Election 2004: The Edwards Campaign

Virginia and Tennessee hold their primaries on today. Voters in both states are being heavily courted by Sen. John Edward's (N.C) and his campaign.

Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, was online to discuss her husbands campaign, the importance of today's primaries and the 2004 election.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Washington, D.C.: Tell us an illuminating story about your husband they hasn't been told to the media already... a story that reveals something about his character, integrity or stamina that would allow us to believe he should be the next leader of the free world.

Elizabeth Edwards: One story about John's character that has not been told in the press is one I shared at his announcement. When Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina and North Carolina several years ago, parts of the Carolinas were devastated. We watched, safely, in Raleigh for a day, then John stood up and said he had to do something. He borrowed a truck (this was before we bought ours) and bought chain saws and toilet paper and water and food and drove to South Carolina. He asked a patrolman where he should go. He was directed to a church in a small community that had been hit hard. He unloaded his truckload and drove home. He didn't give his name; I doubt anyone had time to ask him. He did it because it was the right thing to do, which is the hallmark of all he does. I think his book Four Trials also reveals a great deal about his character.

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Wilmette, Ill.:
Mrs. Edwards,

I'm interested to hear what your views are about the role of a political spouse. What parts of your life are put on hold when your husband is campaigning? Also, would you expect the same from him if you were running for office?

Elizabeth Edwards: John and I have been married for over twenty-six years. I know that if I thought I should do something that required a sacrifice on his part, he would make that sacrifice willingly, wihtout being asked. But I participate in this campaign not as a matter of sacrifice but because I care deeply about changing the direction this country is going, and I am completely convinced that John can not only win this election but he can ignite in us a unifying sense of purpose and a real optimism about our future, about our children's future. I think I am getting a lot more out of this process than I give up.

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College Park, Md.: What is it like on the campaign trail? Do you get any sleep?! What role do you play?

Elizabeth Edwards: I get more sleep on the campaign trail than I do at home with a five-year-old and a three-year-old! My role on the trail is to encourage people to see John (because I know he will convince them) and to be a window onto the kind of values he has, the priorities he sets, and the things he cares about. I have a great time talking to all sorts of groups, but the most fun are the Democratic women.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello! Could you explain how your husband's background as a trial lawyer would make him more, rather than less, electable? I know that a lot of people dislike trial lawyers. How might John Edwards convince those people that their stereotype doesn't apply to him and that he'd make a good president? Thanks very much and good luck tonight!

Elizabeth Edwards: I hope that anyone who worries about the "trial lawyer" label will do three things:
1. Read John's book, Four Trials, which tells the stories of four cases he tried. The people he represented were in the worst times of their lives, through no fault of their own, and they needed a voice. In his public life, John does the same thing he did in his private life: he gives voice to real Americans who need a fighter on their side.
2. Read John's editorial earlier in 2003 on the steps we can take to reduce the number of tort claims in the courts. It is a sensible approach that can solve the real problems of litigation without further harming people who suffer because someone else (or some company) was not as responsible as they should have been.
3. Remember the Senate race of 1998 where these same issues were raised by the Republican Party in North Carolina. And think about this President, who everyone -- including those who support him -- believes sides with the corporate interest above the public interest. Senators Faircloth and Helms could not make the argument, and President Bush is even less able to make the argument that John's work on behalf of regular American families somehow is disqualifying.

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Downtown Washington, D.C.: I understand and admire Sen. Edwards' relentless positive outlook on the stump, but doesn't this amount to unilateral disarmament against a Republican opponent who has not and likely will not play fair in the fall? Today's revelations in the Plame affair are a case in point, but anyone who criticizes the administration's willingness to sacrifice an intelligence asset in furtherance of a political goal is deemed an "attack dog". When will John turn on the juice?

washingtonpost.com: Bush Aides Testify in Leak Probe (Post, Feb. 10)

Elizabeth Edwards: If you had every seen John fight, on the Senate floor, in his Senate race, or in the courtrooms of North Carolina for twenty years, you would be certain that he can be an effective fighter without being nasty, without shaking his finger in the President's face, or even raising his voice. John's questioning of Judge Pickering is a great example. John was prepared and informed about Pickering's record and unrelenting, at the same time that he was civil. And he was effective at exposing Judge Pickering, in forcing Judge Pickering to expose his own shortcomings.
John will expose President Bush, too, for his failure to address the real needs and pain in the country, for his failure to keep his campaign promises, and for his failure to trust us all with the truth on so many fronts. Frankly, that's a fight we need -- civil, thorough, and unrelenting -- if we are going to win in November.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Senator Edwards has spoken often about the problems in rural and small town America, but what are his plans to help the larger cities in this country that face crumbling infastructures, reduced revenues and soaring property and school taxes?

Elizabeth Edwards: I want to try to answer as many questions as possible, so I want to direct you to John's "Cities Rising" program on his website. I don't know how to make a link on this form, but the URL is http://www.johnedwards2004.com/cities-rising.asp

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Virginia: How do you and your husband feel about the large field of candidates at the debates - even those who do not stand a chance of becoming the nominee? Do you feel it drowns out your message, or do you see it as necessary to include as many factions of the Democratic Party as possible? Thank you.

Elizabeth Edwards: We are an inclusive party and even candidates that the media thinks have little chance to win have important perspectives to bring to this race. Remember, early in this process, Governor Dean would have been considered a marginal candidate and he has raised those most money. There was a time when John's prospects seem smaller, but he was an extremely strong and close second in Iowa despite spending less money there than the other candidates. I do think the media could have been more creative about debate formats to assure that the depth of a candidate's preparedness and his (or her) personal qualities and character were more thoroughly revealed.
This process will winnow down the candidates, though; it has already happened. And I am confident about John's ability to express his message and for voters to see what a splendid messenger he is as this process continues.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Edwards, should your husband become president, are you ready for the life-changing role of First Lady? What are your important issues that you would bring to the White House and share with Americans?

Elizabeth Edwards: In our private life, John and I helped start two after-school programs in North Carolina for high school students. I volunteered at the first one, which was open from two in the afternoon to ten at night six days a week. We know what a difference these centers can make in the lives of students who may not have a computer at home or whose parents are working two jobs so they can't get help with their homework or a ride to the library. We have computers and tutors and enrichment programs. The existence of centers like these should not be dependent on the largesse of individuals; they should exist everywhere, so that the educational playing field is level for all children. I would work at all levels and with any interested constituency to make sure that was true. If we don't believe in educational equality, we need to quit saying that we believe in equality.

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Falls Church, Va.: I met you yesterday before you took an interview with CBS news. The Post ran an article about how political online blogging has been very big this year. I find time to blog on blog.johnedwards2004.com, but how do you manage to squeeze that in your busy schedule? Also, what response on the campaign trail have you gotten about your efforts to reach out to supporters through the blog?

Elizabeth Edwards: I used to have more time to blog than I do right now with this accelerated primary schedule, but I really do enjoy it. I have participated in various online forums for a decade on so -- I even used to participate in a newsgroup on the usage of the English language. (I know, how nerdy is that?)
On the campaign trail it has been great to see the faces of bloggers whose screen names I know from the blog. As we continue to travel, I hope that bloggers will continue to come up and identify themselves.

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North Wales, Pa.: I heard that there were over 1000 people at the George Mason rally yesterday. As this campaign progresses, are the crowds getting larger? And are you feeling more enthusiasm and energy towards John's message?

washingtonpost.com: Democrats In Final Push For Va. Votes (Post, Feb. 10)

Elizabeth Edwards: I think there were even more than that. I heard something between 3500 and 4000, counting those in the hall outside and up the stairways who were listening to the speakers outside the hall (John did go talk to them for a few minutes after the speech.) If you were leaving the area by car afterward, you would agree with that larger number.
It has been really gratifying to see the crowds swell and to see the incredible response he gets one and one with those who hear him. They laugh and cheer and even tear up with his message of hope and possibility. Many tell me that they had given up on finding a leader like him ever again. It is truly amazing. Those who have seen him on television tell me how much more moving it is to see him in person. He has the message we need. He is the messenger we need. I can see it as I look across these incredible crowds.

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Columbia, Md.: Are there policy issues where you and John disagree? Could you share them with us?

Elizabeth Edwards: There is really not much on which we disagree. In our 26 years of marriage, we hashed out most of our differences long ago. Of course, if we disagree now, he gets to win all those arguments because it is his opinion that matters in this race.

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Omaha, Neb.: Good Morning.

Are you as concerned as I am, that the media is trying to rush this process of determining who the parties standard bearer is going to be. What is wrong with a protracted debate. Look at all the positive aspects associated with a careful selection process. We have only heard from a dozen or so smaller (more rural) states. Without California, New York, and Florida having a say in this nomination process is this process really fair?

Elizabeth Edwards: I think this process will continue through March, and the states you listed will have a chance to have their votes counted. Our party will be stronger for having taken the message to all the corners of this country.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi, Elizabeth. What do you feel are the biggest differences between your husband and Senator Kerry?

Elizabeth Edwards: I respect Senator Kerry, and he and John have a lot of policy positions in common. There are some differences, however. A free trade advocate would be happier with Senator Kerry's vote for every trade agreement including NAFTA. John campaigned against NAFTA (it was passed before he was in the Senate) and other trade agreements he thought did not adequately protect American workers. Senator Kerry and Senator Edwards both voluntarily refuse to take contributions from PACs, which is admirable. Senator Edwards takes the additional, and I think, important, step of refusing to take contributions from Washington lobbyists, because he does not believe he ought to take money from someone who could be lobbying him the next week. People need to believe in the political process again, believe again that their government belongs to them, and accepting these contributions -- while it may be benign -- underminds their confidence in their government. John has voted against military base closings, while Senator Kerry has voted for base closings. These are some of the differences.
What John Edwards offers that is unique, however, is not captured in these policy differences. He has a deep and personal connection with and understanding of what is happening in real America, what is happening in working families, in rural areas where young people have to leave home to find a job (if they can find one at all), in suburbs where white collar jobs are being silently shipped offshore. His ability to connect with these Americans, with their struggles and their aspirations, his ability to express their hopes make him the singular candidate to put up back on the path we desperately need at this juncture in our nation's history.

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Des Moines, Iowa: Your husband is an excellent speaker. How would you anticipaite him doing in a debate versus Bush?

Elizabeth Edwards: Now that is entirely too easy a question!

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St Louis, Mo.: What plans to you have to deal with the Medical Malpratice crisis that is growing throughout the country?

Elizabeth Edwards: John has a real plan to deal with the crisis in medicine, which cracks down on frivolous lawsuits, helps doctors who are being squeezed by insurance increases, and eliminates antitrust exemptions that permit insurance companies to share information. He described this plan in an editorial published earlier in the Post and that is on his website, www.johnewards2004.com

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Albuquerque, N.M.: Has Mr. Edwards ever served in any branch of the United States military service?

Elizabeth Edwards: John did not serve in the military, but he sure does appreciate the contribution and sacrifice of those who have. (He was in the first group of young men after the draft ended during Vietnam.) There are a number of large and important military installations in North Carolina, and as the Senator from North Carolina, John has worked very hard to represent the interests and the concerns of military men and women, both the officers and the enlisted men and women. I think he is the only candidate who voted against further base closings. One of his first acts a s Senator was an amendment to make CHAMPUS available more conveniently to servicemen and women and veterans and their famililes who might be located away from bases or approved providers. He believes our veterans should have the same health care that Senators have. He thinks hazardous duty pay should not only not be eliminated, as the President suggested, but should be determined by the commander in the field, not by someone at the Pentagon.
By the way, my father is a thirty-year Navy Air veteran (as is my grandfather) and a Vietnam veteran.

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Richmond, Va.: I read that your father is a decorated veteran of the Navy. Could you talk about what it was like growing up in a "military" family as well as how important the issue of veterans are to your husband.

Elizabeth Edwards: I just answered a similar question, but you also asked what it was like to grow up in the military. It was great. I saw so much of the world; my father had tours of duty in Japan and Vietnam that allowed us to live in Japan for nine years; I lived with my parents in Italy when my dad was with the NATO forces there. I have an enormous appreciation for my country. As corny as it may sound, when I see the American flag, I know I am home.

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Coatesville, Pa.: I've seen both of you and John speak at rallies in New Hampshire.

Who do you think would make the best Vice President for Senator Edwards? Have you considered running as his political mate?

Elizabeth Edwards: At least for the time being, I am his "running mate"!

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Presque Isle, Maine: George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind" has already harmed the public school system. How will John Edwards establish a balanced public school system for students of all economic backgrounds, and assure college opportunities for any qualified student?

Elizabeth Edwards: John and I are products of our public education system. He often says that he would not be standing where he is without a great public school education. Because of his commitment, and our personal experience with public schools, as students ourselves, as parents, and as partners (with the after-school computer centers we helped start), he has a very complete program on education including his College for Everyone program to help youn people willing to work for it to go to a state university or community college tuition free. Instead of recounting it all here, let me ask you to check out the website, www.johnedwards2004.com. Just under the banner, there is a list issues; just click on Education.

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Fairfax, Va.: I voted for your husband in the Virginia primary today and I hope he goes all the way to the White House. If not, will you please persuade him to join Kerry as the VP if the position is offered? We all need to do everything possible to send George W. Bush back to his ranch. Thanks for your service to our country.

Elizabeth Edwards: Thanks for your vote!
Every Democrat will do work to make sure we have a successful ticket in November, and your vote is going to help make that happen.

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Middletown, Ohio: Your husband's campaign has riveted the attention of many voters who believed their voice was lost for forty years. I hope that, should he not get the nomination, he will continue to work in the areas he cites as vital to America: health insurance, jobs, and a stop to the class warfare waged on the poor and working class families. What plans does your husband have should he not win this one? He has the potential to win in the future if he stays the course.

Elizabeth Edwards: John's commitment to the issues and problems of real America did not start with this campaign. It is the story of his adult life, both private and public. And it will not end in 2004 or 2012 (when we hope he will be turning over the White House to the next generation of Democrats). He will always be the voice that expresses our hopes and aspirations. (On a personal note, that is one of the reasons I married him.)

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New York, N.Y.: Hello. Could you tell us a little bit about your background -- heard you were a lawyer as well. If you were First Lady, what issues would you champion?
Thank you for taking my question.

Elizabeth Edwards: I was born on a Naval Air Station in Florida, and I lived all over the world, growing up next to military airports mostly in a close and supportive family. I graduated from high school in Virginia and from college in North Carolina. After three years of English graduate school, I went to law school where I had the great good fortune to meet John. It is now four children, countless PTA meetings, soccer games, Saturday mornings at the Y, and twenty-six years later.
I mentioned earlier that I would champion after school programs (which this President is cutting); I would also try to ignite an emphasis (both in public institutions and private ones) on preventive medicine, which can both save us much needed health dollars while improving the qualities of our lives.

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Des Moines, Iowa: What does your husband plan to do to bring this down to a two man race, and steal some of Mr. Kerry's momentum?

Just a side note: I think you and your family would look great in the White House. Good Luck and God Bless.

Elizabeth Edwards: First, thanks. (We are lucky to have such a great family!)
As the race narrows, and as the voters concentrate on fewer candidates both next week in Wisconsin and in the early March races, I expect to see increased scrutiny by the voters of all of the candidates.
I did a radio interview today where the host said that John doesn't want to be the first "inevitable candidate" or the second "inevitable candidate" -- he wants to be the LAST inevitable candidate.

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Wheaton, Md.: Mrs. Edwards,
Does John fully support the war on terrorism?
It is clear that, in November, the American voters will pick the canidate who will best protect the nation from international terrorists.

Elizabeth Edwards: Keeping our citizens safe is the first job of our federal government, and it is a job John takes very seriously, in his role on the Senate Intelligence Committee, in his role investigating September 11th, and in campaign. He often asks those attending his town halls (and he has held hundreds) if they know better what to do to protect themselves and their families in the event of another attack than they did on September 11th. The answer is, unfortunately, uniformly that they don't. John knows that Americans want the power to protect themselves, and he has real ideas on this front and on many others. Let me direct you to his web page for some of his ideas.
http://www.johnedwards2004.com/security.asp

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Alexandria, Va.: How old are your children, and how have they weighed in on your husband's run?

Elizabeth Edwards: We have a twenty-one year old daughter, Cate, who has been campaigning for her father, both with him and on her own -- so I guess you know where she stands: she fully supports him. Our younger two children, Emma Claire (5) and Jack (3) have considerably less understanding about what is happening but they enjoy the campaign, particularly the bus. As I was dressing Jack for school this morning, he wanted to know if he was getting dressed to go to South Carolina!

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Florida: Elizabeth, what specific states do you believe John can win in 2004 that Al Gore could not?

Elizabeth Edwards: I am confident that John can win a large number of states where the party was not successful in 2000, because John reaches independent voters of all stripes and even moderate Republicans who are dismayed about the way this administration has taken the country. If you believe in polls, polls everywhere tell you that John has high favorability ratings from most parts of the political spectrum except the hard right. As this discontent with the administration grows, we as a party have to be a position to reach voters who voted for Bush in the last election and to reach voters who have, sometimes long ago, lost hope in the political process.
John can win these voters, in the Carolinas, in Ohio, in Oklahoma (we have a Democratic governor there, you know), in Kansas (great Democratic governor there, too), Tennessee (and another Democratic governor there) Louisiana (a new Democratic governor and two Democratic senators), Arkansas (two Democratic senators), West Virginia, Missouri, and of course Florida. And I am an optimist: I don't think there is anyplace John cannot compete. Listen, we here Democrats say that the Republican party owns Southern states or rural states; it is simply not true. We have won in these states, John has won in a state just like that. We simply need a candidate who can go where these voters are, can talk to them with respect about their issues, and can move them first to vote and then to vote for the Democratic ticket. We need a candidate who can excite voters in these places not simply to win back the White House, but to win back state houses and congressional seats, and let's not forget five incredibly important open Senate seats in the South. John will help us win the White House and these seats.

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Washington, D.C.: What outcome will you need in order for tonight's primaries to be considered a success by you, your husband and your husband's campaign? Will second place in either of the states be looked at favorably or do you need a solid win? Thanks.

Elizabeth Edwards: John will get the good showing that he needs in Virginia and Tennessee. The press is in the business of deciding what "place" these candidates need to finish. John already has the momentum to propel him to Wisconsin and on to the March primaries.
I hope you have had the chance to see him -- and to see the crowds who hear him react to him.

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Houston, Tex.: Good morning, Mrs. Edwards! Can't wait until you come to Texas!

As both an English major and a lawyer, I'm an curious to know about your graduate work in English (the focus, did you get a masters, etc.). Because of your background, I am interested to know how much involvement you have in crafting the message or messages for your husband's campaign. (I heard it was you who suggested getting Barry Switzer on board in Oklahoma, which had a tremendous payoff)

Elizabeth Edwards: And we can't wait to come to Texas. (I was there a few weeks ago talking to Latina education activists; there is a lot of energy in Texas.)
In graduate school, my field was American literature. I was in a PhD program where I bypassed the master's degree altogether. When there were so few jobs teaching English at the college level in the early 1970s, I switched to law. I packed my notes on my projected dissertation on the "sense of continent in the American and Australian novel" (I know you want to borrow those, right?), took the masters' writtens (which weren't too hard, in case I wanted to get an MA), and started a little work on a master's thesis on Henry James. I went to law school and frankly never turned that thesis in -- it didn't seem important anymore -- and started a new life which has taken me on a wonderful journey with a spectacular man.

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