Is John Edwards milking the American public for sympathy and therefore votes?

Question

THIS IS NOT NECESSARILY HOW I FEEL, SO DON'T ATTACK THE QUESTION BASED ON THAT!

He is running despite his wife's illness. Could this be his ticket to the White House?

Is that ethical?

Answer 1

I think this is a great question; it was a topic of conversation at a dinner I attended last night.

The table was very split, so my guess is America will be too. No one seemed to think that it was a manipulative ploy (reference to the "milking" verb in your question).

The half that were quasi supportive seemed to believe that it was legitimate continuation of their life(ves) work as public servants, and an extension of the philosophy that life is precious, community service is one of the most important aspects of what we do as a couple, and knowing that time may be limited, we want to continue that all the more because it is who we are and how we define ourselves.

The other half of the table (the group I fell into!) felt that was probably true, but that it was selfish and self important--and that if he were actually elected, the time and emotional toll dealing with her illness (and perhaps death while he's in office) , their small children, etc. would take away from his ability to focus on the running of the most powerful country in the world....and that all of America and perhaps the world would be negatively impacted by a distracted and grieving US president, dealing with small children.

I am very interested in seeing how this plays out in the American public!

Answer 2

No, his wife is the one who pushed him to stay in the race. It has nothing to do with sympathy and everything to do with the strength and support of Elizabeth Edwards. There is nothing unethical about Edwards staying in the race. No reasonable person would vote for a President because his wife has a recurrence of cancer.

Answer 3

This how I feel...Any multi-millionaire whose wife is dying of cancer, should stop whatever he is doing and try to make her last five years the best they can be. And one who does not do this will never have my respect or my vote. Right or wrong, Left or Right, a person has to have core set of beliefs that they live by or they are not fit for office.

Answer 4

That's right his wife had a recurrence of cancer so that Edwards had a better chance of becoming president. Life goes on. He and her decided on this issue and has nothing to do with the so called sympathy vote, I think he feels that he has something to offer and he wants to serve the people of the U.S. I don't think his wife's problems will or should have any effect on the country's decision making process on who is to lead this country.

Answer 5

Doesn't make me forget that the guy's an ambulance chaser.

Answer 6

Yes I think he is! Not ethical eather!