about his plan. (I particpated in the senator's conference call today, and will report back to you soon about his healthcare plan. I like it... )

Extraordinary Democratic Candidates
And yet, just imagine... as of today, these 3 well-qualified candidates aren't even the Democratic frontrunners.

In stark contrast to the 2000 and 2004 elections, the Democratic Party is blessed with a plethora of extraordinary candidates for the 2008 race!

In an odd way, it's a shame that any of these worthy candidates must lose in another 6 months... This lively campaign season has been great fun for long-suffering Democrats after 7 years of Bush-Cheney hell.