Let me give you a little history on my support John Edwards. Way back in 2003, I was behind Edwards. I knew of him as a rising star in the Democratic Party. I knew that he was the first in his family to go to college, that his dad worked in a mill, that his mom worked for the postal service and that he went to NC State for undergrad, not some elitist college. I knew the history of his son, the whole deal.
I viewed him as the best candidate we had in 2004 and god only knows I wanted to get rid of Bush. I am one of those dreaded people who believes that electibility is the most important issue. I am one of those hated people that thinks that it takes a charismatic genuine Southern to win the white house. I saw Edwards as a non-elitist candidate who can pull in a few Southern states, as well as the Blue Collar Midwestern ones.
I felt that if we choose another Northeastern candidate we'll lose again. To be sure, I wasn't thrilled with his war vote, but I also didn't give credit to people who touted Dean as being against the war because, to me, it is easy to not be a sitting politician (as Dean was) and criticize the war. To be fair, I think Edwards enjoys that benefit now, so I give him less credit for being able to speak out on issues.
I met Edwards at a small fundraiser in a San Francisco law firm. I got very involved in the campaign and even considered going to Iowa or NH. But I stayed in CA as a volunteer coordinator and gave TONS of my time, and lots of my money (even though I was "poor"), to his campaign - I was even on the local new several times. I started Blogging in favor of Edwards on Dailykos under the name dam (I can't for some reason get my old ID to work, if someone knows how I can do that, please let me know, apparently there is no ID with my email). I watched him run a positive campaign with one hell of a stump speech. I watched a gifted speaker, create one hell of a narrative. I was glad that the candidate I supported for strategic reasons was genuine and could really connect with voters. I was really happy that he talked about poverty even though it was not a political winner. In sum, I was glad that I liked that candidate I thought could win.
By the time super Tuesday came, I was exhausted but happy that I did all I could, yet still nervous we'd lose in November.
Now here we are four years later. I'm married, not quite as poor and still supporting Edwards for strategic reasons. He's still my candidate, but I confess that I like him a little less. I am annoyed at him criticizing other members of Congress for their votes. I'm annoyed at that stupid haircut thing. He's not Johnny Sunshine anymore. I feel like he's trying too hard, and to some extent, trying to be something he's not. He seems to be a little less genuine to me.
We still have time. I haven't heard his stump speech yet. I absolutely have no plans on switching candidates. I hope I can be as enthusiastic this time around, but I just have my doubts.