It appears John Edwards may be suspending his campaign due to the health concerns of his wife…

Democrat presidential hopeful John Edwards focused on the health of his wife, Elizabeth, and his political future on Thursday, his personal and professional life inexorably linked.

The couple planned a news conference in Chapel Hill, N.C., to discuss their plans Thursday—a day after visiting doctors who are monitoring Mrs. Edwards’ recovery from breast cancer.

It’s not a way I’d want to see any candidate, whether I agree or disagree with their policies, go out.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family.

UPDATE:
Edwards has announced that his wife’s cancer is back, but “The campaign goes on. The campaign goes on strongly.”

So why the press conference? Why not just mention to the press pool following you what’s going on? This almost gives the appearance that he’s using the news about his wife’s health to re-energize his slow-moving campaign. It smacks of a focus group-driven, calculated p.r. stunt. I truly hope I’m wrong.

UPDATE 2:
Looks like I was right.

1. I hate to say it because I was sadden to learn that Mrs. Edwards was ill again, but this reeks of “Look at me! Look at me!” And that’s messed up.

   Comment by Birdy — 12:09 pm
   

2. Have to agree with the birdy. I hope his wife kicks him in the nuts for this stunt.

   Comment by MrCynic1 — 1:21 pm
   

3. “…focus group-driven, calculated p.r. stunt”

   Jonah Goldberg at The Corner blog did a slick take-down of Andrew Sullivan a while ago regarding the latter’s coverage of this — and JG’s right: contradictory statements by Sullivan seem to be “the norm” way too often. It’s spin at it’s best and ugliest.

   Comment by LarryFaren — 5:17 pm
   

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