It’s Not My Business

John Edwards’ wife has cancer, which has recurred and presents a very serious therat to her life. They have decided that he will continue to run for President. CBS News says that most of us agree with him.

Americans support former Sen. John Edwards’ decision to continue his bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination after his wife was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer — and by a margin of more than 2-to-1.

According to a CBS News Poll conducted in the two days following the couple’s interview by Katie Couric on “60 Minutes” this past Sunday, 57% of those who were surveyed said Edwards is doing the right thing by continuing to campaign. Less than half as many — 24% — said he should have suspended his campaign or withdrawn entirely.

I haven’t said anything about the Edwards’ decision for a couple reasons. First, it goes without saying that I feel very badly for the Edwards family and hope very much that she continues to live a long and happy life. I don’t really think that’s something I need to say, though from some sick reactions from White House Spokesman Tony Snow’s announcement that his cancer seems to have spread dangerously, maybe I do.

Second, I didn’t say anything because it’s really not my business. Whether John Edwards continues to run is entirely a matter for Edwards and his wife and family not for me. I think it’s a bit unseemly for them to go on national television and make it a huge public deal. It’s a heck of a lot more unseemly for the networks to make money off it and for us to keep goggling at them like they were freaks in a sideshow.

UPDATE: Just so it’s clear, it’s none of my business what family decisions the Edwards family makes because of her cancer recurrence. I don’t, however, think that he is particularly courageous for staying in the race, nor do I think his doing so says anything about his Presidential ability. He did what any spouse ought to do – talked over the options with his spouse and came to the options that satisfied them both given the circumstances. That’s not courage. That’s just the way a family is supposed to work. Edwards doesn’t get any extra credit for acting the way folks should act. Except for the part about going on national television. That was…well…kind of crass.

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