MyDD :: "The Campaign Goes On"

It was a lesson in media think to be at the event. I heard one reporter talking about it, then he mentioned it on the air as a rumor, next thing you know someone posts that hte CNN guy down the lawn has stated it as fact and Aaaaaaawaaaaaaaaaaaaay we go.

I told someone at the campaign and they were like, huh? They didn't know exactly what was happening, but they were pretty sure that wasn't it.

They debunked on site, and that is when I heard this historic statement from one of the major network talking heads:

"[We have to] keep on keeping on with our speculation in the gray area, but [let's] not be too specific."

BlueNC - Progressive NC Politics

by Robert P on Fri Mar 23, 2007 at 10:50:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

TPM linked them too. (none / 0)

Sorta surprised he did that.

by drowsy on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:38:47 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 1)

They said in the press conference that John cracked Elizabeth's rib by hugging her. I think I'm going to die of cute overload. :-)

Seriously though, Elizabeth is a force of nature. Good for them.

by rusty on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:38:48 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 1)

The Press is Officially Irrelevant.

The Blogosphere is the Most Trusted, Fair and Balanced and Fastest Growing News source in America.

Whooo Hooo!

Two Victories!

"I don't believe in this can't do, won't do, won't even try style of politics. Yes We Can!" ~ Barack Obama

by ObamaEdwards2008 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:42:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

The Politico is really trying hard to earn its creds as conservative noise machine.

by fafnir on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:42:03 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Okay, Have a great Day all. God is good.

"I don't believe in this can't do, won't do, won't even try style of politics. Yes We Can!" ~ Barack Obama

by ObamaEdwards2008 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:43:08 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Ahhh, yes, "The Politico", for those times that "The Note" just isn't hacktacular enough.

by justathought on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:32:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

For those who find Fox News too "fair and balanced", read the Politico.

by yitbos96bb on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 03:23:45 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 1)

That the cancer is not curable is devastating. I can understand that they would continue the campaign -- the best choice to make is to live.

by dblhelix on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:44:35 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

It's true. You have two choices, pursue your family's dream, or stay home and die.

BlueNC - Progressive NC Politics

by Robert P on Fri Mar 23, 2007 at 10:51:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm not saying I wouldn't for John ... (none / 0)

But I'd vote for Elizabeth in a heartbeat.

by BriVT on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:44:57 PM EST

The Politico story burns C-SPAN (3.00 / 1)

C-SPAN Radio has just retracted and apologized for an announcement they made earlier today that was sourced from The Politico.

by fafnir on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:46:40 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Edwards mentioned traveling to Boston. Does anyone know if he's appearing in public there (here)?

by Garret on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:47:00 PM EST

Thanks for staying in, John and Elizabeth (3.00 / 2)

I'm an Obama supporter, but I'd like to express my relief that Elizabeth's condition isn't as bad as first reported, and that John is staying in the race. He's a good candidate, with important views and positions, and I think we're all better off with him in the race and not out.

by James Gatz on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:48:24 PM EST

Re: Thanks for staying in, John and Elizabeth (3.00 / 1)

I am an Obama supporter too but they looked beautiful, spoke beautifully and were very impressive. This is a hard time for them but I am encouraged that they are carrying on. I am impressed by them as people. I think this will help him, in the short term anyway.

by aiko on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:53:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thanks for staying in, John and Elizabeth (none / 0)

I do concur with your view, stated as such. very elegant. I am also a barack obama support and believe edwards participation in this race is positive. IF only for this wonderfull little nugget !! ...

FOX NEWS REPORTS EDWARDS DROPS OUT LOL!!!

Not really , I don't know I don't keep tabs on them but didn't almost everyone in the MSM jump the gun?

I myself see it as an unofficial dropout. But thats me. I certainly wouldn't say its official like they did.

.. and when I win the lottery, gonna donate half my money to the city so they have to name a school or a park after me - camper van beethoven

by heyAnita on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:55:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thanks for staying in, John and Elizabeth (none / 0)

I don't really have anything to say except to second this.

by Silent sound on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 02:28:44 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

I hope Ms. Edwards has a speedy and full recovery, but, I have to say, I don't know how this is going to play among the voters. A lot of people are going to think he should be home taking care of his sick wife and seeing to their still very young children. It might not send the message he wants to send if it appears that being president means more to him that the well-being of his family. Now, of course, that is NOT true, but that is what a LOT of folks are going to be thinking.

Now, maybe they think that it'll show how strong he is and how he is able to focus on the nation's business despite whatever personal/family problems he may be dealing with and his (and her) commitment to the country and the issues. Maybe, but, I don't think that's how it's going to play out.

At any rate, I admire Ms. Edwards strength and courage and wish for her an her family a complete and speedy recovery.

by jg40 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:50:27 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 2)

I don't know how this is going to play among the voters. A lot of people are going to think he should be home taking care of his sick wife

I don't have access to cable right now, but I read the following quotes at dkos from the announcement:

"It is no longer curable, it is completely treatable."

"Many patients in similar circumstances have lived many years undergoing treatment."

Having been familiar with a patient in similar circumstances, I can tell you that for the patient it is often best to not have life stop around you. It emphasizes the gravity of the situation, it adds stress (guilt), and so on.

If things get to the point where she's ill as a result of ongoing treatment, it's a different story -- but at the moment, it's a healthy step to keep moving forward, business as usual.

Of course, I'm just one person.

by dblhelix on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:08:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 1)

'Having been familiar with a patient in similar circumstances, I can tell you that for the patient it is often best to not have life stop around you. It emphasizes the gravity of the situation, it adds stress (guilt), and so on.'

This makes sense, I didn't look at it from that perspective. Whatever is best for her reovery is exactly what they should do. I wish them Godspeed on the campaign trail.

by jg40 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:24:37 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

wow this is a heavy topic. i didn't understand she was that sick.

this is so sad.

.. and when I win the lottery, gonna donate half my money to the city so they have to name a school or a park after me - camper van beethoven

by heyAnita on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 06:02:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 0)

If Elizabeth is on the trail with him why would anyone think that he should be home taking care of his sick wife? He has already said that he will be with her whenever and wherever (as evidenced yesterday by his missing a fundraiser to be at her side when she got the news). I don't think that's going to be an issue at all. He's not forcing her to campaign with him, and she clearly is as dedicated to his presidential run as he is. I think it shows tremendous courage and conviction on both their parts, and I admire them for continuing their bid for the WH.

by CarolSoprano on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:12:27 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

I'm guessing he is staying in because he will probably not have another legitimate shot at the Presidency...

I'm not sure how this will play out... but one thing good that can come from it is raising national awareness and continue working on a cure or better treatment.

by yitbos96bb on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 03:30:31 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

I'm seriously late on this thread but my guess, after meeting her and talking to people who know her, there is no way she would ever let him quit. She wants it just as much as he does.

Netroots Director for Oregon Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley

by Sarah Lane on Sat Mar 24, 2007 at 09:19:10 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Ok, first, I'd like to pre-empt this by saying that I'm a Gore fan that's currently on the fence between Edwards and Obama.

The press conference was an A-plus press conference right up until the "Actually, I was beating her" comment. I was watching with about a dozen other people from my office and literally every woman in the room scoffed, groaned, or made some sort of comment when he said that. The topic of conversation throughout the rest of the press conference and immediately thereafter was not about Elizabeth's health or her husband's decision to stay in the race, but about one botched joke.

I don't see him locking up the women's vote come January.

by MikeyMike on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 12:54:22 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

That bothered me too. Alot.

by domma on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:00:47 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

My only thought when he said that was "Oh, God, now he's going to give Fox Noise their entire evening programming" - it was a silly thing to say and I think the look on Elizabeth's face said it all (sort of like, "John, you dope!") I'm a woman I wasn't insulted or bothered; I just groaned internally because of how the right wing will jump all over it.

by CarolSoprano on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:14:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (3.00 / 0)

Uh, no. Let's not go here people.

It's gallows humor, for pete's sake. They've held a press conference to announce the return of her cancer. Comedy is how you maintain perspective.

There is a difference between an attempt at humor by a guy who clearly would never beat his wife, trying to lighten the moment a little, and a joke or statement that minimizes the seriousness of real domestic violence.

I can't see women penalizing him for this. As if.

by KimPossible on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:19:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

When did John Edwards stop beating his wife? Geeze. John made a joke to lighten things up. It was funny because he IS actually A LOVING husband and not a wife beater. Get it? I suppose we will see this on Faux News soon.

I am so happy that the Elizabeth and John decided to work though this and continue the campaign for the good of the Nation. Personally, I want both Edwards and Obama in the race until the end. They would also make an awesome team.

I love Al Gore but he does not have the communication skills to win the presidency. Sorry but it's true.

by anothergreenbus on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:42:47 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Until someone pulls it out of context and puts it to music on You Tube... It was a bad joke... it won't hurt him, but it was a mistake to say.

by yitbos96bb on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 03:33:11 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

I missed the press conference... what was the context of the quote?

by yitbos96bb on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 03:32:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

and we will work harder!

Prayers to the Edwards. Elizabeth Edwards is the face of COURAGE!

Check out the New Progressive Blog EENRBLOG

by dk2 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:11:43 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Place your bets:

1. How long before Ben is back on the market looking for another job?

2. How long before Politico folds?

by KimPossible on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:14:25 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

I hope Politico doesn't fold. Then all of the hacks employed there would just go back into the corporate media, like cockroaches whose nest has been disturbed. Let's keep VandeHei, Mike Allen, and the others all concentrated in one space, where a lucky bolt of lightning might take them all out.

by Ron Thompson on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:31:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

or a server outage (3.00 / 1)

Call it "Medicare Option" not public option

by TarHeel on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 02:20:29 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Ben used to run the blog at the NY Observer and then at the NY Daily News and he was pretty good on the local political scene in NYC. I am not sure what has happened since he got to the Politico but based on my past experience I tend to think it may have as much to do with the organization as with him.

by John Mills on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:29:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Meant to add he totally blew this one.

by John Mills on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:30:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

One more add - Ben Smith admits he blew and explains how in the link below. This is what I remember of him from the Observer and Daily News.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/030 7/3263.html

by John Mills on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 09:37:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My wishes for Elizabeth Edwards (3.00 / 1)

I really hope the doctors can keep this in check for a long time. She is my favorite first lady candidate in the last two elections.

I feel bad for her kids.

by Pravin on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:22:44 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

God bless Elizabeth.

by kekuta on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:30:44 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

While the Edwards' are certainly entitled to keep Elizabeth's health records as private as they'd like, it would not be inappropriate for a reporter to ask if a doctor has assessed her chances for survival and what those odds are? If the cancer is not "curable", is she considered 'terminal'?

It seems unfathomable for a candidate to continue to genuinely pursue the presidency if doctors have determined that his wife's cancer can not be eradicated.

by argo on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:34:20 PM EST

no, terminal means something different (3.00 / 1)

Once cancer has recurred, it is not curable.

But terminal means the end of life is imminent.

A friend's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 2 or stage 3) around 1991. Her cancer recurred around 1997 or 1998. I haven't heard from him in a while, but as of fall 2006 she was still going strong. Depending on the type of cancer and the patient's overall health, medications can often keep recurrent breast cancer from advancing.

Hence their words, not curable but highly treatable.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 02:12:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Elizabeth Edwards... (none / 0)

...is a great American.

And I kind of have to believe that if she had been highlighted more during the 2004 election, it may well have tipped the balance in Kerry's favor.

What's the Point?

by Vermonter on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:34:21 PM EST

Re: Elizabeth Edwards... (none / 0)

Maybe if they had highlighted her more in the primaries he would have won. But as magnificient as a she is, highlighting the wife of the VP candidate isn't going to really do all that much for you.

by yitbos96bb on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 03:38:38 PM EST
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Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

Hillary you better be scared of Elizabeth Edwards!!!

You aren't one/millionth the women she is or have the class she carries herself with on a daily basis.

by Djneedle83 on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 01:35:57 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

God Bless the Edwardses.

I know what "treatable but not curable" means, because a doctor used those words when diagnosing my mother's Stage 4 lung cancer. Those words mean that increasingly difficult times lie ahead of the Edwards family.

I can't believe that his campaign can last very long. The attention that his wife and children will need will distract the candidate so much that he won't be able to focus on the big issues of the country and the world.

Neither my wife nor I can understand how the Senator's political ambition can take precedence over his wife's illness.

st albans

by st albans on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 02:29:08 PM EST

you don't know elizabeth edwards (none / 0)

obviously.

her doctor said most of her patients keep doing what they were doing before..

Call it "Medicare Option" not public option

by TarHeel on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 02:42:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

My heart is broken for the Edwards family. I have loved Elizabeth Edwards from the moment I saw her on the national scene. I loved her years before I ever saw anything in her husband.

I think she is a brave, wonderful and heroic woman.

They are in my prayers.

by rikyrah on Thu Mar 22, 2007 at 04:05:43 PM EST

Re: "The Campaign Goes On" (none / 0)

You're way off base if you're trashing Ben Smith. He's the hardest working, most responsive reporter you'll ever find. He answers emails from readers at almost anytime of the day or not and actually tries to answer your questions.

What got him in trouble here, I think, is that he actually tries to let readers know what is going on as quickly as possible. Clearly, that short-circuited the fact-checking here. He shouldn't have run that story But if we're going to go around trying to destroy the few reporters who care more about their readers than about Beltway Elites, we're, at best, shooting ourselves in the foot.

Go back and read his work from the Daily News and the Observer (especially at his blog on the Daily News, called the Daily Politics). Once you do, you should be willing to admit this was an isolated mistake from an otherwise excellent reporter.

by Pogues Fan on Sat Mar 24, 2007 at 01:26:09 AM EST

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