As a Republican looking for some change, I have decided to vote for this man.

He is someone I can relate to personally, but his political stance also falls along my line on some issues (like giving full rights on gay marriage, even if you don't feel it's right because you're straight).

The most important reason I would support him is because I think he is what is BEST for this country… that's far more important than my personal beliefs…

I have to agree with Karen from Geneva, NY – well said!

Besides, who cares where they ate? The fact they've been together for 30 years accounts for something – especially given America's historic divorce rate these days! They must be doing something right.

You can buy a lot of Baconators charging $50K for speeches on poverty.

All of those railing against the Edwardses money wouldn do the same thing (buy a large home and eat at fancy restaurants) if they worked hard at putting themselves through college, law school, building a career, and enjoying the fruits of their labor – it's all about money baby and they worked hard for theirs… you can too – it's the American capitalist way… stop being jealous, get off you butt, and go make as much money as you can – that is, if you can you slobs

Ann in Chapel Hill wrote: "Too bad Elizabeth isn’t running!"

How about a senatorial campaign?

Some of you are missing the point here. Of course it is a calculated photo op! I don't care that he has money, however, flaunting it in front of us and talking like he cares about the poor shows he is a hypocritcal, misguided person who should not be trusted with our tax dollars. Americans won't be fooled by this nut!

I didn't realize Wendys was around yet in 1978?!

finally, a candidate that know how common Americans usually celebrate things. Nothing fancy, just a little time together.

Why not have the anniversary dinner at home in private? Looks to me like media coverage……very rich but trying to be regular folks! Must be nice having money and pretending not to have it….maybe he spent too much on the haircut and needs to save money for his campaing? In the end…media coverage.

To those who imply John Edwards can’t be truly concerned for people on the lower end of the economic scale because he is rich may I say that I am most thankful that there was once a very rich man who had a very big home who became president? He was even looked upon by members of his class as a traitor to his class. At 78 years old I thank Franklin Roosevelt and democrats for Social Security.

You KNOW Arnold Schwarzenegger the Terminator is going to order the *Baconator*!!! hehehe!!

BACONATOR FOR PRESIDENT !!!!

Come on now folks! You're telling me NOONE out there can tell me what the Edwardses ordered and ate???

How many of you out there think the Might "Baconator" was ordered by either of these 2???!?

This comment is for all of you that wrote something nasty or negative.

Get a life.

Are you so miserable that you have to be so hateful to others.

Why do you dislike John Edwards so much? What on earth has he done to you?

For once in your miserable life try to see something nice…. maybe then your life will become better.

they're so bogus it makes me want to puke.

Did John pick up a Wendy's Application?

I suspect he'll be looking for new work once this election is over.

Congratulations to John and Elizabeth!

It would be so great to have them in the White house!!!

I'm so sick of people who complain that "he should take better care of her." Well, this proves that he is doing just that! This is their "Anniversary tradition."

What do people think, that Elizabeth is supposed to climb in bed and wait to die? Many people are diagnosed with the same, and similar cancer, but they GO ON LIVING THEIR LIVES-raising their kids, going to work, doing the things that they love. Elizabeth is doing what she wants and loves!

where is Murfreesboro, TN? do they have any *Smurfs* there?!? hee-hee! What’s it like to live there?? thank you, Trixy.

Pam,

It's in the center of the state of TN, there are rolling green hills, open country side, and has a very high cow per capita ratio. The Boro rocks!!! Unfortunately the smurf population has dwindled significantly due to suburban sprawl.

It looks to me that Bush Co. is now paying bloggers to critisize each and every thing a Democrat does. The party of Family Values is such manure , that they can only attack. Even a simple picture such as the one you're all writing about is turned into shameful babble. Congrats to the Edwards' for being married for thirty years.

I am afriad that I am going to have dissent against the dissenters. I think making a mockery of anyones 30 wedding anniversary is pathetic. I'd like to see the percentages of Amerrican marriages that make it at least half that far in the modern age. Paltry, at best. Whether or not I would vote for the man has nothing to do with my most sincere congratulations to any one who can sustain a marriage for 30 years. Good on them, and shame on those of you so petty to make political stabs over this one.

And for those of you who claim that he's "politicizing" their anniversary lunch by contacting the press to let them know they were there, I dissent against you as well. As a member of the press (news director for 6 radio stations, I might add) please give us our due credit. I knew of this traditon previously, and I guarantee the local and national press in North Carolina knew it too. Any newsman/woman on the presidential political beat probably knows their underwear size and blod type at this point, and now they know wheteher or not they like the baconator or fescata sandwiches. These people likely did not need anyone to tell tehm what was going on today. They likely had half the Wendy's on the east coast staked out just in case.

For the record. I am not a supporter or his bid for the White House. But I do respect the committment and tenacity required to make a marrage last for three decades. Candidates and constituants alike could learn volumes, of they stopped pointing fingers and complaining about anything they get their grubby little mitts on.

"… they have to look around. Or a Obama who is muslim"

Nice to see Bigotry out here in full force!

"If only you people weren’t so stupid as to feel the way you do about people who have money. They are so blessed to have each other for so long. Others loose there soul mates early on. This is the kind of relationship I want to see in office. Not a Hillary and Bill who can’t keep each other happy, they have to look around. Or a Obama who is muslim, wake up america to what is going on in the real world, It is a shame you pick on love, when there are other important things in this world to worry about.

Posted By Kristen, Hiram, Ohio : July 31, 2007 3:24 pm"

I agree with you congratulating the Edwards on their anniversary, but I had to point this out. Obama is NOT a muslim! I don't know how this rumor took off the way it did, he is a Christian. I don't believe an election should be decided on one's religion anyway, but if you must, go look up the facts.

I have great admiration for both of them. They both are true leaders with great intentions and specific plans. He would make a wonderful President.

Very sweet!

I think it's pretty fun to read all of these quotes blasting Edwards for being rich, for paying $400 for a haircut, etc. Um, last time I checked, I didn't see any Republicans (especially not our President or Veep!) living in humble dwellings and dining amonst the common folk. Nope, more like mansions, sprawling ranches, countless millions in family money, etc.

So let's all stop blasting candidates for being rich. With a few exceptions (the ones who'll never get the nomination anyway…), they're ALL rich!

It's sad to see how so many people are taking a special, personal moment for John and Elizabeth Edwards and turning it into something political, trivial and down-right hateful. Does it really matter where they celebrate their anniversary? It’s their tradition, not yours. At least they can say they have had a long-lasting marriage. I hope that I can say the same at their age.

"Staged"? Can you think of anything that any of the presidential candidates of either party can do these days that doesn't have to be "staged" to some degree or another? You think Edwards can just walk into a Wendy's without having the media all over him? Of course there was someone there to take a picture. Those of you feigning such shock and outrage at this might consider using your brains.

BUT I have to agree….

This isn't a news item. Nor was it when I read about it in 2004. Nor was it, of course, back in the 80s when they were doing this for the same reason I imagine they're doing it today.

Please…at least he's not on his 2nd or 3rd wife like most of the "family values" candidates are. I'd rather go to Wendy's to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversay with my husband than to have one who cheats on me with hookers or leave me for a young bimbo.

If only you people weren't so stupid as to feel the way you do about people who have money. They are so blessed to have each other for so long. Others loose there soul mates early on. This is the kind of relationship I want to see in office. Not a Hillary and Bill who can't keep each other happy, they have to look around. Or a Obama who is muslim, wake up america to what is going on in the real world, It is a shame you pick on love, when there are other important things in this world to worry about.

Congratulations to Elizabeth and John on their 30th wedding anniversary.
What a sweet thing to return to Wendy's each year.
They are special people who know what real love is supposed to be like.

Hey Jacque…it would really be nice if you would post a source for that John Kerry commment.

Congrats to John and Elizabeth! May you have another 30 years together!

It's a tradition! Of course the media knows where they are every second of every day. And if not, someone would alert them.

Made his money off other people?? He took up for the injured party – NOT the corporations. Ever watch Erin Brockavich?

I just ate the "Baconator", large fries, and strawberry milkshake for my lunch today. whewww!! i feel kinda blecchey or something–i want to lay down and take a nap… PDC 'ya think?? PDC = Post-Digestive Coma maybe a chocolate shake would have gone better with the Baconator & Fries… What does everyone think?!? lemme know I am sooo DEFINITELY going to the gym-health club to-nite!!

where is Murfreesboro, TN? do they have any *Smurfs* there?!? hee-hee! What's it like to live there?? thank you, Trixy.

Happy anniversary, John and Elizabeth! I just got married and I truly hope that my marriage is as happy and loving as yours. We're praying for continued good health for Elizabeth!

Well whatever you think about them, 30 years is nothing to sneeze at I hope my marriage lasts that long. I know that a lot of hypocritical family values Republicans don't make it that long.

Just last week Elizabeth went on a tirade about supporting local farmers and eating locally grown foods. I'm sure those are North Carolina potatos that make up those french fries, and Chapel Hill beef and square tomatoes. Hey, I like the Edwardses, but if you are going to live the life of supporting local farmers, then do so. But you can't do that by eating at Wendy's.

ohhh my-my!! i'm a gonna CRY !! 'til the tears do dry! Why, why, why?!?

Wow! I never knew Bubba (Pres. Bill Clinton) at at McD's!! That would explain a LOT !! hehehe!! His "robust stature", Monica, etc. haha!!

Just two people eating dinner. Most Americans eat fast food. I don't think they called the local news agency and told the camera crew to meet them at Wendys. When you're in the spotlight, cameras follow you around.

This dude will be the democratic candidate, you'll see. He is the only one that is a member of the CFR (Council of Foreign Relations). From my memory, most presidents lately have been members. So perhaps we'll see some strange activity from Clinton and Obama to propel him up. There are other reasons why he stands out in the triade, but I'm sure you can guess what they are.

Don't be foolish and waste your time bashing him based on nothing. Some people are rich, some are poor. You shouldn't hate anyone. Everyone can have a good life if they give it a try, he did.

I'm not a democrat, but I respect him. Before anyone acts like satan and bashes what they do not know, consider the thoughts in your heart.

Peace to you.

I can't believe anybody can really be that upset about the Edwardses doing this. I can't stand John Edwards and his populist rhetoric. I don't vote for holier-than-thou politicians that pit American against American. But seriously, how can anybody be surprised about something like this and why would you even care?

CONGRATULATIONS to John and Elizabeth on the many years of happy marriage. You give FAMILY VALUES a good name again!
To all the haters, please. Elizabeth is a good woman with a terminal illness. Let's let them enjoy their marriage with kindness, class and consideration.
Yes, they are rich. Don't we all want to be?
Yes, he had a $400 haircut. Get over it. Ever heard of Prada, Versace, Gucci or Fendi? Those stores are in 90210 where he had the hair cut–it's the LA culture, people!
Yes, he has a big house. Don't most rich people? Doesn't Bush have a ranch in TX?
It's so funny the only things negative one can say about John are silly and superficial. Unlike a war, a hurricane, shall I go on, Repubes?

I think that they are truly in love. It's nice to see them smile with everything that is going on in their lives.

Some of you have nots sound bitter!

I am happy for John and Elizabeth and their 3 kids, and Wade's memory and their respective parents. Anyone who "sees" something sinister about this tradition is looking in a mirror. This family's wealth, and what they do with it has NOTHING to do with the presidency. What matters here is that after 30 years, WHEN he is elected president, no time will be wasted on personal situations like adultry and perjury. They will make a wonderful First Family!

Way to go John & Elizabeath. By the time Bush and his buddies get out of office I hope I can aford to eat at Wendy's. K C. Roanoke VA.

Blah, blah, blah…I hope all those of you republi-women happy about their cute “tradition” get taken to yuck Wendy’s for your anniversary…Oh, you’ll think it’s just aso dorable of your man, won’t you?

Posted By Pixie, Murfreesboro, TN : July 31, 2007 12:50 pm

I would appreciate it if you post your ignorance under your own handle instead of using mine!

thx!

Oh that so cute, oh that is so romantic, oh that is so polictical. Who other than a politician would have notified the press to be there. You idiots really don't get it do you. It doesn't matter if he is a Rep or Dem, it is just a political stunt that works great on women and others with femmine atributes. You know who I mean.

Having just recently observed our 30th wedding anniversary, we wish to extend our very best wishes to John and Elizabeth Edwards. Best wishes to them both.

Let me see if I got this correct. John Edwards, the son of a middle class factory worker who went to public school just like 90% of the rest of the middle class families, has the audacity to become a successful over achiever with a shot that office of President?

Hmmm…and I thought it was the American dream that anyone, even the son of a factory worker, could aspire in this great nation to become successful. I'm sure John Edwards' father, if he were still alive, would be very proud of the man.

I'm sure all you jealous whiners who are making fun of John as being an elitist hope that your own childrn grow up to be ditch diggers. Don't tell them to grow up to be successful because then they'd be just like John Edwards and heaven knows we can't have that.

I am getting married this Sunday, and I am obsessed with Wendy's food. Although I tend to vote Republican, this sounds like a tradition my future bride and I should adopt!

Oh calm down, I don't think they would want to make a publicity stunt out of their 30th anniversary.

who cares about how much money they have. just mind your business and stop trying to tear people apart.

We should all be so lucky to be with someone for 30 years.

What a bunch of losers some of these posters are who can think of nothing else to say other than another boring and irrelevant jab at his freakin' haircut! Like others have already mentioned, they did this for the first time 30 years ago when they were first starting out. There's no hypocrisy here.

Wendys. High fat, high grease, high persavtives, etc.,etc. Wonder how this fits in with her health needs and his idea of better healthcare? Does hedgefund own stock in Wendys? Just asking

This guy is the biggest phony in the world. He made his money as a lawyer in injury cases on the pain and suffering of others. Ask him how many times he ate at Wendy's in a year.

Reminds me of my parents! Think its great! Love John and Liz!

I think this is all a ploy by his spin doctors to combat the bad publicity of his $400 haircut. Are we sure they've done this every year?

I like how the complainers in this thread can turn something so sweet into another reason to be hateful.

Even under the worst case scenario the haters are painting, that in 1978 the Edwardses coldly calculated how it might reflect on them politically in 2007 if they were to eat at Wendy's for their anniversary every year, it would show admirable foresight, something that's sorely lacking in the current administration.

I wouldn't count on Bush to plan a successful trip to the restroom.

It never says that they don't eat in fancy restaurants….it says it is a tradition that they observe. Whose business is it if they later go to a restaurant that charges a million dollars a plate….it's their money.

1. All politician's are rich. Not sure why everyone thinks that John Edwards can't be an advocate for the poor by being rich. Do you have to be black to be a advocate for racial equality?

2. The media knows that the Edwardes celebrate at Wendy's. That's why there is a picture.

3. Being married for over 30 years is an accomplishment to be proud of. John McCain, Rudy, and Thompson can't claim that.

I just want to show my unwavering support for the baconator. Guys, do yourselves a solid and go get one.

This guy reminds me of a used-car salesman. It seems to me that many of the things he says he stands for are contrived to garner support. Frankly, I think that he is very pompous and will do or say anything to get a vote. I have never felt that he has my best interest in mind. Our country needs to be so careful when we elect our next president; there is serious business at hand that will have a lasting effect on us all.

Dave Thomas would have been proud!

has anyone out there eaten that baconater-burger and lived to tell about it? does it come with cheez?

Just use your bean for a moment. Why is this item even considered as news? It's because John Edwards lives in a world far, far away from "this America"! If not, it wouldn't register as any big deal.

The event was staged to evoke just the comments we see here: "ah, how cute! – can you believe that such elite people as the Edwardses can lower themselves (once a year) all the way to the Wendys level?" The answer is: only if there are cameras present and votes to be had.

Heck, Clinton ate at McD's all the time, and it wasn't because he was simply trolling for votes.

Good grief! Some of the poor spelling, writing, grammar and punctuation here on this blog are truly FRIGHTENING!! Proud to be an American?!? Judging by the [poor] quality of the writing here on this blog, it's more like ASHAMED to be an American!! The poor writing exhibited here further validates the DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA…shame. And to think we all get a FREE education, and still can't read or write beyond a 3rd grade level!! Wow!

How transparent; I'm not buying it. What's next?
Giuliani in a wife-beater
Clinton getting a tattoo
Obama on a Harley…

At lease they have a Wendy's to go to! Most of the ones in Western Mass are shut down!

We have so much respect for John and Elizabeth Edwards!!!! We support you in your endeavor to become President of the United States. May you enjoy your future lives ahead with good health and happiness.

"It never ceases to amaze me how many people are so easily taken in by charlatans and con-artists. What evidence does anyone have that this hairball has “family values”"

You mean Republican family values, like adultery, child molestation, rape?

They've been married for THIRTY YEARS! The Republican candidates combined couldn't fit their ex-wives on a Greyhound bus.

What happened to real news?

For the record this couple shows that hard work & education is rewarded.. Million dollar houses and $400 harcuts.. More power to him…! I smell lots of jealousy here… I'm going for a Wendy's Crispy Chicken.

BACONATOR!! BACONATOR!! BACONATOR!!

how much does the BACONATOR cost? how many calories does it have??

"Why are the Edwards haircuts such a big deal, yet no one mentions Romney’s $300 makeup treatments at the spa?"

Ryan, one reason and one reason only … Romney's a republican and republican's for some reason seem to be able to avoid these questions.

I'm blogging on here from now on!!

This blog is much more ROCKIN than the now-defunct AC 360 Blog!!

Thank you all !

My husband & I celebrated our 30th yeserday too. We had lunch at Arbys! It's not a question of where you celebrate or how much you spend, it's that you took the time out of your respective schedules to be together. And that's true the other 364 days a year too!

Yes–I too am voting for the "BACONATOR"!!! I've never had one but the photo of that Monster-Burger-Pup with–that's right SIX–6 slices of bacon almost made me puke!! A virtual CHOLESTEROL BOMBA!!

I remember back in the 2004 Presidential campaign the media showing them eating there and I thought that was a very sweet, down to earth thing to do. I may be gullible, but I absolutely believe that they ate there on their first anniversary (you have to remember this would've been back in 1978 when they were both just average, everyday people) and that it became a tradition. I know lots of people who have traditions about anniversary's, birthday's, etc … that may sound strange or unbelievable to others, but it means something to them and that's all that matters!

Congrats to both John & Elizabeth … 30 years … quite a milestone!!!

How cute. But maybe he should be focusing more on getting out of the Democratic second tier.

http://political-buzz.com/

I would never vote for a candidate who eats at a fast food resturant. Fast food is corrupting and destroying the U.S. and most of Western Civilization!
Obama, stay away!

Good for them. Its about the togetherness not the meal.

Give the Edward's a break. It's hard to appear so genuine and down-to-earth when you're not. All the play-acting must take a terrible toll.

This is from a person who started out sweeping floors in a cotton mill much like John's father. Congratulations!!! He remembers from where he came from…

Congratulations to Elizabeth and John! Being married for 30 years is almost unheard of these days….Oh BTW, I think Pixie is jealous that her boyfriend won't take her to Wendy's

You guys need to relax. Perhaps its not a political statement, or not some statement about living like the middle class etc. Maybe its just a nice tradition he has with his wife that they carry on, rich or not?

Yes I'm sure he has a big house and whatever. Take your tinfoil hats off for a second and think, maybe they didn't mean anything political by it at all?

The bigger question is how is this news?

I don't understand the angst here. They have a tradition that was started decades ago and continues today. So what if they are wealthy? Luck and financial acumen are good things. He's had $400 haircuts? And this bothers people why? Because they can't afford it also? Because it's excessive? I'm not bothered by people driving cars I can't afford or living in houses out of my price range.

Cut them some slack, they love each other.

I'm not sure why people are so angry. They obviously started the tradition when they did not have any money, and Edwards grew up poor. It's nice that they continue the tradition to remind them where they came from.

Can someone please tell us exactly WHAT the Edwardses ordered to eat at Wendy's?!? Any fries? Bacon-cheese burger(s)?!? Coke? Pepsi? Sprite/7-Up?? Salad? Chili?? Hungry minds want to know!! Wendy's beats McDonalds by a long shot!! Mickey-D's is TERRIBLE!!

Why are the Edwards haircuts such a big deal, yet no one mentions Romney's $300 makeup treatments at the spa?

I couldn't even find a CNN story on it, even in the Ticker, so here it is from another source, confirmed by his staffer – http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0707/4982.html

Wow. This entire Edwards outing is a facade. You sheepish simpletons just eat this stuff up. You must be the same people that sit on your butts and watch American Idol all day while slurping down a Whopper. Learn to think for yourselves for once.

I admire both John and Elizabeth Edwards. I think they are fine people – there aren't enough politicians like him around. He's genuine, kind and compassionate – who cares about how much money he has? All politicians are loaded.
I'd vote for John Edwards any day.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are so easily taken in by charlatans and con-artists. What evidence does anyone have that this hairball has "family values" – other than the fact that he has amazingly expensive tastes in houses and haircuts, and – according to John Kerry – is a cold, calculated liar with a nice smile and hair. The classic "looks without substance".

Hooray for Wendy's. My 16yr old just got his first job at minimum wage at Wendy's and has had an excellent training experience learing the give and take for work as well as in real life. Congratulations are definitely in order for the Edwards'. 30 years did not just happen…that's many years of give and take.

awww…how cute!!!!thats where me and my boyfriend also celebrate our aniversaty:)Que viva el amor!!!

I really want to think this is genuine
and not just polical BS. Nice picture! Who took it? To me this would be so much more believable if they were caught just using the drive thru. Congrates on 30 years! You can't put any spin on that.

What a nice tradition to observe, let alone 30 years of marriage.

That's so sweet. It's about being with each other and not where.

One of the primary reasons I could vote for Edwards is that, while he may be rich now, he wasn't born into wealth like so many of the other candidates. He made his own way up. The demos should look back and see what has worked for them in the past. Carter, Clinton and Gore were all southern moderates like Edwards. Every time the demos throw a northeastern liberal at the white house (Dukakis, Kerry, etc.) he bounces off.

Somebody send the Edwardses a copy of 'Super Size Me', please. I guess if they only eat at Wendy's once a year, though, they should be fine. Otherwise, fast food is some of the worst junk food you can eat.

For those who complain that "everything he does is political", I'd like to remind you… He's a politician!!! And sure, the Edwards campaign probably let reporters know where they'd be for dinner – The reporters probably know where both of them are every second of every day, anyway.

I think they copied from us, we lived in Raleigh, NC and all our family and friends thought in was so sweet that My ex and I celebrated with hamburgers, french fries,and milk shakes each year for 31 yrs, that was all we could afford on our Wedding day. Mostly at B.K., but, the children really looked forward to our anniversary each year, then of course, arter 31yrs. the bum walked out 6 yrs ago…….

Happy Anniversary Elizabeth and John and greetings from Canada.
May you celebrate many many more!

Does everyone notice that there is no one else in the Restaurant.This is a joke, trying to act like he's in tune with common folk.How many common folk have a Wendy's close down so they can eat.
If John edwars wins, I'll be a republican

Wow — I really want someone representing my country that has such good taste.

Blah, blah, blah…I hope all those of you republi-women happy about their cute "tradition" get taken to yuck Wendy's for your anniversary…Oh, you'll think it's just aso dorable of your man, won't you?

People! People! Get a grip!! Are we all so jaded that we can't take a minute and smile over a sweet, quaint tradition from an obviously loving couple? Sheesh…. give yourselves a break and just enjoy the photo. Then get back to your bickering.

The point is to celebrate the tradition and that even though they have gobs of money now, they didn't get it handed to them and actually had to work for a living. Plus, frosties are irresistible this time of year in Raleigh.

…and then after dinner he went to get a $400 haircut. How cute.

WONDERFUL!!! They are a great family and represent true family values. I admire them.

Many people can't imagine a wedding without a $25,000 reception and a $5000 dress much less being so practical as moving on your first aniversary. Therefore, it comes as no suprise that many people see this as a photo opportunity.

It's obvious the Edwardses love each other and have worked very hard in their resprective careers. Sure they have had good luck and more than their share of bad luck. They still keep working for all Americans and for one America. They seem to be truly thankful for the opportunities and remember that to whom much is given, much is expected.

That is something we all need to remember.

The Baconater is a good burger.

Maybe he should buy a million of them and share with the people that don't have as much, sorry, thats right, socialists only want to do good with OUR money. My bad.

Seriously, this is a good thing and it shouldn't be taken for granted, but the same people that hammer Romney for being "hokey" with his wife Ann, love these photo-ops with Edwards.

Politics aside, they both should be applauded for going through the trials of marriages ups and down while in the public spotlight. Not easy.

It's not like either of those two ever cheated on their wife with 4,5,6 etc, etc or more women.

How refreshing……. what a wonderful down to earth couple.
They are good for america.

This should not included as actual news. Having said that, good for them as a couple.

Hope the campaign bus has facilities on it.

It doesn't matter how much money you have or how much your house cost, it doesn't even matter if they go out and spend $1,000 on a dinner later. What matters is tradition. Tradition is what this country needs more of and it was part of the foundation of our founding fathers. 30 years is a long time for a marriage, especially in the political or public arena. Congrats to you both and I wish you many more yearly Wendy's meals!

30 years is amazing. I think the Wendy's tradition is really cute. Great way to remember how you both started off no matter where life has taken you.

It's amazing how bitter some of the posts are. Too bad people can't be happy for a couple that's been married for 30 years, lost a son and the wife has been battling breast cancer. I thought success was part of the American tradtion. Apparently, being bitter of that success is part of that tradition too.

Congratulations to Elizabeth and John on 30 yrs of marriage. In today's modern society 30 yrs of marriage is indeed a milestone and a reason to celebrate.

To all the petty negative bloggers:
- Since you weren't eating at Wendy's why do you care?

- If they have six mansions, and four beach homes it doesn't change their traditions.

Jealousy will get you nowhere as they say.

Happy 30th Anniversary!

They are a wonderful and loving couple. I hope they have many more.

Agreed RDJ! How DARE the man have the audacity to have MONEY! Didn't he get the memo where he was supposed to shun issues affecting the less well off once he made his money??

Could someone be more of a phoney – what a shock that everyone that man does is a politically calculated move? Wonder how the media "found" them to take this photo opportunity of this "common man" – not!

BEYOND LAME! Take better care of your wife…not like you'll win the election anyway- Duh!

Had a nice comment and my first of the day and a popup says I am posting too quickly???
Now I feel spiteful and wonder why no one has brought up the issue of trans fats.

ew, why? what a lame attempt to hang out with the commoners! not that there are any commoners in chapel hill…

John Edwards is loveing and handsom.
I Love his open smile and manner. Elizabeth is a lucky woman. Go John Edwards. Congradulations!

I've seen Senator Edwards at more upscale restaurants myself. I think what ticks Republicans off is that we have proof positive that one can be wealthy & be a Democrat.

Next thing, people will be complaining that you can't be for civil rights without being a minority. You can't be for gay rights & be straight. You can't be for women's rights & be a man.

If this tradition had only started 8 or 10 years ago, then criticize it all you like. But they've been doing it for years & years & decades. I think it's pretty cool.

Yay, they ate at Wendy's. What the hell does that have to do with anything?

John, since you've made 30 years of marriage to the same woman, can you teach Giuliani, Thompson and McCain how to stay with their spouses? I know they, as republicans have the market cornered on traditional values and all, but it seems you've actually got the better track record.

Is this his idea of damage control for getting his $400 haircuts?

The Wendy's is in the town of Carrboro not Chapel Hill. And for Deborah who posted her comment, they live in Orange county not Wake county. BTW, he made his own money and can spend it where ever he wants, stop playing the BS card of bashing him for being rich, even though he does not come from money and the fact that he is campaigning mainly on poverty issues.

What a wonderful tradition! It's those kinds of habits that keep a marriage going for 30 years! What a great example they are for the new "divorce" generation!

Congratulations to the Edwards family. I really like them, they seem very down to earth. People always complain about their money, but what politician does not have money? They do not act like snobs, and they seem very genuine to me. I seriously doubt if they ate at Wendy's, they immediately left for a fancy restaurant. And if they did, so what? The are a very admirable couple, for many different reasons. I wish them nothing but the best.

It's all they can afford after his haircuts

The plural is "Edwardses".

Congratulations John and Elizabeth on reaching such a rewarding milestone as 30 years of marriage! There is nothing BS about that!

Glad he got out of his mansion to meet the other America.

I think that's adorable.

That's sweet and down to earth. Who cares if they have a formal dinner elsewhere later? This is a way to remember their special day in their own special way.

That Wendy's had a sanitation grade of a "B" a few weeks back. In NC, to get a "B" on a restaurant inspection means that it's just filthy.
Now if he would be cool like his wife and show more support for gay folks, then he would get my vote. Too bad Elizabeth isn't running!

Wonder if they tried the new "Baconator"!!!!

After the cameras left, they headed off to a lovely lunch at the Il Palio Ristorante…

What a bunch of b.s. I have seen this couple out in Raleigh at the finest establishments around not to mention his million dollar house in Raleigh and his multi-million dollar beach house in figure 8.

Now that's American

I Think that is sweet. Nothing fancy. Just tradition. Congradulations to both of you.

haha that's pretty cute. I hope my boyfriend doesn't take a cue from those two though =P