Sara Truedson
Staff Writer
John Edwards, Democratic presidential hopeful, hit one of his first potential snags in the developing presidential race. After a fairly quiet 2006, Edwards embarked on a massive effort at shoring up his base by hitting the campaign trail in early 2007.
His major goal this year was supposedly to maintain his position in the top-tier of Democratic nominees (Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama), but with his wife Elizabeth’s recent diagnosis of breast cancer, he has been bombarded with questions about the continuation of his campaign.
Although his aides have repeatedly said the campaign will, “continue as usual” there will be nothing “usual” about the rest of 2007.
Although some have said this will be a hindrance to Edwards’ campaign, he has repeatedly insisted that he will continue on his rigorous campaign schedule.
In this early stage of the 2008 election, it is key for a hopeful who straddles the line between the first- and second-tier candidate, to continue to raise money.
With Obama and Clinton already raising more than $100 million each, Edwards has work to do. But, the media attention the recent diagnosis has cultivated has seemed to work in favor of the Edwards campaign, bringing credibility, cash flow, and buzz to a campaign that has struggled on all three counts.
Breaching privacy or not, this story has been all over the news. At the risk of sounding insensitive, his wife could become John’s greatest asset.
He is already connecting with new people through his wife’s illness. He has gained support from cancer survivors, sufferers and their families who sympathize with him throughout this traumatic time. Although the fundraising is appreciated, the family prefers not to refer to the illness, as they are humbled and optimistic about the future and care not looking to exploit the situation.
Along with the hardship of his wife’s cancer, Edwards and his wife lost one of their four children in 1996, when the 16-year-old Wade died after he lost control of his Jeep en route to the family beach house.
These hardships allow him to connect on a real, authentic level with so many who are struggling with similar issues. People respect authorities who have faced such adversity, since those people are able to identify and understand a broader spectrum.
Although Elizabeth’s cancer has spread from her breast to her bones, John’s hopes seem high.
“We are very optimistic about this, because having been through some struggles together in the past, we know that the key is to keep your head up and keep moving and be strong.”
03-29-2007