Reply #25: not quite [View All]

Speaking for myself, and from what other Edwards supporters have told me, it is not Edwards that people are "over the moon" for, it is the promise and power implicit in his message and the potential that has for overhauling the entire political landscape.

Other candidates have much more "star appeal," and better resumes, more charisma, more talent and are better speakers.

There are, of course, some who are infatuated with Edwards, just as there always are with every candidate, but there is something different going on with the Edwards following.

I will support any Democrat who says what Edwards is saying. I strongly believe that if every Democrat were saying what Edwards is saying, that the right wingers would be totally routed for a generation or more. If every Democrat said what Edwards is saying - even if they were lying or failed to come through (as people insinuate about Edwards) - the revitalization and success of the Democratic party would be assured, because an aroused population would demand it and sooner or later the politicians would have to come through for us.

I also believe that there are Democrats who are resisting this because they do not want the Democratic party to return to its roots and regain its former prowess and success. They are personally comfortable with the party the way it is.

Edwards is far from perfect. If politicians were rainstorms, he would be a sprinkle. But that could grow into the downpour we need, and after decades of drought people who are dying of thirst are excited by the first sign of rain and that is why their heads are pointed skyward and their palms are outstretched to catch every drop. For those who are themselves not dying of thirst, and who are oblivious to the millions around them who are, it is difficult for them to understand the Edwards phenomenon. That is OK. Everyone will come around eventually. It is just a matter of time now, and is much, much bigger than the Edwards candidacy.