Exclusive: John And Elizabeth Edwards
Edwards Open About Cancer, Unconditional About Couple's Decision On Presidential Run
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John And Elizabeth Edwards
60 Minutes Exclusive: Katie Couric sat down for an exclusive interview with the presidential candidate and his wife after the announcement of the recurrence of Elizabeth's cancer.
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Edwards Campaign Forges Ahead
On the same day his wife, Elizabeth, announced her cancer relapse, John Edwards and his presidential campaign forged ahead at a fundraiser in New York City. Gloria Borger reports.
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Politico On Edwards Campaign
Jim VandeHei, executive editor of Politico.com, speaks with Hannah Storm about the impact of Elizabeth Edwards' cancer relapse on her husband's 2008 presidential campaign.
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Former Sen. John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, talk to Katie Couric in Las Vegas on March 24, 2007. (CBS)
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Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards greets his wife, Elizabeth, during the New Leadership on Health Care Presidential Forum on Saturday, March 24, 2007, in Las Vegas. (AP)
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Photo Essay
John Edwards
The former N.C. senator and VP candidate makes another run for the White House
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2008 Democratic Hopefuls
Clinton, Obama and Edwards lead the chase for the Democratic nomination.
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Cancer
Learn about the most common cancers, who gets them and how they are treated.
Elizabeth Edwards:
Cancer took a lot away from us a few years ago. It took a year of my life and a lot of John's. I didn't want it to take this away not just from me but from those people who depend on our having the kind of president he would be.
Katie Couric:
Here you're staring at possible death...
Elizabeth Edwards:
Aren't we all though.
Katie Couric:
And you're thinking, "I don't want to deprive the country of having my husband lead us."
Elizabeth Edwards:
That would be my legacy wouldn't it, Katie. That I'd... that I'd... that I'd... that I'd taken out this fine man from the possibility of giving a great service. I mean, I don't want that to be my legacy.
Katie Couric:
Politics, as you know, can be a cynical business.
John Edwards:
No!
Katie Couric:
You didn't know that?
John Edwards:
Yeah, I was not aware of that.
Katie Couric:
Glad I... (laughter) I’m glad I could teach you something today. Some have suggested that you're capitalizing on this.
John Edwards:
Here's what I would say about that.
First of all, there's not a single person in America that should vote for me because Elizabeth has cancer. Not a one. If you're considering doing it, don't do it. Do not vote for us because you feel some sympathy or compassion for us. That would be an enormous mistake. The vote for the presidency is far too important for any of those things to influence it.
But, I think every single candidate for president, Republican and Democratic have lives, personal lives, that indicate something about what kind of human being they are. And I think it is a fair evaluation for America to engage in to look at what kind of human beings each of us are, and what kind of president we'd make.
Katie Couric:
Some people watching this would say, "I would put my family first always, and my job second." And you're doing the exact opposite. You're putting your work first, and your family second.
John Edwards:
But this is not work. Work is what I did as a lawyer. This is service. This is... this is a country that I love – both of us love, as much as we love our lives.
Katie Couric:
I guess some people would say that there's some middle ground. You don't have to necessarily stay at home and feel sorry for yourself, and do nothing. But, if given a finite – a possibly finite period of time on the planet – being on the campaign trail, away from my children, a lot of time, and sort of pursuing this goal, is not, necessarily, what I'd do.
John Edwards:
Well, but we all... we are all different, number one. Number two, we all have a finite period time, and the idea that we know what that finite period is, is a fantasy to begin with.
Elizabeth Edwards:
We learned that in ’96.
John Edwards:
As we learned in 1996, with our son. We don’t know what’s gonna happen. We don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow. We have to live today the best way we know how. And that's exactly what the two of us are doing. I do think, though, that we have to be very sensitive about the tension that exists between our wanting to serve our country, and our children.
Produced by Robert Anderson, Lori Beecher and Michael Rosenbaum
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See all 1076 CommentsOne, Katie has a long history reporting on cancer, from its devastating effects to advocating preventative screening. Colon cancer, in particular, has been a major subject to her since her husband Jay died in 1998.
Two, health reporting, in general, is Katie's strength. No other anchor has increased health reporting as a staple of the Evening News. If there is any discernible difference in CBS Evening News since Couric took over -- at this early date -- it would be the noticeable addition of health reporting.
Three, Katie is unique in that she reports on stories like this with compassion.
Why isn't Katie planning to interview Tony Snow?
Oh, never mind. I already know the answer :)
Not since Bobby Kennedy's run for the presidency in 1968 have I seen a candidate with as much genuine interest in the issue of poverty as I see in John Edwards. Since that is an issue I'm very passionate about, he has gained my support.
I certainly glad to learn that the Edwards have decided to continue his campaign. If elected, he will make a fine president.
She signed her death sentence the last time around by waiting so late (after the Kerry concession), to get treatment. Believe it or not, days can make a difference in the successful treatment of this type of cancer.
She may be brave to face the rigours of a presidential race while receiving cancer treatments, or she may not know yet just what is going to happen to her.
Regardless, her "Bravery in the face of Illness" helps no one but her husband. Actually, it makes other cancer survivors think less of him. His place now is by her side along with their children - not running around the country raising money. It plainly shows where his priorities stand: Politics, job, children, wife. He should be ashamed!
It tends to make us mortal women suffering from the same thing look like slugs when we cannot get out of bed due to extreme fatigue and other debilitating side effects of cancer treatment. Now, husbands, children, bosses, etc. will insist that, "If Elizabeth can do it, why can't you?"
Toots - a real cancer survivor who doesn't know yet how long she will survive.
As with so many others dealing with this beast of a disease, I was devastated to learn of its recurrance in Elizabeth.
Her bravery and positve attitude in the face of what must have been devastating news have been awe-inspiring to me.
As for those who disagree with how she and her family are handling it, in my opinion the Edwards's are doing what is best for them, and I am convinced what she prefers.
I too would not want any of my family's plans or goals to be "sidetracked" because of my illness. That would only give the disease more power -- and add to my dismay.
In watching the press conference this past Thursday, I became convinced that the Edwards's priorities are family and country.
Yes, Elizabeth will be challenged during the demands of the campaign, but she does have tremendous support and resources.
I can not imagine how any of this will undermine her prognosis -- as a matter of fact, thinking, and acting, positively can only help it.
I will certainly be rooting for her throughout this, and wishing the best for her and her husband.
Joan
If you pray for public figures who have cancer, please also pray for Laura Bush, and Tony Snow.
Good Luck to you, John Strucko
First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.
Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D
That is all that any rational person needs to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family. Now, please think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging other people.
Thank you.
First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.
Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D
That is all that any rational person needs to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family. Now, please think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging other people.
Thank you.
First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.
Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D
What else does anyone need to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family? Now, please, think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging these good people.
Thank you.
First, their oncologist has said there is no medical reason for her to stop campaigning.
Second, Elizabeth observed %u201CMy feeling is, if we gave up what we have committed to as our life%u2019s work, wouldn%u2019t I be getting ready to die? That%u2019s what I%u2019d be doing. This cause is not just John%u2019s cause, it%u2019s my cause.%u201D
What else does anyone need to know to understand that they have made the right decision for themselves and their family? Now, please, think good thoughts or pray or send good vibes or whatever it is that you do and stop judging these good people.
Thank you.
I understand what you are saying about Elizabeth Edwards and the time she needs to spend with her young children. My mother expressed the same concern to me a few days ago.
But don't you thing that she and John have lied awake discussed this many nights, since 2004? The children also have living grandparents and other relatives and close friends who, I am sure, are already spending much time with these children due to the campaign itself. Point is: This is a family that undoubtedly has surrounded these children with love and I believe most can see that regardless of political affiliation.
This decision not to interrupt the campaign was between John & Elizabeth. If Elizabeth did not want him to run, in light of this news, I believe he would drop out. I admire the integrity in which they handled this issue now and in 2004. But those with cancer usually do not want to be considered victims and it has been my experience that they want to keep living life as fully as possible for as long as they can. This is the path that they chose together and we should respect their decision.
I am already a John Edwards supporter and my support is further solidified.
Have you noticed who the Democrats have come up with for "08?
Edwards, Hillary, and Obama can barely tie their own shoelaces!
Compared to them, GEORGE W BUSH is the best president we've
ever had. Go GW !
Democrats haven't won anything.
First, please leave this woman alone. If you disagree with her politics, fine - please let us know how you feel. But her body is her business and if she chooses after consultation with her family to live her life the way she wants, it's not you business nor is it mine to tell her differently.
Second, there is no reason for her not to continue to live until she dies and I daresay, henry, you cannot foresee the hour of her death.
Third, why was it when Sen. Specter showed up in the senate bald from cancer treatment, he was thought of as courageous? No one went around saying he should run and hide.
If you would stay at home with your children after such a diagnosis, I say fine. But you are not Mrs. Edwards and so it's not your place nor a political commentator's place to judge or patronize. SHE is living with this illness and that makes it HER and her family's choice.
Citizens just need to keep an open mind on her.
The nation has a trillion dollar debt thanks to the current administration. Hillary Clinton will bring back the good old days of a well run economy. She will also bring the soldiers home.
The President lied about the WMD.
She did what was right at that time - a period when even Americans went along with the President and supported him.
The Edwards' are politically savvy people. If they hadn't come out with this announcement, it would have leaked out and they wouldn't have been able to control the message. So I commend them for their courage and honesty and willingness to work for what they believe in, despite the flack.
I pray she beats the odds and sees her daughter Cate marry, her young children graduate from college and rock a grandbaby in her arms.
God Bless !
All those complaining about George W Bush and *** Cheney:
Have you noticed who the Democrats have come up with for "08?
Edwards, Hillary, and Obama can barely tie their own shoelaces!
Compared to them, GEORGE W BUSH is the best president we've
ever had. Go GW !
Democrats haven't won anything.
Posted by henry6543 at 05:31 PM : Mar 25, 2007
"end quote"
Henry you are the reason inbreed's should not be allowed to vote. LOL George W is an idiot who can't put a sentance together without help. He's a war criminal. He's lied to America and other countries.
Henry go to bed it's past your bed time.
This decision not to interrupt the campaign was between John & Elizabeth. If Elizabeth did not want him to run, in light of this news, I believe he would drop out. I admire the integrity in which they handled this issue now and in 2004. But those with cancer usually do not want to be considered victims and it has been my experience that they want to keep living life as fully as possible for as long as they can. This is the path that they chose together and we should respect their decision.
I am already a John Edwards supporter and my support is further solidified.
Will no one question Edwards on his hypocritical position on healthcare? He wants to fix the healthcare system, but he caused so much damage to it by his relentless litigation that raised costs across the board. Enough that he can afford to build the second largest private home in NC, second only to the Biltmore Estate. He made his millions raising the malpractice and overall insurance of everyone, but now that he is rich, he wants to fix it? Why does the media not have the courage to ask him about this?
Bravo John and Elizabeth!
George Bush has proven he lied to America about Iraq. Now John Edwards tells the truth about his wife and that makes him wrong?
Why can't the Edwards family make their own decision and not have everyone second guess their decision? They just learned this news last week; are they suppose to just "stop" their lives and give in? No one knows how they will react in this situation until it is their own situation.
Let the Edwards live their life and serve this country. We have had far worse from GW and potentially far worse from Hillary Clinton (I am female & a Democrat). I didn't vote for GW either time and I won't vote for Hillary.
Bravo John and Elizabeth !
Katie Couric, of course, speaks for Corporate America, from whence her riches come. John Edward speaks for the American people--the working class, the poor, the thoughtful, those who want to restore the constitution that the Bush regime has vigorously attempted to undermine.
60 minutes was once an American treasure. Not now. No more 60 minutes for me!
Dan Gilmartin, Winter Springs Florida
Also, it was painfully obvious that Couric was attempting to bring the Edwards to some emotional crescendo with her line of questions - over and over again with the prospect of death. Yikes Katie - you're not on a morning show anymore!
Bravo to the Edwards who showed outstanding grace and poise - glad that they had the exposure tonight so that America can see what a strong marriage they have and how committed they our to their cause.
The whole "millionaire trial lawyer" thing is getting kind of old... The case that made John Edwards a millionaire was against a pool manufacurer. In the case, the drain on the pool was so powerful that it started to pull a little girl's intestines out when she got stuck at the bottom of the pool. You wanna tell me that win was not justified?
Jeez, I don't even know how you people can be so nasty about him. I really don't get it.
This was such a NEGATIVE interview, maybe even a little cruel. It reeked of tabloid journalism and I am disappointed that, in light of your own sad experiences with cancer, you would stoop to this type of interview. I may not vote for John Edwards, but after watching the interview he and Elizabeth gave last week, I was left thinking how very refreshing it was to witness two decent, loving people who have had more than their share of grief to bear, bravely and honestly face the press and answer very personal questions. I cannot imagine drilling them with "what if you die" questions. Shame! Linda MC
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