John Edwards: New York Times Magazine interview with Matt Bai

Run time: 41:45 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxJgvnKW62E   Posted on YouTube: June 03, 2007 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: June 03, 2007 By DU Member: be inspired Views on DU: 1549

 
It's about 40 minutes long, but I like this video, because I think John's decency and humanity really comes through in it. The interviewer is asking tough, but not hostile questions, and a lot of information is provided, particularly regarding John's dedication to fighting poverty.

I have to admit, I like long videos anyway. I think long videos and of interviews and political speeches and things like that give a lot more information than short videos that are more like advertisements. I know short videos can be popular, because a lot of people don't feel they have the time to watch something longer. That's a valid concern. Sometimes I feel rushed too, but I really believe that as a voter, it's my responsibility to do some research. Having done a great deal of research already, I am an Edwards supporter.

I too, am an Edwards supporter and always look forward to seeing new videos.

The truth is that the five minute videos are too short to really get into a subject or personality. Thanks for posting this.

It really did show his humanity. I liked what he said about looking at several factors, not just one. So, when some one wants to criticise his hedge fund work, is that person also going to look at the work he did for the UNC Poverty Center?

Although he didn't address the house issue, I think you have to weigh that too against his carbon nuetral campaign.

I think if the media gives him a chance, the public will come to see John Edwards as an ordinary guy who shares their concerns and values. I would like to hear though why he felt the need to build such an extravegant house. I don't believe it necessarily makes him a hypocrite on poverty, and it is Energy Star rated (plus big picture, carbon nuetral campaign, hybrid car). Sure he needed privacy, but isn't this mansion/estate a little over the top?

I do wonder what possessed him to build such a monstrosity? He had to know it would make him APPEAR hypocritical.

or go on fancy vacations. John's family is very important to him, why not provide a beautiful home for them that he worked so hard for. Compared to the other candidates, no, this isn't over the top IMO.

I don't think it's over the top. The house itself is 10,000 sq ft and the other building is an outbuilding with a gym for Senator Edwards to work out in and I would imagine for his children as well.

I don't think the size of someone's house should determine how good of a Democrat they are. That is a very silly measure. If that's the measure, how do you define people who vote for Bush, who live in very small houses? Those that vote against policies that alleviate povery and promote envio friendly laws?

I don't personally think living in a big house or enjoying the fruits of one's labor makes one a bad Democrat. A bad socialist, yes - but Democrats aren't socialists. I think this is the core of the attacks on John Edwards, too many Conservatives see Democrats as Socialists.

However, my question is did John Edwards consider how this would LOOK? Did he ever stop and think, "Gee, I'm running for President, I'm running to alleviate poverty in America. This is what I believe, and this is what I will advocate. How is that reflected in the way I live my life?" Did he not realize that no aspect of his life would be private?

Of course it's unfair. Maybe even a no win situation. Building the house shows that not everything he does is calculated and weighed for political purposes. It shows that he doesn't hate the rich or think they should be denied the rewards of hard work. John Edwards has been accused of the former, the Democratic Party as a whole has been accused of the latter.

I do wonder why he NEEDS six bathrooms. But then, who am I to bitch, living in Florida (in a relatively modest house) driving an Acura with heated seats. Who needs heated seats in Florida? My husband and I take a vacation every year (on average) - we've taken a number of Caribbean cruises (oh, the poverty in those countries!) a couple of ski trips, etc. But then, I'm not running for office.

I somehow think John Edwards house would be somewhere in the middle size wise.

I think the media really needs to look up the actual definition of the word "hypocrisy," because John Edwards isn't displaying that quality. Hypocrisy is when you advocate one thing and do another. If he was telling people to be poor and meanwhile being rich himself, that would be hypocrisy. The reality is, he's rich and he's trying to help other people have the same chances he's had, so they have the possibility of becoming rich too. That's not hypocrisy. As Media Matters has pointed out, that just isn't what the word means.

A real example of hypocrisy is the rich media people who attack John Edwards for being rich. These media types are pretending to have concern for the poor while trying to damage the campaign of someone who would actually help the poor. THAT fits the definition of hypocrisy.

As for the house, you would have to ask him. It wouldn't have been my choice, even if I had his money, to build that house. I do believe maybe he's thinking forward to the day when as president, he may have to entertain foreign dignitaries and their entourages. That would be my guess.

get it wrong on purpose..can't have a populist winning the Dem candidacy.

It's just fun to say they don't know how to use a dictionary.

I hope you realize, I do not personally consider Edwards a hypocrite on the house for preceisely the reason you pointed out, he never said give away all your money to the poor and live in a shack. I only wondered if it didn't occur to him how building such a house would *look* in an age when appearances and perceptions count more than anything.

BUT, you bring up a good point. Thinking of when he's president, he would have a place besides the White House and Camp David for entertaining. I think he really loves North Carolina, and would want to entertain there.

I am liking him more and more. Sincerity shines through after all the darkness we've had.

Edwards' honesty and authenticity is a breath of fresh air.