I just came back from The Edward speechs at the MLK celebration in NYC

[jazzjunkysue]

It was beautiful, and I was sitting back about 20 rows, right next to Bill Moyers. Yes, that Bill Moyers.

John was inspiring, and had the audience applauding throughout. I think he got several standing ovations. One of his best lines was "It's time for Americans to become patriotic about something other than war." Big standing O for that.

His message was don't wait for anyone to fix the world. Fix it now. Call your legislators and tell them to stop the war and insure all children. Stop policies that promote the divide between the rich and poor, and take care of the environment.

His message was positive. A few digs at the current admin, but not the point at all.

He kept saying "America is better than that." He quoted how many hungry americans there are and how many don't have healthcare, jobs, security. And he kept saying America is better than that.

Also, I was sitting next to Bill. Here's the post I put up about that, already:

event in Riverside church in the Bronx.

He's an amazing peaceful presence.

While the crowd applauded and stood to applaud all the speakers, including John Edwards, he kept his opinions under wraps. That's the journalist. Not wanting to appear to have an agenda.

He is quiet and warm and gentle. I asked to sit in his pew. He and his wife were on the end. When I asked if we could sit down he stood and smiled and with that voice said, "Of course." As soon as I heard him, I said, "Oh God! You're Bill Moyers! What an honor to meet you!" And he held out his hand to shake mine, and his wife did, as well. Then, he said hello to my boyfriend.

He's so still and gentle and quiet. Wow.

At the end, they had the whole church stand and sing "We shall overcome." Everyone joined hands, and so my boyfriend got to hold his wife's hand. I just wish I could have been 2 seats over in the pew.....

It was lovely. No one mentioned him from the podium, so, I think he went there unnanounced. Other celebrities in the audience were mentioned, like Henry Bellafonte, and Wiener and Chuck Schumer were there. Bu no one seemed to know about Bill, or they would have introduced him.

At the end, I saw him go up to the front, to all the dignitaries, including Martin's son Martin the III.

John was great. Look for my post about John. I'll talk about him there. He'll probably put it on his website, anyway at www.johnedwards.com.

[Ninga]

1. Thanks for the lovely post. It is really something isn't it, to have a personal experience

with a person who is notable, recognizable, gracious and touchable. You were very fortunate, and it sounded like you knew it too!

Bill Moyers is very special, without a doubt, not many like him in the media.

[jazzjunkysue]

2. Yeah. This is my "West Wing" fantasy coming true! John is as sweet

and deep in person as you think he'll be. He spoke on old fashioned paper from a podium, no lighting, producers, directors, no makeup. He's just the real deal, and he really cares.

So, everyone who watches him in the next 2 years: Believe it. He's really this good. He's the real deal. All of the speakers talked about trust. He gets it. He knows. He's exactly what we need.

He just is.

[RamboLiberal]

13. I think one of the big differences this time is that John Edwards

will not be afraid to be himself. I don't fault him, but like most politicians, he may have listened a bit too much to the handlers and pollsters. And I'm convinced he was badly used by the Kerry campaign. I know he and Elizabeth were out there working their butts off, but the Kerry campaign virtually let them disappear from media coverage during the summer/early fall.

This time I think Edwards feels he has nothing to lose so he will be unfettered. And by that he may just win!

[jazzjunkysue]

14. Agreed. I see no one knocking him out this time. n/t.

[bdamomma]

17. Edwards just cares and he cares about this country

he should not be underestimated. He has alot of potential.

[Lex]

3. Wow, sounds like an excellent time! Glad he is speaking out.

I hope others in the national spotlight will speak out loud and clear too!




_________________

[jazzjunkysue]

4. Speaking out was the message of the day. "Silence is betrayal."

He said to demand theat congress starve Bush of the funds necessary to continue the war.

Plain as day.

That was everyone's message at the service.

[midnight]

26. If congress would do that it would be a turning point in this

beautiful country of ours. No more silence about this war. Bring the troops home.

[VOX]

5. Was lucky enough to see Edwards speak twice in 2004. He is incredible in person!

I can only call it a gift -- his ability to connect and inspire. Even his critics soften after they've heard him.

On one occasion, my wife got a hug from Sen. Edwards, and she was on cloud nine. Her dreamy take: "He even smells good!" :)

Thanks for sharing your cool story, jjs! :thumbsup:

[Stephanie]

6. Damn! I'm jealous.

Why didn't I know about that???

[mdmc]

7. thank you kindly for your report

:kick:

[TomClash]

8. One tiny moan

Riverside Chruch is not in the Bronx.

It is in Morningside Heights and is the greatest house of worship in NYC.

Glad you had fun.

[mntleo2]

9. I Dream Of Making a Pigrimage To That Church

...wherever it is, lol

[jazzjunkysue]

11. Beautiful church. Sorry-It is in Harlem. 120th st. n/t.

[jazzjunkysue]

10. You're right. It was in Harlem. Sorry. Parked in the Bronx. n/t.

[Lex]

12. Happy to give you your 5th Recommendation.

And a big KICK. :kick:

______________________

[jazzjunkysue]

15. Thanks! n/t.

[JNelson6563]

16. Nice report

Thanks for posting. :toast:

[chimpymustgo]

18. Thanks! So glad you had that opportunity. Thanks for sharing it with us.

nt

[earth mom]

19. Wow what an experience! I love this: "America is Better than that".

Truer words may never have been spoken. That this country has sunk to such an all time low is just the saddest most pathetic thing ever. Glad that Edwards is taking the high road because he simply puts all the other politicians to shame. Especially those in Congress who are too wimpy to Impeach.

[Pastiche423]

20. I am so jealous

that you got to sit beside Bill Moyers! I was sad when he left NOW and am so glad he's back.

When the question is asked...

Who would you most like to talk w/that is still alive? My answer has been, Bill Moyers!

[jazzjunkysue]

21. I know. It was killing me, all the questions I wanted to ask him. I wanted to

tell him how I think he's one of the deepest, compassionate men on TV and how lucky we are to have him and to keep up the work. But he was so quiet, I didn't want to disturb him and the service. I just kept looking over at him!

2+ hours in his presence. It was wonderful.

[jazzjunkysue]

22. Here's John's own post about the speech and what he wants us to do about it

today:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x3127387

[bobbolink]

23. I hope he will keep speechifyin' about what USA can be--paint a picture!

I've been learning that that is the way to reach people... not complaining about what is so much, but show what could be.

I really want to see him make it this time!!

Go, John and Elizabeth, GO!

:loveya:

[ultraist]

24. Thanks for this great report!

I bet it was an amazing experience to be there. I listened to the speech while it was being livestreamed and found it very inspiring and was blown away by the long applause, it must have been around four or five minutes.

[Sapphire Blue]

25. Thank you so much for posting your wonderful firsthand account!

:hi: Senator Edwards wsa absolutely inspiring!

[mdmc]

27. first hand

:kick:

[Catchawave]

28. Great report !

Glad I saw the link on another thread or I would have missed it!

Thanks for sharing :hi:

:kick: