John Edwards and Kilimanjaro

[iamjoy]

I read the account in "Four Trials" and think it is great! I don't know why JRE does not find a way to share this story in a way that is not self promoting, because I think it speaks a lot about his character.

First of all, it shows him as a devoted father. Edwards himself had no desire to climb mountains. He took time away from a busy and successful law practice to do something important to his son. We need more fathers doing this and less "Cats in the Cradle" parenting. Aside from that, to anyone who thinks he's er, soft, I challenge them to climb 19,000 feet. John Edwards conquered his fear of heights and climbed that mountain. That shows determination.

Of course, by the time the Republican spin masters got a hold of it, they would turn it into an example of how unprepared he was, because he didn't train for it and didn't even buy the boots until the day before he left for Africa. Then, you'd have the Mountain Climbers for Truth who would say they were on that mountain with John Edwards, and Edwards did not go to the top but stopped at 16,000 feet. (IN fact, Edwards did stop at 16,000 feet, but later perservered and made it to the top)

So, maybe that's a bad idea, but it's still one of my favorite stories about him!

[saltpoint]

1. Thank you. And yes. I'd like to see Newt Gingrich make it up Kilimanjaro.

Bill Frist would watch someone ELSE make it up Kilimanjaro on videotape.

Edwards may have climbed that mountain but it was his ascent as parent and father that shines.

Good post.

[benny05]

2. JRE had a cold then as well

And still was a trooper.

I think he doesn't talk much about this because he's still very much a private person about Wade's death. I was glad he could articulate the parenting things he did and still does with his kids.

[iamjoy]

3. I Understand - But That's Regrettable

John Edwards's family values are a major strength. It is a shame he is not willing to talk about him.

However, having never had a child, I cannot imagine the pain involved in losing one. And, if he were to try to use it, he would take heat for exploiting the issue, which would probably just cause more pain. I don't blame them for not wanting to expose those wounds to the viciousness of the media and some people.

It's just too bad, because I feel it demonstrates outstanding character, something that is lacking in many of the presidential contenders. They have plenty of credentials, but nothing that truly demonstrates the sort of strong moral values Americans tend to want.

Mind you, I am not saying they don't have strong moral values, just that they are not so obviously demonstrated.

[benny05]

4. If you haven't met them, suggest you do

And read beyond Four Trials, although that is a good start.

They have never taken a separate vacation from their children since they started their family.