Is John Edwards being hypocritical in keeping his SUV but asking you to give up yours?

Question

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070830/BUSINESS01/708300361/1014/BUSINESS01

Edwards was asked during his appearance how he explained the contradiction of asking Americans to sacrifice while he's living in a 28,000-square-foot mansion.

He said he came from nothing, worked hard all his life, has always supported workers and fought big corporations as a lawyer.

"I have no apologies whatsoever for what I've done with my life," he said to loud cheers. "My entire life has been about the same cause, which is making sure wherever you come from, whatever your family is, whatever the color of your skin, you get a real chance to do something great in this country."

maybe he needs it to drive all those poor people to the polls when they want to vote.

2 Americas, indeed.

Answer 1

WOW, how can you say that? Edwards has made soo many sacrifices.

He has heard the message and only pays $380 for a haircut now.

He "jet pools" with Hollywood celebrities instead of being selfish.

He HAS purchased carbon credits from Al Gore.

What MORE does he have to do?

Answer 2

Although I believe he is an intelligent man and could be a good President, his tendency toward "Do as I say, not as I do" has slowly driven me from supporting his campaign to looking more closely at other candidates, such as Bill Richardson, who is clearly the most experienced candidate in either party and a proven diplomat as well, which I believe is what America sorely needs at this point.

Answer 3

How do you know he has an SUV?
I agree that people should lead by example.
There are people who seem to think that their lives are somehow more important. As such they are entitled to special treatment.
Seems more and more pervasive now with all the global warming hoopla.
Hollywood should start shooting movies using alternative energy sources. No more car chase scenes or giant gasoline explosions that look so dramatic.

Answer 4

Yes, he is a hypocrit. Yes, there are "2 America's"; 1 for the Rich, the Famous (sports figures, movie stars, politicians, doctors...well, you get the idea!) and 1 for the working and the poor people.

Answer 5

Absolutely. When he says he doesn't apologize for what he has because he worked hard for it, I agree with him. Where we part ways is that as a liberal, he wants us all to feel guilty and give to those who don't want to work hard. I really feel for the poor, and I do think there should be a safety net for them. But, the number of entitlements has gotten ridiculous. Many folks need to work hard and not expect handouts. BTW, I am poor and struggling, but not asking for a penny.

Answer 6

Seems like he skirted the question. When's he going on O'Reilly???

Gleaning the content of his answer: "I earned the right to live lavishly through my hard work, and I don't apologize for it."

Almost sounds conservative, except for the part where he wants all the peon citizens to restrict their use of resources.

Answer 7

since the 'micro-not-off' event we know at the latest
he and killary are hypocrites and liars. btw al gore's
house is not SO bad - he pays $4,600 just for a special
contract granting ecologically clean energy - while bush
makes us wonder why he does NOT suggest everybody
has the energy-efficient house he got ...

Answer 8

No, of course not. He's being environmentally conscience. Just like Al Gore in his mansion that uses 20-25 times more carbon than the average US family. Do as they say, cause they know best, just not what they do, cause what they do is wrong.

Answer 9

I am sure he sacrifice something. He has worked hard He was not born rich. I say more power to him, Let 's give the guy a break. When he was young He no doubt dreamed of the day when he could get a $500.00 haircut.

Answer 10

He's no different than Fat Gore,also Ted Kennedy falls into that category,where he is in Washington making laws for others to follow but getting away with murder