Conscious or Ego?

JACK
The other night a press conference was held by John and Elizabeth Edwards on the unhappy news that her cancer had metastasized to her bones. Before the announcement, there was an enormous amount of speculation that John Edwards would either suspend his campaign, or withdraw altogether. To my knowledge, there is no precedence for this condition in the entire history of the United States — a strong candidate finds out his wife has stage four cancer, which is incurable, and has to make a decision whether to continue his race for the White House. Elizabeth stated that John was absolutely the best person for the job, and she felt that it was part of the sacrifice to continue with the effort. John did say that whenever his wife needed him, he would be there at her side. I see so many conflicting and noble elements in this decision. I have to stop and wonder, what is your take?

HILLARY
Obviously, I think it’s terrible that John Edwards and his wife are faced with this terrible road that lies ahead of them. With or without the bid for President, they are destined for a horrible reality. She is going to get ill, and he is going to watch her get ill. There is nothing noble about it. That being said, it is a noble sacrifice on Elizabeth’s behalf to give up her partner in her own darkest hour for the benefit of the country. Yet, I wonder what true benefit can come from a man who would put service above, duty before family, and how could he possible serve the country with this type of distraction? Should I look past the man, and what I perceive to be the ego of a person who would continue to pursue this type of office when his partner in life, and the mother of his children is fighting for her life, I still cannot look past the reality that a President whose family is in crisis cannot effectively serve us. He will put the country in jeopardy, as he cannot possibly focus as he will need to as President.

JACK
I think we need to look at this problem from many different angles. Elizabeth and John both seem to feel that the country is in crisis and really needs his leadership. They also agree that regardless of what they do, the cancer will not go away. Is it not possible that Elizabeth would find some form of her own fulfillment in the act of continuing to go on with their lives and, in both of them campaigning? I think of this with a real sadness in my heart, because of the grim realities.

HILLARY
Clearly, this is awful and grim. However, I am not going to vote for someone because it will fulfill a dying woman’s wishes. And, if they realize that the country is in crisis, why would they add the burden of a dying first lady to the list of issues that the country must face? Would they not serve the country better by not making this something that we have to deal with? John Edwards is not the only person capable of leading this country. He is not irreplaceable. And, if anything, this action shows me that he is irresponsible.

JACK
Your point is well taken with the exception of the last sentence. I do not believe that there is any degree of irresponsibility involved.

HILLARY
You don’t think he should be home with his wife?

JACK
I did not say that. I said that there is not irresponsibility involved. His motivation can be solid gold, but it does not alter the points that you made. In the real world, of American politics, the real issue is that for a candidate to be viable he has to be able to raise huge amounts of money. Without getting into a discussion as to the morality, because I could make another argument that would say we have all been asked to sacrifice, and they are willing to make this sacrifice in advance — not at the alter of ego, but what THEY genuinely feel is best for the United States.

HILLARY
How could they think that a President with an ill wife at home is the best things for the United States? Is there not and inherent flaw in thinking that this man will be able to focus all of his attention on the needs of the country?

JACK
It’s their position that they both can and will. I have no idea how this story will play out, but I know that their position has to ring true to that group of people who make the contributions that fuel the campaign. I personally do not feel any judgment or his wife, but I do very seriously question the decision in view of all the circumstances that you have stated.

HILLARY
The demands of the office of President are too great for someone with their difficult road ahead.

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