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As to Politico, I’d observe that there are a lot of hill staffers who still have subscriptions to The New Republic. Doesn’t make TNR any less pathetic, you know.

I could probably limit the scope of my decision on whom I think should be President to campaign promises and detailed white papers about policy initiatives that will never, ever go anywhere in their current interation. Or I could also look for someone whom I trust. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to be edgy about a man running an organization that stages such a well-managed production to announce a spouse’s serious and life-threatening illness–especially if he doesn’t think it should affect his campaign.

**

Incidentally, not everyone shares your judgement of the Politico as a publication. I know several folks who don’t consider it a primary news source but still respect it and read it as a trade publication; many of those people work now for John Edwards and are on familiar terms with the writers.

Also, don’t blame Politico’s sad little operation on the Edwards campaign. They’re one of the least impressive big business forays into online journalism I’ve seen.

And really, if something like this is what your political judgments turn on, I’d urge you to be a little more thoughtful about your vote.

I’m honestly a little disturbed that the Edwards’ campaign made such a huge production about the announcement. I was very reserved about sharing my mother’s cancer with people, and even years later it’s not something I broadcast out to people (except, perhaps, anonymously). Staging a press conference and feeding a misleading tip to the Politico in order to build buzz (for who else could have leaked Elizabeth’s cancer diagnosis but someone close to Edwards?)…it all smacks a little bit like an earned media event as opposed to a personal disclosure.

I hope that Elizabeth is as forunate with her treatments as my mother was with hers, and I wish her and John the best in their personal lifes. Politically, though, I don’t think I’ve ever been less likely to vote for the guy.