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John Edwards: Disappointment and Anger

John Edwards

The confirmation of John Edwards' relationship with Rielle Hunter came to me last Friday morning. I had opened up CNN.com and saw the headline. I had been aware of the National Enquirer's reporting on the story since late July from reading various blogs. I remember feeling then that it didn't fit that Edwards was running from reporters at 2 a.m. and hiding in a motel bathroom. His behavior that evening just added legitimacy to the story and it made it hard to believe him. Why was he there in the first place?

As I look at the timeline now, my disappointment quickly turned to anger. I supported Edwards strongly in 2004, gave money and time then, and was in his corner in early 2008 through Iowa and the early primary states. Knowing this now - that he had this relationship in 2006 and likely into 2007 - I don't know why Edwards ran once again. This stuff would have come out if his bid had been successful.

I don't think he is the father of the child involved, but it doesn't matter if he is or isn't. I do feel played. For me, his political career is over. His ego and narcissism to believe that this would not go unrevealed is disheartening. It makes it that much harder for Democrats to push on moral values issues this election.

Time for a change

This Sunday, February 10, Democrats from around the state of Maine convened in town halls and school gyms to select their preference for the next Democratic presidential nominee. Barack Obama won the Maine caucus by a large margin and the national media is declaring that he has the momentum heading into the Tuesday's Virginia/Maryland/DC block of contests.

I was an Edwards man in 2004 and reluctantly supported Kerry as the nominee. I donated money and time with that campaign but I never happy with Kerry. His campaign was horribly run with so many available issues to score points with voters with. US causalities were still climbing with no solution in sight and the economy was growing weak. Still voters saw Bush as the better choice on the war and close enough on the economy to keep in office. In addition, the swiftboat attacks piled up and voters saw Kerry as weak and defenseless on the national stage. I was angry at the result, but not surprised.

Edwards never had traction this campaign season. He ran a similar positive campaign to his 2004 presidential race focusing on the "Two Americas" and the war on poverty. I think the mood in the country has moved into a position where they need to see change. As a face in the 2004 race, Edwards was divorced from that movement. Most people weren't willing to give him a second shot at what should have been a slam dunk the first time.

I don't support Hillary at this time because she does not represent the inspiring change I am looking for in a candidate. Months ago, I thought about whether I wanted the Clinton years again or a new path. I want the new path. Barack Obama is the new path.

I was concerned about Obama's national political experience but that has passed. I've read his positions and heard his speeches. Obvious the specifics aren't in the sound clips the media shows on the evening news, check the website or do the research to see what he believes. I know he can work across party lines to get things done. Regardless of the final Democratic nominee, I will support them for the November election.

I don't hate John McCain. He has served his country admirably as a soldier and senator. You can disagree with someone and still respect him. That is something we all need to remember.

Once the elections are held in November and we have a president-elect for January, I hope we can get behind him or her and fix this country.