Edwards Debuts First Iowa Ads

ABC News’ David Muir Reports: Former Senator John Edwards’, D-N.C., first television ad in Iowa begins airing today.  In it, the senator continues his push for Congress not to back down in forcing President Bush to agree to a timetable for troop withdrawal.

The ad airing on broadcast and cable stations, features what the Senator calls "everyday, normal Iowans" speaking out about the war in Iraq and their desire to bring American troops home.

The ad follows a similar television spot that aired last week in the Washington, D.C. media market.  In it, Edwards’ supporters asked Congress to end the war in Iraq.

Again this time, Edwards is asking voters across the country to go to his website to record their own messages.  Some of those messages will be featured in online ads that will run on YouTube and on the Edwards campaign website.

The former Senator said any talk on Capitol Hill of a compromise between Republicans and Democrats is instead a "concession."  Edwards said, "The American people have made it very clear they want this war to end." 

When asked if his position was easier to take given the fact he doesn’t have to vote in the Senate, Edwards said, "No.  I’m a candidate for the President of the United States.  I’ll be held accountable for every stance I take."

Edwards’ ads will be seen in Iowa where caucus voters hold considerable power.  When asked if voters are following all of the various Iraq proposals in Congress, Edwards said, "Iowa caucus goers pay attention to everything."  Edwards added, "I believe they know the difference between Congress using its constitutional powers to bring this war to an end and not doing so."

In a telephone conference with reporters today, Edwards again fielded a question about his $400 haircut.  One reporter asked if the Senator was frustrated by all of the media attention.  Edwards did not answer directly, instead saying, "I think what matters at the end of the day is where you come from, what you stand for and what you believe."

Edwards will be in New York City this evening with his wife, Elizabeth at a gala held by TIME magazine.  Elizabeth Edwards, who has waged a very public battle with cancer, will be honored as one of the magazine’s "100 Most Influential People."