I got a chance to watch the Edwards' press conference in Chapel Hill today over a turkey sandwich at lunch. As the speculation built up, one wondered what the announcement actually was. Sure, I heard that Mrs. Edwards had breast cancer, but it didn't matter to me in 2004, and it doesn't really matter now. Why? It's none of my business. It is a personal matter for Edwards and his wife, and it's really how it should have been handled.
The volleying back and forth between the left and right about Edwards not mentioning his wife's cancer before, and today's announcement left me perplexed. Sure, we might try to slant events a certain way, but on some things we shouldn't. There is no doubt that Edwards' campaign lacks the gravitas that he had steamrolling in 2004. He came out from the pack, and made the campaign a bit more interesting. Now he is a known commodity - for better or worse. This is quickly turning into a Hillary - Obama race, and Edwards is the third wheel. He is the little brother that you drag to a date with your girlfriend.
Is this being an honest politician? I suppose so. But, is this using a personal struggle to attempt to gain lost ground? Maybe it is, but here is the most important part.... It looks that way, and the way it looks is the way it is. Edwards may have thought it to be a good idea, but it could hurt him in the long run.
2 comments:
I hate that she has cancer. It is a personal thing and she and others should be in our prayers. I agree Edwards is a has been his best shot was to have stayed in against Kerry to the end the last time. I believe that ticket would had done better with Edwards at the top. It is a Hillary race to lose.
I can see two sides of this, one, if there is a "skeleton" or other issue in the closet in the closet, the sunshine is its best disinfectant, else you'll be looking for an opponent to fish-slap you with it.
The other, forom a well honed cynicism, is that given failing numbers in polling data, would this energize a sympathy vote or contributions?
Post a Comment