The Communique

Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: News

Although "Iowa is Kerry Country" was printed on the stage, Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards was the featured speaker at a rally at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids Thursday, Sept. 23. John Kerry was originally scheduled to attend the event but instead was in Philadelphia recovering from a head cold to make sure he's ready for his Sept. 30 debate with President George W. Bush.
Edwards repeatedly mentioned Bush and his running mate Dick Cheney. He criticized Cheney for touting that "folks are selling a lot on eBay" as an example of economic recovery.
Edwards primarily talked in generalities about Kerry's plans, but he did make a few specific promises. "We will immediately put into place the recommendations of the 9/11 commission," he said. He also proposed a plan where high school graduates could get four years of college tuition in return for two years of public service.
Edwards also addressed the health care issue, saying that Kerry would make "the same health care available to U.S. senators available to everyone." He said that Kerry would "allow prescription drugs safely into this country from Canada," in order to lower drug prices.
Prior to Edwards's speech, the crowd was entertained by singer/songwriter Carole King. King played a mini six-song concert, including such hits as "You've Got a Friend", "I Feel the Earth Move" and "The Locomotion". Between songs, King encouraged the crowd "to leave here with enough energy to turn Iowa bright blue." She said that in her native Idaho, a Bush leaning state, a number of people said to her, "I'm a Republican, but I'm voting for your man."
Thousands attended the event, including a number of Kirkwood Community College students. Freshman Psychology major Sam Bloomer gave Edwards' speech "two thumbs way up" and thought Edwards "talked about things that are really important to Iowans."
Chelsea Schmitt, a freshman Communication and Political Science major, was surprised to hear "that Cheney was making jokes and comments about such serious issues." "It upset me," Schmitt said.
Freshman Theater major Cameron Thomas said, "the Democrats have better, more organized protesters," referring to a small group of Republican protesters he saw outside the arena. He compared this small group to a much larger group of Democratic protesters at the Sept. 3 rally for Bush, also in Cedar Rapids.
As a result of the rally, Thomas said, "I'm going to try to influence my friends and family members to vote for Kerry." Bloomer joked, "I'm going to vote twice now."
Freshman Liberal Arts major Jordan Snow said the rally was inspiring. "I signed up as a volunteer," Snow said. "It made me want to go out and do something."
Edwards's speech lasted about a half hour, after starting at 6:35 p.m., about a half hour later than scheduled.

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