Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Edwards Knuckles Up for Iowa Caucus

Candidate makes final push as pugnacious populist

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2007 6:08 AM CST

(Newser) – Presidential hopeful John Edwards is intensifying his angry populist rhetoric in a final push to capitalize on his increasing support in Iowa as the caucus closes in, the Washington Post reports. Four years ago Edwards grabbed a surprising second place in Iowa. But his message this time around is far less sunny, and he's casting himself as someone strong enough to battle corporate greed and influence.

Rivals still aren't buying the tough-guy persona for the wealthy, well-groomed candidate, but Edwards is increasingly emphasizing his years as a boy brawler who took on the bullies in a southern mill town. "You need somebody who will never back down" against the "iron-fisted" grip of the rich and the "complete insanity" of outsourcing jobs, he has told crowds.

Democratic presidential hopeful and  former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards takes questions during a campaign rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards takes questions during a campaign rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, top right, and his wife Elizabeth Edwards, center right, greet supporters before a rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Democratic presidential hopeful former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, top right, and his wife Elizabeth Edwards, center right, greet supporters before a rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007....   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards speaks during a campaign rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards speaks during a campaign rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., speaks at a campaign stop at the public library in Washington, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Democratic presidential hopeful former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., speaks at a campaign stop at the public library in Washington, Iowa, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards speaks during a rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards speaks during a rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards takes questions during a campaign rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Democratic presidential hopeful and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards takes questions during a campaign rally in Boone, Iowa, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Cardiologist: John Edwards Has Life-Threatening Heart Condition

Edwards Seeks Trial Delay

Ignore Candidates' Spouses

Cate Edwards Gets Married

Edwards' Trial Pushed Back


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne