Edwards, Clark lament loss of U.S. jobs

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040209/D80JQKBG1.html

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Democratic presidential candidates John Edwards and Wesley Clark lamented the loss of American jobs on Monday as they campaigned for Southern primary votes and tried to ignore front-runner John Kerry's rout in three weekend caucuses.

Edwards and Clark, the two Southerners left in the nomination race, hoped to make inroads with voters in Tennessee and Virginia, which offer 151 pledged delegates in primaries Tuesday. Losses there could imperil the future of their campaigns, especially if Kerry adds to his daunting record of 10 wins in 12 contests for delegates.

On Monday in tiny Morrison, Tenn., Edwards met privately with Carrier Corp. factory workers who found out last week that the plant was closing, eliminating 1,300 jobs. He said after the meeting at barbecue restaurant near the plant that the workers deserve to have a president "who understands, who knows what their lives are like" and that President Bush is out of touch.

"The president we have now does not understand what these folks are going through. He does not understand what is going on in the lives of most Americans," Edwards said.


Clark told supporters Monday in Union City, Tenn., that jobs were his top issue.

"People are struggling in this country, and I think it's a moral outrage," Clark said. Calling himself the Democrat uniquely qualified to improve the economy, he said, ""I'm strong enough and I'm tough enough to make things happen, and I've proved it on the battlefield."