The Globe reports that John Edwards has just laid out … wait for it … a 10-point plan! This one is “designed to appeal to young voters.” It focuses on college aid, global warming, Darfur, all that stuff. Here’s John:
“You hear all the time from political pundits that young people don’t care about politics – but it’s a lie,” Edwards said in a statement issued by his campaign. “Young people all over the country care about America and are engaged in bringing change to their communities.”
Which is all well and good. Except that, last night, John Edwards was on a college campus — in New Hampshire, for God’s sake — a few yards away from a gymnasium full of energized young Democrats. Several of his competitors, including Barack Obama, stopped by to talk directly to the students. But Edwards was too busy, apparently.
Memo to John: if you want to get young people involved in the process, it might help to invite them in.
sabutai says
Politics that doesn’t even pretend to be about policy. Bleah. What’s next? “The Plan to Appeal to Soccer Moms” or the “Aging Suburban Boomer Platform”?
progressiveman says
…I am really disappointed in this post David. It really smacks of crass bad shots. Did you check Edwards schedule of events? Today he is doing the MTV/My Space thing followed by a town hall meeting at the University. By my count (and I can only count the ones I have been invited to) this is at least his fourth series of events at the UNH campus not counting the debates.
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Plus today he has on his schedule an event/concert at the NH Community College in Littleton, then tomorrow at the NH Technical College in Claremont and then Saturday at the Univeristy of Iowa…you can see them all here. I think he is talking to students. Maybe last night he needed some time with family or fundraising, or whatever…Maybe read before you leap?
david says
What I know is that after the debate, while his wife was in the spin room talking to the press, he could probably have found 5 minutes to visit the gym where the students were. I also know that the students I talked to were not at all happy with the candidates who blew them off.
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Take it for what it’s worth. If you think that’s nothing, fine. I think Edwards probably lost a few votes last night by not showing up.
progressiveman says
…I guess the fact that he is engaging hundreds of students in conversation this week (as opposed to talking at them) doesn’t mean anything to you. Shows alot of class on your part in not recognizing the point we make here trying to show reality not reporting colored by political axes to grind. I thought that was what this site was about? Trying to talk the truth that the MSM won’t do. It is very disappointing that you can’t admit you didn’t look at his sxhedule and see the commitment to the young as well as the not so young. (Kind of Kelleresque)
david says
I’ll happily admit that I didn’t look at his schedule. Nor do I care what’s in it, frankly. I was talking about a single event, that I attended and therefore could speak to personally, at which I personally saw hundreds of students who would have been thrilled to see him, and at which I personally heard several students express unhappiness about the candidates who chose to blow them off, which included Edwards.
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You want comprehensive reporting? Buy the Globe. This is a blog.
andrew_j says
david says