NC Senator brings down-home campaign to Orangeburg; blasts Bush

Sunday, November 16, 2003

By LEE HENDREN, T&D Staff Writer

Pledging to help middle-class Americans who are "one medical emergency or one layoff away from bankruptcy," John Edwards brought his presidential campaign to Orangeburg on Friday night.

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"I was born here in South Carolina," he said. "I know what's happening here. We've got people who are hurting. ... George Bush is so out of touch."
Nationally, three million private-sector jobs have been lost during Bush's tenure, and four million Americans have lost health care coverage, Edwards said.

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In the audience were some heavy hitters in local Democratic Party politics. Some undoubtedly came out of curiosity, but others have already taken the plunge and endorsed Edwards.

"John Edwards has the fire in his belly to lead America," said John Rickenbacker, chairman of the Orangeburg County Council. "He's committed to bringing jobs to rural areas.

"He represents a fresh face in the Democratic Party. He reminds me of a young John Kennedy and an aggressive, smart Bill Clinton," Rickenbacker added. "I think he's a genuinely sincere candidate -- nothing phony about him at all."

Rickenbacker, Chester Ray and state Sen. Brad Hutto are the co-chairs of Edwards' campaign in Orangeburg County.

"He knows what problems we face in rural South Carolina," Hutto said.
Not only that, but he knows how to address them, said Ray, who is chairman of the Orangeburg County Board of Education. "I think he's a God-sent man. He's what we need. He's our Nehemiah."

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http://www.timesanddemocrat.com/articles/2003/11/15/news/news1.txt

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Excellent article about Edwards campaign. Great endorsements too, including Rep. Albert Wynn, (D-MD). Edwards is going to be like sweet tea in the South. (And he's showing well in NH and Iowa - surprise).

I've always favored Edwards for the Presidency, and I'm a Texan. I don't believe he will get the nod, but he's still the man.

out. When people hear Edwards - and listen - they know he has the goods: the ideas, the charisma, the real compassion.

the more I like.

I have come to support him above the field for a lot of reasons,

He's running for the Dem nomination in a way that will NOT
alienate moderate voters come general election time.

He not only rightly criticizes Bush's policies, but he offers very
possitive alternatives.

And he can WIN! He can carry the south.

I just hope more people start to notice him.

He has optimism, detailed policy positions, and populism.

http://www.johnedwards2004.com/home.asp