Edwards doesn't talk about it much

[renie408]

But he and his family really are good people. I am not saying anything about whether or not that qualifies him to be President, but you have to give him credit for sincerely wanting to help people.

I was doodling around on Google and came across the Wade Edwards Learning Lab.

http://www.wade.org/

The Edwards started it after they lost their oldest son in a car crash at the age of sixteen.

[madfloridian]

1. That was a wonderful thing to do.

Thanks for sharing that.

[clar]

2. That was a tragic

loss for them. So sad.

[renie408]

3. I want to be careful here

because Edwards does not use the death of his son in any way to gain sympathy or support for his cause. But there is a comment in this article about it that I think is telling. The author points out that Edwards reaction to extreme grief and stress in his life was to turn to his faith, to establish the Wade Edwards Foundation and to go into politics. I think that speaks to Edwards strength of character and to what kind of man he is.

>>Senator Edward's greatest loss: a 16-year-old son
By ROB CHRISTENSEN
September 15, 2003


John and Elizabeth Edwards were rich beyond all expectations, counting a wide circle of friends and enjoying a close-knit family.



Then on April 4, 1996, their world unraveled in the few seconds it took for their son's Jeep Cherokee to overturn on an interstate.. Wade Edwards, 16, was killed. It was at once a tragedy for the family and a life-changing moment for John and Elizabeth. They decided, in their late 40s, to have more children. They turned to religion. And John Edwards would launch a new career in politics, a radical turn for a man who often didn't vote.

Edwards' response to Wade's death provides at least part of the explanation for an unlikely career in politics and provides clues to how he responds under duress - something Americans like to know about potential presidents.

At first, he and Elizabeth withdrew from nearly everything that had been in their lives before the death. Everything except their family.


Elizabeth Edwards could have had a high-powered law career like her husband, but she did what many mothers do: She balanced her career with the demands of rearing two children, Wade, born in 1979, and Cate, born in 1982.

She still practiced law - as a bankruptcy lawyer for the firm of Merriman, Nicholls & Crampton - worked in the state Attorney General's Office and was an instructor at the University of North Carolina law school.

She was also a suburban soccer mom, hauling coolers of soft drinks to her children's soccer games.

Despite long hours at his law practice, Edwards coached several of his children's soccer and basketball teams. The family had season tickets to the University of North Carolina's basketball games. Wade worked part time as a runner in his father's office.

Father and son climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 1995. When they neared the top, Edwards developed altitude sickness and Wade helped his father get dressed and climb to the summit. Edwards, already slim from jogging, lost 20 pounds that week.

In early 1996, Wade was one of 10 national finalists in a patriotic essay contest sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Voice of America. The essay described the experience of accompanying his father to the voting booth. The essay earned the Edwardses a trip to the White House, where they met Hillary Clinton.

Several weeks later, Wade, 16, was heading to meet his parents for Easter break at the family beach home on Figure Eight Island near Wilmington. He was accompanied by three friends from Broughton High School traveling in two vehicles . Along I-40 in Duplin County, Wade's 1995 Jeep Cherokee drifted to the left onto the median, according to the accident report. He swung right and overcorrected. The vehicle flipped and landed on its roof.

Nearby motorists helped the passenger out of the Jeep and extinguished a small engine fire. But Wade Edwards' lifeless body was pinned in the vehicle.

Afterward, the Highway Patrol said Wade was traveling about 70 mph in a 65-mph zone. There was no indication of alcohol. He was wearing a seat belt.<<


http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/family/article/0,1406,KNS_308_2262961,00.html

[blm]

4. He is a GOOD person and a GOOD Democrat.

He never deserved the label of "Bushlite" that was thrown at him early on. It was despicable.

He has done more to fight the corporate machine during his career as a lawyer than most politicians.

[topdog08]

30. Edwards just posted to his weblog! Stop in and say hello!

You might not have a chance to get his ear in person, and tell him how much you appreciate his candidacy, but here is your chance to do so online. Get over there and welcome him to the web already!

blog.johnedwards2004.com John Edwards just posted an entry to his weblog. We need to show him how he does have a lot of online supporters after all. Please stop in and post something. Say hello and welcome him to the internet. I know he has USED it before, but this is his first weblog post.

http://blog.johnedwards2004.com

[Old and In the Way]

5. It's people like Edwards that make me identify myself as a Democrat

Look at our side: Edwards, Kerry, Dean, Gephardt, Kennedy's, Wellstone, Carter, Clinton, Gore, McGovern, Kucinich, Mitchell .....then contrast to:

Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield, Delay, Scarborough, Gingrich, Santorum, Helms, Lott, Thurmond, Nixon, Quayle, Dornan, Hutchinson, Barr, Armey, McConnell, North, etc.

Which group really exemplifies the best values and spirit of America?

There is no contest

[renie408]

8. So true.

I think that's what really hit me at the announcement in Robbins. You could just see the sincerity in everybody's face there, including Edwards. Everybody was fired up about all the issues mentioned. Obviously wealthy people were cheering hard when he talked derisively about the job retraining plan this administration is talking about and white people cheered hard when he talked about civil rights and equality. It struck me that the Democratic Party really is the party of INclusion, not EXclusion.

[mbali]

9. Edwards' Rainbow Coalition

I was there on Tuesday as well and was really impressed with the diversity of the crowd. And I was just as impressed with the diversity of people on the stage with him, not just because he had African Americans speak on his behalf, but because these were people with very strong ties to him. Unlike some politicians, he didn't have his staff scrounge up some black people he hardly knew to stand behind him to make himself look all-inclusive. These are people he has known for years and who are integrally involved in his campaign. It was nice to see.

[kang]

6. Edwards is a good Democrat

For you Edwards supporters and others who are interested, what do you all think of TNR's debate about why his campaign hasn't taken off yet?

Here's the link: http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtmli=debate&s=frankerutazengerle091603

[renie408]

7. I think opinions are like....well, you get the idea.

[chimpymustgo]

12. Edwards may end up surprising us all.

The road is long...with many a winding turn...

Clark jumping in shakes everything up. Forces everyone to take a second look at each candidate in this new context.

I have so much respect for Edwards as a person, as well as his wife, Elizabeth. His announcement rally was just an incredible event. I too, was struck by the diversity of the crowd - and the people who have been in his life a long time.

[mbali]

20. So much for predictions

It's somewhat frustrating hearing commentators already writing off Edwards. Everyone seems to forget that a year is an eternity in politics.

If, at this time in 1991, anyone had said that Bill Clinton would have gotten the Democratic nomination, these commentators would have said they were crazy. And if they had insisted that Clinton would beat George Bush and then go on to serve TWO full terms, the pundits would have laughed them out of the room.

[DemDogs]

10. Edwards patiently building strong support

He is still moving up in polls everywhere. He is not going away, and his path in popularity is more like Clinton's than anyone else's. What is interesting about the TNR debate is that they virtually say that he is the best candidate for the Democrats; they just can't understand why everyone can't see that. Just like Clinton, in time they will.

[RowWellandLive]

31. I like Edwards

Can you post another link? That one is no good. Thanks.

[eleny]

11. I really like the guy

I like the way he connects with people during his speaking engagements. His sincerity comes across so clearly. I'm a Clark supporter, but I don't want Edwards to go away. For a long time, I've hoped for a Clark/Edwards ticket. He's not only smart, he also has a lot of warmth.

[chimpymustgo]

13. I second that emotion.

I'd love that ticket - with either one, either way.

Is it uber-exuberance to think that ticket would pull the House and Senate back? Maybe not.

[genius]

14. Edwards seems to be a really good person.

I would have no problems with his getting the Presidency. However, I believe Kucinich is better on the issues and that's why I'm still voting for Dennis.

[AP]

15. I'm going to reluctantly embark on a little bit of mythologizing here

and I might regret it. It's really melodramtic. But I think it's an unavoidable parallel which I doubt the Edwards campaign would ever bring up on their own. So if I don't say it, I don't think anybody's going to say it. But I think people must be sensing this, and I definitely would like to help people sensing it make the click into realizing it.

So here goes (and I really hate saying something that is grounded in something other than fact-based opinion and argument)....


With great hesitation (partly because I'm not religious at all), I note that there's something oddly, well, biblical in the whole relationship between Wade Edwards, John Edwards and Edwards's decision to run for president.

I read that W.E. was really interested in poltics, and the democratic process. He wrote that essay about voting, and from somewhere, although I can't remember the exact quote, I got the impression that Wade wanted his father to run for office. When he died, Edwards reevaluated his life, and he must have begun to internalize a lot of those dreams that Wade might have had for himself and his father. So, in a sense...and here's the treacly part...if Edwards becomes president and it's because of W.E., Wade will have been a sacrifice, like Abraham was willing to make of Issac. Except that, unlike Abraham, John Edwards made the sacrifice.

I would find that very moving, and quite a monument, more significant than any other tribute the Edwards family has made in W.E.'s memory, if his death resulted in America having a president who, like FDR, pulls us back from the brink of fascism and puts America back on its proper track. I think all of America will have to feel that Wade's life was sacrificed for the sake of the nation.

Ok. I'm sorry about that if it was too maudlin, But I think the parallels are too obvious to ignore.

Also, how 'bout the barren Elizabeth Edwards having two more kids in her 40's. (On the lighter side) that's kind of biblical too, eh?

[surfermaw]

25. Childrens birth late in life has nothing to do with religion

Elizabeth and John Edwards, having children had nothing to do with religion.. John Edwards had to pull himself up by the bootstraps and had to wait untill he was pre. for more children.Elizabeth herself a lawyer probably wanted to use her education and decided two children were enough..Now probably after Wade, death she then decided she wanted more children and the Clock was running out...As far as John Edwards going into politics because of his son's death and a connection to religion I don't think is the case. I think he probably look at what he had accomplished, and realized he could do more...Sons intrest may have influenced him to do so. Who knows seeing the poor people he helped during his law suits, may have influenced him to go into politics... I have read that the little Lackey Girl he helped to win a law suit, would have had to be instutionalized with out his help in getting enough money to afford help for the family...This child is still being and will be the rest of her life fed by tubes..

[AP]

29. That wasn't the point I was trying to make.

Religion is full of very powerful images and allegories, which you have to admit, whether you're religious or not.

The point I was trying to make was that, in Edwards's life, there seem to be stories which have the same sort of power, which is unique among the candidates.

The thing about fertility was a joke. I don't think that is as powerful as the allegory of sacrifice and the loss of a child.

[DrFunkenstein]

16. Renie, You Really Are A Credit To Edwards Campaign

I think you're doing a wonderful job of making Edwards look good around here.

[chimpymustgo]

17. Hey, Dr. - it's not like that's a tough job! But Renie is terrific.

I'd like to say thank you for keeping us informed about this wonderful man, John Edwards.

[renie408]

18. Thanks!!

Hey, you don't know how much that means to me!!

[union_maid]

19. I like Edwards

I was a little bothered by his support of the war at the time, but I've like him from the first time I saw him speak. He's definitely one of the good guys. I'm supporting Clark, but I'd love to see Edwards as VP. I don't think it matters that they're both from the south. In fact I think it's a good thing. And if Edwards should end up with the nomination I'd be very happy to vote for him and I think he'd have a shot.

[renie408]

24. Respectfully

Can you tell me why you support Clark over Edwards? I am curious. I am trying to get a feel for how other people make their choices. I hear so many people say that "Edwards is great. Solid ideas, I will vote for him happily if he gets nominated, but I support___________"

[kang]

27. Why Clark over Edwards

It sounds unfair, but the difference is 30+ years of military service, 4 stars, purple heart/silver star in Vietnam, but more importantly a high-level understanding of foreign policy and national security issues. Don't get me wrong, if I could morph Dean or Edwards into Clark (although Edwards probably would be an easier mix) I'd do it in a heart beat. But Edwards lacks (I hate the word but) the gravitas that so many media types were questioning Bush about in 2000.

And his political experience is only slightly more than Clark's (he's only in his first term). Granted, Edwards is a skilled speaker and has a real likable personality, but just as important as his good policies and charming ways are his "cons" or things that the GOP will come at him with. Young and untested would be the Rove mantra against Edwards as he waves a big nat'l security flag over everything and says it's too risky to change in the middle of a crisis.

It will be a tougher sell because Clark's #1 "pro" is that he can convincingly argue that he'd be a better commander-in-chief than Bush (although truthfully any of the candidates would!). And charges of unpatriotic nature won't stick. So I guess that means Bush argues domestic policy? Guess which party wins on those issues. The trick to beating your enemy is take away what they want to do and get them to do that which they least want to do (sorry for the badly paraphrased Sun Tzu people).

He's also a trial lawyer and I've talked about this w/some out here on this and I'll just say that I'm a lawyer and the fact is there are many people who don't like us very much. I think he was a fine lawyer, but I'm not concerned how I feel...I'm looking to sell a package of ideas and positions and I want the person most effective at getting people to take them seriously and listen to them.

I know it's vague and fluffy, but Clark's selling leadership and a Democratic party that knows better than the GOP how to make America safe and how to fix Iraq and Afghanistan. That's a theme that all Dems in Congress can be shielded by thus allowing them to focus on domestic issues, that's the part of the message that Edwards lacks, and that's why I pick Edwards over Clark. But having both on the ticket would suit me just fine. Go Dems!

[madfloridian]

21. renie408 puts Edwards in a good light with decent posting.

That is important to me. He/she posts only good things about Edwards and does not feel the need to be critical of others.

[AP]

22. I have an uncontrollable urge to be critical of the other candidates.

Or at least a couple of them.

And I apologize.

But I don't think I can stop myself.

[renie408]

23. I do, too

Thanks for all the good press, guys, but I do go after other candidates sometimes. Like AP, I can't help myself.

[surfermaw]

26. Let the cream rise than fall in line

[carpetbagger]

33. And control your urges by thinking about W's second term.

I'd be mightily thrilled to see Edwards sworn in, even though he's not my favorite candidate. I can't imagine what the flame wars would have looked like in 1992 had the net/blog/drudgery/dumbeddown scene been around. I voted for Tsongas, but I was damn glad to get Clinton as president.

[kwolf68]

28. Really good thread

I too like Edwards very much and still believe he is a major sleeper. At press time I support Kerry because he has a more extensive resume. I know him better.

However, what I do know about Edwards is very positive. I believe he can be trusted to lead in the way consistent with most of our convictions.

Yes...He is a politico sometimes, but he has so much to offer and I trust his sincerity. I would be completely proud to vote for Mr. Edwards if he wins the nomination and remains in my Top 3 (Kerry, DK and Edwards)

[chimpymustgo]

32. I am kicking this big time.

I love this guy.