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BluegrassDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:18 PM
Original message
Edwards is wrong to continue his campaigning
It has the appearance that he's using his wife's illness for political gain. As a man and a husband, he should be with his wife and suspend his campaigning. If he didn't want to do that, then he should've kept her illness private. By having this big press conference announcing her illness, then staying in the race, it does nothing make create a sympathy vote for him and makes it difficult for other candidates to attack him.

I just don't understand why the press conference? What was it for? Why did they have to tell anyone? She didn't alert the nation in 2004 during the campaign that she had cancer, so why do it now?
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Horse with no Name Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:21 PM
Response to Original message
1. Fuck that
They didn't PLAN on Elizabeth getting cancer.
To not disclose it would be dishonest and you know what?
You don't have any right to shove your belief on ANYONE?
Why should her cancer stay in the closet when Betty Ford's alcoholism was out in the open?
What an ignorant statement.
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jefferson_dem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:22 PM
Response to Original message
2. Back off! Attacking him in this moment is as cold as it gets, friend.
Any such appearance of political calculation in today's briefing is only in *your* mind. Elizabeth only found out of this in the waning days of the 2004 campaign. Please, at least have the facts before you get nasty.
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Fovea Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:22 PM
Response to Original message
3. Thank you for your Concern.
Now back under the bridge.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:27 PM
Response to Reply #3
9. I happen to agree with the OP, you gonna
tell me to go back under the bridge as well? Someone who disagrees with you is automatically a disruptor? Please. Many a staunch Dem I know agrees with the OP as well. That bridge is gonna get mighty crowded soon, I suppose.
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rinsd Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:30 PM
Response to Reply #9
18. So you think this is a craven political decision by the Edwards?
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:35 PM
Response to Reply #18
31. I don't know, but it's certainly more than a possibility. The main
thing is that they both need to concentrate on her health and their family. A political campaign is not a picnic in the park, it is a hard, grueling, non-stop, stressful, 24/7 experience. Cancer treatment is not a picnic in the park, either. Both of them require full attention and focus. Right now, their focus should be on the cancer treatment and their family, especially their young children. Again, as I said elsewhere, sorry if that doesn't pass your Democratic Purity Test. Also, it just looks pretty politically craven, whether they mean it to be or not. That's the reality.
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rinsd Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:38 PM
Response to Reply #31
38. I don't have Democratic Purity tests
I think its more than a little cold to basically accuse the guy of pilitical craveness based on little more than what you think is right.
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Virginia Dare Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:41 PM
Response to Reply #31
44. I have to disagree with you..
millions of Americans pick up and go on with their lives after receiving a devastating diagnosis such as this, why shouldn't the Edwards? It is my understanding that these are HER wishes, most people can relate to that.

Neither one is naive about cancer treatment or campaigning, they've been through both before. They probably involved their children in this decision as well, but again, it's none of our business.

Also as an anecdote, my extremely centrist spouse who doesn't affiliate with either Party applauds their decision and the way they handled it.
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MistressOverdone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:41 PM
Response to Reply #31
46. I'm so surprised to hear you say this
because I know you are serious and certainly no troll. I just can't imagine anyone thinking this could be a stunt.

I would think that Mrs. Edwards won't go on the campaign trail while she is doing chemo.



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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:47 PM
Response to Reply #31
55. So you know more than her doctors do?
Her doctors have said that continuing the campaign is fine and will not affect her health overall.

Even suggesting that Elizabeth's cancer is being used as a political tool is disgusting.
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Fovea Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:35 PM
Original message
Yeah, when you assume you are more
grown up than a woman and her family facing cancer, and your concern is that she be mewed up and her husband with her, you can get down under the bridge too.

Sorry. Your concern is expressed inappropriately.
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MethuenProgressive Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:23 PM
Response to Original message
4. I don't agree he's looking for sympathy/political gain. However...
... it would've been a good and acceptable move for the third (fourth?) place candidate to bow out of the race at this time.
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BluegrassDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:26 PM
Response to Reply #4
6. He should be with his wife...PERIOD!
Why on Earth continue campaigning and FUNDRAISING when your wife has STAGE 4 cancer? I never said he was doing this for political reasons, but it has the appearance of it. And I'm not the only one. A couple of my family members thought the same thing. They should've kept her illness private. There is no need for the public to know this. He's not the president. The affect of his announcement will be a bump in his poll numbers and increases in funds. So how is that not a political calculation?
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Virginia Dare Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:28 PM
Response to Reply #6
10. Maybe this is what his WIFE wants...
why is it any of our business?
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Suich Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:32 PM
Response to Reply #10
24. I agree.
Maybe the campaigning is a part of what keeps her going.

:shrug:
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hlthe2b Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:28 PM
Response to Reply #6
12. SInce when are YOU the arbitor for all that is correct to DO and
FEEL? :eyes:
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aquart Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:30 PM
Response to Reply #6
19. Doing what, pray tell? Waiting for her to die?
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Sequoia Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:31 PM
Response to Reply #6
20. Maybe she wants him to SAVE the USA.
She's of the mind that it's better for our nation that he does this. She is not selfish and a whiny cry baby, but a very brave and woman of great courage. He loves her and she loves him and she can see beyond herself and hope that he just might be the one to take us out of the Dark Ages.

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MethuenProgressive Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:31 PM
Response to Reply #6
21. Um, he *is* with her, on the stump or not, they're a twosome
But you're very naive if you think there no political calculation involved. The minute they learned of her new diagnosis his crew started thinking "how does this impact on our candidate's chances?" That's cold hearted, true. But that's their job.
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liberalhistorian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:54 PM
Response to Reply #21
63. MP, are you getting the feeling that we'd better
start building our own little emergency shelter here? :evilgrin:
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Fovea Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:32 PM
Response to Reply #6
23. I want you to imagine for a moment that
they *hadn't* discussed this before this campaign.

I know, the idea seems pretty fucking silly, doesn't it?

So, are you done being Mrs. Edward's concern troll yet?

Ready to let the grownups get on to the business of living their lives?
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cindylouwho Donating Member (38 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:41 PM
Response to Reply #6
45. Honesty is the best policy.
Hiding an illness only supplies the opposition with ammo.
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Lars39 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:50 PM
Response to Reply #6
58. Ya know, Elizabeth had a voice in this.
I imagine it was her call.
She is a strong, outspoken woman who wants to live her life to the fullest.
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Contrary1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:55 PM
Response to Reply #6
65. Ok...here's the thing
He most likely will be with Elizabeth while she is battling Mets.

Her treatment will probably be oral meds. She did indicate she would not be losing her hair again.

When I was DX'ed with breast cancer, the world did not stop revolving. The kids still went to college, the hubby still went to work, though I had to insist on it. I wanted it that way. Life goes on. I didn't want everyone's life to be turned upside down because of me.

Believe me, it's better that way. Treatment for breast cancer does not keep one busy every single day. If one has too much idle time, the demons take over.

I applaud Elizabeth, John and the family...and all who deal with this every single day of their lives. Do not judge them. In the end, we all take the course that we feel is the best for us.

I'm not bashing you...you just have to think outside of what you would want.

Peace, and I hope you never have to face this disease.
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hlthe2b Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:26 PM
Response to Original message
5. Bullshit..... Limbaugh talking points....
Edited on Thu Mar-22-07 06:27 PM by hlthe2b
Elizabeth Edwards is living her life and to suggest she needs to be turned into a helpless appendage of John Edwards is the height of ignorance and misogyny.

The fact is that their example and their extreme courage to confront this horrendous news in such a way that makes the living with cancer REAL to so many Americans is a gift to all of us. The example that they have set will help countless families dealing with the same thing.

I'm sure you'll find many at the RW websites that share your opinion. I predict NOT here, fortunately.
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EFerrari Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:26 PM
Response to Original message
7. Nope. It's right to continue with your normal activities and
Edited on Thu Mar-22-07 06:26 PM by sfexpat2000
that can be beneficial to your health.

And I'm glad the Edwards are willing to share their real lives with us. Cancer has been a dirty word, a family shame, a hidden condition. We need more forthcoming families such as the Edwards as models to show us that cancer is not a shame but a medical situation. And we need them to show us what fighters look like.

Go, Elizabeth! Go, John!
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Raven Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:27 PM
Response to Original message
8. Here's the deal...anyone who thinks JE is benfitting from what
is most likely a terminal illness is a goul. There is no appearance at all of using this for political gain. Did you listen to what Elizabeth said? Not what John may have said...what Elizabeth said. She wants to go on with her life...note ...life. She does not want a death watch. And as for the so called "sympathy vote"...I doubt it.

Elizabeth did alery the nation about her breast cancer...right after the election. It was very public. So these people are being very consistent and fair about letting people know. At any rate, I am sure the information would have gotten out.

Maybe this is what you can't grasp: this is a strong woman, successful in her own right. She wants to continue her life, she doesn't want to hide anything. Kind of a new concept in politics, isn't it.
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Iwasthere Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:30 PM
Response to Reply #8
16. No oneseems to be considering what Elizabeth wants!
She wants to himt to continue the campaign damnit!
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ayeshahaqqiqa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:46 PM
Response to Reply #8
53. Very well said
and its about time that illnesses like cancer come "out of the closet". Besides, there is always hope. I had a dear friend who had breast cancer, had it come back in a form not easily treatable--and then it disappeared. She has been cancer free since.
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MannyGoldstein Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:28 PM
Response to Original message
11. I Don't Particularly Like Edwards - But His Family Has The Right To Do What They Want
Look, what are they going to do? Stay home and cry a lot?
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rinsd Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:28 PM
Response to Original message
13. Wow. Just wow.
I am in disbeleif that you are basically accusing Edwards of using his wife's illness for poltiical gain.

Perhaps they had to hold the press conference because some new agency pre-maturely reported he was going to not campaign because Elizabeth's illness.

Either way, what you have posted is as cold as it gets.
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kestrel91316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:29 PM
Response to Original message
14. It's their decision, NOT YOURS. Mind your own damned beeswax.
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madfloridian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:29 PM
Response to Original message
15. That is heartbreaking to see that post at DU.
It tells me a lot about someone who uses talking points like that.

Rush, Malkin, or Coulter? Which?
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kirby Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:30 PM
Response to Original message
17. Who are you tell tell him?
Who are you to criticize him for a personal decision he and his wife made? It sounds to me like you are concerned that whatever candidate you are supporting will have a 'difficult time attacking him'.

If you listened to the press conference he laid out his wifes condition and their mutual decision.

Why the press conference? Her health is an issue and if some other candidate found out she had cancer but didn't make it public, other candidates would be complaining that he was campaigning while she was sick, etc. This way, he lays all the cards on the table.

The only scenario that I would have considered opportunistic was if they announced the press conference and simply said 'All is fine, thanks, vote for me.'
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R_M Donating Member (425 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:31 PM
Response to Original message
22. I respect their right to do as they want to.
It's not your business to determine what the Edwards should do.
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Monty_ Donating Member (162 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:32 PM
Response to Original message
25. No, No, No
What's wrong is someone other than John and his family deciding what is right and what is wrong. I'm a Tulane alum and after Katrina people were saying the Tulane football team shouldn't play the season. The players got together and decided themselves to play the season. John and Elizabeth got together and decided to continue the campaign. It was their decision and no one elses.
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Raven Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:36 PM
Response to Reply #25
37. Welcome Monte!
Things get interesting around here.:-)
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Raven Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:40 PM
Response to Reply #37
42. One more thought...
and I was thinking about this today when I heard the news. If I were Elizabeth the last things I would want to do at this point would be to stop campaigning for my husband and, go home for some sort of a death watch. She has a very serious problem but the nightmare, to me, would be to be sitting all this out.
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cindylouwho Donating Member (38 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:44 PM
Response to Reply #42
49. Exactly.
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Fovea Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:00 PM
Response to Reply #37
67. this is freaky
in my past I have known both a woman named Raven and a fellow named Monte who knew each other...

Of course, that is too weird to be you guys. But a weird synchronicity anyway!
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benny05 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:34 PM
Response to Original message
26. Reminds me of this little goodie on Taylor Marsh
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Virginia Dare Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:34 PM
Response to Original message
27. IIRC John Edwards himself didn't know she had cancer..
or at least the possibility of it, she kept it from him so that it wouldn't effect his concentration on the race.

I don't buy into your argument of making it difficult for people to attack him. Of course they can take him on in terms of real and substantive issues, and explain to me why is it a bad thing for people not to feel comfortable in personally attacking each other?

On the other hand, eventually the whole thing would come out, and he would be criticized for not coming forward, so he really can't win either way.

As a point of reference, I'm not an Edwards supporter, I haven't made a decision as to which candidate I will back yet, but I think he is just following his wife's wishes, I'm sympathetic to them and impressed with their courage, but personally it doesn't push me into their camp one way or the other.
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butterfly77 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:34 PM
Response to Original message
28. Is this a poll to see how we feel about the situation...
he should run just as everyone else.
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Cleita Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:34 PM
Response to Original message
29. They have decided otherwise, so I don't believe
it's our place to second guess them. There is a precedent. John Kennedy campaigned for President even though Jackie Kennedy discovered she was pregnant. She took a back seat in the campaign but didn't prevent him from running for President and winning. I believe the Edwards can work this out too.
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Arkansas Granny Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:35 PM
Response to Original message
30. I believe his wife supports him in continuing his campaign, if I
heard her correctly. They have faced adversity before and feel that to stay busy and focused is a better way to handle the situation than to drop out of public view and dwell on it. At any rate, it is their decision to make, not mine, not yours.

Why the press conference? It was bound to be leaked. You can't keep these things from the press so maybe they thought it would be better to make the announcement themselves with the facts than to wait for rumor and suppositions to hit the airways and then try to correct them.
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karynnj Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:35 PM
Response to Original message
32. It's their choice
whether they stay in the race - she is asymptomatic and I think was going with him to some fundraisers. i assume she will follow her doctor's advice on what she does. Although it's not as clear cut as if she were the candidate, this is something that they really needed to divulge. I don't recall anyone saying that Senator Kerry was looking for sympathy when he had a press conference right before he had surgury for postrate cancer.

You concern that no one can attack Edwards is strange - my reaction was sympathy for a woman with 3 children, 2 of whom are quite young and that it complicates a run for President. Anyone who runs for President gives a huge amount of themself to the country and most get a lot of criticism in return. I assume that this may make baseless personality type smears off limits, but they should be anyway. But looking at the past, smears will occur. Clinton had a heart attack - and has been attacked since; the 2004 candidates didn't avoid attacking Senator Kerry - in fact, someone spread rumors in Iowa that Kerry's cancer had returned and he was dying.

In 2004, her cancer was confirmed by a biopsy she had on November 3 in Boston. The results were disclosed to the media at the time - and were covered.
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AtomicKitten Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:36 PM
Response to Original message
33. That decision is the Edwards' alone and should be honored at face value.
It takes a lot of courage to disclose something so catastrophic and to be willing to press forward in the service of the country. I say kudos to them both.
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dogday Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:36 PM
Response to Original message
34. Why don't you come on down from your lofty perch
and join the rest of us who believe it is not any of our business what this couple decides....
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Maddy McCall Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:36 PM
Response to Original message
35. It's the same thing the freepers are saying.
Imagine that.
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MistressOverdone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:36 PM
Response to Original message
36. I could not disagree with you more
Edwards is not my first choice, but I understand and support his decision. And personally I think this is also the best decision for his wife. Time enough for them to make the hard decisions if her prognosis turns out to be definitely bad. And anyone who thinks this is a campaign stunt has never fought cancer.
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cindylouwho Donating Member (38 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:39 PM
Response to Original message
39. Why should they hide the recurrence of her illness?
Is it something you feel they should be ashamed of?

And as far as continuing his campaign is concerned, if she feels well enough, getting out of the house and doing something she likes and enjoys is probably the best thing she could do for herself. Its certainly better than sitting in her house checking her blood pressure, temperature, and x-rays. I think he should run and they should go for it.
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Connie_Corleone Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:39 PM
Response to Original message
40. It's their decision. Elizabeth probably WANTED him to stay in the race.
It's not up to you or anyone else who isn't part of their family to judge them.

It's better than sitting at home waiting to die.
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AndyA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:40 PM
Response to Original message
41. This was John and Elizabeth's decision, and it is not open to interpretation by anyone else.
Frankly, it is no one else's business.

Fighting cancer is as much mental as it is physical. Elizabeth has wanted John to be President for a long time. To give that up now due to her health might be more of a set back for her.

Aiming for the Presidency is a goal, and is something to live for, to get up every morning and fight for.

John is very devoted to his wife, and loves her very much. If there was any chance at all that the campaign would be detrimental to her health, I have no doubt that he would withdraw immediately.

John and Elizabeth have already given up so much in their lives, why add the Presidency to it?

I think we should all be sending good thoughts their way, and let this decision be theirs alone.
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Breeze54 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:40 PM
Response to Original message
43. She didn't know until after the election in 2004!
Edited on Thu Mar-22-07 06:42 PM by Breeze54
Elizabeth Edwards diagnosed with breast cancer

Posted 11/4/2004 12:46 PM Updated 11/4/2004 10:12 PM

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/2004-11-04-edwards-cancer_x.htm

By Susan Page and Jill Lawrence, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON —

Elizabeth Edwards continued to stump through five key states in the final days of the campaign
despite receiving a distressing diagnosis from her family doctor last Friday: breast cancer.

As soon as Sen. John Edwards had delivered his emotional concession speech at Boston's Faneuil Hall
on Wednesday, the couple drove to Massachusetts General Hospital.
A needle biopsy by a specialist
there confirmed that she had invasive ductal cancer, the most common form of breast cancer.

(Related video: Edwards diagnosis)

Edwards discovered a lump in her right breast while campaigning last week for Sen. John Kerry
and her husband, his running mate. She saw her doctor when she was in Raleigh, N.C., on Friday
to cast an early ballot and join her husband at a rally.

The doctor told her the lump probably was cancerous but said there were no overriding risks
with waiting to see a specialist until the campaign was over.

At the beginning of his concession speech, the North Carolina senator introduced his wife
as "the love of my life," as he customarily does.

But neither gave any public hint that something was amiss.
Sen. Edwards had informed Kerry about the news Friday.


more ..........

-------------------------

She said in the interview today that they made the announcement
so that everyone would know what was going on, all at once.

Did you see the interview?

Cancer Diagnosis

http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_5494636
* Watch video of John and Elizabeth Edwards' announcement of her illness.


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in_cog_ni_to Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:41 PM
Response to Original message
47. I've never been an Edwards supporter, but I was sitting here thinking how much I admire him
for how he deals with adversity. He immediately rushed to Elizabeth's side yesterday when she got the bad news and was there to support her. I am sure that SHE is the one who wants him to continue. I don't doubt for one second that he didn't tell her he was dropping out of this campaign and SHE said NO. This is THEIR life. This is how they choose to deal with it and I, personally, find it endearing.

Elizabeth had breast cancer and MANY, MANY of John's supporters went through that with her....DU included. She just wanted to be upfront with all of us and I admire her for that. She's an AMAZING, INCREDIBLE woman and John is a WONDERFUL, SUPPORTIVE husband.

Leave them alone.
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Nutmegger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:42 PM
Response to Original message
48. Disgusting
The fact that Elizabeth urged John not to quit speaks volumes.

Stop the Edwards trashing. The right-wing does enough of that as it is.
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Greylyn58 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:45 PM
Response to Original message
50. Elizabeth is a strong woman...
Edited on Thu Mar-22-07 06:53 PM by Greylyn58
regardless of her cancer returning. The two of them have been through a lot together. She's not hiding her illness from the public. She wants it known in the hopes her situation might help other women in similar positions. Cancer shouldn't be pushed away and hidden.

And John Edwards loves his wife. Don't think for one minute he doesn't just because he is continuing in his bid to be President. He has already canceled some of his campaign stops just to be with her and said he will do so again. He said in his press conference that the two of them talked it over at length and she told him not to quit.

Elizabeth Edwards is an extraordinary woman.

Don't judge someone else's situation using your own criteria.

PS. I meant to add, at least he didn't try to divorce her when he found out she had cancer, like a certain Repuke we all know...and in her hospital bed. And he's talking about running for President...God!!!





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sendero Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:45 PM
Response to Original message
51. Pal..
... people who get sick don't just crawl into a corner and die.

I could also have done without the press conference, but I don't expect John Edwards or his wife to stop living because one of them has become ill.
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huskerlaw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:45 PM
Response to Original message
52. Are you freaking kidding me?
Now we're going to attack him for TELLING THE TRUTH?!

He's a presidential candidate. His wife has cancer. There were already crazy rumors going around that he was going to quit campaigning. THAT is why there was a press conference. Not to mention that thousands of people were concerned about her. They wanted to show us that she was doing ok.

Why did they have to tell anyone? Jesus. We really are more used to the Bush culture than I realized.

And for you to even SUGGEST that they did this for political gain is repugnant.
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VOX Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:47 PM
Response to Original message
54. Check out FR if you're interested in hearing some identical talking points...
And here's a small sample of what passes for their deep concern: :sarcasm:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1805224/posts

Watch Edwards milk this for every tear, vote and advantange like the oily personal injury attorney he is.
1 posted on 03/22/2007 3:24:15 PM PDT by Anti-Bubba182


I have a great deal of sympathy for his wife. But if the Breck Girl continues his campaign if her illness becomes worse and tries to turn it into political capital he will unequivocally prove to the thinking half of this country's population that he is truly without conscience and is lower than whale $hit on the ocean floor.
7 posted on 03/22/2007 3:33:20 PM PDT by stm (Believe 1% of what you hear in the drive-by media and take half of that with a grain of salt)

I'm sad that Mrs. Edwards has cancer again and wish her all God's strength and blessings...
John Edwards on the other hand needs to eat poo and die...get a grip you ambulace-chasing-snake-oil-salesman egomaniac, you will never be elected. Do the right thing, call it quits and stay home and look after your wife and kids through this more important time in their lives...you dick.
27 posted on 03/22/2007 4:30:44 PM PDT by Geronimo

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LiberalinNC Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:48 PM
Response to Original message
56. I originally thought the same thing...but as the day goes by and the more
I think about it, the more I think the Edwards made the right decision. Yes, they will get the sympathy "vote" for the time being. But really think about it, they did this NOT for them, but for everyone who has faced cancer, or has a family member facing or has faced cancer. I for one get it, seeing that I am a cancer survivor. WHO are we to tell them what is right for them. They obviously made a conscience decision to put all their cards on the table, accept the illness, and move on with their lives. It's not a POOR ME, attitude, it's all about strength. God forbid she become deathly ill, I Mr. Edwards would drop everything for her - but she's no where near that, so why should they STOP doing what they believe in their hearts to be right. And one question for you, if it was you in their shoes, would you just stop living your life and sit around and cry about it? I know I wouldn't...they must live life and it's their choice to carry on the campaign.
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Sapphire Blue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:49 PM
Response to Original message
57. Hmmmm... the web address above is:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3176692

So I'm still on DU; I thought my internet(s) had been hijacked & sent me to that other site... the land of knuckledragging trolls. You should go back there.

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madfloridian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:51 PM
Response to Original message
59. Many of your posts attack Edwards. This is perhaps your worst.
It is heartless and shows a deep lack of understanding.

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KiraBS Donating Member (195 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:52 PM
Response to Original message
60. What if this is what Elizabeth wants and needs...
he husband to carry on campaign, to carry on bring up the debates to not sit and fret and worry.
Maybe being supportive of his wife is doing want she wants him to do and maybe they can highlight health care too.
There is still plenty of time, if he can get the momentum going maybe someone else with take the campaign further maybe Wesley Clark, maybe Edwards could be on the tickets still as a VP candidate.

I should imagine a press conference would be to stop any possible leaks, if he had just dropped out and the news had leaked out, the media may well have hounded her. It will stop the media making nasty remarks if she suddenly loses weight. By going public they have made sure she gets some respect and privacy when it is needed.

If you look at the messages boards of the far right, it hasn't stopped them making fun of Edwards and accusing him of using it for votes.
If by some amazing chance he should become President because a sympathy vote, I am sure he would rather have his wife fit and healthy and not be President.
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PresidentObama Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:53 PM
Response to Original message
61. What a shameful OP.
To even insist it looks like John is using this for political gain. How sickening. The Edwards are fighters, and they'll continue to fight. John didn't make this decision alone, he made it with his wife and family. Can't you respect his decision? And Elizabeths?

The press conference was clear. It was to explain why he missed a day on the campaign trail to be with Elizabeth. He was disclosing the info to the public, and to his supporters. How disgraceful that you would question his motives. And 2004 was different. She didn't want to spoil anything for the campaign in it's peak during the biggest cycle in political history. She did, however, come out about it a day later.

Give them your respect, please!! It's shameful to question John Edwards motives. He's a very unselfish man when it comes to his relationship with Elizabeth.
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saltpoint Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:53 PM
Response to Original message
62. It's not your decision to make. It's John and Elizabeth Edwards' decision.
They made it.

Together.

Your post is way, way off.
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madfloridian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:55 PM
Response to Original message
64. Somedays it seems like DU has become just like FR or CU
Somedays it is very hard to tell the difference.

But they take pride in their bigotry and coldheartness. So far most at DU don't.
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SaveElmer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 06:59 PM
Response to Original message
66. And I think BlueGrassDem ought to mind his own F**kin business...nt
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snowbear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:01 PM
Response to Reply #66
68. I agree --- what a POS thread.
Bluegrass really should be ashamed. I'm sure they won't be --- but they certainly should be. This thread SUCKS.
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INdemo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:12 PM
Response to Reply #68
73. I doubt that Bluegrass is a Democrat..
The right wing talk show hosts will be making comments like this for weeks to come,but I would not expect a real Democrat to throw such a low blow...
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emulatorloo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:06 PM
Response to Original message
69. Your post has just about convinced me to THROW MY SUPPORT TO EDWARDS!
EOM
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mmonk Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:08 PM
Response to Original message
70. It's not your decision to make.
A few months ago (seems like yesterday) we had a crowd packed into the auditorium at Meredith University for Edwards's book signing at which both he and Elizabeth spoke at. You could tell they were really gearing up, milling around and talking with everybody. Unless you know them, reserve your judgement. I can asuure you Elizabeth wants this campaign to go on. It's her choice to make and it's where her heart is along with her family.
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Gloria Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:08 PM
Response to Original message
71. Do you not understand?? That this campaign is what is going to help
Elizabeth live?? She knows she has limited time and she want to do something meaningful. She shares John's beliefs about what this country needs and she wants to keep working on this project. He may not win the nomination or general election, but she will have done her life's work.

Just her presence before groups will inspire women all over the country. That alone is worthy work....
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jobycom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:10 PM
Response to Original message
72. Were the Germans wrong to bomb Pearl Harbor?
Good grief. I knew this would be the Republican spin, I had no idea it would infest sentient beings.

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edwardsfeingold08 Donating Member (123 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:30 PM
Response to Original message
74. What a load of crap
There are a lot of weak people like you who want the sick to go off and hide and die in private. They want the elderly and frail to quietly disappear. Screw that. She has cancer and she is a fighter. She is strong enough for the campaign to press on and most likely is drawing the inspiration to heal in the process. She is doing what she wants to do. John Edwards is following his wife's wishes. More men should learn from him.

Why the press conference? To show that she still looks healthy. Plus, his private life is open to public scrutiny. Maybe you want a leader who would be ashamed of an ill spouse. Maybe you should vote for Giuliani or Gingrich since they cast off their sick spouses. Maybe you should find someone who would hide his wife's illness from the public.

If John Edwards were the type to play political tricks with cancer, he would discuss the death of his son Wade at every stop. He doesn't.

Of course, I'm an Edwards supporter so I'm quick to defend him. I've also been sick and I applaud those who fight to live when they are ill.

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snowbear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:31 PM
Response to Original message
75. I hope to hell your thread is LOCKED Blueass Dem

I've certainly seen threads locked here that were far less critical of other candidates.


In fact, one of the networks (CNN or MSNBC - I don't remember which) said that RUSH LIMBAUGH was spewing out the very same talking points that were put on this BGDem's pathetic thread.

"It has the appearance that he's using his wife's illness for political gain".

-----

"he should've kept her illness private"


-----

why the press conference?"


-----

What was it for?"


-----

"Why did they have to tell anyone?""


-----

She didn't alert the nation in 2004 during the campaign that she had cancer, so why do it now?"


-----

DISGUSTING!
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citizen snips Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:32 PM
Response to Original message
76. Bullshit
It is up to the Edwards family to decide on how to continue the campaign not yours.
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mvd Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-22-07 07:34 PM
Response to Original message
77. Locking
This is just plain inappropriate.

mvd
DU Moderator
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