JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IOWA STUDENTS FOR EDWARDS
Innovative Outreach Plan Includes Text Messaging, Social Network Sites, Voice Messaging and a New Online Organizing Website
Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign launched Iowa Students for Edwards to get more young people involved in Senator Edwards’ campaign to change America. Student leaders from colleges and universities across the state will help the campaign engage young voters and will discuss with their peers Edwards’ plans to ensure that young people, and all Americans, have the opportunity to succeed.
In addition to direct personal contact, the campaign is also using innovative online, text messaging and voice messaging tools to reach out to young people. The campaign launched a website today (www.johnedwards.com/iowa/youngiowans) specifically for young Iowans. The site allows visitors to read more about Edwards’ positions on issues important to young people, register to vote, purchase Edwards gear, and find ways to get involved at their schools and in their communities to help elect Edwards. Additionally, the site helps students connect more directly with the campaign by using cutting-edge tools like mobile messaging and popular social networking sites including MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube. Yesterday, for example, the campaign sent out a voice message from James Denton, who plays “Mike Delfino” on ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives,” to its Iowa mobile list so Iowans could hear from him why he is supporting Edwards for president.
Denton is in Iowa today and tomorrow for a campaign swing with Cate Edwards, eldest daughter of Senator John and Elizabeth Edwards, on behalf of Senator Edwards. They will be visiting college campuses and speaking with Iowans about Edwards’ specific ideas to bring big change to our country and build One America.
“I'm here because I want people in Iowa to see my dad as I see him – as a great father, a loving husband, and most of all, someone who is deeply committed to helping regular people," said Cate Edwards. "I also want young people in Iowa -- people in my generation -- to know that there's no one who shares their passion for change more than my dad. And there's no one who is more committed to ending the war, passing universal health care, stopping global warming and bringing the big change America needs. My dad doesn't buy the idea that young people won't participate in the caucuses -- and he's going to work as hard as he can to earn their support."
“We need a president who will fight to make sure young people today have a chance to achieve the American Dream,” said Eric Benson, a student at Wartburg College. “John Edwards is committed to helping young people get ahead. He has specific plans, like his College for Everyone plan, to improve the lives of young people.”
This week, Edwards outlined a “One America” Agenda for Young People, which will restore America’s leadership in the world and fight to ensure everyone has the chance to succeed by:
Expanding opportunity for every American: Edwards has proposed a national College for Everyone program, overhauling student loans and financial aid, guaranteeing universal health care, raising the minimum wage, and fighting credit card debt and abuse.
Restoring moral leadership here and abroad: Edwards will end the war in Iraq, halt global warming and build a new energy economy, take action in Darfur and Uganda, fight poverty at home and abroad, and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
