John Edwards’ political timing throughout his career has been both astute and atrocious.

Running in 1998 was brilliant. It was an off-year. Lauch Faircloth was a vulnerable incumbent and the perfect foil for a young, fresh opponent. The Clinton-impeachment mess in Washington was the perfect environment for a political outsider.

After that, his timing was not so good. Edwards started running for Vice President before he was sworn in to the Senate. Al Gore almost picked him in 2000. Edwards ran for President in 2004, before he was ready. Then he pushed – successfully – to be on John Kerry’s ticket. Bad idea.

He found his true voice and his issue in 2008. But Barack Obama stole his thunder. That’s why Edwards endorsed Obama Wednesday, rather than vice-versa.

Why did Edwards endorse now, after the North Carolina primary?

Because – as Ted Kennedy proved in Massachusetts and Mike Easley confirmed – politicians’ endorsements make no difference in their home states.

Edwards’ endorsement came this week because it was aimed at four audiences: the media, the superdelegates, the Clintons and Michigan.

He trumped Clinton’s victory in West Virginia. He sent a signal to the superdelegates: the train is leaving the station. He in effect told Hillary the game is over and she needs to get out. And he helped Obama appeal to anybody in Michigan who’s mad at the Democratic Party for not counting the state’s delegates. Not to mention those working-class whites Clinton says Obama can’t get.

The timing, then, was perfect.

What does this say about Edwards’ future?

He won’t be on the ticket again. He got a rap last time for not being a team player.

Another presidential race, though not impossible, is unlikely.

He could become Obama’s poverty czar. But Edwards may not be cut out for Washington bureaucracy, especially a newly created agency that will have to fight for its turf.

Here’s a scenario: He stays outside government. He becomes to poverty what Al Gore is to global warming. Then, in 2012 or 2016 (he’d only be in his early 60s), he runs for Governor of North Carolina.

As Jim Hunt proved, a Governor with an agenda can get something done.

And as Hunt also proved between 1984 and 1992, a few years out of politics can be a good thing. Voters’ hearts grow fonder.

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