Throughout the 2008 Presidential election I have often found myself thinking about the now-mythical events of the summer of 1776. That July, 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. People often forget this because it is a bit gruesome, but it is important to remember that when they signed that document, all 56 knew that they were also signing their death warrant from the British Crown. Just as we idolize Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and the rest for their intellects and forethought, we also must admire them for their sheer bravery. On July 4, 1776 they didn't just publish a particularly provocative piece of literature; they laid their bodies on the line in the name of a worthy cause.
All of America's truly great leaders share aspects of this trait, from Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt to FDR and Martin Luther King Jr. These leaders recognized that political leadership is nothing without absolute moral conviction. These days when I watch a Democratic debate (and I've watched a few these last couple months), there is a lot of talk about the need for change,"" but there is only one person on that stage pledging to lay down his body and soul in the name of that change. That man is John Edwards.
From day one of this campaign, John Edwards has spoken consistently and powerfully about the serious problems our country faces and the steps necessary to remedy them. Unlike his rivals who have poured millions of dollars into focus groups and internal polling, Edwards has staked his campaign on the fact that he can speak clearly from a deeply progressive conscience.
From that conscience has come a detailed proposal to implement universal health care, the most comprehensive plan to immediately begin a sustained assault on global warming, and a commitment to end destructive sweetheart trade deals and found a new regime based upon the principles of fair trade. Once in office he will end the Iraq war and bring a renewed commitment to transparency, candor and the rule of law. This is not a future we're left only to HOPE for. This is a future that is ours for the taking, but only if we are willing to fight for it.
These are policies that are supported not just by Democrats, but by a solid majority of Americans. Polls have shown for months that Edwards is the only Democratic candidate who beats every major Republican opponent. He is the only Democratic candidate who has won in a red state (and a blazing red one at that). John Edwards' candidacy in 2008 represents an opportunity for students that they may never have again: A chance to nominate the most progressive candidate in the field as well as the most electable. Edwards is the one candidate who will be able to take office and claim a mandate from the American people for progressive change, both now and for years to come.
It is for these reasons that I proudly declare: I'm with John.
