Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

John Edwards is the Right Primary Choice
Jacob Shellabarger, Corner Post Managing Editor

Out of a crowded field of Democratic candidates, one will eventually emerge as the challenger to President Bush in the November elections. This candidate must have substantial domestic and foreign policy experience, a clear and defined vision of the future and a uniting message to have any chance of defeating a popular incumbent President.

North Carolina Senator John Edwards has the best chance of accomplishing this feat. His confident, positive and well-polished presence in campaign speeches, on stage at events and live on television on various news shows display his quick-thinking, relaxed manner. Edwards is an attractive, well-built Southerner with a resonating voice and a positive demeanor - which will bode well for him in a general election.

Edwards has been the most consistent candidate in the contest. While candidates Gephardt and Kerry voted on the record in favor of the Iraq war, they attempted to explain away their votes. Edwards has consistently said he supported the war at the time. As a member of the Senate's Intelligence Committee, he saw the same flawed intelligence reports the President saw - and came to the same conclusion. Today, Edwards supports modernizing and supporting the US intelligence community.

How does he stack up on the issues that matter to rural America? Edwards, born in rural South Carolina and representing diverse North Carolina in the U.S. Senate, has an in-depth plan for revitalizing rural America. The four point plan to protect and preserve Rural America includes:
1) encouraging investment in rural communities
2) improving access to education and health care in underserved areas
3) working to build technological infrastructure
4) balancing a healthy, family-based farm economy with environmental interests.

The Senator's homeland security plans merit particular attention. He specifically mentions the current Homeland Security Department's stringent regulations on what local law enforcement, emergency services and first responders can buy with Homeland Security funding, noting First Responders in particular will be the first line of defense against many forms of terrorism and are a vital part of the nation's security, safety and well-being. Edwards was also a key supporter of a $4.6 billion dollar bio- and agri-terrorism readiness funding bill.

Edwards' positive message is the right note in a sharply divided America. The sharp, anti-Bush and anti-Republican rhetoric coming from many candidates, including Vermont Governor Howard Dean, will only divide the country. Senator Edwards disagrees with the President - but logically lays out his reasons for his disagreements and offers solutions for the future. Other candidates have resorted to name-calling - and Edwards has restrained himself.

Americans are tired of the politics of personal destruction and negativity. That's why John Edwards makes the best Democratic challenger for the presidency this November.

Do you agree or disagree? Let us know! Send the editor an e-mail at jwse1e@mizzou.edu. Letters to the editor will be published soon online.

CAFNR Corner Post Editorials are approved by the Corner Post Editorial Board.

Back to archive