Edwards wooing undecided voters

CONWAY — Undecided Democratic voters turned out by the dozens Tuesday to see John Edwards give his pitch for the presidency in an old peanut warehouse, a day after the party's front-runners attacked each other on the debate stage.

The animosity between Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois during Monday's debate in Myrtle Beach left an opening for Edwards, a former North Carolina senator, to win over voters, according to some who attended Edwards' event.

"I think they will turn people off it they're not careful, to Edwards' benefit," said Ann Bedwell of Conway. "We need good people as leaders." Bedwell said she is "still shopping" for a candidate. Edwards has a good attitude and she thinks he is the most sincere competitor, she said.

Edwards is spending his time traveling to small, sometimes rural, communities to bring his message to voters leading up to Saturday's Democratic primary in South Carolina. On Tuesday, wearing a pair of blue jeans and a casual pullover, Edwards stressed his focus on the economy and his connection to everyday Americans. His parents, Wallace and Bobbie, joined him, recalling his humble beginnings.

"I don't doubt the motives of Senator Obama and Senator Clinton, not a bit. I really mean that. I don't. But it is a different thing to feel in here," Edwards said, motioning to his chest. "When a fight gets tough, it matters whether it's inside you. Because if it's inside you, you will never stop."

During a 40-minute appearance that included a question-and-answer period, Edwards said he wants the nation to invest in green infrastructure to help stimulate the economy and create jobs and to rework trade laws to protect American workers. Edwards also touched on ways to address the high mortgage-foreclosure rate, rising college costs and ending the war in Iraq.

Perhaps the biggest applause came when Edwards commented on the debate.

"I was proud to represent the grown-up wing of the Democratic Party," he said.

Rebecca Flaten of Conway said there were elements of each candidate that appeal to her, and she is trying to decide who to support on Saturday. She said the bickering between Clinton and Obama was a reflection of the fact that both are passionate.

"The candidates feel strongly," she said. "It's a good thing that they are going to stand up for themselves and what they believe. At the same time, you want someone who is diplomatic."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.