At that point for all three of us the decision was basically between John Kerry and John Edwards. I had already been drawn to Edwards from what I’d heard about his economic message, but wanted to get a chance to see it in person. I wanted like John Kerry, I respected his service in Vietnam and his public career and viewed him as a smart guy.
Our first stop was a John Kerry event, I can’t remember the town, but Kerry was getting an endorsement from the Sierra Club. His speech was fine, though it was more of a laundry list of standard Democratic positions than anything inspiring. When it came to the question and answer section Kerry had a ready response for each of the often narrowly focused policy questons, though, gratingly, he refused to repeat the question for those who couldn’t hear. After the appearance I decided that I had no idea what Kerry’s priorities would be as President, we all decided we’d fine if Kerry was elected but we weren’t inspired.
The contrast with Edwards event couldn’t have been greater. Edwards’s Two Americas speech is now an ackowledged gem of modern political speech making, and I was impressed by its presice diagnosis of the corrosive effect the disparity of wealth and power has on our country. There actually happens to be a video over at the Washington Post.com that gives some great clips that demonstrate the Edwards campaign style, though from this campaign. But, again, it was during the question and answer section of the event that got me. John Edwards listened to the actual questions and directly answered them, he showed a respect for his audience that bore out the meaning of his speech.
What is too often missed about John Edwards brand of populism is his insistence on the marriage of economic and political empowerment. The need to restore both, to me, are crucial and interdependent issues facing us after over six years of the Bush administration. That understanding is something I glimpsed that day in New Hampshire and I have seen many times since, and that’s why I am supporting edwards.
Cross Posted at Boston for Edwards as part of our series Why I’m Supporting Edwards
Okay. I’m a carpetbagger from Connecticut, but I spend a lot of time visiting all the New England blogs, and I did grow up in Williamstown. I was a Dean supporter in 2004, but this time I’m supporting Edwards.
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I do like the ‘Two Americas’ perspective, and the policies that his campaign has been coming out with. Yet I’m wondering, how does this relate back to Massachusetts (or New England as a whole?)
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How do you think Edwards’ policies would make things better in the Bay State? How does his campaign relate to the political machinery in Massachusetts?
It hadn’t really occurred to me until you asked it, but Massachusetts is a prime example of the need to integrate economic and political populism. While we have a pretty union friendly environment and some relatively progressive public policies, the political culture is not at all open or progressive, witness the attacks on Patrick’s closing of corporate tax loopholes out of legislature. For things to really change we need more economic populism and process liberalism too.
And yet, it is overwhelmingly Democrat!
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Have you guys realized yeat that marginizing any GOP opposition, by calling them things like the ‘cesspool of the national party’, as David so charmingly refers to it on the Oganaowski candidacy thread, that you have eliminated moderates, and have allowed and encouraged corrupt, power-hungry minions calling themselves Democrats to overwhelm YOUR party as well, due to stagnancy and backroom dealmaking?
Republicans need look no further than the mirror if they want to know who to blame for disappearing moderates. The national party has adopted such ideologically-driven, socially divisive positions that the old style New England Republican – fiscally responsible, reform-minded, socially tolerant – has been driven out. Remember Jim Jeffords? Even I crossed the aisle on occasion back before Republican became synonymous with corruption, attacks on civil liberties and the judiciary, and reactionary policies targeting gays, women, minorities, immigrants and the poor. These days I wouldn’t vote for a Republican for town meeting.
EXACTLY my point! What, do you think you’re sending GWB a message by electing another Democrat in Massachusetts? Ooooohhhh!!!
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I talked to a usually sensible person who admitted that our State Senator is an incompetent, featherheaded twit who needed special legislation passed so he could hold two state jobs at the same time (state college instructor and Senator) – but who wouldn’t vote for his opponent TO TELL WASHINGTON WHAT TO DO.
Until the republicans actually run somebody in opposition. Maybe somebody who can lay off the fire and brimstone and make the exact points you’re making.