Ames visit increases support for Edwards

Myron Peto

Senator John Edwards, D-North Carolina, made a campaign stop in Ames Sunday, coming to a packed house where more than 100 people gathered to listen to the presidential hopeful.

Terry Lowman, 3425 Valley View Rd., said he would have turned on the air conditioning sooner if he would have known there were going to be so many people in attendance.

Edwards shook hands, gave a campaign speech and answered questions from the crowd. From the time he walked in the door to when he drove away waving to the crowd, his campaigning gave the appearance of a well-oiled machine, with no movement left to chance.

Upon arriving, he began greeting many interested citizens who filled the house, stopping at one point for a routine photo opportunity with a young boy. Edwards’ handlers kept him moving in order to keep up with his planned schedule.

Later, he gave a stump speech, eschewing the available microphone and relying on a well-seasoned speaking voice. During his 30 minute speech, he focused on domestic issues — taxes, education, health care, the environment and affirmative action. A consistent theme was his own humble beginnings — he mentioned the working class nature of his upbringing.

The crowd broke into spontaneous applause many times, often when he contrasted his proposed policies with the current administration’s policies.

Absent from his speech was any mention of other Democratic candidates — instead, Edwards concentrated on attacking President Bush.

After his speech, Edwards fielded questions from the audience, ranging from the war with Iraq to farm issues.

He stayed longer than his scheduled time, at one point announcing he would answer three more questions when his aide cautioned that he only had time for one.

Several members of the crowd said they thought he campaigned well.

“He has charisma. He cares about the misfortunes of Americans,” said John Hilgerson, 3009 North Duff Ave.

“He seemed well organized, [he had] the publicity taken care of, [and I] didn’t see any mistakes,” said Arlin Branhagen, 1122 28th St.

Part of Edwards’ positive performance came from his handling of questions, guests said.

“I thought he did really well answering questions,” Hilgerson said. “[He] seemed real genuine about answering questions,” Branhagen said.

Both Hilgerson and Branhagen said they were impressed with the quality of questions and the level of interest coming from the audience.

“We’re used to [campaigning] here,” Banhagen said.

Although Edwards may have given a good performance, the field is still open, and it seems nobody is deciding just yet, Hilgerson said.

“I am very cynical,” he said. “I may be more inclined than before [to support Edwards], but I’m still undecided.”

Branhagen said there is still plenty of time to think about the candidates before making up his mind.

The Iowa Caucuses to decide the Democratic presidential candidate will be held on January 19, 2004.