Edwards: "I benefited from the American Dream they're trying to slam shut

[PurityOfEssence]

This is a paraphrase, but I couldn't find the direct quote. It was from a forum sponsored by a South Carolina TV station on Friday, where the moderator sandbagged him with a question about how he could feel for the poor after having been so rich for so long. He was fabulous; when the guy interrupted him, he stopped him cold.

This is indicative of the approach of his that's so devastatingly effective: America is good, but it's been subverted. His message acknowledges that he was the beneficiary of a helpful nation, not a scrappy guy who made it all on his own. This is an important contrast to the Republican approach of "I made it all myself, so the hell with the rest of you". What's great, too, is that this has him being a defender of what's good about America, and will play with many for whom a more accusative message won't.

Yes, I'm admittedly VERY partisan, and have been for quite some time, but do take a listen to the guy; he's truly got something.

Beyond all that, I still contend that he's MUCH more electable than any of the other candidates, and I'd gladly field all contentions to the contrary. The guy's a healer and a true statesman; he can help ease some of the troubles in this country and help as a steward to rejoin the world community we've so abused of late. In addition to that, he could have coattails and help bring in a new era in our politics.

Oh, and if anyone has a real link, I'd love the actual quote; I saw it on CNN yesterday, but couldn't find it on the web.

(Oh, and enjoy the show, too; it's sad that the stakes are so very high, but ya gotta admit, it's a hell of a contest!)

[hlthe2b]

1. I heard that quote.... AN EXCELLENT response...

I really like Edwards for many reasons-- not the least that his verbal skills and intelligence is a powerful combination-- producing responses that the average person can understand, relate to, and embrace. I still worry that he is a bit inexperienced for a successful run to the WH at this point, but should he win the nomination, I'd surely be enthused to help. And... I'd dearly love to see him debate Bush...

Given the breadth of experience in our top tier candidates (Kerry, Clark, Edwards, Dean), surely we can mount an unstoppable ticket. Regardless, Edwards has a bright future-- no doubt.

[spooky3]

2. He's been hit with this so often, he's developed a great response.

And I completely agree with everything you say.

[DjTj]

3. Verbatim:

MODERATOR: Senator, next question is this: You made millions of dollars as a trial lawyer. According to published reports, you and your wife recently purchased two multimillion-dollar homes in the Washington area. You talk about two Americas. Is it reasonable to think that you can relate to those who are less fortunate, to those who don't have insurance or a roof over their heads?

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), PRESIDENTIAL CANIDIDATE: Yes, it is. The answer is, the life that I have lived is the dream that's being shut off for so many Americans every single day.

* * *

EDWARDS: I grew up the way you grew up.

MODERATOR: You need to wrap up.

EDWARDS: I come from the South. You have to let me finish. You asked me the question.

I grew up the way you grew up, I come from the same place. I spent 20 years in courtrooms fighting for you against big corporate America, against big insurance companies. I will never forget where I come from, and you can take that to the bank.

[PurityOfEssence]

4. Thanks; I wasn't very close...

Drat.

It was a great moment, though, and it shows a lot. He didn't take any guff from that moderator, and he did it without rancor.

[JohnLocke]

5. kick