Last evening I wrote of
Dennis Kucinich, a candidate for President in 2008. Several Progressives relented; although they agree with Congressman Kucinich philosophically, they fear he does not have a chance. Charisma is not his strong suit. Popularity equates to electability. Many mused they were considering former Vice Presidential contender John Edwards. The Senator is powerful, persuasive, and principled, and profound on numerous issues. As of last evening and this morning, the persons in the cyberspace community were claiming John Edwards is their choice. For these Liberals a small step into the White House may yield benefits for Americans. A foot in the door is better than nothing at all.
In reading the comments on my Kucinich missive, I concluded John Edwards may be the Left's last hope in 2008. Then, tonight, I heard; perhaps his campaign may be in trouble. Bloggers are not the cause; nor have they led the candidate down a path of "crisis management."
John Edwards has long been known as a family man, a gentle soul deeply connected to his family. His wife, Elizabeth is his best friend. We know that years ago Missus Edwards discovered a lump in her breast. She took treatment and seemed to be in remission. However, tonight there is concern. The Washington Post reports . . .
John Edwards to Discuss Wife's Health
By Nedra Pickler
The Associated Press.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007; 11:21 PM
WASHINGTON -- Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards accompanied his wife, Elizabeth, who has been treated for breast cancer, on a doctor's visit Wednesday. His campaign said they would hold a news conference in their hometown Thursday to discuss her health.
Campaign officials refused to answer any questions about what the Edwardses learned at the doctor's appointment or how it might affect his candidacy. Edwards had cut short a trip to Iowa Tuesday night to be with his wife Wednesday but still attended a barbecue fundraiser later in the evening in their hometown of Chapel Hill, N.C.
The campaign had said that Mrs. Edwards, 57, had a follow-up appointment to a routine test she had Monday. The campaign explained that she had similar follow-ups in the past but they always resulted in a clean bill of health.
The campaign refused to elaborate Wednesday. Family friends said Wednesday night that they didn't know of any new complications to her health.
"Her health has been so good for so long," said Kate Michelman, an Edward's adviser who was planning to work closely with Elizabeth Edwards to appeal to female voters around the country.
Mrs. Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in the final days of the 2004 campaign, when her husband was the Democratic vice presidential nominee. He announced the diagnosis the day after he and presidential nominee John Kerry lost the election.
Mrs. Edwards wrote about her life, including her breast cancer treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, in a book published last year called "Saving Graces."
The Edwards family has faced unexpected and unwanted traumas before. They have experienced deep loss, a passing no one would wish for. Elizabeth Edwards spoke of this...
Mrs. Edwards spoke about the death of her son and her cancer in an Associated Press interview last year.
"During the (2004) campaign, people who knew we had lost a son said, 'You are so strong,' and when I had breast cancer people would say, 'You are so strong,' and I thought, 'They don't know that there's a trick to being strong, and the trick is that nobody does it alone,'" she said. "I wanted, from the perspective of someone going through it, not tell them what to do, but show them what great support I got."
'Tis true, people help each other. Vigor is the outgrowth of love and care. Elizabeth Edwards has received many good graces. She has given much to her family, friends, familiars, and to those she touched from afar. Even now, her story moves us. Individuals relate to her illness. They too seek a enduring cure for cancer.
To date, we know nothing with certainty; yet, the news of a press conference following a visit to the physician seems ominous. We can only hope all is well, and Elizabeth Edwards is in good health. Perchance this time loss is not the news. Gain might reign.
The Edwards family has been through much. They have our support, our sympathy, and I wish them well.
As I write, I hear a word of optimism. The broadcaster announces, 'a close friend and adviser stated in a comment to the media, "Do not assume the worse."' I will not. It seems to me this family is strong. They have experienced many challenges in their lives. Together they grow greater. Perchance, the Edwards family serves as our example. They teach us to be courageous, compassionate, and genuinely concerned for family, friends, and for our future. May peace be with them, with us, one and all.
John Edwards to Discuss Wife's Health. By Nedra Pickler. The Associated Press. Washington Post. Wednesday, March 21, 2007; 11:21 PM
pdf John Edwards to Discuss Wife's Health. By Nedra Pickler. The Associated Press. Washington Post. Wednesday, March 21, 2007; 11:21 PM
Edwards and Wife Plan News Conference, By Adam Nagourney. The New York Times. March 21, 2007
Kucinich Calls for Censure, Conversation, and Change. By Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org March 20, 2007
Betsy L. Angert
BeThink.org
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