What I’ve been waiting for happened today: John Edwards announced his intention to run for President in 2008. While some of the progressive bloggers don’t share my enthusiasm, and I understand why, let’s give the guy a chance. The only negative I can see in Edwards is his error in originally supporting Bush’s folly. While I was totally against this war from day one, and still can’t understand why any thinking human would have supported this war then or, even more so, now, I believe everyone is allowed a mistake. The fact that John Edwards, of all the misguided legislators that fell into line behind the monkey, has been perhaps most forceful in admitting that his support was erroneous, speaks volumes for his integrity. Unlike many, he did not attempt to excuse this error with statements like "If I had known then what I know now, I would have voted differently." I may be wrong, but in my recollection, he has on numerous occasions admitted to making an unqualified error in this instance. Good people make mistakes; bad people make mistakes and compound the error with refusal to admit imperfection and change course.
Other than the above, listening to Edwards over the last year, it is evident that he is promoting a purely progressive populist theme. He speaks of eliminating poverty, raising the minimum wage, dealing with global warming, energy independence, and affordable health care for all, and supports workers’ rights. I don’t see a more progressive message from any current or potential candidate, with the possible exception of Dennis Kucinich.
Beyond the positions on issues that are so vital to those who will likely read this blog, we have to remember that the majority of voters vote on framing of issues, as opposed to policies. Generally a candidate has about ten words to hook the average voter. John Edwards has mastered this; he has the best message of any current candidate, with the possible exception of Obama. While I like Obama, it’s still to be seen if he can pass the test of time. Edwards is a known entity for four years, and his message remains pertinent.
After Bush, we have a golden opportunity to establish a progressive democratic majority for the foreseeable future. Especially with our gains among young voters in 2006, if we can maintain the momentum through the next two cycles, we will become the dominant party for a generation. It’s vital to nominate a candidate in 2008 that can, with a combination of energy, message, and platform, appeal to the so-called moderates (most of whom are progressives, but have been convinced otherwise by a very effective conservative message) without abandoning the progressive base. In my humble opinion, John Edwards is that candidate.
Joe
http://americanmajority.blogspot.com
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