"A Glimpse Behind the Curtain": John Edwards

by: NCDem Amy

Mon Jan 07, 2008 at 17:27:14 PM EST

Beyond all of the stagecraft and theatre that goes into every campaign, there have been some critical moments, where voters were given a glimpse behind the curtain as to "which ones are politicians and which ones are leaders" (Elizabeth Edwards).

We also see this strength of character in Edwards' bold, progressive plans to take back our democracy, his willingness to stand up and fight for regular Americans. Edwards has forgone the "trying to please everyone" approach in order to take on the status quo.  Principles take precedence over playing it safe for John Edwards. He's taking on the status quo, fighting for regular Americans. And it's very personal for John Edwards.

This was also evident at the yesterday's Manchester Townhall, which kicked off Edwards' 36 hour Marathon. Edwards was joined by the family of Nataline Sarkisyan, James Lowe and Sandy Lakey.

Edwards is giving voice to the voiceless---to those who have been brutalized by big corporations or worse. In Nataline's case, she lost her life to corporate greed.

Edwards has been talking about Nataline's case around the stump and in New Hampshire yesterday, handed the Sarkisyan family a megaphone where they delivered a moving, heartwrenching plea, to give American families, a voice:

"My heart is a hole.  This isn't just about Nataline; it's about all of us," Hilda Sarkisyan, Nataline's mother said.  "We fought them, but what about the families who don't have a voice?"

Fighting back tears, Sarkisyan's brother Bedig said he promised his dying sister everyone would know her story and thanked Edwards for helping in the fight against insurance companies.

"This is not right.  Not in America," Sarkisyan's father Grigort said.

Watch here:

The Sarkisyan family are in a "terrible time in their life" yet have put themselves out there, to fight for Nataline and all Americans. They have stood up during their darkest hour.

This is a family who deserves our thanks and respect, yet the Clinton campaign responded in the most callous way imaginable. A glimpse behind the curtain.

John Edwards responded to this attack later that day. Michael Moore has video of that press conference:

No conscience. A defender of the status quo. Hillary has taken more money from pharmacetical and insurance corporations of any candidate, Democrat or Republican. She has accepted more money than any candidate, from the defense industry, yes, those who are raking in on private contracts in Iraq. That's not all. Hillary also tops the list for the most donations from the gas and oil industry. As Congressman Bonior has said, "You cannot take money from the very people who are acting against reform, working against change and then bring about change." Hillary defends the very special interests that are destroying our democracy. She has sold out the Middle Class. A glimpse behind the curtain.

Only one candidate, John Edwards is willing to take on the status quo. He's not compromising on his plan for Universal Healthcare, as is Obama, whose plan will leave at least 15 million Americans without coverage. Edwards has not negotiated with the coal and nuclear industries at the cost of furthering global warming. Nor has Edwards made back room deals with corporations on trade policies that will undercut the Middle Class all while lining the pockets of big corporations. He understands that these people are not going to willingly give their power away and he is ready for that fight.

A Fighter

A glimpse behind the curtain.