a longing for inspiration

Today I read the following news story in the New York Times: "Familiar Face, but a New Tone to the Message."

Nearly four years ago as the presidential primaries got underway, I felt that John Edwards was the best candidate, but I worried that he didn't have the experience or the exposure. And now I, for one, am happy to see him running again. It seems to me that this is a man who truly believes in America; not just in the America that can help him financially win the election, but the America that can provide the groundswell of support that is needed to not only win an election but to also surge ahead and make tremendous change where change is needed. John Edwards, I believe, is a man of integrity and compassion.

Of course it is no small matter that one of his interests mirrors my own: ending poverty. By starting the "Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity" Mr. Edwards has shown that this is not an interest he has taken on in order to just win votes. Rather, it is a cause that is of great importance. In the previous campaign he talked often of "two Americas," and over the last three years he has done something about it.

Also, Mr. Edwards is unequivocally the most plain spoken and forthright candidate. He is unapologetic about his ideas for "transformational change," and he is honest about his beliefs (see his comment regarding gay marriage and civil unions). He does not try to hide behind political language; he is willing to have an open dialogue to hear and consider the voices of others.

In my lifetime there have been virtually no political figures that I would consider inspirational. John Edwards may well be the first. Let's hope the polish isn't rubbed off in the fight.