In a January 30 Newsweek Web Exclusive, Matthew Philips added his voice to a chorus of mainstream media figures effusively eulogizing the failed candidacy of class warrior par excellence John Edwards.
In, "Travels With John: Edwards ran hard, and he leaves a lasting mark on his party," Philips moved from his lament about Edwards long hours and non-stop campaigning...
Some of us started wondering why we couldn't have been assigned to Fred Thompson. At least he slept, apparently a lot.
...to gushing over the former trial attorney's persistent optimism:
Maybe that's the mark of a good trial lawyer: always be convincing a jury. No matter what the polls said, Edwards's sunny and optimistic demeanor never flagged. Any suggestion of dropping out was quickly denied as implausible. "I'm in this till the end, and I intend to be my party's nominee," he'd say without even the slightest hint of irony or self-delusion.
Far from finding Edwards campaign a failure, Philips found the former senator giving Sens. Obama and Clinton a kick in the pants to pick up his signature issue of class warfare:
Through a year of hard campaigning, Edwards has forced the Democratic Party to refocus itself on the plight of the poor. In his resignation address in New Orleans Wednesday afternoon, Edwards said he had gotten both Clinton and Obama to pledge to make the eradication of poverty a central part of their administration. He finished by urging his supporters not to give up on what's possible and to keep on fighting. He wasn't giving up so much as passing his torch to a stronger, faster candidate. He is gone now, but Obama and Clinton go forward carrying a torch that Edwards lit.
For more of our recent coverage of the media's mushiness over Sen. Edwards, click here for a full list, or see my highlighted picks below.:
- CBS's Couric Lauds John Edwards Liberal-Themed Campaign
- NYT's Tale of Two Withdrawals: Respecting Edwards, But Giuliani 'Living an Illusion'
- AP's Vastly Different Obits for Edwards, Giuliani Failed Candidacies
—Ken Shepherd is Managing Editor of NewsBusters
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Comments Policy
Wow. Lap it on,
January 31, 2008 - 14:09 ET by SchnikeysWow. Lap it on, Newsweek.
Or are they referring to his travels down the street to his hairstylist?
Ok, ok, I know. That was abusive. But this was anything but objective.
Another leftist-love-fest
January 31, 2008 - 13:52 ET by rbosqueAnother leftist-love-fest from the media. Honestly, they should just all put democratic donkies on their company logos (along with that hammer 'n sickle).
Lasting mark? He's been an
January 31, 2008 - 13:59 ET by Hero SquadLasting mark? He's been an afterthought since the primaries began.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
What was that written on
January 31, 2008 - 13:59 ET by Roger the ShrubberWhat was that written on the tour bus?
All your base are belong to us?
You are on the way to
January 31, 2008 - 14:19 ET by Hero SquadYou are on the way to destruction.
Thank you for the laugh, Rog!
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Check it out, Rog!
January 31, 2008 - 14:51 ET by Hero SquadCheck it out, Rog!
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Excellent!
January 31, 2008 - 15:04 ET by Roger the ShrubberExcellent!
Edwards has had 2 bites of the apple
January 31, 2008 - 14:36 ET by IamTinmanand is about to become a footnote in the history books. It doesn't hurt to be at least respectful. Like Fred Thompson, he fought a clean campaign, didn't compromise his principles, and stepped out gracefully when it became apparent that he was not the peoples choice, Even though I don't agree with him, I respect his efforts to do what he thought was right for the country. Besides I'm going to miss all those Breck jokes!
And in honor of his advocacy of the poor...
January 31, 2008 - 15:28 ET by Prester John....all the reporters gushing over Edwards will donate everything they have over $1,000,000 to their favorite local charity.
Oh, you mean they won't?
Nevermind.
Another take on St. John
January 31, 2008 - 15:53 ET by BarkerJohn Edwards was rising in the polls until some friends of Hillary started spreading rumors about an Edwards/Mistress love-child.
That's what did him in.
Now the rich-getting-richer Edwards can put his money where his mouth his and start helping the people he has been exploiting for political gain. He'll start by writing a check to that poor mother he met who has no food for her family, right?
Don't count on it.