North Carolina, Democratic Senator, John Edwards ended his summer long silence as he spoke at the Indiana University Auditorium last night. The event was surrounded by more eagerness and excitement than the expected controversy. Since the senator came public about an extramarital affair, several thought there would be protests, but the only thing present was an auditorium filled with people eager to here the Senator's thoughts on the election.
Edwards looked back on the campaign and looked forward to what President Elect Obama has in store for his presidency. Most of all Sen. Edwards spoke on the need for global compromise.
Edwards opened his speech by explaining why he wasn't being sworn in, "because an extraordinary man is being sworn in." He explained that the belief in the early campaign was that whoever won the opening Iowa caucus would have a large lead in the election- Obama won that caucus.
The Senator then went on to explain that he thought once he dropped out of the race for president, that the nominee would be decided soon after. However, the race drew out with NY Sen. Clinton and, then, IL Sen. Obama. Edwards paid respects to Clinton as he knows first hand how hard it is to keep fighting when you're behind.
The republican race was also discussed as Edwards explained that McCain was able to "come back from the dead" in the summer of 2007. While this comment received several laughs from the audience, the Senator was quick to clarify that he has not intended that as a joke on McCain's age.
Obama was able to win the election because of his unique campaigning style explained Edwards. Organizing the grassroots, energizing the people and raising the issues that people wanted to hear is what won the election for Obama.
Edwards took a moment to extend his gratitude and amazement for the Indiana University student body and the Bloomington area for registering voters and helping with the election.
The Senator then moved from discussing the past campaign to discussing the future of the presidency in Obama's hands. He explained that all the issues facing the United States: failing economy, dependency on fossil fuels, poor house market, job loss, poverty and health care, is all tied to the rest of the world. President Elect Obama must convince the American people that these issues are global issues not just those of the United States.
Obama will be able to do this, claims Edwards, because he has proven to the world that America is still a land of hope. The President Elect "symbolizes what's possible in America."
After his speech, Sen. Edwards answered a multitude of questions written in by audience members. In his answers he detailed his personal goals of working in the fight against poverty both in the U.S. and abroad, urged for the need of universal healthcare, described the large impact of young voters in this election, remarked that it's only a matter of time for equal rights for gays and lesbians and explained the need for public financing of elections.
The only question the senator dodge was in regards to his opinion if Connecticut Senator Lieberman should be stripped of his chair since he stumped for McCain in the election. Edwards only claimed that he disagreed with Liberman's choice, but didn't say if he should be impeached of his duty.
The final question revealed that if Senator Edwards could be a superhero, he would be Superman.
The senator left the stage the same way he entered, calm and confident. Perhaps some quite time did Senator Edwards good.
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