… because a fellow could get awfully suspicious of all his campaigning as he works to “solve poverty” in time for the 2008 presidential primaries. Fresh off announcing to a Manchester, New Hampshire Democrats’ dinner his new gig as head of the non*kaff!kaff!*partisan Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity in the Law School at UNC-Chapel Hill, Edwards was in Broward County, Florida, speaking to a Democrat dinner there. Media in Florida were perhaps not as impressed as media here by UNC protestations that the center won’t be used for political grandstanding by the once and future presidential candidate (they promise!). A few snippets, with emphasis added for fun:

Edwards — sounding like the 2008 presidential candidate he says he’s not — yet — accused the Bush administration of being too closely tied to Wall Street with its plan to partially privatize social security, and hinted at some of the work he plans to do as head of an anti-poverty think tank at the University of North Carolina.

Saturday night’s appearance in front of Broward Democrats was Edward’s second major speech since he and running mate Sen. John Kerry lost the November election. Edwards spoke earlier this month in front of Democrats in New Hampshire, home to the first presidential primary in the nation.

Edwards, who arrived with an entourage of aides, still had the air of a candidate — a sign, along with his appearance in New Hampshire, that he still has presidential aspirations.

? The Miami Herald

Sounding more like a future presidential candidate than a losing vice presidential nominee, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards rallied Broward County Democrats Saturday night with a speech that focused on the core beliefs of his party. Edwards contrasted his views with Republican positions on broadening the availability of health care, expanding veterans’ benefits, and ensuring the long-term stability of Social Security, arguing that Republicans are more concerned with wealth than expanding opportunity for all Americans.

? South Florida Sun-Sentinal

John Edwards says he is not a candidate for anything. But in a series of South Florida appearances Saturday, the former vice presidential candidate sounded an awful lot like he is running for something.

? The Palm Beach Post