Edwards swings across California

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CLAREMONT, Calif. -- In what might be his last stand against Democratic front-runner John Kerry, long-shot hopeful Sen. John Edwards began a five-city campaign swing through the nation's largest, most delegate-rich state yesterday.

Mr. Edwards -- who is scrambling to collect enough cash to compete in Tuesday's huge and potentially decisive nomination contest -- hopes to transform his largely regional campaign into a winning national one that is capable not only of overtaking Mr. Kerry, but of toppling President Bush in November.

Recent polls, however, suggest his uphill battle is fairly steep.

In a speech to students at Pomona College here yesterday, Mr. Edwards, of North Carolina, outlined a plan to "lift 10 million out of poverty."

He said he often is asked what he will do to win the votes of young people such as those in the crowd.

"I think that is the wrong question," said Mr. Edwards, sounding reminiscent of President Kennedy. "I think the right question is, what are we going to do together to make this country better."

For the most part, Mr. Edwards continued his populist message with renewed vigor in hopes of attracting some of the young voters orphaned by the demise of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's campaign earlier this month.

"It is clear that when our president is someone who understands that a rising tide lifts all boats, America prospers and grows stronger," Mr. Edwards said. "And when our president is someone who believes that a rising tide is there only to get the yachts out of the harbor, then America suffers."

Republicans have all but written off Mr. Edwards.