Kerry picks Edwards for running mate

Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry yesterday chose former political rival North Carolina Senator John Edwards, a man with "guts and determination and political skills", as his vice presidential running mate.

"I am pleased to announce, that with your help, the next vice president of the United States will be Senator John Edwards of North Carolina," Mr Kerry told a rally in downtown Pittsburgh as a huge banner unfurled behind him that read, "Kerry-Edwards. A stronger America."

Mr Kerry called Mr Edwards, a first-term senator and millionaire trial lawyer, "a champion for middle class Americans." Although he won only one state during the Democratic primaries, Mr Edwards received praise for his strong populist campaign.

Mr Edwards, who said in a statement he was "humbled by the offer - and thrilled to accept it," was not at the rally with Mr Kerry but was due to join him in Pittsburgh later yesterday. The two candidates will campaign together in the crucial battleground state of Ohio today.

The choice of Mr Edwards, 51, once picked by People magazine as one of America's sexiest politicians, brings a dash of fresh-faced charismatic appeal to a ticket headed by Mr Kerry, who has been criticised for his leaden campaign style.

And as a Southerner, the Kerry campaign hoped Mr Edwards could appeal to voters in an area of the country where the Massachusetts senator was running behind President George W. Bush.

"I have chosen a man who understands and defends the values of America, a man who has shown courage and conviction... a man who has shown guts, determination and political skills in his own race for the presidency," Mr Kerry said.

Mr Bush immediately welcomed Mr Edwards to the campaign, saying: "The vice president (Dick Cheney) called him early this morning... to say that he welcomed him to the race, as do I. I look forward to a good, spirited contest."

The Bush re-election campaign wasted no time attacking the Democratic ticket. "Senator Edwards delivers his pessimism with a Southern drawl and a smile, but his message of a divided America rings hollow with voters that know our country is united," campaign spokesman Scott Stanzel said.

The campaign also announced the release of a new television advertisement featuring what it said was Mr Kerry's "first choice" as running mate, Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona. The Democrat courted his colleague and fellow Vietnam veteran for the job but was rebuffed.

Mr Kerry and Mr Edwards will be formally anointed later this month at the Democratic convention in Boston as the party's challengers to Republicans Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney in the November 2 election.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to have John Edwards on my team, or how eager I am for the day this fall when he stands up for our vision and goes toe-to-toe with Dick Cheney," Mr Kerry said.

During his primary campaign against Mr Kerry and other Democrats, Mr Edwards stressed proposals aimed at helping working class Americans and made repeated references to the "two Americas" - one for the wealthy and one for those struggling to get by.