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It seems that every time John Edwards speaks, whether during the televised Democratic debates or while he is delivering the latest version of his stump speech, he solemnly vows to do everything within his power to fight for the "middle class." Unfortunately, the very use of the term "middle class" is a sharp reminder of the existence of the two other "classes": The "upper" and the "lower."

Ironically, his implication is that the upper class (of which he is a bona fide member) is somehow the enemy that controls the nation's wealth while benefiting the most from the current tax laws. During the Democrat's Las Vegas debates on January 15, '08, he referred to "them" as, "entrenched money interests that are preventing the middle class from having a real chance."

His championing of the middle class was reiterated a number of times during this debate. When asked to name his greatest strength, he replied that "'growing up in mill towns and mill villages I had to literally fight to survive," and that because of this experience he now "has what it takes to fight for the American people ,and on behalf of the middle class." The closest he came to acknowledging the existence of the "lower" class was at the very end of the evening when he said, "The cause of my life is the middle class, low-income families, and having everybody in America have the kind of chances and opportunity that I've had."

There are millions of members of the "lower" class in America, from the truly impoverished on welfare to the "working poor" who struggle to provide a decent life for their families while laboring for minimum wage and who may never get the opportunity to become a part of Mr. Edward's beloved middle class. Mr. Edwards would have the minimum wage raised to $10.50.per hour which for a forty hour work week equals $21,840 a year (before taxes). This still keeps the worker stuck firmly in the "lower" class. Even when there are two workers in a household making the same minimum wage, the resulting $43,600 (especially after taxes) would still deny that household the pleasures of the middle class life style.

Among the millions of members of the lower class are millions of intelligent, responsible American citizens who take their right to vote very seriously. and pay careful attention to what the candidates do and say. Surely Mr. Edwards' obsession with his fighting for the middle class has cost him (and unless he starts to direct his message of change to ALL of the voting public, will continue to cost him) countless votes. The closest he came to acknowledging the lower class during the debate was when he referred to "low income families."

John Edwards needs to make up his mind. He used to talk frequently about, (but never once mentioned in the Nevada debate) about what he perceived as the "Two Americas," the super wealthy one percent, and the remaining ninety-nine. Now, he is dedicated to helping the middle class. Maybe he (and the rest of the Democrats) needs to be reminded of the millions who are living in poverty without a fair shot at the "American Dream," the dream which (sadly) today is embodied in the middle class life style.

Tim Russert (A well entrenched member of the upper class), one of the moderators, directly referred to the lower class (while directing a question to Mr. Edwards) but condescendingly spoke of them as, "the poor folk."

There exists a great economic divide in this country. Take note John Edwards. America needs a candidate who represents ALL Americans. Not just the "Middle Class."

Learn more about this author, Arthur Daniels.
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