John Edwards’s Secret Weapon

Everyone knows that John Edwards’s secret weapon is his wife Elizabeth. She wows ‘em wherever she goes. She finishes his sentences, sometimes even starts them. She is genuine and warm and funny and very smart. She has what all of us in the business describe as a “great political gut.” Her instincts are excellent. She is a tremendous asset on the campaign trail.

But Elizabeth Edwards is not the secret weapon I want to write about. The one I have in mind is his chief adviser, former Michigan congressman and Democratic Whip David Bonior. He is in the background, as any good manager should be, but his ideas and his steady political hand are very much on view. 

Bonior has guided Edwards to focus on a strong populist message, refining his “two Americas” theme from 2004. He has the right combination of strong knowledge and expertise in policy and how to run good campaigns. He is immensely popular among labor and has strong connections with Democratic Party activists. As the minority whip in the House, Bonior took on Newt Gingrich, was a leader opposing the NAFTA trade agreement and forged strong alliances with environmentalists and blue-collar workers.

Bonior also understands grassroots politics. Our firm worked with Dave Bonior in all his House races since 1990 and his primary for governor of Michigan in 2002. My partner, Tom King, was always impressed by Bonior’s steady hand and ability to think “outside Washington.” In the very first campaign for which Bonior ran TV ads he told us the story of his first race for Congress when an ice storm destroyed thousands of trees in his district. He and his volunteers went door to door passing out pine seedlings across the district, eventually passing out over half a million over the years. We created a TV spot that focused on Bonior’s connection to individuals and the program that he started. Make no mistake, Dave Bonior understands retail politics as well as he understands the intricacies of a healthcare bill.

John Edwards may not win the Democratic nomination, but keep your eyes out for David Bonior’s capable and compassionate hands on his shoulders. Should Edwards surprise the insider Washington political pundits, Bonior will have a lot to do with that surprise.