After Factory Layoffs
By Darryl Fears
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 17, 2004; Page A06
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- A long, winding trail of red, white and blue campaign placards led to the open doors of an auditorium at Spartanburg Technical College, and for once in his life, Charles Atkins followed them.
He slipped into his first campaign rally and quietly took a seat in the back. He said that, at age 57, he had not registered to vote because "politicians make promises they don't keep." But after losing his job and failing to find work for two years, Atkins said, he is looking for someone to believe in, who will give him hope.
The words were barely out of his mouth when two stereo speakers started blaring. Sen. John Edwards (N.C.), the Democratic presidential who was born 60 miles away, in Seneca, S.C., marched in the room as John Mellencamp's voice sang, "I was born in a small town." Atkins joined about 125 others in a lively ovation, but his weathered face was blank and his blue-green eyes were sullen.
-snip-
If any Democrat in the race could relate to that feeling of sorrow, it should be Edwards, analysts said. His father, Wallace, was a textile worker, and at one time -- before Edwards became a rich trial lawyer -- he worked beside his dad. On top of that, he represents a neighboring state in the Senate.
EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT
-snip-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23619-2004Jan16.html*******
So many people are asking: how did Edwards come out of nowhere into the top tier of candidates in Iowa? It's Edwards winning over voters one by one, room by room. Bringing a message of hope.
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