Wife's diagnosis won't deter Edwards

The Democrat, running well in early-voting states, will stick with the '08 presidential race.

from the March 23, 2007 edition

Page 2 of 2

Page 1 | 2

Edwards's decision to stay in the race could open him to criticism that he is putting his political ambitions ahead of his family.

But in their joint appearance, the Edwardses sought to allay that impression by showing a united front. Mrs. Edwards spoke, too, of her and her family's commitment to the race. Both Edwardses explained in detail the circumstances that led to the discovery of her latest illness, and her prognosis. Mrs. Edwards said she is asymptomatic and will continue to take part in the campaign. The Edwardses have two young children, in addition to an adult daughter.

Another possibility for Mr. Edwards is that, given the news, he gets a second look from voters who may have begun to see the Democratic nomination race as between Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois. While Edwards has carved out a constituency among union members, an important part of the Democratic base, he has had a hard time of late breaking through the intense media attention to the battle between the top two candidates.

Mrs. Edwards has been an integral part of her husband's campaigns from the start. A lawyer like her husband, she is also his closest political confidante, helping him to make key campaign decisions. Her personal challenges – her health struggles, the loss of her and her husband's teenage son in a car accident, and her challenges with weight – have made her into a a figure that American women can relate to. Last September, she published a book, "Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers."

1 | Page 2