Editorial - January 2004

Edwards projects positive image

Published January 30, 2004

Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina has a steep and rocky road ahead of him but so far his presidential quest has been impressive. He speaks with a positive voice on the needs of ordinary people and that message resonates with truth and sincerity because he comes from a textile family and grew up in the South. It’s surprising that his remarkable bid has not drawn more recognition from the national media, even some local political columnists. Maybe it’s the long shot so improbable that few dare to believe it will happen, but on Tuesday, John Edwards could very well win the South Carolina primary and build even more momentum after impressive showings in Iowa and New Hampshire.

In South Carolina it would seem prudent for  Democratic leaders to recognize this valiant charge by a fellow Democrat from a neighboring state. But Rep. Jim Clyburn, South Carolina’s only African-American Congressman, is endorsing Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts…this after he earlier endorsed the failed campaign of U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt. Clyburn, it appears, is helping out his buddies on Capital Hill. The same might be said of U.S. Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings, who is also backing Kerry.

It’s just hard to see old-line South Carolina politicians jumping on a bandwagon from Massachusetts. Then there’s the really weird endorsement by former Gov. Jim Hodges of Gen. Wesley Clark, whose true political identity is questionable and whose political skills often fall flat.

 The race in South Carolina now appears to be between Kerry and Edwards. Al Sharpton will get a chunk of complimentary black votes, but Joe Lieberman is not doing well. Clark was somewhere in the lower teens at the last poll, far below the victory he had predicted.

 So South Carolina has a choice between a senator from Massachusetts or John Edwards of North Carolina (born in South Carolina). Who wins?

Perhaps one of the reasons we don’t hear the bugles blowing for Edwards in the Carolinas is that Republicans are so numerous that it’s often hard to hear many Democratic voices.

But Edwards’ is a voice worth hearing. It’s a voice that’s positive, that speaks to ordinary citizens and seems far-removed from the special interests in Washington.

We should embrace this “favorite son” from North Carolina during what could be far more than a moment of glory.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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