Democratic presidential hopeful and U.S. Sen. John Edwards spoke to 500 people in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union Wednesday, telling the crowd he would pave his road to the White House with optimism.

“We don’t need more anger in this campaign; we need answers,” he said. “Leaders don’t need to talk about the policies they’re against — they need to talk about what they are for.”

He spoke about the dangers of corporate lobbyists and said democracy was under attack from special interest groups.

“Lobbyists have found an ally in Bush and he is unwavering,” he said.

His solution was to enact laws that would limit the powers of lobbyists and increase social programs, such as Medicare and alternative energy, that would decrease the roles of private companies.

He likened himself to Teddy Roosevelt by promising sweeping social reforms on the scale of women’s suffrage, large-scale conservation and breaking up monopolies. He also said his middle-class background would be one of his greatest assets.

“In America, the son of a mill worker can still beat the son of a president,” he said.

Edwards, who is in fourth place in Iowa polls, was considered a top-tier candidate when he entered the presidential race. He was believed to be able to carry Southern states due to his North Carolina roots.

However, many supporters jumped ship after Edwards voted in favor of the war in Iraq and threw their support behind Howard Dean.

Michael Horn, ISU alumnus, said Edward’s progressive platform could hurt him in Iowa, which was more conservative. He said Edward’s message would appeal to moderates, but not to those farther on the left — which are a necessary group to win in order to grab the presidential nomination.

Beth Wilson, junior in management and president of Students for John Edwards, believed his optimism was the necessary alternative to Dean’s anger.

“He believes in America,” she said. “His campaign is based on trust, not negativity.”

Wilson strongly believes Edwards will make a decent showing in the Jan. 19 caucuses. “After seeing what he stood for, I believed in his campaign,” she said.

She said Edwards’ best chance for winning is appealing to the large number of Democrats who are still undecided. She said the voters who are deferring their decision will keep hope alive for his campaign.