Edwards Catches Iowans’ Ears in Final Days

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa —  Mike Drella walked into the community room of the Iowa Veterans Home before noon Sunday, still undecided about whom to support in next week’s Iowa Democratic caucuses. An hour later, he walked out with a couple of John Edwards lawn signs tucked under his arm and commitment in his heart.

“I just connected with him,” Drella, a 45-year-old computer programmer, said after hearing Edwards speak to more than 100 veterans and other local residents. “He has a lot of common-sense answers.... He really gets into the meat of the issues.”

Edwards, the overachieving son of a North Carolina mill worker, launched into the final week of campaigning here a reinvigorated man. On Sunday, the Des Moines Register endorsed him, and political polls over the last few days have begun to register fresh interest in a presidential bid that, for weeks, seemed stalled.

“It’s a huge moment in this campaign,” Edwards told supporters. “I have seen over the last few weeks extraordinary movement and momentum.”

Although few believe Edwards will leave Iowa a winner -- Howard Dean and Rep. Dick Gephardt are battling for first place -- a third-place showing could improve Edwards’ low standing in New Hampshire and among the eight states that hold primaries or caucuses on Feb. 3.

Two weeks ago, Edwards was drawing crowds of 30 to 40 people. Over the weekend, he twice drew 300 people at events, and more than 500 people packed a hotel ballroom in Altoona.

Part of the interest can be attributed to Iowans who are beginning to pay closer attention, the campaign said. But more than 20 people who attended Edwards’ speeches indicated that he also is delivering a message they are eager to hear.

The North Carolina senator has seemed more confident. And he has distilled his stump speech to its core element: his call for an end to “two Americas,” in which the wealthy have better access to health care, education and political power. Edwards draws sustained applause by promising, “If you give me a shot at George W. Bush, I will give you the White House.”

Bill Grove, 60, drove 70 miles from his home in Eldora to Altoona to hear Edwards speak Sunday afternoon after seeing the Register endorsement.

“I thought, ‘Well I ought to pay attention to this guy,’ ” said Grove, who walked away planning to vote for Edwards. “He was very inspirational. He was speaking to core American values.”