Personal take on Edwards-

[diamondsoul]

Looking for some feedback here. (not flaming, just feedback! LOL)

Here's the deal- I've always liked listening to Edwards speak. He's just plain good at it! Now when we started out the debate season, I really liked what he had to say most of the time. Back then he was my second from Kucinich. Lately I've been watching him, and honestly, I get a creepy feeling.

It seems to me that since he's moved up in the ranks he's stopped being so straightforward about things. I see his lawerly qualities coming out now and it bothers me. I watched him a couple of days ago, and loved the speech, but when it was over I was left going "Now, how come I feel like he never really told me anything?!"

Anyone else getting that same sense?

[JohnLocke]

1. No.

;)

[curse10]

2. Not really

I do like Edwards a great deal. However, from what I hear, he only has one stump speech. Maybe it's just because you've heard it all before :-)

[windansea]

3. he's a bit too slick for my tastes

he creeps me out as well

[chimpymustgo]

4. I see a man who would lead this country forward, and back together.

Someone who understands poverty, and has real solutions to fix the 2 Americas. Please take a look at his website. Edwards tax plan would completely undo the current shift of putting the tax burden on the middle class.

His stump speech is very very good. But he's saying a lot in it, and it's backed up by policy proposals.

www.johnedwards2004.com

[diamondsoul]

5. I mean no offense about his policies,

not by a long stretch! I know what his positions say on the website. The observation is more about when he's asked questions on the campaign trail. I'm seeing a bit more evasion from him than I'd like, and the reason I posted is honestly I'm not sure if it's a personal bias that makes me interpret it that way.

I concede openly I am absolutely biased in favor of Kucinich and it's damned hard to compare anyone to him and have them come away looking favorable.*sheepish grin*

I like Edwards, but I'm getting less comfortable with his direct responses, not his positions over all. He does also have a couple of positions I absolutely have a major problem with, such as the drug stance. Even so he's more populist than anyone in the race besides Kucinich.

I think my initial question is kind of dual purpose. One, am I alone in sensing more evasion, and two if not, does it affect how other populists/progressives/liberals are viewing him now that he's moved up. Is he risking moving a bit more center at this point out of...maybe fear he'll lose the swing vote??

[Desertrose]

14. I feel pretty much as you do diamondsoul

I like John Edwards...really liked him at the beginning...but anymore...there is that *something* that I can't define but makes me uneasy somehow....very interesting post....

hmmm...have to *ponder* this a bit....

:loveya: & peace
DR

and yeah...what with all the "young" pictures...we all know he's a cutie but this isn't about looks...OK it shouldn't be about looks

[Toucano]

6. I have a similar sense.

I think John Edwards has a lot of potential, but don't think 2004 is his time. For the record.

I agree that he seems to be speaking in far less specific terms than before Iowa.

It also troubles me that some of his supporters here seem obsessed with photos of his youth. We're not voting for an American Idol folks! Is that the depth of his appeal?

[chimpymustgo]

7. Kind of like the Clark military photos? C'mon.

They're cute pictures - all of them.

JRE - "His time is now" - Des Moines Register endorsement.

Read more at www.johnedwards2004.com

[Toucano]

17. Noteworthy difference

Clark's military experience actually relates to his qualifications for the office.

Does JE's superficial resemblance to Shawn Cassidy 25 years ago speak to his qualifications? Or maybe it's his superficial resemblance to Ashton Kutcher?

[jpgpenn]

18. Many of us read his prepackaged website info

Can you point us to links that show is past experience in a leadership role be it domestic or world affairs?

I know I personally have asked you many time but as of now you still haven't provided it. If you are an ardent supporter and can't provide this info, how do expect those of us that want to further think of him in the context as president to find it?

[jpgpenn]

8. from what i've seen it is

I asked for more info on him so as to understand the man bertter. there doesn't really seem to be anything out there on his past performance and how it relates to leading the worlds greatest nation.

[Armstead]

9. I have the same feeling...Lot of questions

He's a great presentation in terms of stump speech, and interviews. But I wonder how much is there besides ambition.

Also read somewhere (maybe on DU) that his humble beginnings were not really all that humble. That his father basically worked up to be a worker monitor and member of management, and was basically a middle-class guy....Nothing wrong with that, but since his father's job is a major part of his message, there needs to be more clarification about it.

Plus, I've heard that he's not very popular in North Carolina, as a senator or as a person.

And I never quite get a foinger on whether he is a real populist or a faux populist.

[chimpymustgo]

12. Please do some research. You are very misinformed.

I don't understand the aversion people have to looking at websites, taking advantage of the reams of research that have been done on all the candidates.

[jpgpenn]

15. interesting points you have brought to light.

Thanks i wasnt aware of the issues surrounding his fathers job title. I guess I took the mans words and came to my own conclusion.

[ArtieBoy]

16. He still worked in a mill

So his dad was a supervisor of some kind. He was still a mill worker. Being shift or line supervisor is not quite as glamorous as being part of an investment company with interests in several international energy companies.

As another DU'er said, "Okay, I'll only vote for homeless people."

[For PaisAn]

10. yes

I never feel like he's said anything after he speaks at debates, rallies, etc. Sounds like empty words.

[jpgpenn]

11. I'm with you

I've asked many times here for more info on his past leadership ability. so far nothing. as of now I find this very troubling!

[spooky3]

13. I don't see him as the slightest bit evasive. I think it's possible that

the problem you're reacting to is the 1 minute sound bite limitation on the debates and the Q&A that was moderated recently, with time limits. Candidates in general can't talk much about specifics in one minute without coming across as an Al Gore policy wonk, which people in general, NOT people here at DU, can't relate to, sadly. I would rather than he deemphasize "here's what I think you are saying" part and get right into his answer, but I think he believes, and I think he may be right, that people first have to hear you understand them and agree.

As for stump speeches, again, most people seem to be looking for someone they feel they can connect with and trust, so I believe Edwards tries to respond to that, rather than tick off his policy positions. He does bring booklets and refers people to them. As other posters have said, all of the candidates repeat their same stump speeches because most people have NOT heard them before. But it does get repetitive for people who do listen to multiple speeches.