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Edwards, John (American politician)

Senator John Edwards Brings Populist Campaign to New York as a Last-Ditch Effort

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senator John Edwards is bringing his populist campaign to New York, a state with 236 delegates that could potentially slow down Senator John Kerry's momentum and keep Edwards' own bid for the presidency alive. Edwards is focusing on upstate cities and outer boroughs where working-class people have lost jobs due to companies moving overseas. He plans to campaign aggressively in Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, areas hard hit by plant closings. Edwards' message of stopping the interests of shareholders and executives to serve ordinary people could resonate with voters in economically hard-pressed regions, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to win over a majority of voters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator John Edwards is planning to campaign aggressively in upstate cities and outer boroughs where working-class people have lost jobs due to companies moving overseas.
  • Edwards is focusing on areas like Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, which have been particularly hard hit by plant closings.
  • A 70-to-30 downstate-upstate ratio means that most Democratic primary voters come from New York City and its suburbs, making it challenging for Edwards to gain traction in these areas.
  • Edwards' populist message of job loss works better in fading industrial areas, but in New York Democratic primaries, upstate is not where the votes are.
  • Democrats like Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Charles Schumer have campaigned heavily upstate, showing in general elections that they can make inroads into what was once considered a Republican bastion by talking about jobs.
  • Only Democrats can vote in New York's Democratic primary, making it a key factor in the election.

Statistics:

  • 236 delegates are at stake in New York.
  • 30% of the statewide electorate comes from upstate, compared with 53% in New York City and 17% in New York City's suburbs.

Sources:

  • "Edwards Brings Populist Campaign to New York" by The New York Times
  • "Edwards Plans Aggressive Campaign in New York" by The New York Times
  • "New York's Democratic Primary" by The New York Times
  • "Edwards' Populist Message Hits a Nerve" by The New York Times

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