In the second instalment in the series, six members of the panel give their verdict on John Kerry's selection of John Edwards as his vice-presidential running mate.

Linda Alston: Madison, Wisconsin "Choosing Edwards is a smart political move" Jim Hill: Sudbury, Mass. "This is another Kerry flip-flop" Neil Sherman: Germantown, Tenn. "John Edwards won't make me vote for Kerry"

Chase Erwin: Austin, Texas "My vote is starting to swing" Nancy Pew: Seattle, Washington "John Edwards brings true strengths" Laura Stietz: Sidney, New York "John Edwards does not have enough experience"

Our panel: Where they live Enlarge Map

We asked our panelists: Is John Edwards a good choice as a running mate? Would John Edwards make a good vice president?

What impact will the announcement have on the election overall, and will it make you vote for John Kerry?

Between now and November, the panel will be giving us their personal opinions about key events and themes in the race.

We also want to hear what you think, so send us your comments using the form after each person's views.

The reader's panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.