The Pettiness of Edwards

Sorry, but this can be called nothing but. Not only did he not congratulate Obama last night, he didn't even mention him! Now his campaign manager is calling Obama a corporate sellout?

First, this seems to be dumb, dumb, and more dumb. If Obama goes on to win the nomination and, particularly the Presidency, he could write himself out of the national scene for years--if not forever. Perhaps he sincerely believes it's worth the cost. Who knows?

But what Edwards doesn't seem to understand is, to my view, the following:

1) His populist message about fighting for the working man comes across as patronizing and bullying to a lot of us. Uncle Saint John will fight the big bad guy for us dirty people too weak to fight. I don't doubt his sincerity, but damn. We don't need to fight union busters anymore, do we? And...I can take care of myself pretty well--thanks though.

2) Most of the people in this country work for major corporations. I just left the last company I worked for (a Fortune 100 Company) because I was dissatisfied with it, not because of inherent evil. They gave me a good salary, good benefits, good working environment, etc. I realize that there are many not so fortunate, but a more reasonable approach and softer touch (such as Obama saying American corporations can't hide in the Caribbean for tax purposes) seems a better way to go. Edwards sounds like he wants to storm the Bastille and I'm not so sure that is what is necessary.

3) Class warfare is the stuff of decades past. General Motors isn't sending henchman to bust up picket lines any longer. Bill Gates doesn't make his billions by raping the earth and employing 12 year olds. Obama's approach is so much saner. Transparency in government, fair tax laws, and an expanded safety net in the way of health care. That tackles lobbyists, tax relief, and public welfare without a call to arms. If a corporation is a good citizen and obeys the laws, what's wrong with them making money? I'm *glad* Google makes a lot of money. I'm glad New Belgium Brewers make a lot of money. And I'm sure as hell glad that the company that writes my paycheck makes a lot of money. Just convince me you're not a corporate whore like so many in politics--that's all I need.

4) Edwards' rubric sounds like the New Deal and The Great Society reheated. Neither are looked upon with much fondness any longer--particularly the latter.

I do believe that Edwards is a good man with some good ideas, and this loss in Iowa has to be like a blow to the gut. He's been campaigning there, effectively, for years now and built a very solid organization. But I hope he takes a deep breath and rethinks his tactics and delivery a bit. The Ds (and the country) could use him. But they won't want him if he's viewed as a divisive, arrogant prick.