VP Time

I was lifting last night (as usual), so I missed most of the Convention.  I did see the Edwards family, so I'll write about that.

First off, Cate Edwards is quite attractive.  Sorry, it had to be said.  Southern girls have a beauty and charm all their own.

I got a huge kick out of watching little Jack Edwards in seersucker.  When the last time someone's done that at a national convention?  He's just a child, which makes it even cooler.  (Don't get me wrong.  I like seersucker, which is why I was so impressed to see it worn.  I'd wear it myself in the summer months, but I doubt I could pull it off.  I don't exactly exude "southern gentleman," nor do I care to.)

Elizabeth Edwards did a pretty good job.  I didn't see Teresa Kerry, but I hear Mrs. Edwards was hundreds of times more likeable.  She's not much of a public speaker, but I got the impression of warmth and sincerity, which is what you want coming from a potential Second Lady.

As for Senator Edwards, I was unimpressed.  I've read several reports that praised his speaking style, but I disagree.  First of all I can't stand his normal gestures (you know, that combination fist pump/thumb raise; it's the most clumsy, awkward, mechanical, contrived gesture I think I've ever seen).  Edwards stumbled a bit during his delivering, forcing himself to repeat key phrases; that's just sloppy.  His speech was also trite, drawn out, and quite boring I thought.  He does have a certain charm and appeal, I suppose, but there's nothing terribly statesman-like about him.  Some men can deliver an impromptu speech and cause their audience to weep or shout for joy, as they see feet, because they come across as masterful men to be admired and trusted.  Edwards, at his best, comes across as likeable.  President Bush was correct when he stated that the difference between his second in command and Edwards is that Mr. Cheney can be President.

The speech was also stuffed with contradictions to the point of bursting.  Edwards played his normal "I was born poor in a small town" card, then spoke of two Americas.  Perhaps I missed something, but the fact that Edwards could drag himself out of poverty speaks to the opportunity that already exists.  America doesn't need more entitlements and programs; Americans need to appreciate the value of persistence and effort.  Of course, the difference between Edwards and his audience is that he was willing to work hard and not make excuses for his failures. 

But of course, if the citizenry actually did have the virtues of adults, then the Democratic Party could not survive on the demoagoguery and class warfare rhetoric that have been its bread and butter for close to a century.  Most of the men who run for high office (especially in the Democratic Party) don't want to be leaders.  They believe the population to be stupid and backwards, so inept that mass starvation would break out if they were left to their own devices.  Rather than take after Aragorn, who deliberately chose to inspire his men rather than boss them around, they would take after Sauron and bend the will of others to their own. 

There are powerful interests in this country who depend on Americans being uneducated, dependent, and afraid.