Should Politics Trump Marriage

Recently I was reminded that some honestly believe that in politics nothing is sacred, including the marital relationship. I am not referring to the current debate regarding the re-definition of marriage; rather, the issue of individuals valuing party politics over the marital bond. Remember the phrase, “To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part?” Well, in politics, to some this phrase is meaningless.

After reading an article written by Mike Baker with the Associated Press on WRAL.com regarding the hostile criticism of Elizabeth Edwards – the wife of former Senator and two-time Presidential candidate John Edwards – for her remaining silent about an affair he had with Rielle Hunter.

As I read the article, I was appalled at the treatment she is receiving because she desired to keep her marital relationship private. I remembered my marriage ceremony, specifically when the minister asked me if I took my wife, for better, or for worst…and I replied, “I do.” That “I do” did not include the phrase, unless it affects a political campaign.

To truly understand the depths of the insensitivity of many politically driven individuals, one only need to examine the last few years of Elizabeth Edwards life to understand that the indiscretion of her husband was more painful for her as a woman, a wife and mother than any other person could rightly comprehend. Over the last few years, she (and her husband) had to mourn the death of their 16 year old son, battle against breast cancer in 2004 and now deal with incurable bone cancer. In the midst of all these personal and physical challenges, she is also raising two young children; while maintaining her marriage.

Although there is no excuse for John Edwards’s reprehensible behavior, it is unconscionable to expect a wife to not support her husband. The vitriolic response to Elizabeth Edwards is unjustifiable and misdirected.

The outrage expressed by many who appear to believe that politics, or party, comes before marital commitment illustrate the true problem this nation is facing. We should be applauding and encouraging marital relationships, by reaffirming the importance and significance of the phrase, “the two shall become one.” These are not just mere words, but a basis of a lifetime commitment.

Isn’t the marital bond greater than that of a political bond? Would not every husband or wife expect their spouse to value them over a political party or cause? To expect less devalues marriage.

The comments shared by Elizabeth’s friend illustrate her heart and sentiment best when he stated, “She (Elizabeth) was angry and furious and everything, but at one point she had to make a choice: Do I kick him out, or do we have a 30-year marriage that can be rebuilt." She chose commitment to her marriage. In a time when divorce is rampant, she chose the difficult path…reconciliation.