In an Associated Press story carried on ABC News' Web site, writer Nedra Pickler reports on Democratic presidential contender John Edwards taking a three-day poverty tour next week, a trip "reminiscent of [Bobby] Kennedy's 1968 trip."
Ms Pickler's article begins:
"The campaign of presidential hopeful John Edwards has a ready answer for all the criticism about his expensive haircuts and expansive home: A man can be wealthy and care about the poor, too.
Just look at a Democratic hero Robert F. Kennedy." [sic]
Bobby Kennedy, of course, is still remembered warmly by much of the mainstream media for his expressed concern for poor people. What isn't so well remembered is that Kennedy himself couldn't explain exactly why this issue was of such importance to him.
In 1968 a Time Magazine piece covered Kennedy's foray into poverty-stricken eastern Kentucky. A pertinent excerpt:
"Why, Kennedy was asked in the township of Pippa Passes, was a man reared to a multimillionaire's comforts concerned with the plight of Kentucky's poor? 'I can't answer that question,' Bobby confessed. 'Sorry.'
Of course, politicians tend to be much more savvy these days. If someone posed the same question to John Edwards, I'd be willing to bet his hedge fund consulting fees that his answer wouldn't be, "Because I'm pandering for votes."
So was Bobby in 1968. The mainstream media just prefer not to recall that aspect of the sainted man's candidacy.
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RFK - a different breed
July 12, 2007 - 13:33 ET by Gary HallRFK - a different breed. There was something about Bobby Kennedy's charity and view of poverty which the leftists of today, perhaps all of us, have forgotten about. RFK did not believe that the answer to poverty was in simply handing out money (the welfare state). Rather he believed the answer was in providing oportunity (he had a lot of community based proposals). Now, some of this may have involved funding to feed business opportunities, etc., but by and large I believe that RFK would have found it easier to forge working compromises on social issues with the conservatives of today, than with the left wing of today's Democrat party.
And now the media is embracing the likes of Chavez.
JFK and poverty
July 12, 2007 - 13:42 ET by Michael M. BatesJFK agreed: “No lasting solution to the problem [of poverty] can be
bought with a welfare check,” reported in the New York Times.
The day before he died, Kennedy asked his "economic advisers to prepare 'War on Poverty' program for 1964."
And we all know how successful the war on poverty has been.
43 years later
July 12, 2007 - 13:46 ET by dagdaWe are still losing the Democratic War on Poverty 43 years later.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
Losing the Democratic War on Poverty
July 12, 2007 - 13:48 ET by Michael M. Bates43 years and trillions of dollars later and we have more "poor" folks than when it all started.
To paraphrase..."Mr.Ed
July 12, 2007 - 13:35 ET by mlongTo paraphrase..."Mr.Edwards your no Robert Kennedy."
You're no Robert Kennedy
July 12, 2007 - 13:43 ET by Michael M. BatesNo, Edwards isn't. Bobby spent no where near as much time in beauty parlors as Johnny Angel.
If the worst criticism the ri
July 12, 2007 - 14:05 ET by fenderteleIf the worst criticism the right has about John Edwards is his hair and his mansion then I think you better criticize Mitt Romney too. The guy, simply put has great hair! Man, I'd love to have that hair! And mulitiple homes! And good looks--c'mon....he makes Edwards look like Dennis Kucinich! Romney is a stud!
Don't forget, Edwards is a
July 12, 2007 - 14:07 ET by MightyMouthDon't forget, Edwards is a faggot too!
--Ann Coulter
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
How much does Mitt pay for hi
July 12, 2007 - 14:09 ET by Hero SquadHow much does Mitt pay for his haircuts? Does it require an investment of hundreds of dollars to reach such glory?
Hair isn't the criticism the right has of Edwards. It's that he's hair with nothing of substance inside.
*****
"I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for a clown that gives a damn!" - Sticky the Clown
If his hair isn't the issue,
July 12, 2007 - 14:11 ET by fenderteleIf his hair isn't the issue, why can't the conservatives stop talking about it?
It's like the Kramer painting
July 12, 2007 - 14:15 ET by Hero SquadIt's like the painting of Kramer. "He is a loathsome, offensive brute, yet I can't look away."
The Kramer
*****
"I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for a clown that gives a damn!" - Sticky the Clown
its the hypocrisy, fender
July 12, 2007 - 14:16 ET by LionKingEdwards is promoting his talks on poverty. He is the real expert and can really relate to the impoverished. Doesn't everyone own multiple homes and spend hundreds to have your hair styled? (Even to the point to have the stylist flown to certain locations as needed.)
So what are you suggesting?
July 12, 2007 - 14:21 ET by fenderteleSo what are you suggesting? That he go live in a cave?
I wonder how much Senator "Mr. Family Values" Vitter spent on hookers.
fender, why change the subject
July 12, 2007 - 14:29 ET by LionKingWhy bring up Vitter?
Actually, I have no problem with Edwards success. ( I am not fond of ambulance chasers)
My real problem is with his hypocrisy, trying to be a representative of the poor.
We'll, you brought up hypocri
July 12, 2007 - 14:35 ET by fenderteleWe'll, you brought up hypocrisy. I just happen to beat you to the punch with the Vitter comment. And seeing as Vitter and his wife were outspoken critics of the Clintons, then he deserves to be scrutinized the same as Clinton was, after all he said Clinton should step down, yet will he leave office now that he was caught? Will he be put under oath as Clinton was?
Back to Edwards. Seeing as you know so much about his legal career, give me an example of his "ambulance chasing".
John Edwards won $152 million
July 12, 2007 - 14:53 ET by ricklailJohn Edwards won $152 million dollars from 63 cases for his firm by suing doctors that delivered children born with Cerabal Palsy. He would search out the children from doctors/hospital records. That is "ambulance chasing." I can go find all the cases but what is the use. You are still going to think he is the best thing that every crapped between a pair of shoes. High dollar ones at that. By the way. I live in NC and know a lot more about the man than you will find in the MSM.
A bonafided and certified member of the beer guzzling, NASCAR watching middle class.
Sounds to me like John Edward
July 12, 2007 - 15:57 ET by fenderteleSounds to me like John Edwards is a good lawyer who does his homework and wins cases for his firm. If you don't like the judgements, blame the judge--not the attorney.
If you want to talk about scumbag lawyers, look no further than Fred Fielding.
Bottom feeder
July 12, 2007 - 16:05 ET by LionKingBottom-feeding, ambulance-chasing lawyers like Edwards is a major reason medical costs have risen. They have driven up malpractice insurance costs to the point that some physicians just call it quits or move to Texas. If you know anything about business you know that the consumer ultimately gets hit with these costs.
I do blame the attorney. He has a choice. He could choose more worthwhile cases.
So give me an example of ambu
July 12, 2007 - 16:27 ET by fenderteleSo give me an example of ambulance-chasing. The cerebral palsy case doesn't fly, do some research on the causes of CP and you'll know.
How about the little girl who sat on the pool drain and had her intestinal track sucked out her rectum? The manufacturer had been warned and chose to not take action. Was that a worthy cause?
Ambulance chasing is a methap
July 13, 2007 - 06:56 ET by ricklailAmbulance chasing is a methaphor for those lawyers that sue doctors or hospital. What was the use to list the cases. CP was his big issue. He sued doctors, nurses and the hosptial that employed them that may have delayed delivery of babies instead of doing C-sections. His whole case was based on junk science and emotions. I don't care what you say that is ambulance chasing.
The man was our senator for 6 years and did absolutely NOTHING for this state. Heck he didn't even show up for work his last 2 years. I could go on and on but there is not use to argue with you. You are just as blind as the people here in this area that write letters to the editor praisng this clown.
What is the difference between John Edwards and a catfish?
One is a fish, the other is a bottom feeder.
A bonafided and certified member of the beer guzzling, NASCAR watching middle class.
fender...Fred Fielding is my
July 12, 2007 - 16:08 ET by bigtimerfender...
Fred Fielding is my hero...
I like Fred's...my next hero is going to be another Fred!
Thompson/Hunter '08!
Yaba Daba Doo!
Fred Thompson don't need no stinkin $400 haircut.
July 12, 2007 - 16:07 ET by Clear thinkerThis just shows that Fred Thompson is a true conservative. He, unlike others, lost his hair so he did not have to waste money on haircuts. Now if a guy is gonna be that smart, he's got my vote.
Run Fred run...
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
I put one of my daughters thr
July 12, 2007 - 16:24 ET by mandrakeI put one of my daughters thru hair dressing school. Now I get to keep my hair and get it cut for free! Is that smart or what? Should I run for president?
Go for it mandrake!
July 12, 2007 - 16:26 ET by bigtimerGo for it mandrake!
You can run, but you can't be
July 12, 2007 - 16:29 ET by Clear thinkerYou can run, but you can't beat Fred!
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
Come on fender... Clinton
July 12, 2007 - 16:23 ET by JerryCome on fender... Clinton lied under oath in a civil suit for sexual harassment. To my knowledge, Vitter has not lied under OATH. Where is the hypocrisy?? I guess it depends upon what the meaning of IS is...
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment
vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any
President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Put him under oath and let th
July 12, 2007 - 16:31 ET by fendertelePut him under oath and let the questions roll and let's find out.
fenderbeender...Put him under
July 12, 2007 - 16:33 ET by bigtimerfenderbender...
Put him under oath for WHAT?
Get a grip would you...please.
Isn't soliciting a prostitute
July 12, 2007 - 16:40 ET by fenderteleIsn't soliciting a prostitute for sex a crime?
I'd start the question with
July 12, 2007 - 16:47 ET by sarcasmoI'd start the question with something more like, "assuming both parties to the proposed transaction are consenting adults, why is..."
JMR
I'm with you sarc, let's rele
July 12, 2007 - 16:54 ET by fenderteleI'm with you sarc, let's release all the victims of victimless crimes. It would free up the legal system to deal with real criminals. For now though, he commited a crime.
Says who fender...the likes o
July 12, 2007 - 16:57 ET by bigtimerSays who fender...the likes of you?
Time to grab your shovel... pail... and go play outside for awhile...
LMAO
Being on that woman's list
July 12, 2007 - 17:02 ET by sarcasmoBeing on that woman's list isn't a crime, though. It's good humor material for people like me and good flamewar material for you vs the right, but Vitter's unlikely to even be charged with anything, much less convicted of any "crime." I'm saying that prostitution should not be a crime, and that those who don't want it to happen should use persusasion to limit the world's oldest profession's influence, while admitting to themselves that they'll never totally eliminate it. If you want a change in emphasis from victimless to victim crimes, you should not be voting for lefties...
JMR
Being on that woman's list is
July 12, 2007 - 17:36 ET by fenderteleBeing on that woman's list isn't a crime
Guess we'll find out after the investigation.
Uh, whose investigation??
July 13, 2007 - 06:06 ET by sarcasmoUh, whose investigation?? You need to actually-read my comment. Vitter's in trouble with Leno & Letterman joke-writers, not big-government. Hell, he's part of big government, still, but I hope the jokes get to him & make him leave office, rather than BS like yours.
JMR
fender...been there, done tha
July 12, 2007 - 16:35 ET by bassndudefender...been there, done that. The questions rolled and we found out. He lied.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
Yes. Let's bring the FULL
July 12, 2007 - 16:40 ET by JerryYes. Let's bring the FULL list out and place everyone on it under oath. I'm all for it. I'm all for weeding out the morally bankrupt politicians.
While we are at it, let's put Susan "my lips are sealed" McDougal under oath.
Let's put Webb "I'll just roll over one more time" Hubbell under oath.
Let's put Sandy "the underwear stuffer" Burglar under oath.
Let's put Joe "the liar" Wilson under oath.
Let's put Ron "I died before I testified" under oath.
Let's put Vince "suicide" Foster under oath.
Let's put Hilary "I don't know where the subpeonaed records are" Clinton under oath.
Let's get the show rolling.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment
vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any
President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
It's a good thing ignorance i
July 12, 2007 - 16:50 ET by fenderteleIt's a good thing ignorance isn't a crime.
Yeah, otherwise you would be
July 12, 2007 - 16:52 ET by Clear thinkerYeah, otherwise you would be in jail.
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
fender....Too danged bad it i
July 12, 2007 - 16:54 ET by bigtimerfender....
Too danged bad it isn't now that you mention it...
The conservatives wouldn't have to worry about any leftists running for any office, let alone holding one...and this country would shape up real fast, let alone any enemies within or without.
Haircut, not hair
July 12, 2007 - 14:17 ET by dagdaThe hair is symbolic of the haircut that sculpted it.
They are concerned about the $1600 haircuts from someone who supposedly is so close to the poor. The coif is expensive. Clinton got the same guff when he shut down LAX to get a $500 haircut. Now, no one begrudges him paying too much for the haircut. Fools are born every minute. It is the hypocricy behind the expensive haircuts, mansions and then saying he is in touch with the poor.
Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. Dwight Eisenhower
I just got me an $8 haircut y
July 12, 2007 - 14:33 ET by Hero SquadI just got me an $8 haircut yesterday. If Edwards would like, I can give him the phone number so he can make an appointment. This way he can get a servicable haircut, then give $1,592 to aid the unrich masses he cares so much about. Over the course of a year, this could be quite a chunk of change.
*****
"I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for a clown that gives a damn!" - Sticky the Clown
Thinking about the haircut
July 12, 2007 - 14:56 ET by mlongThinking about the haircut I credited a new campaign ad for Edwards...
Haircut:$1200, Fees for speech about the Homeless:$55,000
Exploiting your wife's cancer for political contributions:Priceless
******************John Edwards '08******************
mlong......that was cutting e
July 12, 2007 - 16:42 ET by bigtimermlong...
...that was cutting edge!
Edwards should try the flowbe
July 12, 2007 - 14:57 ET by AntiMediaEdwards should try the flowbee haircutting kit.
I bought a Wahl hair clippe
July 12, 2007 - 16:37 ET by sarcasmoI bought a Wahl hair clipper in the mid-to-early '80s, and have not paid for anything regarding my (rapidly-disappearing-naturally anyway...) hair except electricity to run the thing since then. As I recall, the device was under $40 back-then. IOW, compared to my haircuts, yours are expensive and Edwards' are downright incomprehensible. And it's impossible to be certain, but I suspect these fiscal analogies extend beyond haircuts, which is why other Presidential candidates are justly-worried at this point about Ron Paul's still relatively-small bank account.
JMR
Edwards and criticism
July 12, 2007 - 15:57 ET by Michael M. BatesIf the worst criticism the right has about John Edwards is his hair and his mansion. . .
Hardly the worst, just the funniest.
Here is an adage that is true forever...
July 12, 2007 - 14:04 ET by c5thenGive a starving person a fish, and you help them for a day. Teach a starving person how to fish and you help them for life.
P.S. For all you "journalists" and liberals (is that redundant?) the above is a metaphore.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic
Actually that's an aphorism,
July 13, 2007 - 10:58 ET by deus_ex_machinaActually that's an aphorism, not a metaphor.
Funny isn't it that it always
July 12, 2007 - 14:31 ET by bigtimerFunny isn't it that it always seems to be the wealthy who know best...
Just ask them.
Btw...Nothing...and I mean nothing is going to help J. Pretty Boy Edwards at this point....even him claiming once again that he received some kind of dangerous pack-age in his campaign office....
He and Elizabeth really ought stop while he is not ahead, but will sink lower yet.
Edwards is a big phony and al
July 12, 2007 - 14:38 ET by ricklailEdwards is a big phony and always will be. If he really wants to take a poverty trip let him step across the road from his mansion. Those folks are in poverty as compared to him
It was sad to heard about the death of Lady Bird. But she was a big cause of the current welfare system. She made a "poverty" trip through coal country and the mountains of NC and VA. She was horrified at how those folks lived. Those folks had lived like for generation-ever since their ancestors settled the region. She went back and got LBJ to start the "Great Society. Roads were built in WVA for people that didn't even have cars. The current welfare system was greaty expanded. Why didn't he say he wanted to be like Lady Bird
What will come out of Breck Boy's trip? I guess more money for the folks in New Orleans that no longer live there. Most of them didn't own the property that they lived in. Thusly they got no money to fix it back up. The landlords didn't see fit to fix it back up.
A bonafided and certified member of the beer guzzling, NASCAR watching middle class.
So after all of Saint Bobby
July 12, 2007 - 16:00 ET by misterbee241So after all of Saint Bobby's efforts on behalf of the poor, and billions thrown down LBJ's Great Society black hole, why then do we still have poverty in this country? Is it possible that the "poor will always be with us"?
I'm not saying we shouldnt help the poor, but I think we should help them out of poverty by teaching them to be self-supporting. As long as they depend on the government they'll be in poverty. But the democrats will always have someone to vote for them.