Edwin Edwards, “Un de Nou Autres” “The Last Hayride” by John Maginnis is a non-fictional narrative of Louisiana politics which follows the 1983 governor election. Maginnis describes how Edwards, a Democrat in the Deep South, beat his GOP opponent Dave Treen for governor in the midst of the Reagan years, which were unfavorable times for Democrats. Edwards won the 1983 election because he amplified his strengths against his opponent’s weaknesses. Edwin Edwards proved he was capable for the position, he had a weak opponent, and he was popular. During Edwin Edwards first two consecutive terms in office, he accomplished much that directly impacted the people, which proved his high potential to become governor in 1983. For example, when he was governor during his 1972 term, personal taxes had gone down. This led to industrial expansion and personal income growth. He also started massive construction projects while in office like a North-South highway for the state, a Mississippi River bridge, and a second downtown bridge for New Orleans. According to Maginnis, Edwards was able to “leave office more popular than when he came in.” Furthermore, Edwards enacted several government reforms. For instance, he broke up …show more content…
Treen’s campaign was ineffective because the bulk of it was based around his morality, and not about his will to get things done in office. Moreover, Treen’s track record in office fell short of Edward’s record. Maginnis believed that “given the immense personal power attached to this office” people chose to vote “not on a political or moral basis but on a psychological one.” In contrast, because of Edwards’ captivating, go-getter personality, the people felt he was a more effective leader than Treen (pg. 72). The public wanted a self-confident, assured person in office who was a “winner” (pg.