John Edwards went back home to Seneca, South Carolina last night as part of his Back Home, Back Roads Barnstorm with John Edwards" Tour.
The legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley warmed up the hometown crowd before Edwards took the stage.
I'm on the ground in South Carolina to volunteer and vlog some events and shot some footage of last night's rally. Check out highlights from the rally here:
Edwards Back Home in Seneca, South Carolina
Edwards opened up his speech with discussing the petty bickering that is going on between Obama and Clinton and highlighted how engaging in tearing eachother down will not bring about Universal Health Care or other much needed changes, stating, "While Senator Clinton and Senator Obama seem intent on tearing each other down, I'm intent on building you up."
Today, the Edwards for President Campaign released a new ad that focuses on "What Really Matters" to voters:
Columbia, South Carolina – As Senators Clinton and Obama continue to squabble, the John Edwards for President campaign today released two new ads in South Carolina focusing on the issues that really matter to the American people in this election.
The new 30-second television spot "Grown Up" includes clips from last Monday’s South Carolina debate where Senators Clinton and Obama launch viscous personal attacks against each other. These attacks are contrasted with Edwards’ "grown up" response where he reminds voters that this election is not about us personally – but rather "what we are trying to for this country."
In the new radio ad, "What Really Matters," Edwards says he is "proud to represent the grown up wing of the Democratic Party."
"While Senator Clinton and Senator Obama seem intent on tearing each other down, I'm intent on building you up," Edwards says in the 60-second ad. "And, as your President, I'll fight everyday to strengthen the middle class, create good paying jobs, stop unfair trade deals, and make our government work for the American people, not for a bunch of irresponsible corporations."
Today, on the last day before the primary, Edwards is campaigning across South Carolina to meet with voters and tell them, as president, he will never forget the voices of South Carolina’s working families. Joined by James Lowe, his parents Bobbie and Wallace Edwards, his daughter, Cate, and Rev. James Blassingame of Sumter, South Carolina, Edwards is discussing his bold plans to make sure America’s working families have a voice in Washington.
Watch the ad here:
"Grown Up" Ad
Edwards will continue to campaign in South Carolina through Saturday where he is talking to voters about the issues that matter to them: ending the war in Iraq, creating Universal Health Care, lifting up those in poverty and strengthening the Middle Class.
Edwards Outlines Economic Plan To Put Needed Money In The Hands Of Hard-Working South Carolinians And All Americans
The problem is that we've had elected leaders who are more concerned with serving the interests of the powerful and the well-connected than standing up for regular, hard-working Americans," said John Edwards. "We need to end the cycle of leadership that has made decision after decision over the last 25 years that benefit big corporations and special interests at the expense of the middle class."
"If we want to stop saying goodbye to South Carolina's manufacturing jobs, we need to start with a real stimulus package that creates new jobs and puts money in the hands of working families," Edwards said. "President Bush's proposal is swiss-cheese stimulus that leaves out millions of hardworking Americans while toeing the line of right-wing ideology at the expense of smart planning for America's future."
Polls are showing the race in South Carolina is tightening, with Edwards moving up on Clinton but the outcome of tomorrow's race remains unpredictable. Edwards is up against two 100 Million Dollar Celebrity Canidates but continues to fight on! Whatever the outcome, Saturday's primary will be an exciting one.
You can still help out in South Carolina by donating and phonebanking, from any location. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
UPDATE This just in: Edwards Campaign Breaks Online Fundraising Record!
EDWARDS CAMPAIGN BREAKS ONLINE FUNDRAISING RECORD
In the first 25 days of this quarter, campaign has raised more online than the whole 4th quarter – the vast majority of which will be doubled by federal matching funds
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – As a sign of John Edwards’ growing grassroots support across the country, today the Edwards campaign announced that it has raised more than $3 million online during the first 25 days of the quarter – more than it raised during the whole 4th quarter of last year. Just yesterday, the campaign had one of its best fundraising days, taking in more than $230,000 in contributions. The vast majority of online contributions will be doubled by federal matching funds.
"First, we want to thank everyone who has contributed," said senior advisor Joe Trippi. "More and more Americans want to get involved in our campaign because they recognize that John Edwards is the only candidate in this race with the backbone to say we are in a fight for the middle class and we can’t negotiate or take money from powerful entrenched interests if we are going to have change – we have to take them on. Our campaign relies on the support of regular Americans, and with their support we can bring real change to America."
The Edwards campaign has been built on reaching out to all Americans – not just those who can give the maximum donation to the campaign. Edwards is the only candidate who has never taken a dime from Washington lobbyists or PACs. He continues to gain new support as he travels the country to talk with voters about his plans to fight for the middle class.
- Edwards enjoys strong grassroots support with 93 percent of online contributions coming in amounts of $100 or less.
- Fifty-two percent of those making contributions online this quarter are new contributors.