The wife of the 2004 Vice Presidential Democratic candidate John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, announced the day after the election that she had breast cancer. She had been cancer free ever since she was treated for that cancer.

John Edwards is one of the front runners among the Democrats who have announced that they are running in the primaries to be the 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate.

Today, It was announced that Mrs. Edwards has suffered a return of the cancer, this time in a rib and in her lungs. It is incurable, but can be contained.

They have elected to continue the campaign because the doctors said that the campaign will not impact on Mrs. Edwards' prognosis.

Would you vote for a man to be President knowing that if elected, the first lady might die while in the White House of cancer? Would you want to avoid the spectacle and distraction of the illness in the White House or do you think that their courage in running makes them more appealing candidates (for President and First Lady)?

Please vote for the general case. Do not consider John Edwards as the only person that could be in this position.

As a couple, the Edward's have agreed to seek a bid for the White House. Being in the medical profession and having read the proposed treatment plan, I don't think the cancer issue should be a factor. For now, it's a chronic illness that will lead to death in as little as six months but projected to be a few years. For THIS couple, a decision was made to not let her illness change the short and long range plans.

My vote would not be effected by a candidate's cancer diagnosis. Betty Ford was an alcoholic and many other presidents have had very personal issues to deal with while in office. Some were public and some we'll never know about. If the presidency were a dictatorship as opposed to a democracy with bipartisan houses, I might feel differently. How do YOU feel about it?

I agree with you Jack. I am going to work on my candidate's campaign.

I remember reading during the last election, when ask about her original cancer diagnosis, that she was unafraid to die, and looking forward to the day that she was reunited with her son.

If they have this attitude still, and it seems they do...then that takes the fear factor out of it somewhat.

As a cancer survivor myself, hearing of these cases always gives me a jolt---and I can be honest and say, I know I could not have handled it in the manner they are.

It won't affect my vote in any way.

Kat

Hey, TOM, nicely constructed poll. Sometimes when I try to create a poll I realize later that the options available don't cover some of the most likely responses. But this poll I think you've got the main things covered.

I am going to take the unpopular position, here.

I am awed by the courage of the family to take this step while facing cancer - but I would be very, very concerned that the treatments or failing health could cause serious distractions for the President.

Gosh, didn't we as a nation almost have a heart attack because our buddy Bill spent a few hours on the clock getting a little nookie? What about a guy who is justifyably concerned about his wife? How many hours might that take? Certainly more than a few.

Do we want a man who is distressed about his Beloved making major decisions that affect a nation? I mean, he has enough to worry about without Terrorism, Oil Shortages and Economic Decline.

I am not sure that the cancer, alone, would affect my vote - but it would certainly be a consideration.

I agree with you 100% Rene....you are not so unpopular!

I agree with you Rene. I know that if my DH were that sick I wouldn't be able to make tough decisions. I've also heard that if a spouse dies you should not make any life altering decisions. His decisions could be world altering.

I chose "wouldn't affect my vote" because I was not going to vote for Edwards anyway, which should not be a big surprise to anyone.

I do pray for Mrs. Edwards and the family as they face the continued battle with cancer. My heart goes out to them.

When you vote for the President, are you really voting for the First Lady too? I NEVER put that into perspective.

Why is this discussion limited to First Lady? What happens when we elect Hillary and Bill has a heartattack? Or any other illness. The fact that the spouse has an illness plays no bearing on who you vote for as President. After all, most of us cannot predict the future and you will run the chance of illness with anyone you vote for.