John Edwards was the keynote speaker at this year’s Gnomedex conference in Seattle.  The topics were varied, ranging from technology issues (like the recent Netwrok Neutrality debate) to political strategy (like what will it take for a Democratic candidate to win the presidential election).  The conversation was open and insightful (there was no holding back from the Gnomedex attendees).  Among several of the suggestions provided by the group was the idea of sending a blogger/podcast along with the candidates on the entire campaign trail.  Not a “stay on point – yes man” but a real blogger/podcaster exposing the candidate honestly (warts and all).  Senator Edwards seemed open to the idea, but certainly didn’t commit.  He did go so far as to say that the next winner of the presidential election will be one that people can identify with as a person, not someone staying forever “on-point” with top-down political messaging.