Lunch with John Edwards

If you’ve been paying attention, then you know that last spring I endorsed John Edwards for President. After hearing the former Democratic Senator from North Carolina and 2004 Vice Presidential candidate speak at a Legal Aid benefit, I knew I had witnessed the “real thing.” Nothing in the intervening time since then has convinced me otherwise. Edwards remains BY FAR the candidate offering the best combination of personal achievement, policy expertise, political accomplishment and character. As the campaign for the Democratic Presidential nomination develops, I will engage on specific issues and compare and contrast the various candidates with Edwards. Frankly, with the possible exception of Barack Obama, over-all there is nobody even close to matching Edwards.

I was honored to accompany Senator Edwards to a fundraising luncheon at a private residence in a wealthy suburb of a medium-sized city in the Midwest. Make no mistake, everyone attending this event was white and everyone was relatively rich. This particular lunch crowd consisted of lawyers and their spouses. The average age was about 45. Except for me, I estimate the average household net worth in a range from $2 to $5 million. The point of this slight diversion into the demographic profiling of these campaign contributors is this: The Edwards contributors at this event were not “traditional” democrats and their money is crispy NEW. These Edwards supporters may not have a grasp of the sophisticated economic and political concepts that form the basis of modern liberalism, nor do most of them have sufficient national political experience to fully understand the complexities of presidential politics. What they DO understand is far more important. Their comprehension that the “rule of the foolishly selfish” must be replaced by the “rule of the wisely selfish,” is critical. Put another way, these relatively young self-made millionaires have an INSTINCTIVE understanding that their ability to exercise rights and privileges (known by the Founders as “lives,” “treasure” and “sacred honor") depend on the ability of the American people to elect a wise, visionary and HONEST President.

Adversity is a better teacher than success. For example, one need only look at the current occupant of the White House to Mr. Edwards. President Bush has had too much success for the size of his character and ability. Senator Edwards has had his heart broken and it shows. He is bigger and better than the rest of his Democratic rivals. He had a bad day yesterday. No one other than his staff and I knew that. The details aren’t important. File them under the rubric: “shit happens!” (particularly in Presidential campaigns). Things I learn in confidence, I keep in confidence. I am pleased to tell you that after spending 3+ hours with John Edwards and his staff, I am inspired and even more enthusiastic about the Edwards campaign. Edwards and his staff members are serious, smart and focused. He will be a breathe of fresh air and move our beleaguered country in a new and far better direction.

Two years to Happy Days!

Savant

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