Jim Edgar, even in 2004, was popular in Illinois, and as a result he almost ran for Senate against Barack Obama. If Edgar had run, it wouldn't be likely for Obama to give the DNC keynote (because you don't have the biggest speech of the convention given by someone who might lose), and Edgar would likely win. This means Obama can't run for President in 2008. So who would have filled that anti-war void? Would anyone? Would Clinton have cruised to the Democratic nomination, or would someone like Russ Feingold do what Obama did IOTL?
What are your thoughts?