Edwards at a house party
I met John Edwards at a local house party in Stratham, NH last Saturday - September 8th. I was hoping this was going to be my one-stop-shopping for my vote but it seems I still have some self-education and shopping to do. I was lucky to arrive a few minutes late and happened to be right next to the Edwards' caravan when it pulled into the driveway. He went around shaking a few hands and mine was right there. I am fully aware of how subjective my take on the candidate is, but, when he shook my hand I didn't feel in awe at all or even feel like he was happy to be meeting me. Of course, he had probably shaken hundreds of hands that day but I just felt like I was another one in the crowd.
Edwards gave a great short introduction and skimmed over some of his agenda issues. In talking about how to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor in America he said besides what he would do (and he went on to list them) he said he would also ask Americans to "sacrifice" to help make America stronger. As a former member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and the U.S. Peace Corps, I strongly believe that we should all be asked to make sacrifices for the good of the whole especially as we live in the land of abundance.
I wasn't able to get my follow-up question in but I have sent Edwards a question asking him to let me know the sacrifices he is thinking of asking Americans, how he would lead by example and how he plans to be more successful than former President Carter in this area as he tried during the energy crisis. This was my favorite thing Edwards said because i feel so strongly that we do have to make sacrifices whether asked of us or not.
Edwards laid out his agenda and plan-of-action on many issues that are important to me -- health care, poverty in America, tax plan, and immigration (the later only when asked by a member of the crowd). But, I was hoping to hear more straightforward honest answers instead of rehearsed sound bites.
Edwards talked about immigration control. I want someone to talk about how much work and strength immigrants bring to this country but no one seems ready to stand up for them. And, yes, he has laid out a great health care -- one which will be affordable for all and can travel with the person, but I was waiting to hear that he would work to put an end to health care lobbying and pharmaceuitical companies "bribing" doctors but --no mention. All-in-all, Edwards seems to be a down-to-earth great guy who is strong and intelligent and I would trust him to lead our country. But, I think the U.S. is truly lacking in a strong charismatic leader and that is who I am looking for to lead us. I want to hear the next President of the U.S. speak and I want to think, "Wow, this is who I want to be in the top office!" I want to feel excited and ready to volunteer. This is not how I felt upon listening to Edwards.