John "Blinky" Edwards snake lawyer BUMP!
Posted on 01/03/2003 7:12:12 AM PST by PhiKapMom
Edwards Should Prove His Populism
2003-01-03
AS HE tossed his hat into the 2004 presidential ring this week, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards vowed he would be a "champion for regular people." Don't we wish.
The handsome, well-spoken 49-year-old Democrat is just the latest politician to declare himself one of the people, a populist who will fight for the little guy in the circles of power.
In reality Edwards is a multimillionaire, his money made as a high-powered trial lawyer. No shame in that, but Americans should be wary if they see television spots of the senator piloting a tractor or chopping wood. We doubt you'll find many calluses on that man's hands.
Still, Edwards will be a formidable candidate, despite Washington whispers he's somewhat lacking in the depth department. In his first term he has earned a reputation as a terrific floor debater and for flailing witnesses in committee hearings. Good looks don't hurt.
As for the issues, Edwards voted for the Iraqi war resolution and advocates a new national intelligence-gathering agency. He says he would put off parts of the 2001 tax cut that haven't phased in yet and has called on fellow Democrats to get spending under control.
As for his man-of-the-people riff, we'll play along just a bit with this challenge: If Edwards really is a "champion for regular people," then let's see him lead the way for real tort reform in Congress in 2003.
That means pushing through limits on monetary judgments in the kinds of civil lawsuits that made him millions. Conservatives have pushed for reforms the past few years, but efforts routinely stall in the Senate, where the trial lawyers' lobby uses folks like John Edwards to block reform.
Likewise, Edwards could prove his populism by championing medical malpractice reform -- tort reform's health- care industry cousin.
In Pennsylvania, a walkout was narrowly avoided by physicians protesting the high cost and limited availability of medical malpractice insurance. Not so in West Virginia, where surgeons at four hospitals have begun a 30-day strike.
The reason doctors' insurance premiums are so high is simple: outrageous jury awards in lawsuits championed by the likes of Sen. Edwards.
The result is less health care for the regular people in America. "Juries willing to award sky-high payouts to plaintiffs poison the well for patients everywhere," the Wall Street Journal editorialized.
Edwards may not know enough about free trade or foreign policy, but tort and medical malpractice reform are two areas in which he's an expert.
He can put his money where his mouth is by voting against his trial lawyer friends on these important issues, lowering the cost of doing business and delivering health care -- improving the lives of the everyday Americans he claims to represent.
Don't put it past him. Next he'll be "born in a log cabin with only three sides".
.... The central question he's got to answer is why a first-term senator who, prior to this time, had spent his time as a personal injury lawyer should now be qualified to serve as commander-in-chief and president of the United States," Democratic strategist Susan Estrich said in a Fox News interview Monday.
After all, analysts note, trial lawyers nearly bottom out the list of beloved professions and are frequent targets in political campaigns.
....According to New Republic Associate Editor Michael Crowley, one rumored Edwards advisor is none other than Bill Clinton.
Full article at CNS News.com.
Wouldn't it be neat if the GOP, behind the leadership of Sen. (Dr.) Frist, made tort reform a high priority issue? That would knock the wind out of Edwards' sails.
ROFLOL!!! Big Hollywood production to go back to his roots! I love it!
What a joke- he became a rich trial lawyer because both is parents had decent jobs (whats wrong in working textiles and a job for life w/the USPS).
I hear the sound of Edwards' intestinal presidential aspirations being sucked down the pool of American politics- but who does he sue this time. An estate of 16 million and counting- you become a Senator to build on a fortune like that.
John "Blinky" Edwards snake lawyer BUMP!
Also, all persons who need a little Xlax or milk of mag at times are out of luck seeking access to THIS pres.
I think an Edwards candidacy would suck the guts out of the Democrat party, and if nominated and running against Bush, out of the whole country. In any event it would suck.
If the Dems could nominate Breaux of La and Graham of Fla, they could both beat Bush and yet represent the two lowest states in the country.
That ought to make his Dennis the Menace cowlick hairdo less of threat to decent government.
He thinks I should run and we could pay off the mortgage. HA!
"Screw that ambulance chaser!" Roared Senator Joe Biden, pictured above as he prepares to enter the race. "I'll mop the floor with him!"
clinton is his behind the scenes mentor.....
Do I see a little fight between kennedy/kerry and the grifters?
The power struggle is on......the media will not be remarking and it will be up to us to read between the unspoken lines.
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