Matt Bai goes to great lengths analyzing Democrat candidate Edwards' position on reducing poverty in America in this Sunday Times piece. Yet, he seems to come away unconvinced that Edwards has what it takes in terms of policy or strategy to pull it off, should he get the Democrat nomination.
I think Edwards rhetoric won't wash with the voters. He is super rich, not very bright, I think, and does not seem to have the strength of character or charisma to win. People just don't warm up to super rich lawyers, nor former high paid executives in hedge funds!
Further, poverty is not fixed by government programs. Have people forgotten Jesus' reminder* when a woman chose to honor him by pouring expensive perfume on him while his disciples argued that the expensive balm could be better used by selling it and giving the money to the poor? Edwards would also do well to remember that Jesus and his teachings inspire his followers today, probably much more than an "Edwardian anti-poverty program."
*6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 (courtesy NIV translation of the Scriptures)
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