Exclusive: John And Elizabeth Edwards

Edwards Open About Cancer, Unconditional About Couple's Decision On Presidential Run

(CBS) 

Katie Couric:
At your press conference, you were both extremely confident, very upbeat.

Elizabeth said, “Right now we feel incredibly optimistic. I don’t expect my life to be significantly different.”

And I think some people wondered if you were in denial, if you were being realistic about what you were going to be facing here.

Elizabeth Edwards:
I... I... I... I think that it is our intention to deny cancer any control over us.

And though I know there are people who live short lives, I feel optimistic, not because I've got rose-colored glasses on, but because I know that I have only low-volume... a small amount of cancer in my bones.

John Edwards:
We don't understate or misunderstand the seriousness of this. I mean, this could kill her, and we know it. And what we won't choose to do is... we choose to live our lives fully, and with strength and optimism. We get to make that choice.

And that's what we choose.

Katie Couric:
Your decision to stay in this race has been analyzed, and quite frankly judged by a lot of people. And some say, what you're doing is courageous, others say it's callous. Some say, "Isn't it wonderful they care for something greater than themselves?" And others say, "It's a case of insatiable ambition." You say?

John Edwards:
I say all of those judgments and questions are entirely legitimate. I mean, you offer yourself up for service to the country as the President of the United States, you deserve to be evaluated. I am perfectly open to that evaluation. I think that I know, when I'm running for president, I'm running for president because I want to serve this country, and because I want all people in America to have the same kind of chances that I've had.

I've come from nothing to now have everything. And I think everybody in this country, no matter who their family is, or what the color of their skin, ought to get that chance.

But, throughout this process, people will be able to see very clearly into what we do, what we say, how we behave, and they can evaluate for themselves whether they think I'm, in fact, doing this for the right reason.

We know the truth. We know the truth, but I think it's a fair judgment for Americans to make.

[anitabachrac]

I have been a viewer of "60 Minutes" for over 25 years .Its"my hour" the only TV program I watch on a regular basis.
However, this interview has changed my high opinion of "60 minutes" as a "hard news program" and what's its focus is.Actually,it was painful to listen to. Your questions were like verbal blows to the Edwards. As a former Cancer patient and as a woman I resent your questions aimed at in your face reaction is unworthy of "60 Minutes" and not news. Are Cancer patients to go home and wait to die ??Or, stand firm and continue their lives. Katie Couric is the "Jerry Springer" of 60 Minutes.
Very truly yours,
Anita Bachrach
Long Beach, NY

[books403]

Katie's treatment of Elizabeth Edwards was, in one word REPREHENSIBLE!!!! You owe all cancer patients everywhere a huge apology, Ms. Couric.

You did everything during that interview except fill out Mrs. Edwards' death certificate.

I have a question for you, Ms. Couric. How do you think you would have felt if, during your husband's tragic illness, a member of the media had been as callous, cold, and unfeeling as you were with Senator and Mrs. Edwards??

As the daughter of both a cancer statistic and a 2-time breast cancer survivor, I am ashamed of Katie Couric, 60 Minutes, and CBS. All of you have permanently lost the viewership in my household.

[channelhop]

Re: 60 Minutes on 3/25/07 - Katie Couric's interview with John and Elizabeth Edwards

Katie Couric's questions were extemely rude and insensitive. Her whole conduct was absolutely appalling and I was thoroughly disgusted. I still like "60 Minutes" in general, but I'm not going to listen to anything again that Katie Couric has to say, and that includes the CBS Evening News.

[fafa781]

They need to send Katie packin'. Not only has she NOT brought any new viewers to the network---she WON'T ever do so. In this situation the old adage "you get what you pay for" is MORE than a tad "off the mark!!" GET RID OF HER--PLLLLLLLLLEASE!!!!

Katie Couric's interview with the Edwards was a bit off. Although it is fair to ask questions regarding their decision to continue the campaign for Presidency - to grill them on it - was just lame.

I wish Katie ( and the media in general) had the guts to go after the real stories and the real villains. I guess I'll have to stick to NPR and the BBC for real news.

....and btw having Cancer is not a death sentence people. There are many cancer survivors walking among us living full and productive lives. I'd rather have a gifted leader in the Whitehouse who has survived Cancer than a self-serving destructive idiot with a clean bill of health.

[ellenwb]

To tgrichter
I'd better 'splain!!!!

I'd better indicate which of your posts I was replying to before those who so quickly judge others jump in! Your "getting up and *****slapping" comment was hilarious. Thanks for lightening things up!

[ellenwb]

To: tgrichter : )

Now THAT would have been fun! Love it!

[mle75749]

I wouldn't vote for any of the "do as I say, not what I do" folks. They want things for you they won't have for themselves. Get a real education on the issues from ALL sources and vote on issues not on appearance, hardship, or any single issue. There is more at stake for our country and it's future than that. No Hillary, No Osama...oops Obama and No Edwards.

[wolfie2z]

Maybe I am in left field but I think a perfect ticket would be Edwards as Pres and Hillary as VP. But that would make to much sense and we don't work that way. Oh about the Cancer biz should we euphanize Mrs. E. befor or after the election, just to get rid of the clutter of course. It's a good thing we didn't put Betty Ford to sleep. Look how much we would have lost in education of a serious problem most people cover up.We have learned and gained by her frailty. Go for it Mrs.E. teach us how to live with a human weakness, how to gain strength with an adversary. Help the scared people who pass up living by dwelling on dying.Then we can consider the real issue how good will the man be? How good was he as a Senator or in all his yrs of politics. This couple has already showed us they have the strength and ability to govern our country.

[jsal1996]

mle7574 Thank You! Could not have said it any better. Many in the nation back what you just wrote. This situation is not the time or place to test a childs endurance..just to attempt a campaign.