Edwards observes unwritten rules in visiting Southern black church

Edwards observes unwritten rules in visiting Southern black church
by Dick Polman -- Philadelphia Inquirer
Sunday, February 1st, 2003

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Fifteen minutes into the church service, as the choir sang "I Love You Jesus, Yes I Do," in cadences reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, the door beneath the altar suddenly swung ajar. John Edwards stepped quietly into the cavernous room, making no effort to greet the worshippers clad in their Sunday finery who were stamping their feet to the electronic beat.
That's how a politician is supposed to behave in Southern black churches. Rule No. 1 is, don't dare try to compete with the Lord. So Edwards skipped all his usual gestures, which include the happy-warrior wave, the pumped fist, and the thumbs-up sign. On Sunday, he just crossed the purple carpet and sat down.
He needs these folks badly in Tuesday's South Carolina primary - his Democratic presidential candidacy is surely doomed unless he wins the state of his birth - but he knew the best way to garner goodwill was to show respect.

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These visits may be a ritual, but there are a host of unwritten rules, certain no-no's that can burn a clueless candidate. And those rules were voiced here Sunday at the Bible Way Church of Atlas Road, an imposing brick edifice that, from the sidewalk, appears to be roughly the size of a minor-league ballpark.

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which matters immensely to many, many voters in the south, both black and white.

If my man Clark isn't the nominee, then I pray John Edwards is. He's an authentic human being and it shows.

Every one of our nominees is a great person, from Kucinich to Lieberman.

:yourock:

Not surprising

What a guy.

i hope tomorrow brings him a tremendous amount of good fortune.

:yourock: :yourock:

the White House.

In the immortal words of John Kerry, "We're coming, you're going, and don't let the door hit you on the way out." :)

Good luck to him and all his supporters tomorrow! Your guy is great and I would have no problem with him being my guy if it works out that way.

Democrats Rock!

Go Edwards!
Go Wes!

Best of luck to Clark too. Both our candidates have fought the good fight.

Go Clark!
Go Johnny!

LOL--LOL--Democrats do rock and we have some good candidates. The "Hootie" moment was really great in Columbia.

That was a great speech.

A very fine man.

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