Taylor Marsh on The Empathy of John Edwards: "...But it was when audience members asked questions that something different happened between the candidate and the people that I haven't seen so far from any other candidate. The equanimity and empathy between the candidate and the people was palpable. One woman stood and told the story of her mother who was in danger of getting cancer, but couldn't get the preventative care required to stop her situation from getting worse. When Edwards responded, you could see the woman's mother sitting next to her wiping tears from her eyes. Edwards' voice modulated and the answer he gave took on a much different tone, quieter, more personal. Then he began speaking about Elizabeth Edwards, saying she addresses the issue much better, but that they don't have to worry about what the woman's mother is going through, because they have the best health care available. Prevention must be a part of universal health care, said Edwards. It's the moral thing to do, but also the most cost effective. It really was one of those moments when the candidate did more than just give a sound bite, but actually revealed his humanity.
Whether it was the personal health crisis or talking about the minimum wage, Edwards' ability to hear and respond to the audience, to engage and reach out to them was remarkable. It was also more than a politician looking for votes. Edwards seems to have the ability to touch people. It's the empathy quotient, which was in full view today. I hadn't covered Edwards on the stump before, though I'd covered his appearance at the health care forum, but today's town hall was personal between the people and Mr. Edwards..."
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