Edwards: Breaking Out?
At first, this cover (released December 17th) seemed like Newsweek hedging its Iowa bet. Recent media chatter has it, however, that the anti-corporate message might be gaining traction (as if it hasn't had it all along).
With the rolled up shirt sleeves and the loose collar, the pic reinforces Edwards' everyman/working man message. The sexual element -- with Edwards practically busting out of the layout in the act of either dressing or undressing -- doesn't seem to hurt either.
Above all, though, the tone seems to emphasize the stark and unforgiving dichotomy Edwards draws between America's haves and have-nots. Whether or not you find him a believable messenger, the impression is: he has distinguished himself in Iowa by forsaking the center, taking a black-and-white ideological stand, and sticking with it.
The Road Warrior (Newsweek)
(h/t: Martin. image: PRNewsFoto/Newsweek via YahooNews)
Yes. Edwards sticks to his message because it's right and he knows it's right. Thank God for that.
Posted by: webmaker02 | Dec 29, 2007 at 10:53 AM
You can read another message into the cover. Does the red-black-white color scheme remind you of anything? A slightly built strident looking man peering at you intently, with those dark shadows under his nose? Is somebody trying to remind us of the dark side of populism? And "sleeper" has definite negative connotations these days...
(I'm not entirely serious about this reading, but how does this interpretation effect how you see the picture?)
Posted by: kvenlander | Dec 29, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Guess my synapses aren't working today because I don't get the red-white-black reference of kvenlander. But "the sleeper" fits right in with the MSM's undermining-while-featuring the candidates they don't want to win. So much for fair and balanced news reporting. The sleeper as in sleeper cells as in be afraid, be very afraid.
Poll takers know that if you set up negative imagery then ask if you will vote for Hillary, they will likely get a negative response. Here they are showing a sexy, walking to the future image of a candidate backed by fear of the unknown dark zenophobia. Cute.
OT but interesting: whenever Thom Hartmann does a quickie "if you voted today" poll, the results are always hands down and by far for Edwards. By 10-1 or so.
Posted by: Cactus | Dec 29, 2007 at 04:14 PM
Black and white - pshaw! The pose suggests that he's wearing a blue undershirt with a big red 'S' on the front.
That's my response, but I guess we're supposed to think "There's John, looking in the mirror again." Well who wouldn't be, after a nap on a bus.
Posted by: Stella | Dec 30, 2007 at 04:56 AM
red white and black.
Posted by: kvenlander | Dec 30, 2007 at 10:36 AM
I like that the stark black and white is not flattering to his looks. This is definitely not a "pretty boy" image. He looks capable, intense and a bit dangerous, all of which, I think, are positive and refreshing readings by the MSM for a Democratic candidate.
Posted by: 14All | Dec 30, 2007 at 10:43 AM
kvenlander: Got it! just never heard it called red white and black.
Posted by: Cactus | Dec 31, 2007 at 03:45 PM
I'm with 14all - capable, intense, and a bit dangerous. I so enjoyed taking my father down a notch when he brought up the $400 haircut (dads a repug) by saying - "hey! This guy was born poor, and made his millions the AMERICAN way, he *earned* it. Why do you have a problem with where he wants to spend his money?"
He didn't respond, but will be voting for Thompson. gag.
Posted by: sravana | Dec 31, 2007 at 04:01 PM