While I am a Dean supporter, given the closeness of this race I have been doing some research on the other candiates recently so that I will like the candidate that eventually wins. As a result, I am becoming more and more impressed with Edwards if he continues his populism campaign.
During my research, I discovered that Senator Edwards lost his eldest son, L. Wade Edwards, in 1996 as a result of an automobile accident.
Now, don't kill me for thinking this and I really don't mean this the way it sounds, if Edwards is our canidate, I think this will be a huge advantage for him politically. Now, I am not at all suggesting that we us the Edwards' horrible personal loss as a campaign tactic. But the American people want to like their Presidents and they want to have empathy for the family of the President. Remember Al Gore's speech in 1992 about his young son almost dying?
I think the loss of his son, plus Edwards' youthful appearance and friendly style will really combat the supposed likability of GW Bush.
I think this is also one Dean's greatest weaknesses. Judy Steinberg Dean is rarely seen, and according to her, will continue her medical practice during the campaign and in the White House. Dean has children but they are never seen and nothing is known about them. Now, I support their right to privacy and Judy's right to pursue her own career, but this will not work in a campaign against Bush. Judy will need to campaign. The children will need to be seen. So that the American people get to like them.
Your thoughts?