Reply #14: Some details about Wade most people do not know....

[Blackhatjack]

This is from memory, so forgive me if I leave out or get some of the details wrong.

Wade was a very talented writer in high school, and won a national writing contest. He was in Washington DC to receive the award, and 2 weeks later was driving to the beach ahead of his family when the accident happened.

Prior to Wade's death he had talked to his Dad(John) about entering politics to make a difference. John and Wade were very close. John valued Wade's opinion and was considering this when Wade died. Wade was a sensitive and forward thinking young man, and attended the same High School that my son later attended. When Wade died John and Elizabeth tried to come up with something that would preserve and demonstrate who Wade was, which manifested itself in helping others less fortunate.

They decided to build a computer lab and training center across the street from Wade's High School which would provide computer access to students who would otherwise not have that opportunity. Through their efforts a building was purchased and renovated, a program was established to do more than just provide access but to train students, and it was staffed by competent individuals. Today that program provides an introductory training program for every entering freshman class(approximately 400-500 students) which is of such high quality that the High School requires freshmen to complete it before starting classes. It also provides a continuous opportunity to hear notable speakers, and it provides learning opportunities for parents and adults in the community when not in use for the students.

At the time that Wade died John and Elizabeth found motivation to move in a different direction, and that led to John taking on what most knowledgeable Democrats considered an impossible task --enter the race as a neophyte Democratic political candidate to challenge a Jesse Helms machine backed incumbent Republican Senator. For people who did not know him and his abilities inside the courtroom, it was a shocking upset. For those of us familiar with John's talents inside the courtroom, I can attest we were not surprised that he succeeded.

You know the rest from news accounts....

But for the longest time neither John nor Elizabeth would discuss Wade's death publicly. I think Wade had a tremendous influence on John entering politics BEFORE Wade's death, and the decision John made to enter politics was because of that positive influence --not because Wade died.

Both are such quality people that it is hard to fathom how some people in good conscience can engage in the baseless and tasteless attacks that come with the territory of entering national politics.

I believe John is right. He and Elizabeth will be fine no matter how this election campaign comes out. But our country will miss out on an extraordinary leader if John Edwards does not become the Democratic Nominee and win the Presidency.

Hope this helps.

EDITTED to correct the accident date and location. THanks LEX.