NEW RULE

Endorsements are irrelevant.

On Monday, the United Mine Workers of America and the United Steelworkers endorsed John Edwards. Previously, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Transportation Union endorsed Hillary Clinton. The International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed Chris Dodd.

Predictably, these campaigns are ecstatic. Why? Endorsements do not elect. Voters do not care. They do not select from endorsements. They select from issues, personality, and previous statements. Candidates should not court endorsements. They are akin to desert. They are nice and unnecessary.