Edwards Rally in Iowa City
By Connie Wilson

[A big THANK YOU to Connie Wilson for her intrepid reporting as she has covered the political scene for Blog for Iowa!]

Thursday, October 21, 2004

In the field across from the Iowa Memorial Union at Madison and Jefferson streets in Iowa City, on Thursday, October 21st, the movie star of the campaign came to town and showed us the future of the Democratic party.

Whatever happens, John Edwards is here to stay, politically, on the national scene. Not since JFK have women voters swooned like this over a 51-year-old heart-throb, who, in this case, is running for Vice President on the Democratic ticket. Of course, the student introducing Edwards, Karen Emerson, President of the University Young Democrats, accidentally introduced John Edwards as “the next President of the United States,” which may have been wishful thinking on her part.

John Edwards in Iowa City yesterday.

Before Edwards spoke, the usual array of hopeful local candidates had their say. Jim Larew, an attorney and a Johnson County Democrat talked about John Edwards’ integrity and the fact that “his feet touched the ground.” He described “stalking” him during the caucuses.

Dave Franker, candidate for Congress in Iowa District 2, noted that we “only have 12 more days to go,” and added, “If you want change, you have to vote for change.” Since Franker is running neck and neck against the vulnerable Republican Jim Leach, he took the opportunity to point out that Leach would be backing Dick Cheney. The contrast between Cheney and Edwards could hardly be more pronounced. Which one of these guys do we want a heartbeat away from the Presidency? Especially since they may have to use the paddles on Cheney at any minute!
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