Why I like John Edwards

[cali]

I'm not backing him yet because I still hope Gore will enter the race- though I think the odds are against it. Edward's campaign is impressing me. Its message resonates; particularly his passion about poverty and justice. I think he's a bright capable individual, despite his vote for the IWR. No, I didn't like it, and yes I believe that he probably voted for it as much for political maneuvering as for any other reason, but I voted for Kerry and I believe he did much the same.

Edwards supposed lack of experience doesn't bother me. He had 6 years in the U.S. Senate. Six years in the Senate should give an intelligent and thoughtful individual enough experience to qualify. Really, would 8 be better or 10? You either learn the ins and outs of legislating within 6 years or you don't. And experience is only one piece. For me, candidates need other attributes too.

I think Edwards has an impressive ability to sell his message to all kinds of people. His appeal is much more apparent to me now then it was last time around when he struck me as rather callow and unformed. I'll keep watching and listening, and I'm not ruling out others, such as Clark and Obama, but I like what Edwards has been doing and saying.

[flamin lib]

1. There are a lot of similarities to JFK. Young looking and very

physically attractive, calling for civil participation, has a wife who is poised and young children.

The civil participation is reminiscent of "as not what your country can do for you . . ." and the call to the peace corps.

The rest of his message; health care, aid for poverty and reaching out to the rest of the world is also very attractive.

He looks good and may do much better at the top of the ticket.

[cali]

2. I disagree with these JFK comparisons

JFK- from a privilged political family. Edwards- son of a factory worker, and first in his family to attend college. And Elizabeth Edwards and Jackie Kennedy couldn't be more different. The similarities are far more superficial than substantive.

[flamin lib]

4. I rather thought the similarities were a positive. Kennedy was able

to motivate an entire generation. Looks like Edwards may have that capacity as well. He's got another thing going for him--somebody has real political acumen. The announcement of his candidacy while everybody else is "forming exploratory committees" was brilliant. He has the stage to himself and is in demand for talking head spots. He can broadcast his message without the distraction of other campaigns.

I haven't chosen a candidate and won't until they're all out there, but Edwards is on a very short preliminary list.

[donsu]

3. if elected will Edwards stop the building of the Super Highway and stop

the planning to unite Mex., Can., US into one country?

I've sent his campaign this question. hoping for an answer.

[chimpymustgo]

5. Cali, thanks for the open mind and thoughful post.

I like many of the candidates. But I think Edwards is emerging with a strong, caring appealing message and very wide-ranging support. Dems, Indies, and Repubs. He might be the one to unite and heal this country.

And he will never forget where he came from, and the struggles he endured to get through college and law school. Not to mention his own personal battles - the loss of his son, Elizabeth's cancer.

Edwards has a strong sense of humanity mixed with a drive to help the people of this country and the world. He will be a great President.

[cali]

6. Thanks. It's a small bias of mine, I confess,

but I lke the idea of a President who is not from the privilged classes. Not that a President from the upper classes can't be great- FDR comes to mind, and not that someone from the working class can't be lousy, but all things being equal, I lke the idea of a President who understands first hand the struggles of the working people, and John Edwards clearly does.