John Edwards and his knife of DOOM!!!

[Captain Absolut]

I don't really care that he brought a penknife aboard a plane. It was an accident and I believe him. Now here's my problem...

What is the media going to do about it. Do you think the story will die easily or will the media spin it enough to hurt Edwards' campaign?

I'm just hoping the whole thing is just a small blip on the screen. I like Edwards even though Clark is my guy, but still he has a good message.

[ewagner]

1. There's an old story floating around

That in the case of lower-paying/factory type of jobs, when you go into the job interview you must always carry a pocket knife. Because the manager would casually ask during the interview if you had one, and if you did, you got the job, if you didn't you wouldn't get the job. When I went ot work for an ag-products manufacturer over 10 years ago, I learned this lesson well.

Carrying a pocket knife is second nature. I believe Edwards when he said it was a mistake. The media won't spin it too much because they need the "horserace" between Edwards and Kerry.

[afraid_of_the_dark]

4. Penknife - no big deal.

I know lots of people (my father included) that always carry one around with them, and probably wouldn't have remembered to take it out of their pocket if they were flying. Problem is not the incident, but how it's reported.

[THUNDER HANDS]

10. um...why do you need a pocket knife on a job interview?

Do you duel with the manager before he hires you?

[ewagner]

11. No..it means something

....uuummmmm....macho, in the Midwestern sense of things. It means that you're ready to take on anything, a real "get it done" kind of employee.

[afraid_of_the_dark]

2. I'd say "spin..."

But I don't think that the polls have shown he is popular enough yet to be taken seriously. That alone might spare him... for now.

However, if he gains some ground (which I think he might do in the next couple weeks), it could spell trouble.

[rucky]

3. Is whittling still popular in the South?

[Toucano]

5. It's a good thing

It helps him understand what we all go through.

I think people in high positions should know how policies affect us. Now, Edwards can relate better.

[A J]

6. It won't hurt at all

Many rural citizens carry them, for utility purposes. I don't think exposing this will hurt him, and rural America may relate to him.

Back when I was a country boy, I carried one wherever I went (except for school.)

People who may try to spin this may only look foolish (Edwards has terrorist ties because he owns a knife?)

[Lex]

7. For all we know it was 'planned'

and I say that as an Edwards supporter.

At first I thought the media would pound him, but upon reflection, if they do:

1. It may get him lots of airplay (a good thing)

2. If the media pounds him, it may have a backlash effect and increase his popularity with Average Joe voters.

Who knows? Just an observation.

[AverageJoe]

8. Speaking as an AverageJoe

No, make that as the AverageJoe, I've got to say that the whole pocket knife thing doesn't sway me much either way. ;-)

[Lex]

9. Good one AverageJoe.

I'll have to say you are the leading authority on this! :toast:

[arewethereyet]

12. its nothing but brilliant

it can't hurt unless he had somewhere he needed to be.

It highlights the silly anti-terrorist protections put in place by the current administration.

[David Zephyr]

13. Good Gawd. A Knife on An AirPlane by a Guy Who Voted for the Patriot Act?

And the Homeland Security Bill?

Good thing that Senator Edwards first name isn't Mohammed, huh?

Tell me it isn't so!

[anti-bush]

14. Fox News reporting...

that Edwards planned to hijack his own campaign plane.

Drudge Story developing...