I’m in Aspen raising money for www.friendsofneworleans.org Yesterday, I had a chance to talk to John Edwards. First, I thanked him for agreeing to write a letter of endorsement to support www.womenofthestorm.net in its effort to bring one of the final 2008 presidential debates to New Orleans. Then, I asked if he would help us reach across the aisle and get more Republican buy-in for the idea. His response: “…have to think about that one. I’ll get back to you.”

Come on, John, this is no time for partisan hand-wringing. We are dealing with an urgent issue and I expect that you will keep your word and get back to me about the issue, preferably with the courage and insight to do something simple and right — help us get support for a debate in New Orleans from both sides of the aisle.

Walter Issacson and John Edwards I got to sit next to him. At the podium

I don’t want to come down on him too hard since he did announce his presidential candidacy from New Orleans, but still, we have a lot more work to do and we need to do it together. That’s the kind of leadership I want to see from my next president.