self-made millionaire

[gottaB]

I heard Edwards described on the bbc as a "self-made millionaire." Some of the American news media have used that phrase to describe Edwards, but I think more often than not they feature the right wing talking point that as a millionaire Edwards does not credibly represent the working people he champions.

Is it only rightwing conservatives who have given up on the glamour of the personal success story, the rags-to-riches tale so emblematic of the opportunity that exists in America? Or has the popular culture grown tired of self-made millionaires? Or maybe the Republicans in for a rude awakening come November?

If it was up to me, I'd take a self-made man over the fortunate son of a political dynasty any day of the week.

[AP]

1. Bush has failed his way to the top. He even lost his way into White House.

What kind of lesson is that for Americans?

[gottaB]

3. lol --lost his way into the White House

I don't see why they would want to talk about Edwards' career at all--unless they think by doing so we won't notice Bush's distinguished record of failure.

What an absurdity. Eesh.

[Cleita]

2. This was what my Republican father always idolized, the

man who rose from dire circumstances and made something of himself. (women need not apply). It was a path he himself followed and he did very well for himself. I know my Arkansas native father would have approved of Edwards, if he were a Republican.

Too bad a Democrat doesn't get the same approval.

[gottaB]

8. too sad

It just boggles the mind.

[olddem43]

4. He certainly can represent working people, as he has in -

his law practice. The only way he couldn't is if he forgot where he came from. That isn't likely at this point. The right wing continues to discredit and deny the very thing that they claim to be in favor of - the right for anyone to make a ton of money. Amazingly, they see no irony in that. I guess it would be better if he made his money in some stock swindle or by cheating little old ladies out of their life savings.

[Tellurian]

5. But then he'd be a Republican...

Yep, I'm very content with the choice Kerry made...although I was rooting for Clark. I still think Clark is a good man and worth his salt to be in Kerry's cabinet. We shall see if Kerry thinks so too..

[checks-n-balances]

6. Didn't you know by now that rethugs have different rules for themselves?

The right wing continues to discredit and deny the very thing that they claim to be in favor of...

They certainly don't deny themselves (OR their cronies) the ability to make a ton of money!

Amazingly, they see no irony in that...

But that would be expecting way too much, wouldn't it? I don't think many RWers are able to be reflective, self-critical, or detect irony. In other words, to be objective.

Another irony is that in trying to portray Democrats as being hypocritical in having two people on the ticket with some wealth betrays their own hypocrisy (for reasons you mentioned).

I guess it would be better if he made his money in some stock swindle or by cheating little old ladies out of their life savings.

LOL! Seems like that stuff is OK if rethugs are guilty of it - as long as they get rich in the process. But let the Clintons have a business deal gone wrong (Whitewater) years ago? They're worthy of millions of $ worth of investigation and pretty much considered guilty until proven innocent. (Perhaps if they'd made out like bandits from Whitewater they would've been worthy of praise. Oh well, except that they're Democrats.)

(Edited for grammar)

[olddem43]

7. Yep, we agree completely! - It is interesting that

none of them are beating up poor old Ken Lay. I am sure when this is all over, and after Bush pardons him, he will be down to his last hundred million or two, and they will treat him as the victim of the mean and vindictive left.

[gottaB]

9. Ken Lay as victim of the mean and vindictive left

Methinks it's already started.

My, but that #*@Cheney#@ Grandma Millie sure is a mean one.