<p>Unless they are really good actors, they seem like a genuine,long term loving couple.So unlike many of the other candidates we’re presented with.</p>
<p>They came across as the “anti-Newt” (and “anti-Rudy”).</p>
<p>I’m sure it’s not what the Edwardses are thinking about now, but I could see this reviving his campaign considerably. He will get a ton of attention, which will show him in a good light. The public seems to care about “character”, and all of a sudden John Edwards’ character is front and center, and looking good. Furthermore, not only does it look good, it looks good in a way that reflects badly on two of the Republican candidates, and maybe on one of his Democratic rivals, too. And no one will dare attack him for months. Maybe never.</p>
<p>So it’s weird and sad – my heart really goes out to them – but I suspect his candidacy just got a tremendous boost.</p>
<p>Does anyone else find it in bad taste that medical experts are discussing on the radio about the specifics of symptoms, treatments, and prognosis for Mrs. Edwards? I heard one being interviewed in detail on NPR on the way home from work. I know it is educational to the public to hear these things, but I find it disturbing and in poor taste to dissect all of someone’s medical details publically, especially right when they are first dealing with a very upsetting diagnosis.</p>
<p>Mof2, I think this is the expected national response, actually. People are hungry for all kinds of bad news, so this will keep them satisfied, if only for the next few days (it’s kind of slow with Anna Nicole Smith at the moment).</p>
<p>As the husband of a woman who is in the throes of going through all of this right now, my personal opinion is just the opposite (though I haven’t had the radio on all day.) It is unlikely that the Edwards are currently listening to the radio, but if there is any time that the public can become better educated about breast cancer, this is it. And, from personal experience, I can say that the last thing one wants to be as a result of this (or any other disease) is a social leper. The more that is known, the more understanding that is out there, the more compassionate - and appropriate - can be the responses of family and friends. And if the media can help in that regard, so much the better.</p>
<p>Others might feel differently; that’s just my experience and opinion based on it.</p>
<p>Mother, I think Edwards & his wife, being experienced public figures, are well prepared for public discussion of her health, so it’s not like anyone is intruding into their struggle. And I agree the more we talk about breast cancer, the more we de-taboo it and all other cancers - the better.
Plus, I’d think their experience with medical care may well prompt some impassioned discussion on health insurance in this country…</p>
<p>Thank you, mini, for your response from your personal experience. And please give your wife my best wishes for her good health.</p>
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<p>Given Edwards’ professional history with the medical community, I wouldn’t treat his family without his signature on a comprehensive iron-clad “hold-harmless” agreement.</p>
<p>ID–really necessary???</p>
<p>Id, you are obviously anti-Edwards, but your comments are down right insensitive and rude.</p>
<p>By the way, he was ahead (as in #1) in the Iowa polls before today. I am not sure he is out of the race. I guess you are.</p>
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<p>That was exactly my reaction. It’s not as though they can count on their grown daughter to help take up any of the slack, either. She’s a full-time student at Harvard Law School.</p>
<p>However, I think political people are much tougher than I am – they have to be. The decision that’s best for them might not be what would be best for some other families.</p>
<p>I would imagine the children have caretakers besides Elizabeth and John. Keeping things as normal as possible for as long as possible can help families adjust to the realities of a terminal illness. I’m sure that when changes are necessary, they will be made.</p>
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<p>John Edwards lawsuits against MDs based on questionably frivolous science – really necessary??</p>
<p>I really don’t believe it’s the time for that.</p>
<p>Ms. Edwards spoke today during the press conference about the fact that her activities this week will be the same as they were last week, and that she expects they will be the same this time next year. Whether that means caring for her children, working on the campaign, whatever, I think we should all give her the same vote of confidence she gives herself. I am impressed, humbled, and inspired by her optimism. Go Elizabeth! May she be First Lady!</p>
<p>As a BC survivor and a person who knows it up front, I am so for this decision. People hear the word cancer and see you as dead. Get educated on this horrible disease. Learn about it and how it affects so many women and how they go on to lead productive lives, work, and perhaps like my dear Mom die at 100 of something else. Learn about the research and the medicines. I too am impressed, humbled and inspired by her and her family. I hadn’t paid much attention to the Edward’s campaign even though my sister thinks he is the best candidate for the Dems to take the White House. I sure am now. I am a supporter.</p>
<p>I hope Elizabeth Edwards beats all the odds (16% chance of living 5 years) and gets to make up for the time she will miss with her 6 and 8 year old children while she spends the next year and half on the campaign trail.</p>
<p>As for John, I am still trying to wrap my arms around his learning that his wife has terminal cancer on Wednesday afternoon and attending a campaign fundraiser Wednesday night. I think I’d stay home and cook her a wonderful dinner.</p>
<p>Mini
I want to send warm wishes to your family. Is your wife finished with her nursing school?</p>
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Re the campaign fundraiser, my understanding was that Elizabeth was there herself Wed. night, so John’s staying at home cooking might have been rather pointless. He was present for her medical appointments that day – just possibly a more significant event for them. ;)</p>
<p>IMO this couple may not be doing things the way others of us would choose, (or perhaps be capable of) but my personal reaction is they are being gutsy and very positive – and I for one am impressed and uninclined to be judgmental. </p>
<p>One issue Elizabeth has expressed in interviews is the desire that her disease NOT get in the way of life going on for her family members, etc… I can understand that. It’s letting the disease have more control than you want it to.</p>
<p>As for the campaign trail, who knows how long that will be, and I doubt she will be away for “the next year and a half” without seeing her kids at all. She is, **with her two younger children, ** visiting her older D in Boston on the current trip, by the way (per today’s NY Times story). </p>
<p>Sorry, but I get inflamed by judgmental reactions of this family which IMO is handling a devastating situation in a brave and gutsy manner. It’s tough enough to deal with without everyone second-guessing their decisions.</p>
<p>P.S. I absolutely concur with mini’s points so well expressed in his post #26. This family is doing a real service with their openness about Elizabeth’s condition. Again, a class act IMO.</p>