He has been called inexperienced by fellow Democrats and dubbed "an empty suit" by a Republican adversary. But after his optimistic rhetoric and nice-guy image propelled him to a strong second-place showing in the Iowa caucuses Monday, North Carolina Senator John Edwards may have proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Riding on a surge of support that exploded only days before the caucuses, Edwards garnered 32 percent of the Iowa delegates' vote, finishing just behind Massachusetts Senator John Kerry's 38 percent. He placed far ahead of one-time front-runner and former Vermont governor Howard Dean and Missouri Sen. Richard Gephardt.
"You and I can build an America and an image of America that we can be proud of," Edwards shouted to cheering supporters following the announcement of the caucus results Monday. "This campaign, this cause, this movement is about bringing real change to America. It's about lifting up the American people and making them believe again."
Ed Turlington, general chair of "Edwards for America," believes this optimistic message is what rocketed Edwards up through the polls in the week leading up to the vote.
"The whole campaign has been built on two basic themes: John telling his life story and John sharing his vision of where he wants to lead the country," Turlington said. "His positive message was the differentiating factor that so many voters responded to."
Edwards has refused to take part in what he calls the "negative sniding" of his fellow candidates, instead focusing on reminding people that he is the son of a textile mill worker who can empathize with the average American. He even enters rallies to John Cougar Mellencamp's "Small Town" blaring on loud speakers.
Like Turlington, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Barbara Allen attributes Edwards' success to this homegrown image and wholesome message.
"He's so charismatic and so natural, comfortable with who he is," Allen said. "He wasn't bashing any of the candidates. He has said what he wants to do [and] what he wants to see done."
Edwards' message, however, was not the only factor that contributed to his success Monday. Localized voter outreach was also key.
"He spent a year campaigning in Iowa," Turlington said. "He visited all 99 counties and built a grassroots organization. For a year, he talked to Iowans about ways to make their lives better."
Edwards' finish in Iowa is expected to help boost his national visibility and financial resources, however he is still currently fourth in the New Hampshire primary tracking and largely unknown in many other states.
"He's clearly got traction and momentum, and that's all good for him," Durham Democratic Party Chair Ted Benson said. "But whether that translates into broader appeal, in New Hampshire, or in states like Arizona, remains to be seen. Edwards and his campaign crew have to be happy right now, but it's a long road to the nomination in July, and the Democratic field has several very serious contenders. And as the saying goes, it ain't over 'til it's over."
Benson also maintained that Edwards must do well in the South Carolina primary. The senator has long-placed his bets on achieving success there and needs a strong showing to assure widespread support in the South.
"First or second in South Carolina is essential," Benson said. "How to do that? Personal visits everywhere he possibly can, and as much TV as he can do."
Some political analysts have questioned Edwards' ability to continue relying on his optimistic yet largely benign image. As Duke political science instructor Tom Scotto noted, it is hard to tell how long the strategy will prove successful.
"Who's not for a good economy, a strong America?" Scotto asked. "It's an effective strategy, but it only works to a certain extent. Sometimes the voters will demand answers. It'll be inevitable that [Edwards] will have to take positions."
Heightened accusations of inexperience may also plague Edwards, a first-term senator. How this will factor into his chances depends largely upon how American voters choose to define experience.
"Most recent presidents were executives of rather large states, so there's a feeling that [Edwards] has a different form of experience," Scotto said. "It seems a lot easier to serve on one or two committees and vote [in the Senate], so he may be vulnerable if people look towards executive leadership."
Despite these possible obstacles, Turlington said Edwards will "hit the ground running" in the coming weeks. He maintained that Edwards' message and charisma will help him turn out on top.
"I think people trust and like him," Turlington said. "John Edwards is one of those people who the more you are exposed to him, the more you like him, and there's a likelihood that you will vote for him."
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