It’s official. As of late yesterday, The Campaign To Change America – The John Edwards blog, is no more. And this morning, I had to go cold turkey.
The staff was great about warning us. I had plenty of time to "clean out my desk" and say some goodbyes. But I think many of us figured we’d be at it a lot longer and some diehards are still it at – only elsewhere.
Back to my cold turkey...
It has been my habit, for over a year, in the early hours to turn on my machine, go outside and grab our New York Times and South Bend Tribune, then hit my bookmark. On the left side, I would get news from the campaign staff; center, approved (by bloggers) posts; and on the right margin, diaries. Basically, two-thirds of the page was controlled by supporters, not the campaign.
There were two camps (and continuing arguments) about what the purpose of the blog was. Interestingly, they can be defined by splitting the name (title) in half.
One group thought it was the John Edwards blog. Those folks seemed to think all commentary, etc should address him, his family and his campaign. It appeared to me the vast majority of that group insisted these posts be flattering to our guy.
Another group thought it was The Campaign To Change America blog. Most were certainly John Edwards supporters, but these people were also very interested in focusing on issues which he advocated for as well as progressive arguments and actions in general. Folks in this group often brought things to my attention I could follow up on. They also tended to be involved in progressive causes in their local area as well as putting time, energy, money, etc. into John’s campaign.
While sympathetic to the first group, I considered myself a member of the second.
The CTCA – JE blog inspired many of us who hadn’t blogged before, not only to participate for the first time, but in some cases to start their own blogs. In my case, I realized that South Bend really didn’t have any go-to medium for people interested in progressive issues and only one local newspaper. To be sure, Progressives, South Bend has carried a pro Edwards stance, but John Edwards is highly respected in the progressive community here.
But it was never intended as merely a campaign organ. It’s a matter of -- admire the teacher, but focus on the teachings.
I was even able to sweet talk a couple of Edwards bloggers to join me in my project. These are people whose thinking and writing I respect a lot and they have brought perspectives we wouldn’t have had at P, SB otherwise. They are popular and I am appreciative.
Karita Hummer, grannyhelen, fake consultant, IM4JRE, Sirius (who posts here as be inspired), oklahomavoter, rosy Baldwin, destiny, peacock,(and the other names I can’t recall right now) – thank you for your fellowship and drawing my attention to things I may have missed otherwise.
And thanks to other supporters who shared their big hearts and passion for transformational change. I am a better person for having heard your stories.
The Campaign To Change America changed this American.
Don Wheeler
South Bend, IN