who loved the moment when that guy asked Edwards what was wrong with america.

[illinoisprogressive]

that was such a poignant moment and he got that standing ovaition. amazing.
And I thought Edwards handled it just right with his clapping. you could feel him empathizing with that man.
I thought it wonderful

[saracat]

1. Me too.I thought it was a Debate highlight and more important than some of the negativity being

being highlightted by MSM!

[illinoisprogressive]

2. It really touched me. I thought that guy spoke for american people.

[polichick]

3. For me it was the most poignant moment of the night...

...and sad beyond words.

[rucky]

4. Sound bite of the night comes from a questioner.

:thumbsup:

[JohnLocke]

5. That was amazing.

[ecstatic]

6. Edwards had a slight gaffe

You're an example of what is wrong with America!

Huh?

[slick8790]

9. Yikes! Is that what he said?

Didn't even notice. Wasn't paying 100% attention, I had a lot of things distracting me. But I assume he meant that the questioner's situation is what's wrong with America. Hell of a soundbite though.

[Gelliebeans]

12. I believe that is exactly what he meant

Later on in the post program Keith Olbermann reiterated that very point.

[texpatriot2004]

7. I did and Edwards reply was very good. nm

[bunny planet]

8. I cried when that man finished asking his question.

And yes, Edwards gave a sincere and good answer.

[Gelliebeans]

10. I gave him a standing ovation

from my bedroom. He asked the right question.

[durrrty libby]

11. Edwards applauding was fine, but grinning from ear to ear when everyone

else had tears in their eyes was completely inappropriate. What was he thinking?

[polichick]

13. It did seem a little opportunistic...

He seemed to see (a little too obviously) his chance to launch into a talking point.

[durrrty libby]

14. Yep. "Hey your mama died. Woohoo. Lucky me"

Why do people miss such obvious preening?

[ecstatic]

15. lol. I was thinking the same thing, but didn't mention it

Thought I'd be accused of being petty.

[skids]

16. I think people were more applauding...

...the immense humility of the man for talking from the heart about why his situation hurt his pride as well as his self/family. I wasn't there but I didn't get the sense that the crowd was being somber about it, and the applause themselves made me smile at home. A very warm moment.

[Liberal Lassie]

17. PLEASE! Would somebody post a link? I missed it and am dying to watch. Thanx

[GreenArrow]

18. "grinning from ear to ear" -- he did exactly the same thing

when he "took responsibility" for his Iraq "vote" in one of the primary debates back in 2003/4.

[Hardrada]

19. Better grinning than smirking or looking superior.

Or snarling.

[GreenArrow]

21. is it?

I don't know if you've seen pictures of what we've done in Iraq, but it's certainly nothing to grin about, especially coming from someone who co-sponsored the IWR.

I assume you're talking about Bush and Cheney, and I agree; looking at those guys and their characteristic expressions ought to give anyone pause (if not nightmares) to anyone thinking of supporting them. Anyone who really, really looked at those guys would be able to tell what they are about. (An unsettling thought is that a substantial segment of the American population actually resonates with those sorts of personae). Nevertheless, speaking personally, inappropriate smiling and smug expresions don't go any further in establishing my trust in the person wearing them.

[Hardrada]

22. I have seen Edwards several times campaigning in my town

and he has never struck me as insincerely smiling. Perhaps sometimes a too reflexive smile but nothing creepy and Nixonian, for instance.

[iamjoy]

20. I Don't Think He Was

I don't think he was thinking about his expression, he was thinking about what the man said and what his response would be. I think that was his "game face."

I mean, if you want to get really analytical, why was the crowd cheering this man's hardship? Actually, I think it's a bit Pavlovian, Edwards hears applause and smiles.

I've seen him in different formats, and he never smiles when talking to people about their hardships. He really is NOT at his best in a debate, he's better in the town hall forum or rally.

The crowd seemed to respond to him, and the guy who asked the question was applauding the answer Edwards gave.

[sueh]

24. I was there. The crowd applauded this man because we could

see just how hard it was for this man to say publicy, on national TV, the medical and financial hardship he and his wife are suffering. I was applauding his courage.

[iamjoy]

34. And The Same Could Apply To Edwards's Smile

right? I mean, why read greed or avarice or political opportunism into his smile? Why not assume he was cheering and smiling for this man's courage? Smiling that there was some one who was willing to stand up and ask the question that needed to be asked because a lot of people are thinking it.

I dunno if it was really that or just a reaction to the energy in the room. You were there, so maybe you know, even though it was a horrible situation the man described, didn't it somehow create a lot of positive energy in the room?

Me personally, I wanted to cry at the man's hardship. It sounded like he was fighting back tears himself. And when he talked about his wife, I sensed that maybe this man felt a bit like a bit of a failure because he couldn't provide for her. I'm not saying I think it's his fault, just that I sensed a part of him may have or some one else may have given him that idea.

[jsamuel]

23. he was grinning ear to ear because the audiance was giving the disabled man a standing ovation

[Silver Gaia]

28. EXACTLY. n/t

[yy4me]

29. That is what I got out of the situation, it was a special moment.

[sandnsea]

26. speaking of inappropriate responses

why am I so not surprised this tacky-ass response is coming from you.

[mrgorth]

30. Agreed

This poster makes me nauseus.

[mdelaguna2000]

31. The compassion on Edwards' face was incredibly moving.

That was what I saw.

[Lugnut]

25. I had tears in my eyes.

Too many of our neighbors are in the same position that poor man is. It's unacceptable.

[janetle]

32. So did I--it was a great moment.

[sandnsea]

27. A turning point in America?

Wouldn't it be great if that guy became a symbol to every campaign of what needs to change in this country.

[rateyes]

33. I loved it...

and good for Edwards.

I also think Biden made a big mistake not answering the question he was asked.