Edwards In For `08
I like John Edwards. I’ve always liked John Edwards. So reports claiming he’ll soon announce he’s running for President in `08 make Southern Beale a very happy girl, indeed. Merry Christmas to me!
I’ve heard some folks knock Edwards for his focus on the issue of poverty. This comes from both sides of the aisle. Some folks see it as a coldly calculated maneuver designed to position Edwards in the best possible light for a Presidential run. Yeah, the poverty issue has always been a hot seller with voters, right up there with cutting taxes and banning abortion.
Seriously, people who have these thoughts need to crack a tiny hole in their own coldly calculating hearts. Trying to eradicate poverty in the nation ain’t exactly the same calculated political maneuver as buying a Texas ranch, donning a Stetson and Texas swagger, and refashioning a Yankee trust fund baby into a populist cowboy.
The “poverty is a losing issue” gambit is the same argument used against Edwards by folks on the left. They say that it won’t translate into votes, since most voters see themselves as middle class. Hmm, so maybe the poverty thing isn’t such a calculated move after all? Maybe Edwards really is sincere on this issue? Stop the presses! A politician who’s sincere about wanting to help the poorest Americans! And this is a bad thing how?
People forget that policies that benefit the poor also benefit the middle class. Forbes has a look at what they call Edwards’ “progressive agenda,” which includes universal health care, a higher minimum wage, and siding with unions in their fight against Wal-mart. These are populist issues that go against the corporatist grain we’ve seen in the political arena, both Dem and Republican.
Yes, I like John Edwards. His entry into the ‘08 field should make for an exciting presidential race.