I usually don’t get to watch any of the Sunday morning news shows — I’m lucky if I get twenty minutes with the newspapers before I am called back to Mommy duty.
But R. had a first ever Sunday morning breakfast playdate (P.J.’s required!), so I did get to spend a few minutes with Tim Russert (not counting our chance encounters in the neighborhood).
Russert spent the full hour interviewing former Senator John Edwards, and after watching and listening, I’m a new fan.
Why?
Because of three little words:
“I was wrong.”
To paraphrase the immortal words of Edgar on the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoons, “Now there’s something you don’t hear everyday, Chauncey.”
Someone is running for President who isn’t parsing words about their vote on the Iraq war? Is this possible?
For the moment, it seems like it.
I am sure that Russert will pose the Iraq “gotcha” question to all presidential candidates who were Senators at the time they enabled President Bush to take us to war. And, in politician fashion, I am assuming we will hear a lot of answers that we’ve already heard, like, ‘I would have voted differently if I had had all the information,’ or ‘I didn’t really think President Bush would use the authority we gave him.’
But you’ve got to admire the character of a person who is willing to just step up to the plate and accept responsibility for a mistake and admit they were wrong.
Granted, Edwards has a big political reason to try to put the best spin possible on the whole Iraq thing, but I have to say, he was either being totally genuine or he’s a better actor than Clive Owen, George Clooney and Russell Crowe all rolled up into one.
So while everyone is still weighing in on the Hillary or Barack debate, let’s give Edwards a listen, too. You might be surprised by what you hear.
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Also, today is my first posting for the Parent Bloggers Network! I’m over at PunditMom Reviews talking about Babyproofing Your Marriage! Enjoy!
February 5th, 2007 at 10:48 am
I always loved the two americas of edwards. Such a great campaign theme. I hope he keeps it up. I’d listen all over again.
February 5th, 2007 at 11:44 am
I was talking to a co-worker on Friday and we decided the “dream ticket” would be Edwards for President and Obama for VP. Sorry Hilary, but too many people dislike you. I don’t understand how she can even run.
February 5th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Yup, I’m with Becca on this one:
http://not-quite-sure.blogspot.com/2007/01/thank-goodness.html
February 5th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I tend to keep politics off of my blog (personal preference) but behind the scenes I’ve been pining for an Edwards/Obama ticket. I have to admit that the Edwards family makes me doubt their sincerity – sometimes they’re much too cheerful and upbeat – but I do believe that deep down they’re on the up and up. Maybe I just need to believe in the good guy?
February 5th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Edwards has a nice, broad-based appeal and is certainly less polarizing than Hillary. I agree his candidacy deserves an open ear.
February 5th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Funny how your post is so timely, PunditMom. As much as I respect both Hilary and Barack, for the past few weeks in the back of my mind I kept hearing a voice say “What about John Edwards”? I felt he was genuine before and I feel he’s genuine now. And if there is anything we can use in this town it’s a little bit of honesty. I was only able to catch about 5 minutes of him on TR, but I’ve actually heard him say those three very meaningful words in the recent past. Talk about earthshattering. OH, and I believe he is scheduled to be on Diane Rehm’s show tomorrow morning at the 10 spot.
February 5th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
For my money… Edwards seems a nice guy, and sincere as well, but when the Virginia primary’s roll around, I will not be voting for Edwards… or anyone else the knuckled under and voted for this war.
My dream ticket is centered around Bill Richardson and Barack Obama… with either of them at the top of the ticket.
February 5th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
I’m a big Edwards fan. Maybe he’ll actually have a fighting chance. I mean, according to Hirshman it’s all one big popularity contest for us anyway. Maybe we’ll all vote for him because he’s cute AND genuine. Anywho, I voted for him in the primary last time and I’ll be pulling for him again….
February 5th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
GF, Good call on Richardson. He is a high quality candidate, as well!
February 6th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I am so glad to see John Edwards supporters speaking out. He is a very genuine guy who will make a powerful leader. He lives in Chapel Hill so I have had a chance to get to know him and Elizabeth personally. They are the real deal. It frustrates me to no end that the media gives Edwards so little consideration. I heard an hour of pundit news roundup on The Diane Rehm Show last Friday. They didn’t mention Edwards at all until a caller asked about him. Then they acknowledged that he’s a viable candidate! There is no excuse for pundits to decide for us that this is just a contest between Clinton and Obama. If your candidate isn’t getting coverage, make a ruckus!