Meaning: The quote by Harold Ford, a politician, reflects his observation on the state of the nation and the impact of John Kerry's selection of John Edwards as his running mate. Ford's statement suggests that the country was "very settled" in many respects, and he attributes a significant political boost to the Democratic Party following the selection of John Edwards as Kerry's running mate.

In analyzing Ford's statement, it's essential to consider the context in which it was made. The quote appears to be referring to a specific period in American politics, likely around the time of the Democratic Convention and the subsequent announcement of John Edwards as John Kerry's vice-presidential running mate. This suggests that Ford's assessment is focused on the 2004 presidential election, where Kerry and Edwards challenged the incumbent President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

The notion that the country was "very settled" after the Democratic Convention implies a sense of stability or consensus among the American public. This could be interpreted as a reflection of the political landscape at that time, with certain issues or sentiments being widely accepted or uncontested. It may also indicate a lack of significant upheaval or dramatic shifts in public opinion following the convention.

Ford's assertion that the Democratic Party experienced a "bump" in their support following John Kerry's selection of John Edwards as his running mate suggests that he perceived the decision as a strategic and beneficial move for the party. The term "bump" typically refers to a temporary increase or surge in support, indicating that the selection of Edwards had a positive impact on the Democratic ticket's standing in the polls or public perception.

John Edwards, a former U.S. Senator from North Carolina, was known for his charismatic and energetic campaigning style, as well as his focus on issues related to poverty and economic inequality. His selection as Kerry's running mate may have been seen as a way to complement Kerry's more reserved demeanor and to energize the Democratic base.

In the broader context of American political history, vice-presidential running mates are often chosen with the intention of balancing the ticket, appealing to specific demographics, or bolstering the presidential candidate's perceived strengths. In this case, it seems that Ford believed Edwards' addition to the Democratic ticket had a noticeable and positive impact on the party's prospects.

It's worth noting that the 2004 presidential election ultimately resulted in a victory for the incumbent President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, securing a second term for the Republican administration. However, the impact of John Edwards' selection as Kerry's running mate and the dynamics of the campaign are subjects of ongoing analysis and debate among political commentators and historians.

In conclusion, Harold Ford's quote provides insight into the perceived state of the country and the Democratic Party's fortunes during a specific period in American political history. His remarks highlight the significance of John Kerry's selection of John Edwards as his running mate and the perceived impact it had on the political landscape at that time. Analyzing quotes from political figures such as Ford can offer valuable perspectives on historical events and the strategies employed in electoral campaigns.