03/22/2007
Edwards Campaign to Continue Despite Return of Wife's Cancer
John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth told reporters today in Chapel Hill, North Carolina that although Elizabeth's cancer has returned, the diagnosis will not dampen their spirits and they will continue Edwards' run for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008.
Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer late in her husband's 2004 campaign for vice president with Senator John Kerry. Today she announced that the cancer has returned to her rib and was discovered after she felt pain caused by a recent rib fracture.
Said John Edwards: "We are very optimistic about this because having been through some struggles together in the past we know the key is to keep your head up and be strong. We intend to do that."
As for his wife's cancer, Edwards said: "It is no longer curable. It is completely treatable. Many patients in similar circumstances have lived many years undergoing treatment. We will be in this every step of the way together."
Elizabeth added, "We're always going to look for the silver lining. That's the kind of people we are. I do not expect my life to be significantly different."
As for Edwards' campaign, he said: "The campaign goes on strongly. Elizabeth and I have talked at length about this, we've talked to our children about it. Basically, we've been confronted with these kinds of traumas and struggles already in our lives, and we know from our previous experience that when this happens you have a choice - you can go cower in the corner and hide, or you can be tough and go out there and be tough and stand for what you believe in. Both of us are committed to the cause. We're committed to changing this country that we love so much, and we have no intention of cowering in the corner. None whatsoever."
Edwards also announced the couple would leave the press conference and head to New York, Boston and California together to continue the campaign.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 12:44 PM EST by Andy in Election 2008, John Edwards, News | Permalink
Comments
Once again, John Edwards proves himself to be 50 times the man, husband and human compared to the knuckle-dragging homophobes are who applauded Coultergeist's hate-filled comments at the barrel of monkeys that included Newt Gingrich, who divorced his wife on her deathbed when she had cancer, and of course, the 11-inch monster, Matt Sanchez.
Once again, we see who truly values marriage and who exploits it.
Posted by: bambambam | Mar 22, 2007 12:53:38 PM
I've always liked John and Elizabeth. I thought they were really thoughtful people that you can reason with. They are articulate, down to earth (unlike Hiliary), and more experienced (compared to Obama).
I once heard Elizabeth talking about gay people - and I was very touched by how honest she was. I think they have less of the rhetoric that Hiliary and Obama have.
Oh well, I can't vote. I'm not an American.
Posted by: Art Landis | Mar 22, 2007 1:02:21 PM
Terrible thing to have cancer return like this, but I am relieved to see that Edwards will not be dropping out for the time being. He's the only dem candidate so far that seems to have any real promise, this news only emphasizing that point.
Posted by: scientitian | Mar 22, 2007 1:20:42 PM
I watched the news conf on Sky News in Ireland. I was really saddened to hear this news, from what I've seen of her from this side of the pond, she's a real lady and this is quite awful for them, so my thoughts are with them.
Posted by: Sean R | Mar 22, 2007 1:44:35 PM
Even though Edwards's non-support of gay marriage (he does support civil unions) bothers me, I can't help but feel that he's the only one of the "Big 3" who gives an honest answer when asked about the subject. He states that he has certain feelings because of where/when/how he was raised (as do we all--gay or straight) and that he "struggles" with the issue. He seems genuinely open to the possibility of change, while being candid about his current feelings on the issue. It's incredibly refreshing. In addition, he and Mrs. Edwards's press conference was a nearly flawless exercise in true grace under pressure.
Posted by: Acolyte | Mar 22, 2007 1:44:41 PM
Edwards '08 for me.
(And I get to vote)
Posted by: hill_w | Mar 22, 2007 2:37:08 PM
Sorry to hear this.
I admire them both even more! He has my vote!!
Edwards 08!
Posted by: dc-20008 | Mar 22, 2007 2:47:49 PM
I hope she gets well.
Posted by: FanGirlHater | Mar 22, 2007 2:50:45 PM
I love Elizabeth Edwards. I wish she were running! BTW, she does support gay marriage. When her husband talks about the subject he always says his wife and daughter support it. He says he's just not there "yet".
Posted by: downtownla | Mar 22, 2007 5:23:58 PM
I'm pretty sure he supports it too but is being pragmatic about it. What concerns me is the strain of a presidential campaign and its effects on her health. She needs to take it easy.
Posted by: Gabriel | Mar 22, 2007 5:29:31 PM
They have both been through so much. I hope they do what is best for themselves and their family. My prayers are with them both.
Posted by: patrick nyc | Mar 22, 2007 5:56:17 PM
Something that really bothers me is when people use there partners for their career. I always thought that things like that should be private unless you are out for the cause to create awareness of the problem. I don't see that there is any good that comes from doing such a thing. I would think that John should look after his wife and be with her, I could never, never do this to anyone that I really loved and cared about.
Just a thought...............
Posted by: Dr. Pat | Mar 23, 2007 6:28:01 AM
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