The rhetorical techniques that John Edwards employed in his opening and closing arguments before juries were on display Tuesday night in the vice presidential debate, according to lawyers who crossed swords with him in his home state of North Carolina (Lisa Hoppenjans, “Lawyers: Edwards used trial technique”, Winston-Salem Journal, Oct. 6). Thoughts Online and Beldar discuss whether success as a trial advocate nowadays critically depends on the ability to “think on one’s feet”, as opposed to delivering a pre-scripted message, given the emphasis of modern procedure on avoiding surprise at trial. (My own impression is that Edwards was strongest when delivering material suitable to being prepared in advance, and less strong when obliged to depart from the script.) Several commentators note that Edwards saved many of his most slashing attacks for his final round of discussion on a given question, at which point Cheney would have no chance to reply. And George Will thinks Kerry’s selection of Edwards as running mate was a blunder, though for reasons unrelated to the debate (“GOP power plan”, syndicated/Washington Post, Oct. 7).

Filed under: John Edwards, North Carolina, politics