The Economist on Edwards
Wednesday, July 25th, 2007
This week’s Economist is full of articles worth mentioning here. One, in particular, reveals how one candidate’s media image is shaping the whole of the campaign.
John Edwards, in an attempt to both distinguish himself as a candidate and create real change, outlines very specific policies in his speeches. Normally, candidates generalize the issues and offer a vague party platform in an attempt to gain votes. Edwards seems more interested in policy than politics, however. According to the Economist, “[h]e has grand, progressive, goals–to end the war in Iraq (obviously), provide universal health care, address global warming, eliminate poverty in America within 30 years–and detailed blueprints of how to do it all.”*
Even more amazing than Edwards’ bold move to make policy proposals is the fact that the other two Democratic candidates (Clinton and Obama, both leading Edwards in polls and money) are following suit. They’re not proposing as many specific policies, but the choices they make seem sometimes to be defined by Edwards’ position. For instance, Edwards has a comprehensive energy plan to “reduce America’s greenhouse-gas emissions by 80% before 2050 with a cap-and-trade system of carbon permits.” This is similar to one of the most radical bills in congress, which Clinton and Obama began supporting “soon after the Edwards energy plan was released.”
However, Edwards seems significantly more moderate than the two candidates leading him in the polls. He favors troops staying near Iraq to “prevent a genocide, deter a regional spillovr of the civil war, and prevent an al-Qaeda safe haven.” His health care plan echoes Republican candidate Mitt Romney’s. Ironically enough, Obama’s “paler version” of Edwards’ plan was criticized for being too watered down.
What’s the upshot? Ultimately, the Democrats are fighting about real issues of policy, and the political theater (while still in full force–Edwards’ speeches all begin the same way) is taking a back seat. The role of the media in this is substantial; the media’s portrayal of candidates has a calculable effect on the turnout of elections. For once, a candidate has decided to play a different angle. Instead of the empty platitudes of a “better America”, Edwards is offering real solutions to the problems facing the country. Even if you don’t like all of his solutions (I certainly don’t), you know what you’re getting.
I, for one, am harboring the (maybe vain) hope that we’re witnessing the emergence of a new politics. Right now, Edwards’ voice is what the left needs; all of the candidates are using his ideas. Maybe this year’s presidential battle will be more than the traditional theatric farce.
I’m hoping, but I’m not holding my breath.
*Source: “Man of the Left”. The Economist. 7/21/2007
Edwards, economist, Democrats, election, policy, health care, global warming
