When we make decisions about our careers it’s impossible not to take your family into consideration.
John and Elizabeth Edwards were faced with such a decision this week. It was both heart-wrenching and uplifting to watch the two of them during a press conference talk about her cancer and explain why they decided to stay in the presidential race. I say “they” because such a decision would impact both of them.
The Wall Street Journal had an editorial today that I found right on target (I rarely think that about Wall Street Journal editorials.)
Here it:
In today’s nasty and polarized politics, we weren’t surprised to see some of the cranks on the Web criticize John Edwards for announcing that his presidential campaign will continue d espite the return of his wife’s cancer. By these lights, he is supposed to retire from public life and tend to her full-time.
Shouldn’t that be up to the two of them? By the look of their press conference yesterday, Elizabeth Edwards wouldn’t want her husband to give up his pursuit of the Democratic nomination despite her diagnosis. They seem to be in it together, and to like each other besides.
The decision to continue also reflects the changing reality of cancer and its treatment. The spread of Mrs. Edward’s breast cancer to her bones meant that she probably can’t be cured in the sense of being declared cancer free. But with improving treatments and new, less toxic anticancer drugs, she could live her currently active life for many more years. “I don’t expect my life to be significantly different,” Mrs. Edwards said yesteday, in a demonstration of fortitude that is itself a lesson for the rest of us. God speed.
March 26th, 2007 at 1:52 am
Hi, Eve. Thanks for bringing up this topic. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Before I spew my opinion, I want to say that I am a big Edwards fan, and this whole thing is very sad.
That said, I dont’ think the issue is him stopping the campaign to take care of her. I think the issue is him stopping the campaign to take care of his kids.
From what I’ve read, the odds of her living through the whole presidency are very slim. Which would mean Edwards would be a single parent with two young children and a country to run. This seems outlandish to me.
I would have expected him to drop out in order to ensure that the kids can have a very present, hands-on parent no matter what. Why am I not reading this in the press? Am I missing something?
Penelope
March 26th, 2007 at 7:43 am
you make an excellent point. i’m sure this question would have been asked if edwards was a women..it probably would have become a national debate.
i supposed he’ll get help from his family when elizabeth is no longer around, but raising kids and doing any major, high pressure job is difficult, although not impossible if there is family support.
it makes me think about another situation involving delaware senator joe biden. after he was elected to the senate his wife died in a car accident. he went on to take on the post and thrive. the main reason, or one of the big reasons, he said later, was that his family stepped in the help him raise his children, and help him emotionally survive the tragedy.
raising kids alone can be impossible, and add to that a demanding job for get it. but raising kids with the help of family and the community around you can be done. although, the absence of mother forever leaves a gapping hole…
March 26th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I am so glad that the Edwards family has decided to continue on with what has been a long-time goal. They are a close, loving family and I am certain that they made this decision together. If anyone knows how grueling a Presidential campaign can be, Elizabeth Edwards does. And she has recent, personal experience about dealing with cancer and chemotherapy. I’m convinced that the family was invloved in the decision-making and that they believe a John Edwards Presidency would be good for our country. Why sit at home and pine over what terrible things might happen, when they can work together to make something wonderful happen!
From a Delaware Biden Democrat
March 26th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
i’m with you lyn. the more the distract you when you’re going through such a thing the better!