John Edwards for President-December 2007

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December 2007

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Pictures From the Road

George Stern
12/31/2007 at 3:54 PM CT

America Rising Rally in Sioux City, Iowa

Countdown to Caucus Event in Carroll, Iowa

On the Road with John Edwards and James Lowe

George Stern
12/30/2007 at 5:44 PM CT

Last week, James Lowe, a man who could barely speak for 50 years because he couldn't afford a simple operation, joined John Edwards on the road in Iowa.

John Edwards is running for president on behalf of people like James - people who don't have a voice and have been forgotten.

When we all come together, and stand up for regular, hard-working people like James, America rises.

James Lowe finally got his voice, now it's time for yours:

Sunday Morning Momentum

George Stern
12/30/2007 at 11:58 AM CT

Two more pieces of great news out of Iowa this morning.

The Daily Nonpareil - the daily newspaper for Council Bluffs, the largest city in Southwest Iowa - gives John a ringing endorsement. Well worth a full read. Check it out here.
A new McClatchy-MSNBC poll shows "Edwards surges" into first place: Edwards 24%, Clinton 23%, Obama 22%. The poll, taken Dec. 26-28, shows John gaining 3 percentage points since the last one on Dec. 3-6, while Clinton lost 4 points and Obama lost 3. Read more...

"America Rising" Rally...in Pictures

George Stern
12/30/2007 at 1:32 AM CT

Over 1,000 people turned out to rally with John, Elizabeth, Cate, Emma Claire, and Jack in Des Moines tonight. From the overwhelming crowd to John's rousing speech, the excitement in the room was unmistakable.

Two More Signs of Momentum Today

George Stern
12/29/2007 at 4:54 PM CT

1. Today we announced endorsements from 45 prominent labor, party, and community leaders and elected officials who supported other presidential candidates in 2004. These leaders' decision to switch their backing to John in 2008 shows the expansion of our base of support since 2004, as John's bold plans to take on the special interests in Washington attract leaders from around Iowa.

2. On the highway, en route our stop in Washington, Iowa today, the "Main Stress Express" came upon Fred Thompson's slow moving campaign bus, which was headed to the same town. We had a great view of his bus for a brief moment, before we cruised past him. Yet another sign of John's growing and unstoppable momentum here in Iowa!

DON'T MISS: John Edwards, John Mellencamp, Major Final Rally in Des Moines on January 2nd

George Stern
12/28/2007 at 10:00 PM CT

The first couple days of our final, eight-day, 38-county, "America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class" bus tour have been full of tremendous crowds, great excitement, and serious discussions about the important issues facing our country.

As we get ready for the next six days, today we're announcing our final major event before caucus day. On January 2nd, in Des Moines, John Edwards is holding a "This is Our Country" rally with special guest, singer-songwriter John Mellencamp.

John Edwards and John Mellencamp are longtime friends, and this won't be the first time they've met on stage in Des Moines this election.

John Edwards' "This Is Our Country" rally will take place in the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. Doors open at 8:30 PM on January 2nd and tickets are limited.

Members of the general public can pick up tickets at the John Edwards for President Iowa headquarters or the office of United Steelworkers Local 310, both in Des Moines, during select times between Sunday, December 30th and Wednesday, January 2nd. If you have any questions, please call 515-883-7817.

HOW TO PICK UP TICKETS:

Locations:
John Edwards for President Campaign
712 E 2nd Street, Suite A
Des Moines, Iowa

United Steelworkers Local 310
125 NW Broadway
Des Moines, Iowa

Hours to pick up tickets:

Sunday, December 30th 12-5pm
Monday, December 31st 12-7pm
Tuesday, January 1st 12-7pm
Wednesday, January 2nd 10-2pm

A "Bin Buster" in Independence, Iowa

George Stern
12/28/2007 at 9:04 PM CT

Congressman Bruce Braley introduces John in front of an overwhelmingly large crowd in Independence, Iowa, today, during our eight-day, 38-county, bus tour.

John Gains Five Points in Two Weeks

George Stern
12/28/2007 at 3:53 PM CT

The latest poll out of Iowa today confirms what our organizers and volunteers are seeing in all 99 counties across the state - John Edwards is surging! The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports:

"Edwards, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina, has gained 5 points from the Lee Enterprises poll two weeks ago, while Clinton, a U.S. senator from New York, has gained 4 points. Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois has seen his support drop 4 points."

There's no question that we're in a tight three-way race here in Iowa. With just six days left, we need you now more than ever to help keep the momentum going by stepping up and volunteering at your local office:

More Momentum on Day 2 of the Bus Tour

George Stern
12/28/2007 at 12:03 PM CT

Today, on the second day of our 38-county, "America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class" bus tour, John received an important and exciting endorsement in Independence, Iowa. At our roundtable discussion with nearly 200 caucus goers this morning, State Senator Brian Schoenjahn announced his support for John.

"John Edwards is the Democrat we need to win in the White House and help Democratic candidates in November 2008. As a volunteer EMT, I am proud to support his plan to fight for fair funding levels for rural first responders. And as the husband of a dedicated teacher and a member of the Senate Education Committee, I believe he has the best plan to ensure that all children get a great education. I am proud to be a part of John Edwards' campaign and look forward to working to make him our next president."

Schoenjahn represents Iowa's 12th district in the State Senate. He is chair of the Education Committee and Vice Chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Commerce, Judiciary, Local Government and Natural Resources and Environment Committees.

Schoenjahn joins a growing list of Iowans who are supporting John, including recent endorsements from First Lady Mari Culver and family farm advocate Chris Petersen.

America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class

George Stern
12/27/2007 at 5:02 AM CT

Today, John's launching an eight-day "America Rising: Fighting for the Middle Class" bus tour across Iowa to meet with caucus goers and share with them his plans to stand up to powerful interests and make sure hard-working middle class families can get ahead.

During these critical final days leading up to the caucuses, John will visit 38 counties and meet with thousands of caucus goers to discuss his vision of an America where every person can work hard and build a better life for their family.

Launching this trip adds to our growing momentum here in Iowa as we head into the final days before the caucuses: Polls show John surging; he was recently endorsed by Iowa First Lady Mari Culver and Congressman Bruce Braley; he had a stand-out performance at The Des Moines Register debate; and more and more caucus goers are signing up to support him on January 3rd.

As an additional part of the final push before the caucuses, we're unveiling two new television ads today - "Choice" and "Time for Truth." Check them out:

Time for Truth

Choice

New Iowa Television Ad: "30 Years"

George Stern
12/26/2007 at 3:36 PM CT

Happy Holidays

John & Elizabeth Edwards
12/23/2007 at 7:00 PM CT

Happiness. Health. Hope.

But our words are just a promise about our actions. Live deliberately, sacrifice for what is truly important, and, above all, in these times -- and all times -- trust your heart.

John & Elizabeth Edwards
Cate, Emma Claire & Jack

"Now I can talk, and I won't quit"

George Stern
12/22/2007 at 12:48 PM CT

Great front page article in "The Des Moines Register" today about James Lowe and his "number one" pick for president:

Surgery gives man a chance to speak his mind

BY KEN FUSON AND REID FORGRAVE
REGISTER STAFF WRITERS

As John Edwards spoke Friday in an atrium at Des Moines Area Community College's campus in West Des Moines, a man sat stage right behind the Democratic presidential hopeful.

The man sported a goatee, a sweater and jeans. As Edwards railed against lobbyists and health insurance companies, the man nodded his approval.

The man is James Lowe, and in recent months he has increasingly become the face of the former North Carolina senator's populist campaign for president.

If you've been to a recent Edwards event in Iowa or watched television, odds are good you already know Lowe's story. He was born dirt-poor in Kentucky with a cleft palate. He moved to a mill town in the Appalachian Mountains and worked in coal mines for decades before an injury broke his back and put him on disability.

Lowe never had surgery to fix that cleft palate because he could not afford health insurance.

And for the first 50 years of his life, Lowe could hardly speak. He was an incomprehensible mumbler until about a year ago when a doctor donated cleft-palate surgery and, literally, gave Lowe a voice.

Then, not long after the surgery, Lowe went to a discussion on poverty in Wise, Va. There, sitting at a picnic table, he met Edwards when the presidential candidate was on his poverty tour. Soon, Lowe's story became a fixture in Edwards' speeches on poverty.

"I love it," Lowe said Friday before he took his seat on the dais. "Mr. Edwards, he makes me feel like a person - because I know he cares for people like me, and that's what it's all about."

Just back from W Des Moines Event!

prouddem316
12/21/2007 at 6:32 PM CT

This post by one of our most active Iowa supporters is fantastic! Adding video of Sandy's introduction. And check out this article about the event. -George

WOW...did John Edwards ever ROCK THE HOUSE!!! His talk about "rising up" had the whole place literally doing that time and time and time again! It was simply electric.

How honored I felt to be in the room with just 2 heartfelt examples of people who know in their hearts what John has in his heart. He was their champion just as he will be for all of us!

1st came the Lakey family, who you all will remember through tears as the family John talked about in "Four Trials". It was little 5 year old Valerie and the defective swimming pool drain. Her mom spoke eloquently and with grace with emotions close to the surface even some 14 years later about how John took her hands, looked her in the eye and said, "I can help Valerie." Check out the video:

Next came our great First Lady of Iowa giving a passionate speech about her and John going to the homeless shelter her in Des Moines. She noted that he does this everywhere and it doesn't get noticed, it's just who he is. I was able to give her a pin that says "Iowans Caucusing for Edwards, Jan. 3, 2008" with a little Iowa logo and great picture of John and she loved it.

When John spoke you could at first hear a pin drop. People were piled into an atrium at a Community College here and many were standing up the staircases and in the balcony. It was truly standing room only. At least a few hundred or more.

Then, as the momentum built, he talked about all of us rising up against the corporations and their corporate greed to leave this world a better place for our children. Well. All I can say is I've been blessed to see the man on too many occasions to count and this one gave me chills and tears.

Then probably the most special moment for me as I've heard John talk about meeting James Lowe who for 50 years couldn't talk because he had a severe cleft palate and no insurance. John introduced James Lowe to us and James took the microphone and happily said loud and clear, "this is the man".

John Edwards is SO right for this country and believe me when I say as John did today - on January 4, 2008 the media and America will in fact say "what happened in Iowa?".

Click here to discuss

Fighting for America's Voice

George Stern
12/20/2007 at 10:03 AM CT

Today, John is kicking off a three-day "Fighting for America's Voice" tour by discussing his commitment to making sure the voices of rural Americans are heard in Washington.

At our first event in Council Bluffs, we'll also be unveiling a new rural DVD, "John Edwards: For the Country," that discusses John's plan to revitalize rural America and his experiences growing up in Robbins, North Carolina.

The DVD includes interviews with John's parents, Bobbie and Wallace Edwards. It's narrated by former Congressman and Dukes of Hazzard star Ben "Cooter" Jones and features interviews with rural strategist Dave "Mudcat" Saunders and music from Ralph Stanley II. Thousands of copies of the DVD will be distributed door-to-door and shown at community meetings with undecided caucus goers and rural Iowans over the next two weeks.

You can watch the video below or on our new rural website, where you can also read John's full plan to restore hope to rural America.

During the three-day "Fighting for America's Voice" tour across Iowa, John will be joined by numerous people whose voices he has fought to make sure are heard. Today, John is joined by James Lowe, a former coal miner from Wise County, Virginia, who could barely speak for 50 years because he didn't have health care and couldn't afford the operation he needed to fix his cleft palate.

John met James at the site of a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic during his "Road to One America" tour in July. It was at this free rural clinic, a year ago, that James finally met with medical professionals willing to donate their time to perform the surgery he needed so he could finally speak.

Later in the tour, John will be joined by Sandy and David Lakey, and their daughter Valerie, whom John represented as a lawyer after Valerie was injured as a result of a faulty swimming pool drain cover that the company knew was dangerous; and Doug Bishop, who worked at the Maytag plant in Newton until Maytag decided to cut costs by cutting Doug's job.

Our Latest Television Spot: "Season"

George Stern
12/19/2007 at 1:55 PM CT

John promises to speak for those Americans who are too often forgotten, especially during the holiday season.

Edwards 30%, Clinton 26%, Obama 24%

George Stern
12/18/2007 at 11:32 PM CT

A new InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion poll taken over the last two days shows John capturing the lead among Iowans who intend to caucus - Edwards: 30%, Clinton 26%, Obama 24%.

Better yet, John holds a significant lead as the second choice among those who support someone other than one of the top three candidates - Edwards 42%, Obama 29%, Clinton 28%.

There's no doubt that our campaign is gaining energy and momentum after John's commanding victory in The Des Moines Register debate last Thursday and the recent endorsements from Congressman Bruce Braley and Iowa First Lady Mari Culver.

Now, we need you more than ever to help keep the momentum going.

Coming Soon to a Precinct Near You...

George Stern
12/18/2007 at 8:44 AM CT

Visit our Caucus Command Center to help make this vision a reality.

I Support John Edwards

Mari Culver
12/17/2007 at 12:15 PM CT

Iowans have an important decision to make on January 3. I - like all of you - have carefully examined and considered the candidates and their positions.

I have enjoyed getting to know each of the candidates and their families and value the friendships I've made along the way. I applaud and appreciate the great public discourse each of them have shared with our state and the nation and their public service which has so greatly contributed to our democratic process.

Like you, however, I must select only one candidate to stand with on Thursday, January 3.

That is why today, I announce my support for John Edwards for President.

There are many reasons why I am supporting John Edwards.

First, John is a great person and a gifted public servant, with a very compelling personal story. John was born of modest means - so modest in fact that his father had to borrow money to pay the hospital bill for John's birth. But he and his parents scraped and worked hard.

You know, John Edwards has never forgotten where he came from. It is the source of his passion for fighting for the middle class, for hardworking American families.

One more thing about John Edwards the person. He has an incredible partner, his wife Elizabeth. She has earned the respect and admiration of the country with her courage, her advocacy and her decency. She is an amazing woman, the mother of 4 kids, and a great asset to John. And I know a little something about the importance of a solid team in political life!

"Fight": Our Most Recent Iowa TV Ad

George Stern
12/15/2007 at 11:37 AM CT

Click here to discuss

Tim Robbins Joins John in Iowa

George Stern
12/14/2007 at 10:36 PM CT

During the third day of John's "Main Street Express" bus tour throughout Iowa, John was joined by Academy Award winning actor Tim Robbins.

Click here to discuss

The Reviews Are In: John Edwards Won the Debate

George Stern
12/14/2007 at 10:16 PM CT

Focus Group of Undecided Caucus Goers

More Undecided Iowans, Same Result

Help Keep the Momentum Going!

John Talks About James Lowe

George Stern
12/14/2007 at 10:57 AM CT

In our latest television ad, John tells the story of James Lowe, a man who could barely speak for 50 years because he couldn't afford a simple operation.

Going the Extra Mile for John Edwards

George Stern
12/13/2007 at 11:36 AM CT

Please take a moment to read this inspirational story in the Burlington Hawkeye today about one of our precinct captains - Carrie Duncan. It is well worth the read. Will you join Carrie in going the extra mile to help elect John Edwards?

Edwards supporter makes daily 6.1-mile trek to rally voters
By KILEY MILLER

NEW LONDON -- It was a touch after 3 p.m. Monday and Carrie Duncan had just finished another day on the job.

Now she was ready to go the extra mile for John Edwards.

Make that 6.1 miles.

Duncan, a 47-year-old food service employee for the New London School District, is walking home each work day until the Iowa caucuses carrying a sign for her favorite presidential candidate.

That might not seem like a big deal -- except she lives near Lowell.

"Every step I take is for the electability of John Edwards and for every American," she said.

From a side door at the school, Duncan headed south and west over slushy streets. The temperature was buried in the mid-20s and she puffed out steam.

She was wearing royal blue running tights, red athletic shorts advertising Bradley University and a triple layer of sweatshirts with royal blue on top.

A blue skier's headband protected her ears. In her hair was a red, white and blue scrunchie, on her feet were running shoes and on her hands were heavy mittens. She gripped the handle of a "John Edwards '08" sign.

Edwards, a former North Carolina senator and vice presidential nominee, is running third in the Democratic Party race.

He was Duncan's pick for the White House back in 2004 and she has never wavered. She'll serve as the campaign's precinct chairman in the caucuses.

"I believe he represents the heartbeat of every American," she said.

Speaking of heartbeats, Duncan's is strong -- very strong. What she calls walking, others call sprinting. She even walks competitively. Asked what that means, she set off at a rate that would make a greyhound wheeze.

"I'm interested in fitness and in getting awareness up of keeping kids exercising throughout the county," she said.

Duncan got her itchy feet a few weeks ago after spending the better part of a day canvassing her community in support of Edwards. As the hours dwindled, her body wore down but her spirit swelled.

"The people invigorated me," she said. "I realized how important it was as an American to be able to go up and knock on someone's door and not be, you know, met with a gun or something. ... And that freedom is on the line."

Dec. 3 was Duncan's first day on the road. She had hoped to average five miles per hour, but that has proved one mile too many. From school to her front door takes her an hour and 35 minutes.

Neither rain, nor snow, nor wind, nor gosh-awful cold will force her into a car, either. When a near blizzard hit last Thursday, her 18-year-old son, Zack, begged her to catch a ride, but she refused.

"I feel John Edwards is a man of his word and honor and he is determined to give America back to the people," she said, "and I'm determined, no matter what, to get out and tell people how much I believe in this man."

Click here to read the full article

Edwards, Robbins, and Excitement on the Bus Tour

Jenni Lee
12/13/2007 at 10:35 AM CT

The Main Street Express was in full gear yesterday. We started the day with a great event in Iowa City (with special guest Tim Robbins!). People spilled out of the room as they listened to John deliver a passionate speech about how we need to stand up for those without health care, for those living in poverty and those without a voice - because that's America rising. John took questions on a range of issues - civil liberties, No Child Left Behind, our addiction to oil - and talked about his detailed plans for change, so Iowans know exactly where he stands.

We were lucky to have Tim Robbins join us. He revved up the crowd - he's ready to get the Republicans out of office and believes John is the man to do it!

After Iowa City, we headed off to Grinnell for another great event. You can feel the energy from the crowd. One attendee was so excited, she even asked John about how to caucus during the Q&A session.

And we ended the day in Des Moines with a crowd who stood and cheered when they listened to John talk about restoring the promise of our country. From a young kid who read a poem about how great John is to an old man who is ready to end Bush's disastrous presidency, Iowans were ready for change - and John Edwards.

Great crowds. Great questions. Great special guest! You can feel the excitement.

No PAC or Washington Lobbyist Money - Ever

George Stern
12/11/2007 at 5:51 AM CT

Today, building on John's growing strength in Iowa, our campaign is announcing ten new offices across the state that have opened in recent weeks. In addition, we're posting signs at each location highlighting that the offices are not paid for by PAC or Washington lobbyist contributions - and that John Edwards is the ONLY candidate who has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists ever.

Today is the second day of John's eight-day Iowa bus tour aboard the "Main Street Express" - which has a similar message of its own on the back:

Click here to discuss

"Edwards' Bus Tour Stops in Marshalltown"

George Stern
12/11/2007 at 5:03 AM CT

Great summary of Monday's community meeting in Marshalltown.

Bus Tour Kick-off In Des Moines

George Stern
12/10/2007 at 10:08 PM CT

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And We're Off!

George Stern
12/10/2007 at 6:19 PM CT

Today, in Des Moines, John kicked off an eight-day bus tour across Iowa aboard the "Main Street Express" to discuss how we can end the power of special interests in Washington and return our government to the American people – because America belongs to us.

Check out our pictures from the kick-off event:

Afterward, John stopped by the Des Moines headquarters to thank the staff and volunteers for all their hard work and get them pumped up for the final three weeks. He also joined some of our organizers for evening call time - reaching out to supporters to thank them for their help and to undecided caucus goers to ask for their support:

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Six Degrees of John Edwards

George Stern
12/09/2007 at 12:33 PM CT

Tomorrow, John's kicking off an eight-day "Main Street Express" bus tour throughout the state.

To coincide with the tour - during which John will be joined by Golden Globe-nominated actor Kevin Bacon and Academy Award winner Tim Robbins for a few days - we're organizing a "Six Degrees of John Edwards" drive to encourage our supporters to reach out to undecided caucus goers and help bring them one degree closer to John and his bold ideas for real change.

All you have to do to participate is take action in one of six simple ways on our new site. And after you've completed your action, we've added a little incentive: you will be able to print out a voucher that you can bring to any Edwards event between Tuesday, December 11th and Monday, December 17th and redeem for one piece of campaign memorabilia autographed by John Edwards, Tim Robbins or Kevin Bacon.

You can see our full schedule for the bus tour here. Then, don't wait! Take part in Six Degrees of John Edwards now.

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Southwest Iowa Newspaper Endorses John

Jenni Lee
12/07/2007 at 11:26 AM CT

Today, John received the endorsement of Valley News Today, a daily newspaper in Shenandoah, Iowa. The paper, which covers a rural southwestern Iowa community, does not typically endorse presidential candidates and has not done so in recent presidential primaries. This is fantastic news for our Iowa campaign as we continue to gain momentum throughout the state. The full endorsement - which is wonderfully written and well worth the read - is pasted in full below:

Edwards has clear vision for America
Valley News Today, December 7, 2007

There are many reasons why we're supporting John Edwards as the Democratic nominee for President - not the least of which is his proven ability to unite voters from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Unlike his Democratic challengers, Edwards' support doesn't come from a single demographic, but rather from all demographics.

Simply put, he represents the best of what this country has to offer.

If given the opportunity, we believe the former senator from North Carolina will work tirelessly to fight for the little guy as he has done for the past 30 years.

As the only Democratic candidate with rural roots, Edwards knows first hand about the daily trials and tribulations of the working poor. As a result of his upbringing, he has by far the most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas to improve our nation.

Born the son of a blue collar mill worker, Edwards learned about the importance of hard work and perseverance from his parents, who taught their son to roll up his sleeves and fight for the things he believed in.

That tenacity helped push him to become the first member of his family to attend college - eventually earning a law degree from the University of North Carolina.

On the Trail with Madeleine Stowe and Jean Smart

George Stern
12/6/2007 at 11:31 AM CT

Over the last several days, we were fortunate to be joined by Jean Smart (you might know her as First Lady Martha Logan from "24" or Regina from "Samantha Who?") and Madeleine Stowe (Cora Munro from "The Last of the Mohicans") here in Iowa as they helped out in every way they could.

The two attended a Women for Edwards coffee in Des Moines, an office opening in Newton, and a precinct captain training in Boone. Madeleine also braved the cold to canvass in Marshalltown and distribute John's 80-page policy book. She had a great time surprising caucus goers and talking extensively about John's detailed plans to build One America. Check out our video from the canvass here:

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One Month Out: Ramping Up the Resources

George Stern
12/4/2007 at 11:43 AM CT

Today we're unveiling the Caucus Command Center - a new, informative web site that provides our precinct captains, activists and supporters the tools and resources they need to learn about caucusing and find out how they can help on caucus night and during these critical final days leading up to January 3rd.

The site also features a creative instructional video, which chronicles the adventures of two precinct captains as they carry John Edwards to victory on January 3, 2008. The video is narrated by well-known voiceover artist and Edwards supporter, George DelHoyo.

Check it out! And make sure to pass it along to your friends and family.

Click here to discuss

20 Generations

George Stern
12/4/2007 at 7:26 AM CT

Our new television ad up in Iowa today:

Why I'm Choosing John Edwards

Bruce Braley
12/3/2007 at 9:57 AM CT

Congressman Bruce Braley represents Iowa's First Congressional District

In less than a month, Iowa Democrats have the chance to change the direction of our country. We have a tough task: choosing a nominee from the strongest field of presidential candidates in recent memory. All of these Democrats are extraordinary candidates and would help heal our country after eight years of George Bush's divisiveness.

But among these candidates, who is the best person to truly bring change to our country and represent the American people in the White House?

Today, I've decided who that person is.

I'm proud to endorse John Edwards for President.

I've been friends with John for many years. Like me, John grew up in rural America, and he hasn't forgotten where he's come from.

I've seen firsthand his commitment to standing up for hard-working families. From the court room to the Senate floor to the campaign trail, John has spent his life taking on powerful interests on behalf of America's families. And that's exactly what he'll do in the White House.

Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people.

John will start by ending the war in Iraq. He'll take on the drug and insurance companies and guarantee quality, affordable health care to all Americans. He'll fight to end poverty and revitalize rural communities. Above all, John will stand on the side of hard-working American families.

John not only has the most progressive and far-reaching ideas, but he's also the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008.

Edwards Continues to Lead on the Critical Issues

John Campbell
12/2/2007 at 9:54 PM CT

John Campbell is the Political Director of the Iowa Steelworkers Union

At last night's Iowa Brown and Black Presidential Forum at North High School in Des Moines, John Edwards was the only candidate who consistently answered the questions directly and with specifics.

It wasn't a surprise to someone like me who's gotten to know him well over the past year, however, because John has been leading on all the issues - including issues of particular importance to African Americans and Latinos - throughout this entire campaign.

Last night, John spoke passionately about the need to eradicate poverty, lift hard-working families out of debt, raise the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour, and make it easier for workers to organize into unions.

He spoke about his universal health care plan that provides complete and affordable coverage to every man, woman, and child in American.

And he reflected on how growing up during the 50s and 60s in the segregated south shaped his belief that every person in America - no matter what they look like or who their parents are - deserves to have the same chances in life that he has had. All Americans deserve access to great public schools, quality health care, and the promise that if they work hard, they can build a successful life for their families and pass on a better future to their children.

It is important to note that the personal hardships that John Edwards has faced have made him the man he is today and given him the character to be a president for all Americans. Sometimes it is not enough just to say the right things, but to really have faced the same hardships as average Americans and to have the ability to overcome those obstacles and help others find a better life.

That's why I am proud to support John Edwards for president. At last night's forum, he reminded me yet again why I stand beside him in his efforts to take our country back. John Edwards has given me the faith and courage to believe once again in my country.

Click here to discuss