Gay marriage issue trips up senator

CLAREMONT, Calif. -- Senator John Edwards of North Carolina yesterday flew into this massive state where he trails badly in polls to deliver an impassioned speech on poverty alleviation, only to find himself ensnared in the heated moral debate over gay marriage.

Speaking to reporters yesterday afternoon, Edwards explained that he personally opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions, and believes each state should set its own marriage policy.

When asked why civil unions could not simply be called marriages, Edwards said, "My answer is the same."

Asked why states, not the federal government, should decide policy, he replied, "Because it's something I think should be decided by the states."

And when asked to explain his personal opposition to gay marriage, he snapped, "I'm done with that question."

Edwards yesterday began a three-day California stand with precious little time to connect to an electorate still somewhat unfamiliar with him. Much is resting on his performance in a televised debate here today. California, with its 370 delegates, is the richest prize in the upcoming "Super Tuesday" vote, and Edwards has only been here twice before this year -- for a private fund-raiser and to appear on a late-night television show. Most polls here show Senator John F. Kerry with twice the support of Edwards.

Edwards began the day at Pomona College in Claremont, outlining his plan to reduce poverty through boosting the minimum wage, expanding tax relief for low income families, curtailing predatory lenders, and assisting schools in poor areas. He used the occasion to take a swipe at President Bush.

"It is clear that when our president is someone who understands that a rising tide lifts all boats, America prospers and grows stronger and millions of Americans are lifted out of poverty. And when our president is someone who believes that a rising tide is there to get the yachts out of the harbor -- American suffers," he said to a student-heavy crowd of about 500 packed into a steamy campus ballroom.

One Pomona College student said the address was "gutsy."

"I enjoyed it, especially at an affluent college like this. A lot of these students are so rich," said sophomore Richard Feng, 20. "In California, we may be stereotyped as liberals but we have a good head on our shoulders, we're pragmatic, and a lot of people think only a Southerner can beat Bush."

But another listener dissented.

"It's a populist speech, which I guess is good. But I don't think I could ever vote for Edwards. He's a trial attorney," said Dr. Mike Klein, 61, a Claremont physician who said medical malpractice lawsuits were hurting his profession.

Immediately after the speech, reporters peppered Edwards with gay marriage questions, and the candidate grew testy.

The gay marriage issue has been tricky for Edwards. Often he seeks to change the subject.

Raja Mishra can be reached at rmishra@globe.com.