John Edwards needs a new advertising firm
A few weeks ago I commented on an ad John Edwards was running in Massachusetts North, er, New Hampshire. The ad shamelessly exploited his wife’s cancer.
Now he is back with a new ad that is nothing short of bizzare. Edwards claims that he will “use his powers as president to take healthcare away” from those in his administration, cabinet and congress if they don’t pass universal healthcare within 60 days.
Where to start with such foolishness? Even if you’re in favor of universal healthcare, do you want 60 days worth of debate on an issue that impacts every citizen and is the equivilant of one-fifth of the economy? And what about this notion that Edwards, as president, can take away anyone’s healthcare, let alone his cabinet and congress? I thought it was George Bush who was power mad and abusing his office?
Here it is,
The only conclusion I reach is that Edwards isn’t really serious about winning.
December 1, 2007 8:49 pm 
I have not been able to figure out who Edwards supporters are. Is it Kucinich people who don’t want Dennis to be the looniest guy in the race? Hillary supporters who want her to look moderate? Or Republicans who want a chance to kick Edwards backside again? In my opinion, Kerry would be President–as bad as he was–if he had chosen a reasonable running mate. Maybe all the Edwards supporters are on his payroll. If I thought he had a chance of being president, I would be afraid. But America is great and even the Democrats aren’t that crazy. Are they?
I agree with you on this ad, but take a look at this new ad they just did in NH.
http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/12/3/102245/657#commenttop
Maybe someone new is doing their ads after all.
I just watched it. He still comes across as bullying, childish and silly. Do you really think you can take power(which doesn’t exist actually) from one sector of society–big business-oil, pharmaceuticals–and give it to trial lawyers -John Edwards’ special interest–without negotiation. Is that the America you and he want? Problems will only get solved with unity. Why not an adult ad that says I will sit with the parties and work with them. I was alawyer, negotiating is my strength. We need a unified solution to bring the country together. Why doesn’t he? Because his money comes from trial lawyers–a fringe left wing group. That causes the issues here–especially in the primaries–all the money to all sides come from the left and right fringes. The candidates prosper by keeping us apart. The 80% of us in the middle don’t give enough money to be heard. A prime example is the immigration debate. 80% of us want the government to earn our trust by doing their job at the borders and with employers who hire illegals and illegals who are fraudulently documented or otherwise criminal. But the money comes from the fringes and they debate a comprehensive plan that benefits few. While John Edwards is only 1 of the many candidates who are in this position, he is the one that I can’t see who supports them. Hillary as a woman and Obama as a black man have a case. It is time to have a serious woman and/or minority candidate. But John Edwards–nobody in the 2 Americas he created is going to vote him in as president.
I think Edwards believes he is speaking truth to power, but IMHO he comes across as excessively pandering. Maybe this works for those he is pandering to, I don’ know. Maybe, but it probably turns off more than it attracts, which is not exactly the intent of paid advertising.
Kevin
Turns me off! And if he wants a reputation as speaking truth to power he needs to talk to his constituents. Disagree with them–show some leadership. Explain that I wished I hadn’t voted for the war, I wish there wasn’t 70%+ public support for the war in 2002/2003 but here was. But now public opinion matters less because we broke it and we own it and we have to fix it until “Mission Accomplished” or it is hopeless. If you are a hesitant flyer but summon up the courage to get on a flight and it takes off, the only acceptable ending is to complete the flight. Criticizing Bush and the republicans is not speaking truth to power–there are no consequences. It’s like Jimmy Carter visiting Castro and criticizing Bush. No consequences. Truth to power there would be to demand reforms in Cuba–an end to tyranny. But all we get is cowardice.
By the way–you are way too kind to Edwards but I appreciate your kindness. It elevates us all. Wish I could join you.
what are you even talking about? The ad wasn’t using his wife but talking about his own experiences and the privelege he and his wife have that others do not.