Edwards joins protest, gets one in return

(Photo courtesy of Teamsters)

From Jenn Abelson, Globe staff

SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- John Edwards, speaking yesterday at a rally in support of striking Teamsters members here, encountered an unexpected protest of his own.

As Edwards praised the workers for their courage -- they have been on strike since last October -- the owner of the Standard Ready Mix cement plant unrolled a 10-foot-long "Hillary For President" banner in front of a truck next to the rally.

"Cute, that's cute," Edwards said, pausing for a moment as he watched the huge blue and white banner unfurl in support of his rival. It was the first stop for Edwards as he kicked off a two-day Iowa trip that focuses on trade and economic policies. Today he is delivering a major address in Cedar Rapids outlining what he bills as a smart and safe trade policy that grows the economy for all working families while protecting labor and environmental standards.