Edwards Touts Book, Contemplates Future Political Plans

Former Sen. John Edwards says his new book about childhood homes is a way for Americans to reconnect, but it's also a way for a man who might make a second bid for the presidency to stay in the public eye.

Jones Auditorium at Raleigh's Meredith College was packed with people who wanted to see Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, on Monday night. Seasoned voters, younger voters and those who one day will vote were all gathered to hear about John Edwards' new book and to hopefully hear an answer to the question, 'Are you running for president?'"

"Maybe," John Edwards said. "I haven't figured out for sure what I'm going to do."

Between signings of 1,000 books, the former vice presidential nominee talked of the new leadership in Congress, as well as the need for healing in the country and the war.

"I think we could start pulling troops out now," he said.

As a U.S. senator, Edwards voted for the war initially, but later changed his position. He said the need for honesty is greater than ever.

"Anyone who suggests they have a path, a clear path to success is not being honest," he said. "We have a bad choice and a worse choice and are in a very difficult place."

When talking about how troops should be removed from the Iraqi theater, Edwards began to sound, in a sense, very presidential.

"I would say to our military leaders on the ground in Iraq, I want to see a plan in place over time, maybe suggest in 12-18 months as president, if I were president, that in 12-18 months our combat troops would be out of Iraq, but I'd listen to what our military leaders say," he said.

During his 2004 campaign, cameras were constantly catching the Edwards' two young children, Jack and Emma Claire. They'll be older in 2008, but are they ready for that again?

"What's weird about this is that they are 6 and 8 years old, and they've been through a presidential campaign -- big stuff for a 6 and 8-year-old to have that experience," Edwards said. "It's fairly unusual, remarkable. They are aware and concerned how all of this can affect them and their family."

Edwards gave no indication when he would make a final decision, but emphasized his wife's health after recovering from breast cancer would be a major factor in whatever choice he makes.