The North Carolina senator spoke in Owens Banquet Hall, and asked for support in the upcoming Virginia Democratic primary
By Claire Compton
News Editor
Listen to John Edwards' visit to Tech, courtesy of WUVT.
http://www.collegiatetimes.com/index.php?ID=3004
Despite an ice storm that hit Blacksburg on Friday, Sen. John Edwards spoke to a full house in Owens Banquet Hall.
The candidate for the Democratic nomination to run against President George Bush in this November's presidential election made a stop on Virginia Tech's campus to garner support for Tuesday's Virginia primary.
Barnie Day, a former Virginia delegate, introduced the North Carolina senator.
"I'm here to endorse the next president of the United States, John Edwards," he said. "He has come to Virginia to bring a message of hope ... he understands what you're going through at this great university."
Edwards entered the banquet hall amongst cheering, and a John Cougar Mellencamp's "I Was Raised in a Small Town," harkening Edwards upbringing in Robbins, N.C.
Not everyone was cheering, however, as a small group of Tech students held "George W. Bush for 2004" signs.
"Guys, hold those signs up in the back if you don't mind," Edwards said. "That's who's leaving the White House come November!"
Edwards identified himself with the crowd at the start of his speech.
"As someone who graduated from North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina, I want to welcome you to the ACC."
Edwards spoke of joining what he called "two Americas" -- one of privilege, and another of want.
"We have a moral responsibility to lift these families out of poverty, you and I," he said.
The Democratic candidates are now facing off in the southern primaries, in states that Edwards said are thought to be Bush's territory. Edwards said if he is nominated as the candidate for the Democrats, he will garner more votes in the south.
"The south is not George W. Bush's backyard, it's my back yard, and I will beat George W. Bush in my backyard," he said.
Edwards stressed the need for keeping jobs with American companies in America.
"Twenty years ago-- some of you may remember this-- 20 years ago we talked about buy American. Well, how about hiring American."
Beau Correll, president of Tech's Young Republicans, and one of the Bush sign holders during Edwards' speech, disputed Edwards' stance on the issue.
"What's so interesting is that John Edwards speaks about textile jobs overseas, and then he voted for the Permanent Normal Trade with China," he said. "He's hypocritical."
Correll said there was a large presence of College Republicans attending the speech.
"There's a good bunch of people that support the administration on campus," he said.
Correll stressed that holding the Bush signs was meant only as a show of support.
"We were as cordial and as nice as we possibly could be," he said. "We weren't antagonistic."
Tech's Young Democrats were an even more visible presence, holding signs in support of Edwards outside Owens, and meeting the senator when he arrived.
Erin Crosby, vice president of Tech's Young Democrats and a senior psychology major, said it was exciting to see so many people in attendance.
"It was neat to see so many (people) there, and that there is a liberal presence on campus," she said. "It was refreshing for (the Young Democrats) to see that."
Crosby described the senator as unlike some politicians in his sincerity.
"It was such a great experience to meet him, he was so nice and very down to earth," she said.
Edwards urged students to vote for him in Virginia's upcoming primary, and said he was the best bet to beat Bush.
"If you give me a shot at George Bush, I will give you the White House," he said. Edwards called attention to his decision not to criticize the other Democratic candidates in his campaign.
"If you're looking for a Democratic candidate that will attack the other Democrats, that's not me," he said. "I believe this election is about the future of America.
Justin Tosi, a junior politics major at the University of Virginia, traveled to Blacksburg to attend the speech.
"I liked the politic of uplift and hope, instead of Kerry's attack," he said. "I'll definitely vote for him."
