I will be the first to say that I am a cynic—which is why I have mixed feelings about John Edwards’ participation in the Service Employee International Union’s (SEIU) “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program last week. Unfortunately, with all the hoopla around the Imus controversy (and perhaps some campaign fatigue as well), this story didn’t make a huge splash in the media. But, should it have?
The story has potential—Democratic candidates are asked to spend a day shadowing a union member at work and at home. So far, Edwards is the only candidate to fulfill his commitment—Clinton, Richardson and Dodd have also agreed to participate. During his day (last Wednesday) Edwards worked with Elaine Ellis, a nursing assistant at a nursing home in New York state. He met her at home at 5 a.m. and assisted the single mother of four with her duties throughout the day—even shaving a resident.
My gut reaction is that this is just another photo opp; especially with a mass of photographers surrounding him and a camera crew from Good Morning America in pursuit. How can that help Edwards truly experience a day in the life of a low-wage worker? Wouldn’t it have been more effective if he did so quietly, without the media? (Who am I kidding—no one would give up an opportunity like this).
And let’s not forget, the SEIU is extremely influential—all of the candidates want its support. The union’s 1.8 million members are the classic Democratic base of hardworking individuals. This is just as much an opportunity for the SEIU to flex its muscle as it is for Edwards to shine his halo.
Nevertheless, I do think it is a smart PR move. A lot of people may, and should, question the authenticity of the experience. But, I admire Edwards’ willingness to roll up his sleeves and actively participate rather than just doing so in spirit only. The fact that Ms. Ellis contributed a first-person account to his blog is just the cherry on top for the campaign.
This was clever on Edwards’ part-especially taking into account criticism from the 2004 election that painted him and Kerry as aloof, elitist snobs. If he didn’t get to truly inhabit Ms. Ellis’ day, at least he made an effort. Isn’t that what we all learned to do in elementary school? Just try? Good for him.
