Killing 2 birds

Edwards walks picket line in Chicago, shoots commercial

August 4, 2007

BY BEN GOLDBERGER Chicago Sun Times Staff Reporter

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards films a campaing commercial after walking a picket line with striking hotel workers in front of the Congress Hotel on Saturday in Chicago.
(John J. Kim/Sun-Times)

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards killed two birds with one stone Saturday, briefly walking the picket line with striking Congress Hotel workers while simultaneously shooting footage for potential campaign promotions.

The former North Carolina senator, who is campaigning as a champion of the working class, spent nearly 10 minutes walking the picket line with unionized employees from the Michigan Ave. hotel, who have been striking since 2003 over substandard wages and health benefits.

“Your cause is the cause of working people,” Edwards told the strikers. “Making sure that those who work earn a decent wage, get health care coverage and can actually support their families and their children.”

The picket was a return visit for Edwards, who marched with the strikers four years ago during his last presidential campaign.

“I was proud to be with you years ago, I’m proud to be back with you now,” Edwards said to cheers. “Your cause is my cause.”

In addition to reaffirming the blue collar thrust of his campaign, Edwards’ tour on the picket line was fodder for future campaign commercials and online spots.

As is common in current political campaigns, an Edwards-affiliated videographer was shadowing his candidate’s every move.

After walking the line, Edwards stepped in front of his videographer and, with the striking workers in the background, declared, “I’m John Edwards and I approved this message.” Then he hopped into a maroon minivan--one car only, no motorcade-- and zipped down to McCormick Place to face the liberal bloggers at the YearlyKos convention.

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"The picket was a return visit for Edwards, who marched with the strikers four years ago during his last presidential campaign."

How convenient to show up to a picket line only when re-running for president, and use it as a backdrop to your ad.

"Your cause is my cause."

Sure. I'll give him this, though it was a good logistics move. Great scheduling.

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PS - what Union audio professional would let the candidate's mic cable be seen like that?

Can I see your Union cards? I'm going to have to see your Union cards. Well, I'll have to talk to Bob, the owner, to see if I can have you perform on waivers... for tonight...