John Edwards, Done with Politics
"In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic... " -John Edwards, former Democratic candidateI find this such an interesting admission.
Rush Limbaugh calls Mr. Edwards "the Breck Girl", hearkening to the old shampoo label with the beautiful girls sporting perfect hair. He has a winning smile and is a very attractive man. John Edwards definitely looks the part of celebrity.
I don't like the man's politics and I despise his personal sin here, but I think this is a refreshing statement. He says of his downfall: "I started to believe I was special." How many of us would admit that?
posted by Rose~ at 8:25 AM
6 Comments:
This is a valuable lesson that many of us, not just politicians need to pay heed to.
I can't help but wonder, though, if this statement will cause any other politicians to take a hard look in the mirror (other than to fix their hair, of course).
By
Anonymous, at 8/11/2008 11:07 AM
I wonder about that Nighline interview where he said that.. seems that his introspection is a bit egocentric and narcissistic.
My response to Mr Edwards is "shut up".. I am not interested in your excuses.. talk it over with your therapist.. not a TV reporter.
By
kc bob, at 8/11/2008 12:56 PM
It seems to me that Mr. Edwards began working to mitigate the damage from the very moment it became obvious that his indiscretions could no longer be covered or denied.
I mean, it is one thing when a man, under no other conviction but that of sin itself, begins to reflect on his own wretchedness, and finding himself to be a wretch confesses to, say, engaging in an ongoing adulterous affair at a time when cancer was ravaging his wife's body - even if doing so would destroy his career.
It is quite another thing to carry on wantonly in your sin, right up until the very last moment that it becomes obvious that you will be found out - and then thereafter - deal with your wretchedness by trying to reduce the fall out as much as possible.
I don't see his remarks as terribly refreshing - I see them as being likely the disingenuous remarks of a man who has made his living off of saying the right thing in the right way at the right time - and who knows that the best P.R. posture he can take at the moment is one of verbal humility.
Let this man show deed meet for repentance, and I shall find his remarks refreshing - not because of the noise the words in my ear, but because of the noise repentance makes in one's heart.
By
Daniel, at 8/11/2008 5:27 PM
I once fancied myself a savant
but have found myself to be pound-foolish and insentient.
By
Antonio, at 8/11/2008 7:54 PM
Gordon,
Yes, narcissim is very dangerous.
Bob,
I didn't see the interview. I am not surprised at how you describe it. I read the quote in an article and reacted to it at face value. You are probably right.
Daniel,
You are probably right too. It seemed to me that he was recognizing the underlying sin - the narcisism - and I was sort of surprised at that. But... having not read enough about it and not having seen the interview, I am really ill-equipped to comment much more on it.
By
Rose~, at 8/12/2008 8:22 AM
Antonio,
I had to get out my dictionary for that comment! I think I know what you are trying to say. Very clever.
By
Rose~, at 8/12/2008 8:23 AM
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