According to a new Mason-Dixon Poll, George Bush Leads John Kerry in North Carolina--but if Edwards is on Kerry's ticket, the race is even:

President Bush leads Sen. John Kerry in North Carolina, but according to a WRAL/Mason-Dixon Poll, "if Kerry chooses Sen. John Edwards as his running-mate, the race in the state currently becomes a dead-heat."

"Statewide, Bush is supported by 48% of voters, while Kerry is backed by 41%, independent Ralph Nader draws 3% and 8% remain undecided. With Edwards as Kerry's running-mate, the GOP ticket of Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney is favored by 46%, the Kerry/Edwards Democratic ticket gets 45%, Nader draws 2% and 7% are undecided."

[link via Political Wire.] And Oliver Willis asks, "Kerry/Edwards Just A Matter Of Time?"

We sure hope so. Edwards has the people-pleasing personality, the magnetism, the honest face and the genuine smile. Kerry ought to grab him quick if he wants to make the most of Bush's declining poll numbers. A dead heat when your opponent is falling is no great shakes.

Who wouldn't want Edwards as VP? Well, Hillary for one. If Bush wins in 2004, she might not want Edwards running against her for the nomination in 2008 as the "former VP candidate." If Kerry wins in 2004, she won't want Edwards running against her in 2012 as the "vice president."

Does anybody know how much impact Bill and Hillary have on Kerry? We always thought they viewed Edwards as their man, until Clark came along. What are we missing?

If Kerry wins this year, Hillary's out till 2012. If Edwards is his VP choice, that's a tough matchup for Hillary in 2008. If Bush wins now, she can come back for the Presidential race in 2008, with relatively no baggage.

We hope some astute politico type reading this post will send us an email or post what's wrong with our almost perfect view of a Kerry -Edwards ticket.