Edwards, the Nice-Guy Candidate

[Manix]

Washington Post
By Vanessa Williams


<snip>


Edwards's effort to set himself apart from the contentious cacophony of the Democratic field appears to have resonated with many Iowans, who have turned out in larger numbers to his events since this weekend, when he snared the Des Moines Register's endorsement.

Again and again, voters say they admired him for largely refraining from attacking his rivals during speeches and several televised debates. They dismiss Edwards's low poll numbers and what most political analysts consider the freshman senator's major liability: his dearth of experience in foreign policy and government.

"I like the fact that he doesn't bash the other candidates," said Patsy Hoosensen, a retired school cafeteria worker who came to see Edwards on Tuesday in West Des Moines.

Does playing nice really matter that much?

"Yes, it does," she insisted. "We're just honest people here in the Midwest. We believe in following the rules."


<snip>


"I think he's genuine," said Dan Warren, 43, a network specialist with the Des Moines public schools who used his lunch break to go to an Edwards rally Tuesday.

Warren said he started out supporting Dean: "I think just because he was ahead, but then I went to see Edwards. . . . He's fresh and he has good ideas." Warren said he was so inspired by Edwards that he plans to participate in the caucuses for the first time.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A14476-2004Jan13?language=printer

[chimpymustgo]

1. This is refreshing as sweet tea.

Go Edwards. Keep shining, keep smiling.