Wampum

The "real thing"? (for all you West Wing fans)

Yes, I know, you're all waiting with bated breath to read my take on Senator John Edwards, now that I've seen him in person.

But first, here's the national media's view of the event:

Edwards campaigns town hall style
Associated Press
Wednesday, July 16, 2003

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards met friend and foe alike during the second of 12 scheduled town hall style meetings his campaign has planned for New Hampshire voters this summer.

More than 200 people attended the two-hour event Tuesday night, which the North Carolina senator said he hopes will give voters a fuller picture of who he is.

"There are no limits to what you can ask me here tonight," Edwards said. "Anything goes. If you're upset about something I've said or done, or if you want me to clarify a position, now is your chance," he said.

The crowd for the most part was enthusiastic and applauded frequently, although many began to trickle away as the sunlight faded and mosquitoes swarmed in at Prescott Park.

Applause was noticeably absent when Edwards defended his support for the war in Iraq.

He scarcely missed a chance during the evening to note that his father was a lifelong mill worker, and that despite his success as a lawyer, he knew what ordinary peoples' lives were like.

Edwards painted the his potential adversary, President Bush as a man out of touch with the everyday struggles of most people.

"I hope we still live in a country where we can believe the son of a mill worker can beat the son of a president," he said.

Edwards did not mention any of the other eight contenders for the Democratic nomination by name, but outlined differences on health care, prescription drug prices, and the war in Iraq. (more)

A few nitpickings: There were about 300 attendees (I counted).

People only started to drift off after two hours of question and answer by the Senator. It really was getting dark, and the park was not well lit.

There certainly was considerable applause when Edwards, as part of his explanation of his position on Iraq, stated he would be asking tough questions of Tenet today, in the Senate Intel Committee.

And just for balance, here's some local Portsmouth coverage:

Sen. Edwards touts working-class values
By Nancy Cicco
ncicco@seacoastonline.com

PORTSMOUTH - Positioning himself as the presidential candidate for the average Joe, Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., drew sharp contrasts between himself and President Bush Tuesday night during a question-and-answer campaign call at Prescott Park.

More than 200 spectators gathered in lawn chairs to hear Edwards speak in a riverfront section of the park that overlooks the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

The shipyard scene appeared to serve Edwards well as he accentuated his working-class roots by shooting darts at Bush’s heritage of family privilege.

"His values are not our values. They are not the values of the American people," Edwards said. "I hope we still believe in an America where the son of a mill worker can still beat the son of a president."

Edwards saved a few tongue-lashings for U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, who, the senator said, "thinks he can do anything" when it comes to administering the provisions in the Patriot Act.

"When I am president of the United States, we will certainly have a new attorney general; I can tell you that," said Edwards.

Edwards touched on several planks in his platform, including his desire to ultimately bring universal health care to the nation; provide free college tuition to students willing to work at least 10 hours a week; repeal Bush’s tax policy; and work to place the country’s best teachers in the most troubled school districts.

If elected president, the senator also said he would establish a federal agency to safeguard civil liberties, and he would work to provide $50 billion to state and local governments to avoid budget rollbacks and layoffs of police officers, firefighters and first responders.

"Every single thing that I propose ... I pay for and leave significant money left for deficit reduction," he said.

Regarding foreign affairs, Edwards said America needs to treat other countries "with the dignity and respect they are entitled to."

Edwards criticized Bush for programs that serve only the wealthiest in the country and countered the stance of some Democrats, he said, who believe the government should dictate to people what is best for them. Instead, Edwards wants to shake off the malaise of voters in order to "tie together" Americans, especially in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001.

"We have to convince the American people that it is in their self-interest for the person beside them to do well," he said. "What we want is for the American people to help govern themselves." (more)

Cicco's comments regarding the backdrop chosen for the event shows such symbolism did not go unnoticed; I thought last night it was perfect, as you can see in this Carrie Niland photo:

First off, because of all the media hype, I was expecting Edwards to look like an overgrown boy; although taller and lankier than I imagined, other than a slightly Huck Finn devilishness to his sense of humor and his tendency to push back his obstinate bangs, there was nothing boyish about him.

In fact, I was surprised at how cerebral I found him. But without a touch of arrogance. In fact, he was exceptionally humble, but in a natural, not affected manner. I think though what surprised me the most, particularly as an old time political hack, was how "unhandled" he came across. He was serious when he said the audience could ask him anything, and he spent a considerable amount of time answering each question, even the tough ones, speaking directly to the questioner. At one point, a young man asked him a question about marijuana legalization, and Edwards engaged in a spirited, yet non-defensive, back and forth with the man, asserting that although his answer was not the one immediate sought (Edwards wants more evidence to prove medical marijuana's effectiveness, though he would stop the harassment of growers/users), that they were not, in fact, on opposing sides. (Unfortunately, that didn't stop the young man from stomping away in a huff.)

When I left the event after 2 hours, Edwards was still answering questions, and appeared ready to stay there all night. I was very impressed at how accessible he's made himself, and the very mixed crowd seemed genuinely enthusiastic. On my way out, I accosted New Hampshire residents Tom and his mom, Claude, and asked them their impressions of the Senator. Both admitted to being sold. They, like me, came away feeling that Edwards was the "real thing".

Posted by MB at July 16, 2003 11:40 AM | TrackBack