CBS Poll: Most Support Edwards' Decision

57% Say He's Right To Stay In Presidential Race

(CBS)  Americans support former Sen. John Edwards' decision to continue his bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination after his wife was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer — and by a margin of more than 2-to-1.

According to a CBS News Poll conducted in the two days following the couple's interview by Katie Couric on "60 Minutes" this past Sunday, 57% of those who were surveyed said Edwards is doing the right thing by continuing to campaign. Less than half as many — 24% — said he should have suspended his campaign or withdrawn entirely.

Democratic primary voters — both those who said they would vote for Edwards and those who said they would not — are especially supportive of Edwards' decision to continue. Two-thirds of Democratic voters polled said he made the right decision.

Those who watched the "60 Minutes" interview as well as those who did not watch said they support Edwards' decision. Among those surveyed, the more closely Americans were following this story, the more supportive they were of Edwards continuing his campaign.

There was little difference between the opinions of women and men on the question: Do you think John Edwards is doing the right thing by staying in the presidential race, or should he have withdrawn or suspended his campaign?

A majority of respondents believe that, should Edwards be elected president, his wife's health would not affect his ability to do the job. Among all voters, 52% think Edwards could devote enough time to the job while 30% believe he could not and 18% are unsure. Among Democratic primary voters, 63% believe he could manage it all.

But winning the nomination could be more difficult, according to the survey. While almost half of those surveyed think the chances of Edwards being the Democratic nominee are not affected by Elizabeth Edwards' health issues, 28% of all respondents and 30% of Democratic primary voters think it makes it less likely.

Overall, Hillary Clinton is the top choice for her party's primary voters, garnering 36% who were asked to choose between three candidates. Barack Obama is the choice of 28% and Edwards received 18%. Previous polls have also shown Edwards in third place.

Some 44% of Americans said they know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A majority of them supported Edwards' decision to continue his campaign.

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This poll was conducted among a random sample of 831 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone March 26-27, 2007. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus four percentage points. The error for subgroups is higher. An oversample of registered voters who plan to vote in a Democratic primary next year was also conducted for this poll, for a total of 539 interviews among this group.

The subsample of all Democratic primary voters was weighted to the proportion of these voters across three previous 2007 CBS News and CBS News/New York Times Polls. The margin of error for Democratic primary voters is plus or minus five percentage points.

[creeper00]

After the grilling Couric gave them, that seems to be pretty solid support.

[gunownerdan]

John Edwards would make a much better president than Hillary or Barack. That's for sure!

[anopinion1]

we have enough problems as it is..
and we don't need another disaster in a universal healthcare system..

[feedback3-2009]

anopinion1
we have enough problems as it is..
and we don't need another disaster in a universal healthcare system..

And just exactly how would you describe our current healthcare system? Is your child covered?- millions aren't. Does your grandma eat "cat food" so she can afford her meds? - many do. Do you have access to diagnostic care at the same level as the wealthy? - most don't. Do you get to spend more than the average 12 minutes with your HMO provider? - most don't.

If you don't think some fresh ideas in the area of healthcare in this country are are positive thing, I disagree.

[gardenjoy]

I'm currently undergoing treatment for cancer. I have 3 teenage children. I'm driving my independent self to chemo today even though my husband stated many times he would take me. I wanted to hear the Edwards' story and instead got angry at how Couric treated them especially knowing she went through this with her husband. I was insulted when she asked "Why are you so upbeat? Are you in denial?" Are you understanding anything here? You HAVE to be upbeat to beat this disease. I'm not a victim. I will not lay down and die. I go forward and live life as normally as possible with yes some rough days ahead. And whether you are president, or running for president, your family is first. I love my work and interests. With cancer added into the mix, I make sure I do what I love even more. I commend the Edwards family for going forward and continuing to do what they also love.

[huskerarmy]

"we have enough problems as it is..
and we don't need another disaster in a universal healthcare system.."
Please add to that list of "problems" that you reference the state of health care in this country and also, as a footnote, please recognize that the majority of those "problems" have been caused by the same plutocrats who are stridently opposed to universal health care. It's time for new ideas. It's time for a paradigm shift regarding our approach to health care.

[jebby_one]

a CBS poll?

:) Seriously, does anyone besides neo-commie Liberals trust a poll done by CBS?

[grumpas]

There you go again Jebby_One with your limited vocabulary! I would think you neo-fascist's would learn a new word! But, I guess that takes a lot of effort when your mental span is so severely limited!

[huskerarmy]

":) Seriously, does anyone besides neo-commie Liberals trust a poll done by CBS?"
CBS polls tend to be pretty much in line with all the other media outlets... except perhaps FOX. But if you are going to listen to FOX, you're going to believe that most Americans think things are going swimmingly wellin Iraq and a host of other urban myths. But then to the neo-nazi, brown shirts that think FOX is "fair and balanced," the majority of Americans are now to be considered "neo-commies."

[anopinion1]

"and by a margin of nearly two to one."
quote from article ...and it says 57% approve

maybe its just me but its closer to 50% approval then 66.666666666(i.e. two to one, or 2 in 3 approve anotherwards)

and feedback3

Do you really think universal healthcare could possibly solve all those problems you mentioned???

For one if your kids aren't covered you need to get a job that offers insurance.
Yes the prescription drugs are a problem for the elderly. Something does need to be worked out so the pharmaceuticals aren't raping the citizens, but this can be done in other ways then an entire overhaul of the system.
As for the wealthy getting better care. They contributed to society more then the bum on the side of the street and should therefore get taken care of by society better then the bum.

our health care system is perfectly fine. Prescription drugs on the other hand need work but things can and should be done about that.

[martinab1]

I wholeheartedly support the Edwards' and their decision. Don't think for a minute that Elizabeth did not persuade her husband to follow a dream both have had to possibly change the America that is currently in shambles.

Maybe people are having a hard time understanding that not all has to be doom and gloom and this is a candidate that admits his mistakes but also has voiced how he, as President, would lead this nation with actual programs, into a brighter future.

Elizabeth and John Edwards will face her reoccurence of cancer in much the same way as they look toward better times, with conviction and passion. May God grant them many more years together.

[jebby_one]

For one if your kids aren't covered you need to get a job that offers insurance.

----------------------

Well here's a novel idea: you can also buy a high deductible health policy to cover your kids and that would put you in control over your children's health care rather than your employer. It's not very expensive.

[jebby_one]

Interestingly ... no journalist has asked about what appears to be a dramatic weight loss by Liz since the 2004 election.

Was the weight change associated with the cancer in one way or another? Did she have liposuction? Did she follow a diet?

This is especially interesting considering that appearance seems to be a big thing with the Edwards campaign. To put it another way, "some people may ask" did Mrs. Edwards go on a crash diet or or did she have a medical procedure performed so that she would look trimmer for her husband's presidential campaign?

[noaanhc]

We are the only industrialized nation in the world without univerisal health coverage for all.
This is a complete national disgrace!!!! While it is true that health care systems in Canada and in Europe have major problems,with rationing and long waits to see a doctor just to name two,
at least in those countries you are not burdened with a huge hospital bill to pay.

[gunownerdan]

John Edwards seems to be the only real candidate the democrats have so far. Good luck to him and his wife!

[motherjones-2009]

Two years ago, a bump in my husband's leg turned out to be a sarcoma, an aggressive cancerous tumor, that had grown to the size of a grapefruit. At first our geatest fear was that he would lose his leg. Then we discovered the cancer had spread to his lungs, and that he could possibly lose his life. We were terrified. Luckily he is employed by a company that comes with good medical insurance and a decent sick leave policy. My husband was off work six weeks after surgery. He kept his job and was able to keep working, while taking time off for radiation and chemo, doctor and hospital appointments. We both continued to work,take care of our girls, and hang on to as much of our old life as we could.

I understand and support the Edwards' decision to carry on. No one knows how much time they have in this life. The devastating reality of cancer doesn't have to mean the death of your hope and dreams. God bless them both.

[motherjones-2009]

Interestingly ... no journalist has asked about what appears to be a dramatic weight loss by Liz since the 2004 election.
Jebby_One

No journalist has asked about her "dramatic weight loss" because it's such as dumb *** thing to ask! Jebby_One obviously has never had cancer nor has he been close to anyone who has. Chemo is a poison that kills cancer cells. Unfortunately, it kills healthy cells, too, making those unlucky enough to have to have it, sick as dogs! When you're too sick to eat, you lose weight. DUH.....

[jebby_one]

We are the only industrialized nation in the world without univerisal health coverage for all.

---------------------

why do so many people ignore the existance of MEDICAID?

[extremophil]

I would never vote for a person that would have to be constantly concerned about their spouse's fight against cancer.

[jebby_one]

Jebby_One obviously has never had cancer nor has he been close to anyone who has.

---------------------------------

you are quite wrong.

by avoiding such questions it appears that the interview was a contrived infomercial for the Edwards.

[dallison7]

As for the wealthy getting better care. They contributed to society more then the bum on the side of the street and should therefore get taken care of by society better then the bum.
Posted by anopinion1


Just for your information, genius, there are not 47 million 'bums', as you call them, on the 'side of the street'. There are, however, 47 million American citizens (most of them hard-working) who have no health coverage. And, a further note... many of those 'bums' (as you so lovingly call them) are veterans suffering because they have seen things you can't even imagine. You greedy republicans are such tvrds!!

[dallison7]

did Mrs. Edwards go on a crash diet or or did she have a medical procedure performed so that she would look trimmer for her husband's presidential campaign?


Posted by Jebby_One

SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THE BIG-BUTT LIBRARIAN 'LAURA' SHOULD HAVE DONE.

[motherjones-2009]

Jebby_One

I'm not buying. If you knew anyone who had gone through this horrible ordeal, you wouldn't have to think twice about them losing weight. My husband, who was already trim, lost 13 lbs. the first week after chemo. And he lost a lot more after that. The sight, even the thought of food, made him retch. This is typical with chemo.

[jebby_one]

There are, however, 47 million American citizens (most of them hard-working) who have no health coverage.

--------------

don't many of these people qualify for MDICAID?

another thing that you fail to understand is that access to health care is skewed to the benefit of employer paid health insurance. In other words: Employers get a BIG tax break on health care benefits while people who pay for themselves get the middle finger.

Why? Because the neo-commies are intentionally making it difficult for these people to pay their own way and are using these people to force universal health on America.

[jebby_one]

If you knew anyone who had gone through this horrible ordeal, you wouldn't have to think twice about them losing weight.

---------------------

sorry .. but I watched a brother die from brain cancer and his weight remained pretty constant from diagnosis until death a year and a half later.

If Liz's case was as you say then Katie could have cleared it up with a frew questions, especially considering that "some people" believe that John Edwards is a somewhat vain individual who gives considerable attention to appearance.

[motherjones-2009]

sorr
y .. but I watched a brother die from brain cancer and his weight remained pretty constant from diagnosis until death a year and a half later.

posted by Jebby_One

If that's true, you didn't learn much, did you? It's pretty typical for sick people to lose weight. It doesn't take a medical genius to know that. And why do you so fixed on Elizabeth Edwards' appearance, anyway? And who are you to say that John Edwards is vain? How do you know that? Do you know him? Have you looked into his soul? Is it because he's better looking than most mean his age? He doesn't get dressed up like a cowboy or top gun and strut around on the decks of air craft carriers. Now that's VAIN!

[jebby_one]

If you knew anyone who had gone through this horrible ordeal, you wouldn't have to think twice about them losing weight.

---------------------

Yes and no. It goes both ways. One's weight is the result of calories in Vs calories out. While sick people often eat less they also have a reduced activity level and the net result may have them either losing or gaining weight. Or, in some case remaining constant.

Another factor is that sick people also often eat better and healthier because of the monitored and institutional environment of health care process. i.e. 3 meals a day, supplements if they skip meals or experience reduced appetite , etc., etc.

My mother was a poor eater in normal life and gained weight when she went to hospitals.

There was an obvious appearance chane with Liz. That Katie did NOT ask about it implies that this was a contrived infomercial.

[motherjones-2009]

Jebby_One

You are just flat out, dead wrong on this one. But I don't have any more time to beat a dead horse. I have to get back to work ---somebody's got to pay for bush's billionaire tax breaks.

I am very happy that Edwards is staying in the race. He has been my first choice all along. Perhaps campaigning and staying busy will actually help to keep them from focusing solely on the discomforts and fears associated with cancer. One of my friends who had breast cancer said that she preferred to work because it took her mind off her health problems.

[anopinion1]

Just for your information, genius, there are not 47 million 'bums', as you call them, on the 'side of the street'. There are, however, 47 million American citizens (most of them hard-working) who have no health coverage. And, a further note... many of those 'bums' (as you so lovingly call them) are veterans suffering because they have seen things you can't even imagine. You greedy republicans are such tvrds!!
Posted by dallison7 at 11:21 AM : Mar 28, 2007

When i said "bum" i meant a real bum that actually lives in an alley way or whatever.
And according to what you want to have happen that bum, who lets say never worked a job or contributed to society in any way, can go to a hospital and get the same care and have to wait just as long for life and death surgery as Bill Gates??? or even the president in theory???

and most of the people who don't have health insurance choose not to have coverage because they want to save the money, even tho they spend 100 bucks a week on cigarettes and beer. aka college students. What is the age group on your statistic of 47 million uninsured people???? Although not having insurance is usually a bad idea the people who don't are in their 20's?? and probably don't need it.

[vastr-wcon]

Couric's hatchet job on the Edwards didn't succeed. The majority of people know what's right, even if she doesn't.

Now that Couric has disgraced CBS and illustrated how far the former Tiffany network has fallen from the Murrow and Cronkite days, it's time to send her back to doing fluff interviews at 6 AM. Anyone would be better than her as the news anchor.

[tibu987]

Edwards does not stand a chance. As a Dem, I will not vote for him.

[drjehr]

I watched Couric interview them. Couric got her job...HOW??

[creole4u]

Couric should go back to fluffy stories where she can show her stuff. She disgraced herself with he abuse of the Edwards. Where does she get off questioning someone about putting jobs first over family when she did the same thing to get where she is? She should step down and do disney stories or something hard like that!

[bman0021]

I think they are doing what they feel is right for them and that should be inspiring. Some people would rather travel the world and sightsee,so to each their own. Maybe Edwards would make a better President, after all he has a motivation now to find a CURE FOR CANCER instead of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on a #*&%ed up war that should have never happened in the first place. The only ones that have the greatest interest in this Iraq war are the oil companies...because bush IS an oil president and that's where HIS interest lies,his interest is not in the people.

[sportminer]

First; Mr Edwards must get the nomination, any thing can change,but right now that looks very unlikley, he may have the money to stay the course it is a long course?

[randalds]

This is pretty comical :)

Posted by singinrick at 12:55 AM : Mar 29, 2007

So are you ricky, but what the hell, we've learned to put up with your comedy act too.

[jebby_one]

Liberal Edwards supporter insists:

You are just flat out, dead wrong on this one. But I don't have any more time to beat a dead horse. I have to get back to work ---somebody's got to pay for bush's billionaire tax breaks.

------------

sorry ... but if you do a little research you will discover that I am correct.

http://cancer.nchmd.org/treatment.aspx?id=23178

your comments further suggest that what Katie and the Edwards did together was more an infomercial than a news interview.

[jebby_one]

I really ... DON'T ... think Edwards is running for president but for VICE-PRESIDENT.

Edwards has to demonstrate to Hillary that he can hold the ultra-Liberal wing of the Democrat party together and prevent them from flying off with another fruitcake 3rd party tree hugger.

[motherjones-2009]

Poor Jebby!

Don't you ever get tired of being wrong? I see it's keeping you up at night!

[murrowcries]

If Edwards or any of the 08 candidates gave 50% of their ability to the presidency, it would be more than 1000% of what we have now.

Edwards is a self-proven man who rose from a poor family and succeeded because of his intellect, personality, and ambition. He would do well by America and his family if given the chance to lead our country. His charismatic manner would help with foreign negotiations and to repair our badly damaged foreign policy. I wish John and Elizabeth the very best with their campaign, their health and their family.