For Edwards, a remarkable lift
DES MOINES -- North Carolina Senator John Edwards roared to a second-place finish here yesterday, a remarkable last-minute surge for the charismatic Southerner once expected to finish near the bottom of the pack in this crucial heartland vote.
Edwards rode a wave of popularity that began two weeks ago as Iowans took a second look at his candidacy amid bickering and negative advertising by other candidates. Edwards had made a strategic decision to keep his message optimistic, emphasizing his modest Southern roots and honing his stump speech into a rousing populist address.
Edwards last night bounded into a hotel ballroom in downtown Des Moines, fists pumping, with about 300 supporters cheering his improbable comeback.
"The people of Iowa have confirmed that they believe in a positive uplifting vision to change America," he told the crowd. "Tonight we started a movement to change this country that will sweep across America."
Just before his victory address, Edwards phoned Richard A. Gephardt, who withdrew, to pay his respects. Yesterday, he said he had "so much personal respect" for the Missouri congressman. Edwards also called former Vermont governor Howard Dean and Ohio congressman Dennis J. Kucinich "good people," while also congratulating Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry on his win.
Then, late in the evening, Edwards jetted to New Hampshire, where his poll numbers have not been strong lately. But with his surprising second-place finish, and Gephardt out of the race, the dynamics in the Granite State could change considerably beginning today.
Edwards, once touted by Democratic insiders as the next Bill Clinton, was written off by many pundits and voters for lacking foreign policy experience in a time of war and for his boyish looks, which many believed undercut his ability to appear presidential. But with results in, Edwards, along with Kerry, can now lay claim to the moniker "Comeback Kid," as Clinton did in 1992. In fact, his charisma was clearly an asset here, his toothy smile underscoring his positive message, his boyish enthusiasm charming Iowa crowds and lending a personal touch to his appeal for the presidency.
The Edwards surge began in earnest two weeks ago after Iowa's most influential daily newspaper, the Des Moines Register, endorsed him. At the same time, Iowans, already tiring of virtually nonstop political advertising, appeared to take issue with negative television ads run by Dean and Gephardt. The North Carolinian took to the stump with relish, his crowds growing.
His platform emphasized reclaiming Washington from special interests and fighting for middle class taxpayers. He also touted his viability, as a Southerner, against President Bush.
"I just think people like his presence and energy,"said Sue Shay of Des Moines. Shay voted for him yesterday at a caucus meeting at Drake University, once considered Dean territory. Edwards scored four delegates there, the most of any candidate in that precinct. "His positive message made him stand out," Shay added.
Robert Rodriguez was won over by Edwards's populist tack.
"What he's talking about lately, about creating jobs and returning the White House to common people, appealed to me," said Rodriguez, who cast his vote for Edwards at the 90th precinct at the Lovejoy Elementary School in Des Moines, where Edwards also won the most delegates.
With much emphasis placed on ground organization here, Edwards's chances had been discounted. While Dean and Gephardt assembled considerable volunteer forces, Edwards's Iowa operation was far more modest. However, the North Carolinian managed to campaign in all of Iowa's 99 counties, most recently concentrating on small towns, where his populist message resonated with farm communities.
Edwards did have a testy exchange with Iowa victor Kerry just before the voting started. On Sunday, Kerry joked that "When I came back from Vietnam in 1969, ladies and gentlemen, I'm not sure if John Edwards was out of diapers yet or not."
Kerry later called Edwards to apologize, but the off-the-cuff remark appeared to foreshadow Kerry's strategy against Edwards: attack the one-term senator's lack of national experience and allude to his youth.
Raja Mishra can be reached at rmishra@globe.com. 
