Back in 2004 during our primary, I was not nearly as involved as I am today. I have always been a student of political science in general, but didn't really give a rats ass about the Democratic Party. I was a liberal who wasn't quite sure about what I believed in and hesitent to really get involved in the political process. Moreover, I knew nothing about this country's socio-economic crisis and was really only passionate about social issues and national security (Iraq and gay marriage).
I remember liking Dean and Dennis Kucinich a lot because they were the most "liberal" candidates. I saw Gephardt speak in person and was also really impressed with him. But for some reason, I did not like John Edwards at all. Now, two years later, I have gotten involved and taken the time to look at issues that I previously did not give as much attention to...
Perhaps in 2004, Edwards was just taking horrible advice from Washington D.C. political consultants. I remember I went to a canddiates forum in Gallagher Iba Hall at Oklahoma State University where all the contenders attended except for Kerry. Gephardt, Dean, and Kucinich drew the most enthusisasm. But I distinctly remember Edwards and Lieberman (of course) receiving the only negative reactions of any candidate.
Maybe this progressive crowd just found Edwards to be too conservative. Afterall, he did follow Kucinich who I remember had called for troop withdarwl (a couragous statement for someone in 2003/early 2004). But I'm convinced that Edwards, like Gore after 2000, just has more appeal after being liberated from the captivity of DC consultants.
Nevertheless, I have changed quite extensively since I observed Edwards in 2004. Two years ago, I barley knew the terms "minimum wage" and "universal health care" as they had little significance in my wealthy suburban bubble. Since then, lots has happened- To me and my country. And the populist message that defines John Edwards is exactly what I want to hear from politicans.
Tonight, Edwards came to Oklahoma City to raise money for Oklahoma Democrats. He spoke to a union hall teeming with Democrats hungry for a politican who has been in the workingman's shoes. He spoke of growing up in
One overarching message from Edwards was the fact that no one can make it in life on their own. He completely debunked the libertarian/conservative myth that anyone can get anywhere if they work hard and stay focused. Government will always play a role, and without government, college would have been out of question coming from two blue collar parents who worked in mills.
But perhaps what impressed me the most about Edwards was he mentioned Darfur. He asked the poigniant question of what happens to America's reputation if we put another African genocide on the backburner? For such a short speech, I was extremely impressed by his comments on Darfur.
I talked to Edwards one on one for a few seconds afterward. A watched him talk to others before me, and not once did he loose eye contact with someone. He's authentic, extremely good looking (especially for 53), intelligent, southern, and most importantly, progressive.
Its been a while since a Democratic candidate has defined themselves by socio-economic fairness. Perhaps since William Jennings Bryan back in the early twentieth century. Well, its about time for a revival. And I intend to bust my ass for this remarkable man in 2008.