John Edwards - in person

Many of you know that I made a trip to Burlington, Iowa to see an event in the Fighting For One America bus tour. I just wanted to pass on some impressions from that experience.

First, the group of 200+ people waiting to see him were obviously seriously interested in seeing him and hearing what he had to say. Since I came from so far away, I arrived early - but there were plenty of people there ahead of me.

Next, the venue choice was excellent. Nice surroundings, excellent staff. In addition to that the local office and volunteers really did a fabulous job. It seemed to me that nothing was left to chance.

Next, Elizabeth Edwards is definitely Elizabeth Edwards. The person you see on TV is the same you see in person. I'm glad I read her book since it gave me insight into who she is. She's funny, very smart, warm hearted yet tough minded. No doubt, in terms of who we're married to - John Edwards is the second luckiest man on the planet!
In one funny moment, John got a bit carried away and referred to Ann Coulter as a "she-devil". He had to amend that after an admonishment from Elizabeth.

Finally, John himself. David Brooks put it well recently. He said (roughly) that John Edwards has the ability to talk to a person from any walk of life in a way few people can. I saw that last Friday. He listens to people carefully, answers their questions directly and respectfully - and people respond to that.

When I saw him in person, I found him to be a handsome man with great hair, but looked much closer to his age than the guy you see on television. That made me wonder a bit. He's earned those wrinkles (God knows) and maybe the campaign should let him flaunt his maturity a bit. Just my opinion.

The final impression I'd like to convey is that I believe I can assure people that John Edwards is a person with a kind and generous soul.

After he finished answering questions, many people were grouped around him hoping for a quick word. One of the first people to reach him was a women I later realized must have been in trouble emotionally. I have no idea what was said between them, but what I saw was John embracing her fiercely and massaging her back with his forearm. It looked like he wasn't going to let her go until she was OK.

She passed me a bit later, tears on her cheeks but looking OK.

That's our guy.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Don Wheeler
South Bend, IN