Edwards set to 'fight' for SC win

Excerpt from Savannah Morning News

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Stumping in his native state, Edwards railed against multibillion-dollar corporations, predatory lenders and Washington lobbyists.

"I have fought them, fought them, beat them, beat them, beat them, beat them, over and over again," he said, referring to both his political and legal careers.

"And I think we have to have that in a president of the United States."

He's hoping to use the Palmetto State, where he won the Democratic primary in 2004, as a launching pad for a comeback after placing second in Iowa and third in New Hampshire.

South Carolina Democrats vote on Jan. 26.

"Strengthening and growing the middle class is what this election is about," he declared. "When are we going to have a president who is going to stand up for working people?"

Looking relaxed and feisty at the same time, he drew distinctions between himself and his two main Democratic opponents.

He said New York Sen. Hillary Clinton "defends the system and thinks she can work her way though it." In contrast, Edwards said he believes "the system in Washington is stacked against ordinary Americans."

"I think you have to be willing to challenge it to bring about change," he said. And, unlike Clinton, Edwards declared: "I have never taken a dime from a Washington lobbyist."

He acknowledged that Barack Obama advocates change but said the Illinois senator takes a "more conciliatory" approach.

"He wants to bring everybody together. The drug companies. The insurance companies. The oil companies. Bring them to the table. And make a deal," Edwards said. "I just don't think that works."

He said it's important to work with Congress, but Edwards insisted that doesn't mean dealing with big businesses and lobbyists who front for them.

"They have an iron-fisted grip on your democracy," he said. "These entrenched interests are never going to go away without a fight."

The nation, he insisted, needs better health care, a cleaner environment, fairer taxes and improved education.

"If you think we can do these things just by being nice to them," he said in reference to special interests, "then I'm not your guy. I think we have to fight for them."

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