Edwards won't walk the line today

Presidential campaigns try to capitalize on the news. But sometimes the news just won't cooperate.

Just ask John Edwards. He planned to march the picket line with striking United Auto Workers members in Buffalo, on the way to the Democratic debate at Dartmouth College tonight.

The appearance with Local 774 outside the General Motors powertrain plant would have been a sure-fire photo opportunity and TV moment (and maybe footage for a campaign ad) for someone who has been fighting for unions for years and who is counting on labor support to boost his candidacy. The strike would have been a perfect talking point during the debate, especially to press his case that the Clinton administration -- including frontrunner Hillary Clinton -- hurt workers with free trade agreements.

But then GM and the UAW announced they had reached a tentative settlement covering 73,000 workers.

After cancelling the picket-line appearance, Edwards tried to make the best of the situation.

"I honor the strength and solidarity shown by 73,000 UAW members who walked the line to get a deal that protects their jobs and honors the standards they have created over decades," he said in a statement issued by his campaign. "This process illustrates that collective bargaining works, and I am happy that both sides are satisfied with today's outcome.

"This settlement highlights the significance of two issues that every worker in America is concerned about -- health care and job security. I am encouraged that UAW members have won promises of job security in an era where our government's trade policies are undercutting and exporting jobs that pay living wages. I believe that unionized American autoworkers, if given the chance, can compete with workers from anywhere to produce the most modern and energy efficient vehicles in the world."