Edwards Energizes Union Supporters on Morning of Caucus

Edwards supporters have been using the Des Moines United Steel Workers Union Hall as a campaign call center, and Edwards stopped there this morning for a quick “thank you.” A standard mix of Springsteen, CCR, Tom Petty, and The Rolling Stones played while campaign volunteers waited for the candidate. When he got there, you could tell he finally slept—his 36 hour tour ended last night at his John Mellencamp rally.

Iowa First Lady Mari Culver quickly introduced the candidate, and he gave a short speech outlining basic differences between himself and his Democratic competitors. “Two other campaigns believe that their money will make them inevitable,” he said before explaining that his relationship with overlooked citizens is more powerful than Clinton and Obama’s campaign finances. “We see you, we hear you, we embrace you, and we’re going to lift you up.”

He used familiar language, paused for raucous campaign chants, and even asked his supporters to go with him to New Hampshire after he wins here in Iowa. The rowdy gathering that packed the small room seemed ready to get back to work immediately after Edwards left. Labor’s support for Edwards—the crowd chanted “John loves labor, labor loves John” before he got off the bus—coupled with faithful supporters from 2004 and disenchanted Obama/Clinton Democrats are what keeps him competitive in this race. The latest polls are so close that when results come in tonight, Iowans may deliver him a surprise first or second place that will build momentum for his New Hampshire campaign. Some may even follow him there.

John Edwards Rally

From Ames, Iowa:

The busses split today so that one group could attend a John Edwards rally at the Union of Iowa State University about 30 minutes outside of Des Moines.  We arrived early, with not many cars in the parking garage.  The union had tables with John Edwards buttons and t-shirts as well as several volunteers asking us to sign in and pledge support to Edwards in the caucus.  Once inside the room, reporters ran rampant along every wall and a large American flag framed by two vertical "Edwards 08" posters along the stage.

The room quickly became quite full and warm, but was full of lively conversation.  One older couple from Boon, Iowa, answered several of my questions and offered several opinions on the caucus system.  They commented on a Clinton event they attended this morning and how it was incredibly unorganized.  The woman said that Clinton lost her vote today because, "If she can't efficiently organize an event like this, how can she expect to run our country?"  While both seem to be clearly aligned with Democrats, they have not yet made a decision.

Once Edwards took the stage, the conversations and clapping quieted as he began to speak about his blue collar roots.  In his twenty minute long speech, he was clearly trying to identify with Iowans by discussing his past and connections with the middle class.  He was very straightforward in much of his speech, identifying his stance on issues such as universal healthcare, immigration and corporate greed as well as foreign and trade policies.

He took questions from the crowd, in one such answer he outlined the types of people he will include in his administration as President.  "I want people who are talented, bright, strong and independent.  I don't want a bunch of 'yes' people...I want someone who will challenge me."  As far as a potential Vice Presidential choice, he hinted at a list, but insisted that whoever would be the counterpart of his ticket will have to be someone who shares his vision and will be able to continue his legacy in addition to being completely prepared and capable as a President, should he not be able to complete his term.

The crowd was very enthusiastic and receptive to the presidential candidate, with one woman verbalizing her conversion to the Edwards camp.  Cheering and clapping, sign waving, and a mad rush to converse with Edwards, the rally ended most certainly on a positive note.

To view John Edwards' speech given at Iowa State today, please see below:

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