A Bright Light from North Carolina
Independent and undeclared, I was called on the telephone by the Edwards people about his appearance at the Exeter Town Hall, not knowing he was in the state. I showed up about 20 minutes early. The Hall had seats arranged in a circle which filled up gradually. Then, about 5 minutes prior to Edwards' arrival, there seemed a crush of onlookers, filling the area behind the seats and the balcony. There was a nice cross section of ages and gender; retirees, Phillips Exeter Academy students, mothers with their babies in tow; really quite a nice community feeling and sense of common mission.
Edwards was right on time. He came in from the back of the hall, entering to the beat of some modern music palying from a portable sound system. (I have forgottten the tune.) He gave a short speech first, in which he really hammered Bush and the current state of the union. He was not strident but pointed in his criticism of the war, lobbyists, and healthcare. He made a solid case against what this administration has and has not done, stating that we may be the first generation not to hand over a better life to our children.
He then fielded questions (unplanted) from the audience, including from a student, a teacher, an older man, a mother holding her baby, and, the father of a soon to be deployed soldier. The father asked, "If president, what would you do to protect my son?" And this was the only stumble I think Edwards made. His answer was good but not as direct as I thought it could have been. I would have simply said, end war. When asked what his first executive order would be, he said, "I would put an end to this administration's illegal program of spying on our own people."
I really liked Edwards. He spoke with passion and compassion. He had believable/deliverable solutions to the major issues of our time. He was convincing , genuine and truthful. He was not showy, shifty, slick, evasive or coniving. He seemed strong and determined with an air of urgency but not desperation. By the end of the 45 minute session, he had won me over. I really felt comforted by the whole meeting and that there was at least one candadite I could get excited about.
This is a good man who recognizes the obligation of this country to do good for all peoples both within and outside of its borders. I felt hopeful walking out.