Edwards Confession Necessitates New Speaking Decisions

My aunt Betsy here we go (0.00 / 0)

It is completely irrelevant whether or not John Edwards fathered an illegitimate child. Sex is sex. A child is merely the evidence that sex occurred. Of course John Edwards should be encouraged to speak at the Democratic Convention. To allow him not to speak would be rampant hypocrisy. 90% of the men at the Convention have or intend to commit adultery.  

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by: gregturet @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 20:52:43 PM CDT

90% of the readers here... (4.00 / 2)

...should insert a mental eye roll after reading your comment.

"I wonder now what Ernest Hemingway's dictionary looked like, since he got along so well with dinky words that everybody can spell and truly understand." -- Kurt Vonnegut

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by: Mack Simpson @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 21:10:53 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Reality (0.00 / 0)

90% of the men at the Convention have or intend to commit adultery.

I think it's more like 60%, really.  

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by: Elsbeth @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 21:30:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm no mathematician... (5.00 / 1)

But I don't think 90% of the men at the convention hold or intend to hold public office.

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by: MeanRachel @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 23:08:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No? (0.00 / 0)

Being a national delegate is pretty darn close to holding public office (especially this year). But I'm certain that tabloid paparazzi isn't chasing them around.

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by: Elsbeth @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 23:54:28 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Really? (0.00 / 0)

"Being a national delegate is pretty darn close to holding public office"

___

Really?  It basically means that you are a national delegate and that's it.  Important -- yes.  But close to holding public office?  No way.  

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by: v2aggie2 @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 16:39:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It was (4.00 / 2)

hyperbole. The (especially this year) means that it is very competitive since there were so many Democrats wanting to go to the convention and there was lots of informal campaigning to get the slots. Of course it's not "officially" holding office. Sorry for the exaggeration and that the statement was unclear.

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 19:25:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No problem Elsbeth (0.00 / 0)

now I understand!

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by: v2aggie2 @ Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 01:42:41 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Why doesn't Carl Whitmarsh (5.00 / 1)

just call up Russ Feingold and ask him to fill in? I'm sure he's never had an affair (even though he's been married and divorced twice).

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by: Elsbeth @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 20:56:54 PM CDT

It's more of a politics decision that I'm thinking of (5.00 / 1)

Without current public office, it's possible that in a month and a half a sex scandal will be the most recent thing people have heard of regarding John Edwards.

I agree that the sex issues really should be more of a private matter.  Unfortunately, that's not really the case in America -- and especially in Texas.  I personally think John Edwards now needs some time below the radar before emerging again.  With his determination he can do a lot for poverty.  However, he probably wouldn't currently the best campaigner for the Democratic party.

"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."  -  John Adams

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by: Michael Hurta @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 22:57:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I think his political career (0.00 / 0)

is over. Did you see him on "Nightline," tonight? He knows it, too. Carl Whitmarsh's remarks just struck me as being over-the-top.  

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by: Elsbeth @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 00:00:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Since you are the expert (5.00 / 1)

Whether you think my comments were over the top or not, since you know so much, why don't you come to Houston and try selling those tickets and see what reaction you get when you say it's John Edwards who is the guest speaker.  That's not conjecture...that is just reality.

There are many, many good folk out there who would make outstanding speakers, am sure they would come and folks will fill the place to hear them, but without passing judgment - as it is not our place to do that - the fact is having John Edwards at this time would be a distraction and will hinder ticket sales and step on whatever message he might deliver.

This is Houston and Harris County where lots of folks are working their butts off to turn things around and any thing that might be a distraction toward that end is just not worth it.

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by: cewdem @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 17:11:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You've misunderstood (5.00 / 1)

I said his political career is over. You must not have read all the comments in this thread. I totally agree that he should not be the speaker for any Democratic Party event. I also said that that these purported comments in the e-mail were over-the-top. And that was my personal impression of them:

Without passing judgment, who is going to fill those $135 seats to hear a self admitted liar and adulterer who cheated on his cancer stricken wife? [Emphasis added.]

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by: Elsbeth @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 22:44:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No one misunderstood when you say comments are "over the top" (0.00 / 0)

Let's review the facts.  Did John Edwards not admit that he had been lying?  What is your definition for an adulterer - one who commits adultry - defined as having a relationship outside the bounds of a legally binding union.  Has it not been well documented that unfortunately Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, underwent a mastectomy, underwent radiation and chemotherapy and suffered all its side affects.  Maybe you have some inside information that everyone else missed, but my reading participating with other Texans and Houstonians in political events over the past forty years tells me, the man responsible for all of that is not looked upon by the vast majority as the sympathetic type who will fill paying seats with folks wanting to hear or support him.  If you know of a magic formula that will fill those seats and get folks to come hear John Edwards at this particular time, please share it with us.  The good Democrats and Party Chair Gerald Birnberg would surely like to know the secret of selling those tickets -whose net proceeds are the backbone of the funding for the fall 2008 campaign in Harris County.

Over the top comments when facts are stated?  Hardly.  To paraphrase our former Great Democratic Governor Ann Richards, stick a fork in this puppy, he's done.

btw. YOU can purchase your ticket to Johnson-Rayburn-Richards for only $135 or $200 which includes the VIP reception online at www.hcdp.org or calling 713-802-0085.
It's held at the Westin Galleria on September 20.  I somehow doubt you will have a problem making your purchase.  

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by: cewdem @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 06:19:52 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Again (5.00 / 2)

You've misunderstood.  There are many people very sad this weekend. It is a crushing blow to many of us. I believe that your comments are factually true, but not helpful to the many good Democrats who supported the Edwards over the years. Again, I never said that John Edwards should still speak. Or even Elizabeth Edwards. I'm sorry your event will need a new speaker. But there's still time to get someone. Why don't you focus on that instead of railing against John Edwards? That's wasted energy in my opinion. Move on.

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 11:40:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

When you call me out specifically, no one misunderstands. (0.00 / 0)

I am not railing against Senator Edwards.  I am very sad that a human being destroyed himself and in the process robbed the many folks who believed in him and followed him of the opportunity of, what I believe, were many great years ahead as an Attorney General, Secretary of Health and Human Services or even perhaps as a Supreme Court Justice.  Here was a man who was destined to make great contribnutions and because of lack of judgment and boorish behavior (not the first human to ever do that) threw it all away.  That is a tragedy.

It is not my dinner, I can't pick up the phone and call anyone - although I am sure that someone can and will. I'm hopeful someone like Joe Biden would be invited or the Vice Presidential nominee, whoever he or she is - although I seriously doubt the National folk will have their principals in Texas in late September.  I know that Harris County Democrats are determined and working hard to make our political results the next Dallas County - and this brouha has put a stumbling block in our way.  Again, just fact.

I am sincerely sorry you are so discouraged by this turn of events, but you avoid that when you develop a core set of values and follow them rather than a person.  Unfortunately, humans only disappoint one another when they are put too high on a pedestal.  Twenty some odd years ago, there were many folk feeling just like you over a bright and talented guy named Gary Hart and I'm sure we can go on ad nauseum about folk who disappointed but that only happens when they start thinking they are special and we put way too much in them as people.

Somehow, I feel confident that before dusk on Monday, Chairman Birnberg and those in charge of Johnson-Rayburn-Richards will have a solution to this quandry and folks will know who the speaker will or won't be and ticket sales can proceed.  This is OUR year and although Edwards has put a roadblock temporarily before us, it isn't going to stop us

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by: cewdem @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 12:32:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well (5.00 / 1)

I was quoting the post's reference to an e-mail sent around by an individual (who you are telling me was you). When you send around an e-mail, better beware of being quoted. It was the "tone" of the remarks that I objected to. You have every right to blast me for my opinion. You never made it perfectly clear that you are the author. Maybe that would have helped the discussion earlier on. Maybe not.

And I will donate to Harris County Democrats in honor of the John Edwards campaign ~ which basically shaped the policies of Democratic Party in this election cycle. I live in Dallas County and most of money is going to candidates, but what the hell.  

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 13:08:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Corrections" (0.00 / 0)

"which basically shaped the policies of The Democratic Party candidates"

"most of my money"

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 13:12:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Tried to donate (5.00 / 1)

But the donation page only appears to accept donations for a ticket to the event ($135.00). Or a $120 sustaining membership donation.

Where can you make an "online donation" to the Harris County Democrats? Is there an ActBlue page?

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 13:30:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

They are using Actblue... (0.00 / 0)

You can donate to the Coordinated Campaign here.

"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."  -  John Adams

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by: Michael Hurta @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 18:53:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you. n/t (0.00 / 0)

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 19:28:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'd love to see Joe Biden step up. (3.00 / 1)

With his years on the Foreign Relations committe and Justice, I think he'd be a really interesting speaker.

BTW, Russ Feingold was the Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner speaker a couple of years ago, or was that a different dinner?

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by: merci_me @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 21:54:32 PM CDT

ya, JR dinner (0.00 / 0)

I don't think Ann Richards' name was added on yet, though.

"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."  -  John Adams

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by: Michael Hurta @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 22:52:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The media's "fair and balanced" soap opera on the Edward's (5.00 / 4)

After having viewed the national cable news, from Faux, CNN to MSNBC, it was all of the same tabloid news. I quickly grew tired of the soap opera on the tabloid news, turned off the moron box, called the TV and sent the following email to MSNBC's Hardball.

Subject:  Over the top coverage of John Edward's Affair

Despite Andrea Mitchell's proclamations tonight, I find it reprehensible and disingenuous for MSNBC, Hardball in particular, to give so much coverage to a Democrat who is no longer a candidate for the U.S. Presidency.

With all due disrespect.  Ron Suskind has recently revealed more evidence that supports the notion that the Bush Administration has both lied about and misled us into a war with Iraq.  Indeed, the mainstream media would not touch the Downing Street Memos years ago, despite its coverage in the UK press, in which it was revealed the intelligence on Iraq was fixed around Bush's policy.  (By the way, many of us go to foreign sources to learn about "the news" now that the American media has become tacit propagandists for the Bush Administration.)  

So where is the deep digging and 24/7 coverage about Ron Suskind's evidence?   Where are the armies of analysts to discuss this issue and "break it down" with the same self-righteous outrage as they are the Edward's affair?  

Helllllllloooooooooooooo.  An unnecessary war means the American people are responsible for the murder, ahem, of over 4,000 Americans, the maiming of tens of thousands of other Americans and the murder of um, like, hundreds of thousands of Iraqis.

For?  

Please.  The mainstream media has obviously become the broadcast media arm for the National Enquirer and yellow journalism.

If you no longer possess the decency to do your jobs as professional reporters and journalists  please at the very least identify yourselves as National Tabloid TV News.

Now that we're talking about tabloid news, may I ask why you people haven't gone to the mats about John McCain's cruel dumping of his first wife b/c she was no longer "attractive" and his affair with his now second wife, who also abused drugs at one time?  And what about the lady friend who accompanied Dick Cheney on that infamous hunting trip when he shot his dear and good friend in the face?  

Where's the fair and balanced tabloid character hit job and smear? Dick Cheney, after all is the architect behind the scenes on the Iraqi war fabrication. Surely his numerous personal faux pas should be aired 24/7, discussed and broken down by armies of political and legal analysts.

Where's the fair and balanced tabloid smear?

Why is the sound of silence in this regard absolutely deafening?

 

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by: Libby Shaw @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 22:58:43 PM CDT

You would think... (4.33 / 3)

That this shouldn't be big national news.  In truth, the main reason I posted it on BOR was because I wanted to post something, today's a slow Texas news day, and I found a way to connect the situation to some politics locally.

That said, this shouldn't have been the largest national news story.  Not on the same day that the Olympics begin in China and that a war starts between Russia and Georgia.

"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."  -  John Adams

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by: Michael Hurta @ Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 23:21:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Edwards @JRR Dinner... (3.50 / 8)

Ask them to send Elizabeth.  We like her better anyway.  Everyone does, including the MSM, which held its hand out of immense respect for EE. It is actually quite a story that the MSM showed such restraint--Mrs. Edwards has earned a place of respect in the national perspective.

That is the part Edwards didn't get.  Or maybe he did, and that is why he did it. At some level, she has always seemed the level-headed, real one--the adult, if you will. Please note that she did not appear teary-eyed at his side for the confession, whatever he says about why he showed up alone.

The whole thing makes me sad.  Having said that, we need a different speaker.  Edwards jeopardized the whole Democratic deal.  

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by: Melissa Noriega @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 04:38:06 AM CDT

Hear hear - invite Elizabeth! n/t (3.00 / 2)

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by: TxTiger @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 11:36:40 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank You Melissa (3.00 / 2)

My point exactly and illustrative of your good common sense.

One of the many reasons we are glad to call you friend and Madame Councilmember.

Now if you could just make some of your fellow Councilmembers behave!

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by: cewdem @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 17:15:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm sure he will be out (3.00 / 1)

Probably by his own choosing. The question is whether he'll be replaced by another progressive.

Whether by design or serendipity, the JRR has alternated keynoters in recent years between Democratic liberals and conservatives: Ken Salazar to Russ Feingold to Rahm Emanuel to Edwards.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that we wind up with whomever Obama picks as his VP nominee.  And in that vein, Chris Dodd or Wesley Clark or even Joe Biden would be OK with me.

Don't let the Blue Dogs getcha down. Primary them.

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by: PDiddie @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 06:40:02 AM CDT

Interesting (5.00 / 1)

Bill Clinton committed adultery in the White House. What's the difference? Please tell me. And I'm definitely certain he has spoken at many events across Texas, especially while his wife was running for President.

I am sure that many politicians have had affairs. The problem is that they don't get caught. Unfortunately, John Edwards did. His wife forgave him for what he did. It's time to move on to another subject.

Like Libby said, there are many more other issues people should be talking about besides this smear job from the Enquirer.  

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by: chance.wimberley @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 08:24:12 AM CDT

The double standard with the Clintons (1.00 / 1)

The Clintons, it seems, can do no wrong. Everyone else is tossed to the wolves. Why? To appease the Republicans?

At least John Edwards is not a hypocrite the way John McCain is.

There really is this double standard with the Clintons - there has never been any objection to him appearing as a speaker. If you can afford him.  And his affairs were a little more offensive to most than John Edwards affair on a darkened back street. Bill Clinton's were always on a well-lit main street. For all to see. The media chose not to focus on them just as the media chose not to focus on Jack Kennedy's affairs which were also on well-lit main streets. For all to see.  Times have changed. Politicians need to be aware that the new media loves the prurient. And are constantly watching for it. It makes good headlines and sells papers and magazines and increases ratings which increases advertising dollars.

John Edwards made a mistake in admitting it.  Elizabeth Edwards made a mistake in acknowledging it publicly.

Democrats are making a huge mistake in tossing him to the wolves just to appease the Republicans.

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by: Baby Snooks @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 19:47:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

tsk tsk (5.00 / 1)

what a let down.

man is rich as sh#t, former VP nominee, a virtual lock for VP short list and/or cabinet position (like AG), young kids and a dying wife...and gets a girlfriend.

not someone rich, famous or even remotely attractive.

huge let down to those of us who have backed him against all comers since 2003. huge disappointment.

edwards was given every break imaginable by the MSM and still couldn't leave it alone--going to see this "former" mistress...with whom he "did not" father a child with and getting busted by the Enquirer.

if he has any pride or love for his family our or Democratic family he will not speak at, nor attend the convention.

I know, i know, i know...McCain cheated on his first wife (be it actual or technical cheating)...but that was a long time ago...not while he was running for president and not after promising me he was a different kind of politician.

color me bamboozled.

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by: colin @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 08:28:00 AM CDT

$135 seats for the Johnson Rayburn? (3.00 / 2)

Holy Sheet!
:)

Edwards wasnt exactly someone that was going to burn up ticket sales anyway. It was a bit of a disappointment when he was announced.

But, who am I?

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by: johncoby @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 10:15:40 AM CDT

How about Sissy Farenthold? (0.00 / 0)

A great speaker, and one of our own. Would her perspective not be valuable?

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by: ikoikoaustin @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 12:47:03 PM CDT

Here, here (0.00 / 0)

Sissy would be a great choice.

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by: gregturet @ Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 09:16:58 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

John Edwards (5.00 / 1)

This is Charles Soechting, immediate past chair of the Texas Democratic Party.  Surprised, hurt, mad, shocked...pick your word, but before you pick your public  response about Senator Edwards statement think back to the biblical advice given to all to "let those who are without sin cast the first stone".    I don't think any of us for a moment doubt that John Edwards really is a good, morally sound and very decent father, husband and human being. Did he make a mistake?  You betcha.  A lot of people have made a mistake but they continue to make a difference in the lives of others- just like John and Elizabeth have.  There are a lot of people who have disappointed us but you work past problems and look for the strength of an individual to go forward and make a difference in the future.  Do I expect the Republican visitors to this site to agree. No, in fact, some will sneak in and pretend to be one of us and throw their two cents in and try to distort who John is and what he has brought to our Party.  . Experience has shown in life and politics that those with the most to hide are typically the first to condemn. Republicans, as we all know, do a lot of condemning because they are by and large two faced phonies with a lot to hide.  It looks like John has  made peace with his wife and family and others have no business superimposing  their pseudo-morals on his personal matters.  As for me, I hope that he is a speaker in Houston  and Dnever and and that we all give him a rousing welcome.  I intend to be there and look forward to seeing you there.

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by: charless @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 13:51:43 PM CDT

Unfortunately (3.67 / 3)

I think it's best if the Edwards leave the stage for now. The emotions are just running too high. As a long-time supporter of John Edwards, I appreciate your words very much.  

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by: Elsbeth @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 14:17:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Agreed (0.00 / 0)

It is probably best if Edwards stays out of the spotlight for now.  Whether he will still be so controversial in six weeks at the time of the dinner in Houston is hard to say right now.  While the organizers might want to find another headliner, they wouldn't need to take Edwards' name off of the invitations just yet.

I'm more concerned about how this might affect Edwards' chances for AG.  That will largely depend, though, on what the Congress and the political climate looks like after the elections.

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by: Jeb @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:44:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Public impressions are most critical (5.00 / 1)

Charles as the immediate past chair I would expect you would be one of the first to recognize that public impressions of your party are probably one of the more critical things to manage.

You are right that what Edwards did is his and his family's business.  It doesn't take away from his contributions.  In fact, hopefully it may even make him stronger. Sometimes adversity is the driver to greater things in our lives.

However having any image of Edwards at fundraising functions or the Convention so soon can only serve to detract from the messages that are intended to be portrayed.  If Edwards spoke at the convention you don't need the media to bring up the issues. The public will do it on their own this soon after the issue.

So at a time when it so critical to nail the issues having Edwards in the mix would only serve to dilute the message with controversy. Yes, it would show we are a forgiving party. But it would also serve to possibly show we condone such activities which we don't.

I would suggest Edwards day will return but just not now. Now it is time for he and Elizabeth to reconcile the issues wihtin their family as well as with their children, who we so often forget in these matters.

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by: RBearSAT @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 20:48:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The price of hubris (5.00 / 1)

Like most politicians, John Edwards cultivated an image as a perfect guy, always working for The Public Good. Self-made man, son of a mill worker, first date with his true love at Wendy's, loving husband and father, etc. Most of that has nothing to do with his fitness to be president, but he sold it to us as if it did. So when it turns out that he cheated on his wife and lied about it throughout the campaign, that's big news.  His ideas may be as good as ever, but as a person he's totally discredited.

The real lesson is to stop building cults of personality around our leaders. If they're just decision-makers, then we can judge them by the quality of their decisions. FDR was an adulterer and Churchill was a drunk, but we don't care because they saved us from Hitler. But if our would-be leaders pretend to be saints, they can't expect any forgiveness when they turn out to be rogues.  

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by: LSadun @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 15:52:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The media's hypocritical double moralty standard (5.00 / 1)

I just read this article on the Huffington Post about how the media swept McCain's affair with a lobbyist under the carpet.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

I urge everyone to write to Faux, MSNBC, CNN and hammer them with this little inconvenient truth.  

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by: Libby Shaw @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 15:09:04 PM CDT

Elizabeth Edward's comments (5.00 / 3)

about as classy and practical as they get. Kudos for those two for handling their personal issues privately, well as privately as we allowed.

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by: EugeneS @ Sat Aug 09, 2008 at 15:53:33 PM CDT

what about Fred Baron? (0.00 / 0)

Fred Baron's recent choices of candidates - Edwards, Carole Keeton McClellan Rylander Strayhorn - have not worked out too well.  If anyone talks to Fred, tell him that I am offering my services as a candidate evaluator.  The candidates I have supported have proven themselves to be the real thing.  If Chris Bell had been supported by Fred from the get-go, we could have ended the reign of Rick Perry.  Barack Obama is a much better investment than Edwards was.

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by: Gangy @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 12:55:57 PM CDT

Good point (0.00 / 0)

I didn't know Baron supported Carole Stayhorn.

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 19:31:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Considering (5.00 / 2)

he funds much of the TDP and HDCC, I think Fred Baron's spending his money just fine.

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by: David Mauro @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 19:55:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I missed this before (0.00 / 0)

The candidates I have supported have proven themselves to be the real thing.

[...]

Barack Obama is a much better investment than Edwards was.

Time will tell. And do tell. You must share your methodology so that we can all do as well as you say you do.

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by: Elsbeth @ Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 20:52:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Two things for starters (0.00 / 0)

Study the body language and look at their overall behavior as a person and as a public servant.

To illustrate:  John Edwards has always reminded me of a televangelist.  He  makes beaucoup bucks and lives in a mansion while claiming poverty is his number one concern.  

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by: Gangy @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 14:09:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Well, merci beaucoup. (0.00 / 0)

But I'm not convinced that you have it figured out.

Being rich and wanting to raise people out of poverty are not mutually exclusive ~ even if the right-wing media has made it their primary talking point when it comes to John Edwards.

I think he's a gifted political speaker. He's not a televangelist. When was the last time you heard a televangelist take on Wal*Mart and it's terrible working conditions?  

Which one has taken on corporate greed?  Which one has taken on healthcare and the plight of those who get screwed by healthcare companies?

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by: Elsbeth @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 21:31:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Correction (0.00 / 0)

"When was the last time you heard a televangelist take on Wal*Mart and its terrible working conditions"?

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by: Elsbeth @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 21:34:46 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

clarification (0.00 / 0)

John Edwards reminds me of a televangelist in his demeanor, speaking style, and public presentation of himself.  I have not for a second thought he was literally a tv preacher.

Fill me in - what did John Edwards do as a senator to attempt to relieve poverty?  

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by: Gangy @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 21:46:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Merci (0.00 / 0)

Well, I do see you taking a big step back with that one. But you didn't answer my question.

"When have you heard a televangelist take on Wal*Mart?" I'm glad that you don't think he's "really" a televangelist.  That would really be something for the now, highly-respected, Enquirer to uncover!

As a junior Senator from 1999 to 2005, I don't believe that John Edwards had time to make his mark on "poverty" in the Senate. But this was the first try at helping people have better access to medical care:

Patients' Bill of Rights (2001). It was blocked by the insurance lobby.

These were his plans to alleviate poverty had he been elected president.

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by: Elsbeth @ Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 22:57:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]