As the bid for the Democratic nomination for President moves into full swing following the Labor Day weekend, John Edwards is pitching his campaign to unions across the nation. Picking up the backing of the United Steelworkers and the United Mine Workers of America, he has highlighted his image of being for the American working middle class.
His vows to union leaders to make it easier to form unions may go over well with the union members and leadership, but is sure to draw criticism as well as opposition from businesses who would rather have their workers vote on union membership instead of just card signing events to have a union recognized in their place of business. Edwards is not the only candidate picking up endorsements from the unions, but he is the most vocal about going after the membership’s votes.
While there are many who believe that John Edwards is a viable candidate for the nomination, and could maybe defeat a Republican, others fear that he has some underlying issues in his person life that could detract from his campaign as well as his possible time in office, should he win. He has often counted on his wife Elizabeth and her unerring belief in his candidacy, to speak out on his behalf, her illness could be a distraction on a personal level.
While the Edwards will not discuss personal health issues on the campaign trail, there are those who feel the issues have to be addressed, at least in private, and that they could blur some of the focus of the travails of a national campaign.
According to USA Election Polls (USAElectionPolls.com), Edwards has an overall standing of 14% at this time and has a steady hold in the Southern and Western states. His progress is growing steadily.
