Trailhead

Edwards’ All Nighter

AMES – John Edwards never misses an opportunity to use his favorite metaphor about speaking for those who don’t have a voice. But over the next 36 hours, there’s a good chance he’ll lose his.

Starting now, the Edwards bus (I can’t bring myself to say “Middle Class Express”) will be touring around the state for a day and a half straight, including a midnight “GOTC” stop, a 2:30 a.m. union event, and breakfast with supporters at 5 a.m. “I’m going to try and nod off for a bit, but I won’t be able to sleep a lot,” he said.

Stamina has always been a major part of campaigning, but Edwards is making a point by drawing attention to his own. He’s younger than all the candidates but Barack Obama. In 2004, his six-Diet-Coke-a-day routine became a symbol for his frenzied schedule. And he’s the only candidate aside from Richardson who has visited all 99 counties in Iowa. With polls showing him neck and neck with the other candidates (although the latest and last Des Moines Register poll, which Edwards’ campaign disputes , shows him trailing both Hillary and Obama), every hour counts.

All you insomniacs, check back throughout the night for updates.