Edwards remains focused on poverty and economic inequality

from The Knoxville News Sentinel

By MIKE BAKER, Associated Press Writer
December 16, 2006

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) _ At a time when the political passions of many Americans are focused on Iraq and national security, John Edwards remains focused on poverty and economic inequality.

Don't expect anything different should he again run for president.

''Edwards has identified a message area that will give him a niche,'' said Chris Lehane, a longtime Democratic strategist who has worked on several presidential campaigns. ''The issue of poverty reminds people about Democratic values. It reflects his character and distinguishes him.''

Not long after Edwards and running mate John Kerry lost the 2004 election, the former North Carolina senator set up shop at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, opening a research center to investigate ways to expand economic opportunity in the U.S. and eliminate poverty in the next 30 years.

During his travels around the country, Edwards has joining Teamsters President James Hoffa on a Miami picket line and joined with other unions in their fight with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. He's campaigned actively for higher minimum wages and complained loudly about federal bankruptcy laws he says keep people in a cycle of debt.

This spring, he plans to edit and publish a book with contributions from scholars analyzing the causes of poverty and offering solutions.

''Low-income families have been left the furthest behind,'' Edwards said. ''And nobody's been their advocate.''

While the issue of poverty is likely to resonates with the Democratic base, observers question whether it's an issue that can propel him to the White House. It wasn't during his first run for president, when Edwards debuted his ''Two Americas'' stump speech that highlighted the disparity between the nation's rich and poor.

Not since Lyndon Johnson in 1964 has a candidate running on such a platform won the presidency.

''Poverty _ 'Two Americas' _ that's Edwards' main calling card and it's always a concern for voters,'' said Emory University political scientist Merle Black, who points out that since the 2004 election, a strong American economy has lowered the unemployment rate and increased wages across the country. ''But it's not the issue that gets someone elected. It would be more powerful if there were actually more people in poverty.''

Yet there are signs voters are willing to listen _ and more importantly cast ballots _ on Edwards' signature issue. In November, voters in six states approved an increase in the minimum wage, while state legislatures in 10 other states passed similar raises this year. All had the active support of Edwards, who calls the federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour ''a national embarrassment.''

''Sen. Edwards has played a crucial role in nationalizing this discussion,'' said Bruce Raynor, general president of UNITE HERE, the only major union to endorse Edwards in the 2004 nominating process. ''He's virtually the only national figure talking about poverty as a problem and that gives him the credibility.''

Along with his work at the poverty center and advocacy around the nation, Edwards started an anti-poverty and education program in rural Greene County. The ''College for Everyone'' program rewards qualifying students with academic scholarships and has helped nearly double the number of college-bound seniors from Greene Central High School.

Edwards and other donors are now paying the college bills for roughly 80 students.

''It definitely has been a big help for me and my family,'' said 18-year-old Anna Harris, now a freshman at North Carolina State University. ''College bills really do add up. And we're just one poor county in North Carolina. There are a lot of other places in the country where a program like this could work.''

Edwards focus on poverty opens himself up to attacks about his own personal wealth. The former personal injury trial lawyer just completed construction on a $4.2 million home in Chapel Hill that includes a 10,000-square-foot mansion. Republican officials are already talking about the home, saying it offers insight into Edwards' character.

''There's a disconnect between who he actually is and who he tries to portray himself as. It's deceptive,'' said Linda Daves, chairwoman of the North Carolina Republican Party. ''That's no way to build up your credibility.''