WASHINGTON - John Kerry and John Edwards swapped charges as their South Carolina primary fight shaped up to be key to Kerry's dreams of sweeping seven states today and seizing command of the Democratic nomination fight.
On the eve of a cross-country contest, Howard Dean joined Edwards in calling the front-runner a friend of special interests. But there were fresh signs of weakness in Dean's campaign, and Kerry went for the jugular against Edwards, questioning the North Carolina senator's credentials and electability.
This is not the time for on-the-job training
Kerry told South Carolina reporters yesterday via satellite from Albuquerque, N.M. In a speech, the four-term Massachusetts senator looked confidently beyond the nomination fight to a potential race against President Bush.
Like father like son. One term only Kerry said. Bush is going to be done.
Though they would agree with that point, Kerry's chief rivals said he is not the candidate best suited to stand up to Bush.
It's going to take one tough hombre
Wesley Clark said while courting Hispanic voters in New Mexico. And I'm one tough hombre.
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