Campaign

by Christine Zibas

Created on: June 30, 2007   Last Updated: March 18, 2009

When this issue was first debated by the media, I was on the exact opposite side of this debate. I felt that, with all the medical trauma experienced by Elizabeth Edwards, John Edwards's wife, that the Edwards family should rally round and forget about campaigning and focus on her. What changed my mind? Elizabeth Edwards herself.

More than anyone, Elizabeth has determined her own fate, which she discussed in a televised interview, Elizabeth Edwards was frank about her diagnosis of cancer, saying that doctors had determined that no treatment could effectively forestall the inevitable. She also spoke about her determination to go on with life, to live it to her utmost, including participating in her husband's campaign for the presidency.

At that point, she had made the choice to approach the rest of her life (however long that might be) with a determination that it would not be spent living as a sick person, but as someone who lives to embrace every new day's adventures. In many ways, this determination was larger than herself. Many Americans who find themselves in similar situations were no doubt looking to see how she would handle this.

No doubt there will be days when Elizabeth Edwards won't feel like embracing life at all, as illness takes its toll. But her example of making the most of what life offers speaks to all of us, not just those who face chronic illness. Those who are healthy can also look to her example, and ask themselves if they are making the most of every day, and count themselves lucky to be in good health.

As most people know by this point (long after the election has come and gone, and we all face new economic difficulties), deciding to face her illness was not the only problem that would dog the Edwards's marriage and family life. Reports of John Edwards's extra-marital affair would also pose a challenge for the Edwards family. Through it all, they have stuck together as a family, weathering illness and personal weaknesses.

I think all of this has demonstrated just how strong one woman can be. Her approach is brave. Not necessarily what I would choose, if I was in her situation, but I respect the decisions she and her family have made and believe that they were undertaken with a lot of thought and care. The campaign had many lessons to teach the American public: about candidates, about choices, and about coming through to the other side of the challenges we all face as Americans.

Candidates and their families are in a unique situation because they open the door for the public to look in, risking judgment and criticism. Every problem is likely to come out at some point, and the most successful candidates and their families address them head on. Few have to face the overwhelming nature of something like terminal cancer in the public spotlight, but Elizabeth Edwards and her family did so with grace, determination, and a point to make: that life is precious and is meant to be lived fully.

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