This diary brings some good news about Elizabeth Edwards' treatment that was in papers today. In addition, I have a link to an interesting interview with Elizabeth in Newsweek and a little quote.
And I have a couple bits of campaign news. First, I have news of an endorsement today of John Edwards from a Southern California political leader. Second, I have a link to John Edwards' petition and latest message on working to end the Iraq War.
This is sort of an Edwards news roundup for the evening. If you're interested, come on around after the fold, kick back, and relax.
First, some hopeful news: Elizabeth Edwards said yesterday that she has a type of cancer that is more likely to be controlled by anti-estrogen drugs.
Edwards had her first post-diagnosis doctor's visit Friday and emerged encouraged. She said her doctor expected she had the most aggressive "triple-negative" cancer, but testing found that she had two of the three key hormonal receptors — estrogen and progesterone. She said the original diagnosis was "slightly estrogen-heavy," but this time it's a strong marker and she also has the second marker.
"I consider that a good sign," she said. "It means there are more medications which I can expect to be responsive."
Elizabeth also showed a strong, fighting spirt in addressing some unfounded reports she is likely to die within five years:
"I don't care," she said in an interview with The Associated Press as she campaigned with her husband. "I'm going to fight exactly as hard if they tell me that I've got 15 years or if I've got 30 years. I'm still going to fight to get rid of this — if they tell me I've got 15 minutes, I'm still going to fight. It doesn't matter what the prognosis is. So it's not an important piece of information ... ."
There are more details in the article:
Edwards gets better report on her cancer
Second, Elizabeth Edwards was recently interviewed for Newsweek. In an article entitled, I'm Not Praying for God to Save Me," Elizabeth addressed the death of her 16 year old son, her own issues with cancer and possible death, and her belief in God. Here's a little snippet:
You didn't lose your faith, you changed your faith? Or did you lose it for a time?
I'm not praying for God to save me from cancer. I'm not. God will enlighten me when the time comes. And if I've done the right thing, I will be enlightened. And if I believe, I'll be saved. And that's all he promises me.
I personally like her philosophy/theology. I never have liked the prevelant view of God as Santa Claus with whom one could cut a deal by praying and get stuff. My personal view. I'm sort of an agnostic, buddhistic skeptic with a soft spot in my heart for Christianity at times.
More here:
I'm Not Praying for God to Save Me
Third, some campaign news. The Edwards campaign announced today that Los Angeles City Councilmember Herb Wesson, Jr. endorsed John Edwards for President and will help lead his campaign in California.
Wesson represents the 10th Council District of Los Angeles and serves as the Chair of the Housing, Community and Economic Development Committee. He previously served as Speaker of the California State Assembly. Wesson endorsed Edwards saying:
"America needs John Edwards and his leadership. I have known John Edwards for many years, and I know first-hand of his commitment to healing the divisions in our nation. I know that he cares deeply about ending poverty and giving working people a fair deal. I know that he is dedicated to making health care accessible to everyone. And I know that we can count on his leadership in ending our tragic involvement in Iraq.
"As President, John Edwards can and will accomplish all of these and more. That is why John Edwards has my strong support. He is the best candidate to take back the White House, and take back America."
He seems like a bookend to the John Burton endorsement the other day, but in Southern California. Like Burton, he was a legislative leader in Sacremento. Anyone know much about Wesson?
Fourth, John Edwards today called for Congress to stand firm in its struggle with George Bush to bring our troops back home:
I'm launching an emergency petition to Congress, urging them to stand firm on Iraq. We have to show every senator and representative that their constituents will not be fooled by Bush's ploy—Congress must not abandon the plan to end the war. We're aiming to gather at least 100,000 signatures before the showdown begins after Congress returns to Washington next week. Please add your name today:
snip
But this is not the time for political calculation. This is the time for political courage.
If Bush vetoes the funding bill, Congress should send it back to him just as before—with a plan to bring the troops home. And if he vetoes it again, they should pass it again. And they should do this as many times as it takes for Bush to understand that the American people will not be bullied into writing another blank check for his war without end.
Petition
Here's the petition language:
As your constituent, I'm asking you to stand up to President Bush and not write another blank check for endless war in Iraq. When the president vetoes funding for the troops, he's the only one responsible for blocking the resources they need. Please stand firm—support the troops with a plan to end the war and the funding they need to do it.
Lots of news about Elizabeth and John Edwards. That's the news roundup for tonght.