Question for John Edwards supporters about his poverty focus

[HamdenRice]

I'm beginning to think of John Edwards as my favorite of the Democratic candidates who have declared their candidacy. My ultimate favorite is Al Gore, but until he announces I suppose that Edwards comes closest to both representing my views while also being viable in the general election.

The one thing that perplexes me about his campaign, however, is his focus on poverty. Don't get me wrong; I entirely agree that ending poverty should be at the top of any real Democrat's agenda. But it seems to me that one of the unique features of the Bush era is its brutal attack on the middle and working classes by the corporate and rich classes.

Few Americans consider themselves to be impoverished -- even those who by objective standards are. Therefore, any campaign centered on the problem of addressing poverty is a campaign based on appealing to voters' altruism -- their desire to help someone else, as opposed to voting for their own interests.

Do you think Edwards campaign would have broader appeal if he declared a counter attack on the class war by the rich on the middle classes? Would he appeal to both voters' sense of altruism and self-interest if he focused more on restoring the middle class's safety net? That was basically the winning message of the Clinton/Gore campaign in 1992, even if Clinton did not always deliver for the middle and working classes.

So the questions are, why is Edwards' campaign focused on poverty, and do you think he would break out more effectively if he talked more about middle and working class issues?

[youngdem]

1. Good point. I think what you are seeing is what is Right vs. Politically Right

Obama and Edwards are saying what is RIGHT in their opinion, so they are in second and third.

Hillary says what is POLITICALLY RIGHT, which is to say she says nothing at all, and that is why she is in the lead.

Make no mistake, Obama and Edwards are more fit to lead based on their actual platforms, but they may never get the chance to, because Hillary is 'well' counseled that taking no positions alienates fewer potential voters.

[HamdenRice]

2. I think a working/middle class focus is both morally and politically right

I think working/middle class programs like college loans or universal health care represents the majority us taking care of each other when we need a little help; programs that specifically address poverty represent us taking care of those of us who need the most help.

They are both morally righteous, but the former has a broader appeal.

[youngdem]

3. Oh, I do very much agree that fighting for the middle class is also noble

You are right.

I guess our politicians are just not terribly bright when it comes to formulating their platform.

For example, if I were Obama, I probably would have left out the kindergarten sex ed advocacy, even though he might be empirically right.

[markk]

4. I agree completely

have been thinking the same thing for a while about Edwards campaign. While I appreciate what he's talking about, his method of doing it should be more focus'd on the class war currently being waged against both the middle class and the poor.

[emanymton]

5. Poverty Is A Middle And Working Class Issue

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Edwards need to continue to hammer the points that poverty is growing and that we the people have to address the issues. His campaign is making headway and he is breaking out.

Fix what is broken and the future is Edwards'.
.