Flashback - John Edwards

(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Funny how sometimes, images look different through the prism of time. I photographed the former Senator John Edwards for SEIU back in August 2005. The shot above was always my favorite because of the intensity on Mr. Edwards' face and his piercing blue eyes. In the photo below, there was something so innately populist about the podium in the public square, the attentive crowd, the can-do rolled-up sleeves, the inexpensive, utilitarian wristwatch, and—of course—the gold wedding band. Symbols, all of them.

In retrospect, the recent events with Sen. Edwards sadly reminds me of something Thomas Jefferson once said:

"Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct."


(Click image for full size.) © William Anthony