Perhaps, John, when the press comes sniffing around looking for a quote from you about how one of your rivals — you know, the girl — had an “emotional outburst” and What It All Means, you might want to think about the message your response will send to female voters:
ABC News’ David Muir, Raelyn Johnson and Sunlen Miller Report: Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., on the tail end of his 36-hour campaigning marathon in New Hampshire on day before the primary vote, reacted to rival Sen. Hillary Clinton’s emotional moment Monday.
Edwards offered little sympathy and pounced on the opportunity to question Clinton’s ability to endure the stresses of the presidency.
“I think what we need in a commander-in-chief is strength and resolve, and presidential campaigns are tough business, but being president of the United States is also tough business,” Edwards told reporters Laconia, New Hampshire.
Earlier in the day, Clinton became emotional when speaking to a group of voters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire….
Edwards jumped on the chance to express his readiness to face the strenuous demands of the presidency: “What I know is I’m prepared for that and I’m in this fight for the middle class and the future of this country for the long haul, through the conventions, straight to the White House.”
Well, I suppose it’s something that he didn’t tell her to iron his shirt.
And here comes Elizabeth to cover his ass:
However, in an interview with ABC News’ David Muir, Elizabeth Edwards offered more compassion than her husband. She noted that everyone on the campaign trail can relate to how grueling the task can be. In the end, Elizabeth Edwards did not pass on the political opportunity and added that voters will decide whether or not they want to see watery eyes.
Later, at another campaign stop, Edwards appeared to adopt his wife’s more sympathetic tone.
“These campaigns are very grueling,” he said, “they’re tough and difficult affairs, running for president is a tough process.”
You know what else is a tough process? Overcoming your ingrained sexism and not taking the bait when a reporter wants you to agree that a woman is too emotional to be President, John. Perhaps you should give it a try. Observe:
During a campaign stop at Jake’s Coffee in New London, New Hampshire, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was also asked to comment about Clinton’s teary moment.
“I didn’t see what happened,” he said, but added, “I know this process is a grind. So that’s not something I care to comment on.”
Standing up to gasbags like Bill Donohue is tough, too, John, but you couldn’t manage that, either.
via.