March 22, 2007

Edwards To Withdraw? (Updated & Bumped)

I'm no fan of John Edwards, but I hope his press conference today doesn't have the kind of bad news that rumors have indicated. After both he and his wife Elizabeth had to change their schedules to confer with her doctors, Edwards scheduled a presser to discuss developments in her health:

John Edwards, the North Carolina Democrat making a second bid for the presidency, announced late Wednesday night that he would hold a news conference Thursday, a day after he and his wife, Elizabeth, visited Mrs. Edwards’ doctor to assess her health following her recovery from breast cancer.

Mrs. Edwards, in a brief interview from her home in Chapel Hill, said she and Mr. Edwards would discuss her health at the news conference, but she declined to elaborate. ...

The Edwards campaign announced the news conference at the end of a day when Mr. Edwards canceled a campaign appearance to join his wife at a visit to her doctor. Mrs. Edwards was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, almost on the day that Mr. Edwards, running for vice president on the Democratic ticket with Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, lost to President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. ...

Mr. Edwards canceled an appearance in Iowa on Wednesday, so he could go to a follow-up doctor’s appointment with his wife. Early in the day, associates of Mr. Edwards said they had no reason to believe the check-up was anything to worry about, but late Wednesday evening two friends said they believed the news was bad.

I'll have the Edwards family in my prayers, and I hope you will, too. I understand what it means to have a spouse with a serious illness and how it impacts everything one does -- and how one has to make that a priority. If his wife has had a recurrence of the cancer, it would be almost impossible for him to campaign effectively. Let's hope the news isn't quite that dire and that Elizabeth Edwards will quickly regain her health, if she has lost any ground.

I'll have more thoughts later in the day, depending on the results of the press conference.

UPDATE and BUMP: Edwards chose to continue his campaign despite the new bone cancer doctors discovered in his wife, Elizabeth:

John Edwards, the North Carolina Democrat, said today that his wife’s cancer had returned, but that his bid for the presidency “goes on strongly.”

“The campaign goes on, the campaign goes on strongly,” he said, with his wife, Elizabeth, at his side.

Mr. Edwards said he learned earlier this week that the cancer had reappeared in his wife’s rib cage. He said he and his wife recognized that it was no longer curable, though it could be managed with treatment.

Asked by a reporter whether recurrence of the cancer would cause him to suspend any campaign activities, such as fundraising or travel, Mr. Edwards said no. “We know from our previous experience that when this happens you have a choice, you can go cower in the corner and hide, or you can be tough and go out there and stand up for what you believe in,” he said.

“Both of us are committed to the cause and we’re committed to changing this country that we love so much and we have no intention of cowering in the corner,” Mr. Edwards said.

It's a tough call for Edwards to make, and it's tough to criticize it either way. I think it's fair to say that Elizabeth has invested herself pretty deeply into John's campaign up to now, and she probably strongly resisted a suspension in the campaign. If this is what will keep her spirits high, then Edwards made the right decision.

All I can offer is my own perspective. My wife has had a number of chronic illnesses and acute crises, such as the one ongoing now, and one simply cannot stop living life or making a living. That being said, it usually helps to stay closer to home and family, just for one's own peace of mind. Edwards might find himself distracted on the campaign trail, and nagging issues might get blown out of proportion as he gets frustrated with the stress. That's one of the reasons why I decided to make the career change now -- as well as the fact that the offer was just too good to resist.

Edwards has the good fortune to have a fortune, so he can keep his family close while on the campaign trail. If he can balance the needs of his family with a presidential campaign, then he's made the right decision. I'm not hoping he succeeds in his political ambitions, but I do hope he stays strong for his family and that Elizabeth can remain as healthy as possible from now on.

Addendum: I forgot to mention that the First Mate is out of the ICU -- finally -- and is resting a bit more comfortably in a regular room. Her blood pressure has stabilized quite a bit over the last few days, but she will almost certainly remain in the hospital until her transplant.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/cq082307.cgi/9469

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Edwards To Withdraw? (Updated & Bumped):

» IS EDWARDS OUT? from Right Wing Nut House
Presidential candidate John Edwards cancelled the rest of his trip to Iowa following a visit to the doctor by his wife and has called a press conference for noon today to discuss his campaign. John Edwards, the North Carolina Democrat making a seco... [Read More]

» John Edwards schedules news conference for noon today to make announcment from Sister Toldjah
It’s not just an ordinary presser, either. It has something to do with his wife’s health. The blogosphere and newsosphere is abuzz with speculation as to what he might say. Edwards’ wife Elizabeth, as many of you know, was diagnose... [Read More]

» John And Elizabeth Edwards’ Class Act from The Moderate Voice
Take that, Ann Coulter…. Amid tragic circumstances, America at the beginning of a tempestuous 21st century saw a role-model couple in politics. Not the kind of plastic, smiling presence indicative of many political couples for so many years. ... [Read More]

» John Edwards: Never Give Up, Never Surrender! from The Gantry Launchpad
(apologies for the Galaxy Quest quote, but it seemed appropriate.) I've been following the debate over John Edward's decision to keep running, including over at Dean's World. Since that thread seems to reflect some of the "real world," I'll ground my c... [Read More]

Comments (32)

Posted by Lightwave [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 6:53 AM

I'm even less of an Edwards fan than you are, Ed. But again, I do hope that Elizabeth Edwards is alright. A good friend of mine and a family man succumbed to a leukemia relapse about four years ago, eighteen months after the docs gave him a clean bill of health.

There are far more important things than our breathless discussions here that we must deal with.

Posted by Sabba Hillel [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 6:54 AM

While one can want politically for Senator Edwards to withdraw, let us pray that the reason is not his wife's health. May the result of whatever happens be for the best and may she return to good health.

Posted by LargeBill [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 6:54 AM

Concur with your sentiments and hope we are mistaken in expecting the announcement to be bad news.

I may disagree with the policies he would push if elected, but hope he is not withdrawing due to a family health situation.

Posted by rbj [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 8:27 AM

Best of luck to the Edwards' -- healthwise.

Posted by krm [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 8:36 AM

I certainly do not wish anything bad for Mrs. Edwards. I hope her health issues are resolved favorably and that she leads a long and happy life.

I would be happy to see her only disappointment in life be having to console her husband relating to political failure on his part.

Posted by mindnumbrobot [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 8:50 AM

As the son of a breast cancer survivior, my thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth Edwards and her family. The comments posted up to this point are a true testament to the maturity and class of Captains Quarters readers -- something many others could learn from.

Posted by Tom Shipley [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 8:52 AM

It would be a shame to see him withdraw from the race.

I'm a democrat, and while I'm leaning toward Obama, I am starting to look more closely toward Edwards.

Just last night I was listening to a segment on NPR sizing up all the presidential candidates campaigns thus far. It was David Brooks and someone else commentating. Both agreed Edwards had the most focused, coherent and well-run campaign of any candidate on either side. I hope he stays in.

Posted by MJS [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 9:07 AM

Sometimes I really do forget there is more to life than just politics, like life itself.

As much as I would prefer Edwards to drop out (I don't think he'll get the nomination, but he would be an asset to the Ds were he to be picked for the VP slot), I am reminded of how petty some things seem in comparison to such serious health issues.

Prayers for Mrs. Edwards and family.

Posted by Harleycon5 [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 10:12 AM

I too share the those here who want no harm to come to Mrs Edwards, and I pray for her recovery. Unlike our foes on the Left, I feel that most Conservatives hold no personal hatred for them on a personal level.
I disagree with Edwards on pretty much every level, but know there is more to life than just politics. There is also personal compassion and a love of humanity.

Posted by Brooklyn [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 10:47 AM

we all wish the very best for the Edwards family...

but why am i such a skeptic?

do i believe the Clinton Machine was involved with some form of pay off?

i maybe too jaded for my own good.

Posted by Monkei [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 11:48 AM

I believe that Edwards, along with Richardson, are the most moderate of Democratic choices and could be the tuffest Democrats to overcome in regards to their acceptance by the moderates and voters (Reagan Democrats) in a general election. I hope that Ms Edwards stays well, they may continue the campaign and this is probably just a step to get out in front of these rumors of her health ahead of time.

Harleycon ... you could not be any more wrong in your definition of how those feel about those on the right. I have no hatred for the man GWB, in fact he would be a great guy to be around, I only have a real disdain for the brand of politics he has brought to the WH. Nothing more, nothing less. Get over yourself and your definition of the left vs right on this issue, no one wants something bad to happen to anyone physically ... you and your friends on the right do NOT hold a claim on human feelings and dignity.

Brooklyn, your comments are simply idiotic. Maybe you had better think about what you are saying for just a few more minutes ...

Posted by Mark [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 12:45 PM

john "two america's" edwards is a moderate?

On what planet?

I also like the way that you proclaim to speak for everyone left of center. You don't hate Bush (you just speak that way), therefore no one on the left hates Bush.

Posted by Adjoran [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 12:50 PM

Edwards isn't quitting, although his wife's cancer has returned. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and the family.

He probably should reconsider the decision to go on. As much as we want life tomorrow to be like life today in such circumstances, it never is. I hope her treatments are successful.

~~~~~~~~~~

Mark ~ are you only now finding out Monkei is an idiot? It's not like it was some state secret you have to read in the New York Times . . .

Posted by viking01 [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 12:56 PM

I hope Elizabeth Edwards beats cancer no less than any other oncology patient. If her husband is appropriately focused upon his wife's needs then a self-promotion political campaign should be the lowest of his priorities.

The irony will be the doctor-patient relationship for the family of a man who made his loot screwing the medical profession. Truth is stranger than fiction when a man who built his mansion mugging doctors now has to face the importance of the medical field he has demonstrably harmed.

Again, I hope Elizabeth Edwards can be cured alongside the healing of the notorious doctor blackmailer and lost soul named John Edwards.

Posted by SkyWatch [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 1:25 PM

Captain,

This isn't really said towards you since you are going thru the process with your wife but to the others.

Now that it is spring time and warming up have you taken your family to the zoo?

It sounds dumb but please believe me that going to a simple thing like the zoo or a picknick with or friends and family (kids..grandkids) is a day well spent.

Posted by Monkei [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 1:31 PM

Mark, that's easy, he is a moderate when you pit him against Hillary or Obama, or when you pit him against Newt or Fred Thompson.

welcome to THIS planet.

Like I said before and you failed to understand, I was answering the dumb post above that I guess said EVERYONE on the left had a personal hatred on a personal level for people on the right. Your problem is with his post, not mine, I don't speak for everyone and I never intended to, but I have a problem with him saying everyone on the left had a personal hatred for Bush when it's not about the man but his policies. Get it?

Adjoran ... personal attacks ... sorry, don't have time, I will debate your problems with being a loyal Bushie, but could care less about your mental capacities.

Posted by RBMN [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 1:44 PM

John Edwards thinks--for some reason--that's he's indispensable to America. He's not. He's only indispensable to his wife and family. I expect he'll realize that soon, if not today.

Posted by Keemo [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 2:01 PM

This is a classy post by a classy guy; thanks CE.
I will include Ms. Edwards in my prayers tonight & beyond.

Posted by unclesmrgol [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 2:07 PM

Elizabeth Edwards and her family deserve our prayers. Thank you, Captain, for pointing out the need.

Posted by Del Dolemonte [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 3:39 PM

The scary thing is that Mrs. Edwards would have never found this out if she hadn't cracked a rib and gone in for an x-ray.

Hopefully by the time her kids have grown cancer will have been cured once and for all.

Posted by BoWowBoy [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 3:58 PM

He is even more dopey than I thought .............the guy can't even win his own state. This sad situation would have been the perfect excuse for him to drop out of the pre-race.

Posted by Sapper [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 4:35 PM

I think we should refrain from even mild personal attacks at this time.

Posted by Bostonian [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 4:35 PM

Good grief, how awful.

Edwards doesn't get my vote but he does get my sympathy.

My prayers too, except that I am an atheist so that doesn't help.

Posted by Bennett [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 6:52 PM

There is no right or wrong decision here, as I see it. There is only what they have decided is best for them. I have to believe that if Mrs. Edwards had given any indication that she wanted him to withdraw, he would have done so. And if she encouraged him to stay in --which seems clear she did-- I think he would do so to avoid making her feel that she was standing in his way. Just a terrible situation and an example of how no one escapes sadness or tragedy. It comes to us all in one form or another. Illness and family and tough decisions, they make the two Americas seem pretty much alike.

Posted by Monkei [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 7:22 PM

I wonder if Ann Coulter will send a nice letter along to the Edwards' household and extend her best wishes .... na, I doubt it.

Posted by Mr Lynn [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 22, 2007 9:13 PM

Sorry to sound a contrary note, but Edwards is a slick ambulance chaser who served only one term in the US Senate and couldn't get re-elected if he had tried. I strongly suspect he decided to use his wife's illness to garner sympathy and appear 'courageous' in persevering. He's ignoring his wife's needs over the next few years, not to mention those of their children, in favor of pursuing this fanciful idea of becoming President. He has nothing to offer the country, but conceivably still has something to offer his family, besides a 28,000 square-foot mansion.

/Mr Lynn

Posted by Rose [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 23, 2007 12:08 AM

All my prayers for the lovely and gracious First Mate - may God touch her with the healing flow of the Holy Spirit, and all of you , family and friends.

I also extend the same prayers to Mrs. Edwards, who obviously adores her husband.

Ovbiously, those two are the only ones who can decide what is right for them at this time.

Nobody has a right to judge from the outside what a couple is going through, when they don't have any idea what is going on between the two, or how and why they arrive qt their decisions - in a case like this.

All I will say, though, is that with Cancer on their hands, it is sad for him, but the distractions of dealing with a campaign and a Cancer both --- sad thing is, he is not Presidential, anyway - and as deep as his passion is to be a President, when all is said and done, well, who ever knows what will come out of difficult situations - there is no telling. They have to do what they feel is right for them.

They are the only ones who can say whether it is worth it, when it is over.

Posted by Rose [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 23, 2007 12:15 AM

All my prayers for the lovely and gracious First Mate - may God touch her with the healing flow of the Holy Spirit, and all of you , family and friends.

I also extend the same prayers to Mrs. Edwards, who obviously adores her husband.

Ovbiously, those two are the only ones who can decide what is right for them at this time.

Nobody has a right to judge from the outside what a couple is going through, when they don't have any idea what is going on between the two, or how and why they arrive qt their decisions - in a case like this.

All I will say, though, is that with Cancer on their hands, it is sad for him, but the distractions of dealing with a campaign and a Cancer both --- sad thing is, he is not Presidential, anyway - and as deep as his passion is to be a President, when all is said and done, well, who ever knows what will come out of difficult situations - there is no telling. They have to do what they feel is right for them.

They are the only ones who can say whether it is worth it, when it is over.

Posted by Rose [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 23, 2007 12:28 AM

Sorry for the double post. I'm having signing in problems with my firewall or something. Please excuse me.

Posted by Rose [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 23, 2007 12:43 AM

I wonder if Ann Coulter will send a nice letter along to the Edwards' household and extend her best wishes .... na, I doubt it.

Posted by: Monkei

----------

Bet we all know what kind of sweet sentiment you would send to Ann if you should hear of some terrible event befalling her, though... Right?

And we all know what made Ann the kind of person she is, today, too.

She got tired of the ONE WAY STREET of Liberal tripe - and finally decided that if they could dish it out, they needed to be getting some back.

She's right, but they cannot take it.

Posted by Tom Shipley [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 23, 2007 6:47 AM

"She's right, but they cannot take it."

John Edwards is a faggot?

Posted by Casey [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 24, 2007 12:32 AM

Oh, my stars and garters!!

There are some real haters out there, and yes, I'm talking about Brooklyn, RBMN, and BoWowBoy.

I am in the same camp as Sapper, and Bostonian here. In fact, I'm even (roughly) in the same camp as Monkei. Oddly enough, this parallels my experience on Dean's World regarding this thread. Those who are curious may follow my web link to see what I've had to say on my own blog.

Monkei: while I would almost never vote for Edwards, Richardson ain't too bad. :) Keep pushing him. On the other hand, I like Fred Thompson as veep for Giuliani. Try not to have a coronary. :))

Um, Rose? I'm with Monkei about Coulter as well. She's a hater. And, no, I don't care what "nasty liberal XXX said about YYY;" two wrongs don't make a right, and two (opposing) hates don't cancel each other out.

Feh...