University of Virginia Library

Edelson Reiterates Viable Candidacy

Local Lawyer Attacks
Agnew, Vietnam War

"Let me assure you, Harry Byrd is not
going to have this particular candidate for
breakfast," Alvin "Skip" Edelson, Democratic
candidate for the U.S. Senate,
announced to the audience assembled at
last night's Young Democrats meeting.

Mr. Edelson, in his second campaign
speech at the University, proclaimed that
he is indeed a "serious candidate,"
although some newspapers, notably the
Washington Post, have made statements to the
contrary.

Making reference to the controversial term,
the "Silent Majority," Mr. Edelson stated that
"If there was ever a so-called silent American, I
suppose I would fit the definition as well as
anybody."

He then made mention of the life he had
been leading prior to the announcement of his
candidacy. "Until this year I spent most of my
time trying law cases, drinking beer and rooting
for the Washington Redskins.

Moving on to the popular brunt of many
contemporary political jibes, Mr. Edelson spoke
about Vice President Agnew and his most
recent statements. "I have not cleared this
speech with any board of censors from the
White House and I don't intend to."

"You can imagine how astounded I was to
read and hear that Mr. Agnew, whom I regard
almost as a royal personage, was really just a
stereotyped representation of the American
middle class, and represented what I was
'silently' thinking," Mr. Edelson stated, combining
thoughts on both Vice President Agnew
and his conception of the definition of the
majority.

Later in his speech, Mr. Edelson denounced

the U.S. Vietnam policy. "I suppose it is a
pleasant prospect that one can avoid the
unpleasant duties at home by indulging in
activities abroad."

Concerning the Southeast Asia controversy,
Mr. Edelson queried, "Why can't we leave? If a
mistake has been made, then that mistake must
be corrected. This country is too great to be
concerned with false pride. This country's
greatness lies in its willingness to do what is
right."

Mr. Edelson proposed a mutual cease fire.
Further, he felt the necessity of having an
international force on hand to guarantee
personal safety and a "free plebiscite, to let the
people of South Vietnam determine their
political course, once and for all time."

Tractors, seed, and good will, according to
Mr. Edelson, would be more beneficial to the
people in Southeast Asia than the infantry
divisions which the United States is presently
providing.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Edelson commented
that it is "time to heal the nation's
wounds, and for our young people to talk with
us, and if need be, to lead us, so that America
can take its place of leadership in the future
and say goodbye to the past."