I recently discussed Elizabeth Edwards' book Saving Graces, a biography that discusses her life with special focus on the '04 campaign, losing her teenage son to a car accident, and dealing with cancer. She found out about it right before the election though the public learnt about it only afterwards. Elizabeth Edwards has received much respect for her efforts in all these causes, including the openness she shows on blogs.
She is smart and passionate, showing the great pain she suffered after her son's death in a public way, and clearly has some of the missionary zeal of her husband. As well as the optimism and strength, if not more ... more than one said they want HER to be President. So, it was not too surprising -- if moving/impressive -- how the couple announced her new diagnosis of incurable cancer. How else to do so but together, staying strong, and continuing their work? The message to supporters:
Elizabeth and I are so grateful for your prayers and wishes. Your support means a great deal to us during this difficult time.
As you may have heard, yesterday we found out that Elizabeth's breast cancer is back, but confined mainly to her bones. Although this isn't the news we wanted to hear, we are very optimistic. Having been through many struggles together in the past, we know that the key is to keep your head up, keep moving and be strong. And that's exactly what we intend to do.
Elizabeth and I have been married for nearly 30 years and we will be in this every step of the way together. We will keep a positive attitude and always look for the silver lining—that's what we do.
Although the cancer is no longer curable, it is treatable, and many patients in similar circumstances have lived full, energetic lives. We expect nothing less for Elizabeth. She expects to do all the things next week that she did last week.
Our campaign goes on and it goes on strongly. We are so proud of the campaign we are running—a campaign based on ideas and reaching out to people. This campaign is not about me or Elizabeth—it's about all the people we have met these past few years and people like them all across America and the world—people worried about feeding and clothing their kids; people without health care; people facing hardships overseas.
Both of us are committed to this campaign. We're committed to this cause and we're committed to changing this country we love so much.
Thank you again for your support and for standing with us.
After Dean stepped down in '04, I noted on these pages that I symbolically voted for Edwards, not being a big fan of "front runner" John Kerry (HC now is given this title, with all its self-fulfilling prophecy flavor). I have spoken as well of my yes distaste with the idea of HC running, since I think it divisive and find her too conservative. Obama (I have taken to calling the black/white cookies I'm eating for snacks this week "Obama cookies") seems a bit too green, though I'm willing to shall we say have some faith in the man. So, I think Edwards stands out now as well.
Good luck and continue your saving graces, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards.