It’s too bad that John Edwards isn’t heading the Democratic presidential ticket for 2004.

The U.S. senator from North Carolina — and Seneca native — brings a freshness and an excitement to politics that this reporter hasn’t witnessed since John F. Kennedy.

In a keynote address to the South Carolina Democratic Convention last weekend, Edwards stirred the audience like it has never been stirred.

Afterward, Edwards was mobbed. You would have thought he, rather than U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, had won the party’s nomination.

Actually, the Tar Heel senator was the choice of S.C. Democrats in the state’s presidential primary on Feb. 3 — the only one of 30 states he won.

Edwards is one of a handful of potential candidates being considered by Kerry to be his running mate. His selection would be a popular choice in the Palmetto State.

“Edwards made a good case for number two with that speech today,” said Waring Howe of Charleston, a member of the Democratic National Committee.

“What about a John-and-John ticket?” suggested state Rep. Ken Kennedy, D-Williamsburg.

Ike Williams, field director for U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and manager of Dick Gephardt’s S.C. presidential campaign, said it would be a “travesty” if Edwards is not picked. “Kerry needs help.”

Edwards is keeping mum on questions about his vice presidential aspirations — a smart move. He doesn’t want to appear overly desirous of the job. The trick is to capitalize on the good will he built up in the campaign, while avoiding sending any public signals that he wants the job.

In an interview here last week, Edwards walked a fine line when asked what he thought the role of a vice presidential candidate should be.

Some have suggested Kerry might want an attack-dog running mate for what is shaping up to be a brutal battle for the White House. That certainly would work against Edwards, who despises negative campaigning or what some call “the politics of personal destruction.”

Edwards sees the role of the vice presidential candidate to be an advocate for Kerry.

So, what does he say when pressed about being a running mate? “Nothing.”

What about those friends who say he yearns for the job and are reported to be lobbying on his behalf?

“I go out and campaign for people and let all of that take its course, which I think is the appropriate thing to do,” Edwards responds.

Kerry has given no clue about what he is looking for in a running mate or when he might select that person, which leaves Edwards in a state of suspended animation.

Edwards, meanwhile, goes on about the business of being a senator, introducing legislation to build on the ideas that he promoted in the campaign.

He has formed a political action committee — the One America Committee — that helps pay his travel expenses and make contributions to other Democrats.

He is in demand.

Edwards came out of the campaign with star quality. He was positive and upbeat, and ran with a strong message.

He was the best campaigner by far. He connected with voters better than anyone. He was warm, personable and — most importantly — not mean-spirited in his attacks on President Bush. His charisma was catching.

Asked if there were another race in his future, Edwards says, “Maybe,” then adds, “I can tell you I’m going to stay on the scene... I just care too much about this country and where it needs to go.”

That’s good news for S.C. Democrats — and the country.