DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards assailed President Bush for lacking the courage of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who on Wednesday took full responsibility for the intelligence failures that led both nations into war in Iraq.
Embarking on his first solo campaign as John Kerry's running mate, Edwards kicked it off in Iowa, the state that salvaged his political aspirations with a strong second-place finish in the presidential caucuses seven months ago.
"I love Iowa. I'm so happy to be back here," Edwards told about a thousand cheering Kerry-Edwards supporters on the grounds of the state Capitol. "The time I spent in Iowa was so important to where I am today."
Domestic issues would seem a natural topic for a Democratic candidate campaigning in the heartland, but the campaign decided that Edwards would focus on national security and lead the Democratic voices comparing Bush to Blair.
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040715/D83R4DS80.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic vice presidential contender John Edwards may not know how much milk costs in New Mexico, but he's got a handle on his local grocery prices.
Edwards has promoted himself as the down-to-earth candidate who can relate to the struggles of working families, while trying to portray Vice President Dick Cheney as out of touch.
Broadcaster Don Imus put those claims to the test Thursday, quizzing the North Carolina Democrat about the costs of a gallon of milk and six-pack of beer in Albuquerque, N.M.
"You were just in Albuquerque, do you know?" Imus asked.
http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040715/D83R9J9G0.html