John Edwards and His Populist Appeal

'The Sleeper': Readers of our profile of the strategies of John Edwards's campaign respected his hard work and triumph over hardship, but said we should vote based on policies, not "on the everyman quality that's so appealing." One physician complained that after suing doctors and contributing to the high cost of medical care, Edwards "now wants to charge back into the mix and save us with universal heath care." But others thought his expertise as a trial lawyer might be an asset. "It is too seldom that we have an advocate of his magnificent negotiating skills."

On 'A New American Holy War': "With Mike Huckabee's surge in popularity, at least I can feel he's sincere about his faith, if a bit naive science-wise. Seeing Mitt Romney's courting of the religious right, I can't help but wonder what he really believes."
Ron Clearman, Pinson, Ala.

Edwards ' s Sleeper Campaign
Thank you for showing that there are three, not two, front runners in the Democratic presidential field ("The Road Warrior," Dec. 24). John Edwards may not make as sexy a story as the first viable black candidate or woman candidate, but Edwards is the real Democrat in this race. He may look soft, but he is a man who has fought the corporate goliaths and won. He has endured personal tragedy and persevered. He rose from a humble background and wants everyone to have the same chances he had. This is someone I want as my president. Isn't it funny how the Southern white guy is the one real progressive among the top three?
Jill Cozzi
Washington Township, N.J.

Your cover story on former Senator John Edwards told me about his family and his college years, and much about his campaign strategy. But if I based my decision for Edwards solely on your article, I would know only that he's a populist and a skilled campaigner. I'd certainly have no notion what his specific ideas on welfare or foreign policy are, or how he intends to implement those ideas. More policy information would be helpful as I make my voting decision.
Athena Dalton
Longmont, Colo.

It is obvious that John Edwards truly is a hard worker and has been successful in his endeavors. But this is true of the majority of candidates running for president. The electorate must consider whether the skills that candidates learned throughout their careers will lead to success in the presidency. As the most challenging issues that lie ahead for the next president include improving foreign policy, health-care reform and restoring the middle class, Edwards's success as a trial lawyer will provide little in terms of preparation for these tasks. The "populist" fa?ade and rolled-up-sleeve appearance that he sports cannot disguise a career built on multimillion-dollar settlements against health systems and corporations. The net result of his career success has been to further undermine the appropriate allocation of health-care resources.
Leonard Johnson
Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.

Threatening Conversion
I was quite disturbed by Lorraine Ali's article about Justin Fatica, the self proclaimed prophet who is hellbent on "raising up warriors for the Lord" ("For the Love of Christ," Dec. 24). If he were yelling about UFOs, he'd be labeled insane. If he were yelling about Islam, some might call him a terrorist. Instead he's yelling about Jesus Christ. And there are parents who willingly allow this to be perpetrated on their children? Screaming at a girl until she's on the verge of tears? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's how Jesus would have handled it.
Arthur Morison
Ellsworth, Maine