Elizabeth Edwards

Similar responses by two national political figures to very different but apparently tough questions were in the news Thursday. Elizabeth Edwards’ response (”that’s … complicated“) to Oprah Winfrey’s question about whether she still loves her philandering husband John seems to have inspired Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He took a similar tack with his answer (”it’s … involved“) [...]

“Cancer sells.” It’s not a maxim in general use among the Mad Men (and women) in advertising today. But where political TV spots are made — at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue — it’s been a regular if somewhat surprising touchstone in campaign ads this election cycle. Why? Health care is a top election issue, political ads aim to impact emotions, and — as Brian Rank, a Twin Cities oncologist, puts it — “cancer is an emotional microcosm of health care in the United States.” The ads range from hard-hitting to soft focus, some citing specific, individual cases while others take a broad-brush approach. Seven videos and more, after the jump.

You are going to die.  Everyone you love and care about will, too.

That does not make you unique.  The same will happen to me, of course, and everyone else who is living today, just as it has happened to everyone who preceded us.  Humans are mortal.  Even if one believes in the afterlife, we know [...]