I'm sorry, how is that wrong?
Edwards is not using Reeves against the Republicans. He is saying that his administration will work towards beating the maladies that beset people like Christopher Reeves. As a spokesman for his spinal debilitation and advocate for Stem Cell Research he obviously was ok using his name to further these goals. Nothing is wrong with using him positively .
Nowhere did Edwards say that Bush enjoyed watching Reeves waste away in his wheelchair, petting his scottie, while laughing maniacally.