WASHINGTON (AP) - Elizabeth Edwards, wife of White House hopeful John Edwards, says her choices in life have made her happier than Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton—a possible Edwards' rival for the Democratic nomination. "She and I are from the same generation. We both went to law school and married other lawyers, but after that we made other choices. I think my choices have made me happier. I think I'm more joyful than she is," Elizabeth Edwards said Thursday.
Speaking at a luncheon sponsored by the Ladies Home Journal, Edwards said she didn't know the New York senator very well but expects Clinton will be "a formidable opponent" for her husband, the Democrats' 2004 vice presidential nominee.
Edwards, who is promoting her memoir "Saving Graces," recalled when Clinton surprised her by showing up for dinner at the Edwards' home.
"Apparently, she had confirmed with John just a little while earlier, but (the) news hadn't reached me," Edwards said, according to a transcript provided by the magazine. "We didn't have enough shepherd's pie in the fridge so we ate salmon and cabbage—lots of it. She loves cabbage and so do I."
Edwards recalled how first lady Clinton deftly answered questions on Capitol Hill during testimony on President Clinton's health care proposal.
"As a woman, you couldn't help cheering from the sidelines. That will be a factor for John. She will be a formidable opponent," Edwards said.
A call to Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines for comment was not immediately returned.
