With the South Carolina Democratic primary dance in full swing, Sen. John Kerry strutted through the Midlands on Thursday, hammering the Bush administration's economic record. While Sen. John Edwards wooed black voters in Greenville, retired Gen. Wesley Clark waltzed into Rock Hill, slamming the president's handling of foreign affairs. The Rev. Al Sharpton warned voters against wasting their vote.
As the Democrats' newest lead dancer, Kerry began drawing fresh attention from Republicans, who questioned his voting record in the Senate, a theme that's likely to continue.
Kerry's votes against military action in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and a 1984 vote against testing and deployment of nuclear weapons show that he's soft on defense issues, said Ed Gillespie, Republican National Committee chairman.
In Columbia, Kerry called Gillespie's criticism "the greatest form of flattery," saying it underscores his status as Democratic front-runner.
Kerry visited a branch of Midlands Technical College, where he criticized Bush for presiding over an economy that has shed 3 million jobs.
With U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., at his side, Kerry said he would remedy the situation by investing in education and eliminate tax benefits for "Benedict Arnold" companies that take jobs out of the country.
Kerry lavished praise on Clyburn, who formally endorsed him Thursday. Clyburn drew laughs after Kerry referred to dancing at a Clyburn fish fry.
"I wouldn't call that dancing," Clyburn said.
Kerry replied, "I thought for a white guy, I showed some rhythm. Guess I'll have to take a few more lessons."
Before Thursday's presidential debate in Greenville, Edwards made his case to black voters at a candidates' forum sponsored by Allen Temple AME church.
Many in attendance liked that Edwards was a native South Carolinian and noted his personable approach. Others weren't sure about his chances nationally.
"He's a homeboy and can relate to the people," the Rev. J.L. Robinson of Anderson said. "But I don't know how much strength he can gather in other states."
Edwards remains confident he will win South Carolina, though state Democratic Party Chairman Joe Erwin noted that Clyburn's endorsement was a coup for Kerry.
"If Edwards has a bad day on Feb. 3, it would be a blow," Erwin said.
Still, with his stronger-than-expected showings in Iowa and New Hampshire, Edwards has benefited from a surge in campaign contributions -- $1 million since Jan. 19 -- enabling the North Carolina senator to buy more advertising and compete more effectively against Kerry.
Clark is also hoping for a strong showing in South Carolina. Early Thursday afternoon, he greeted about 200 supporters in Rock Hill at a forum hosted by textile trade interests.
With the crowd waving hand painted signs that read "We Love Wes" and "A General with Specifics," Clark, an Arkansas native, talked about growing up poor in the South.
If elected, he said, he would exempt from federal income taxes families with children who make under $50,000 a year and would make drastic cuts for families who make under $100,000.
He criticized Bush for "prancing" around on a flight deck when he announced the war was over and vowed to use America's military might more judiciously. "You only go in as a last resort."
Sharpton visited Allen Temple AME Church in Greenville later in the day, telling supporters to elect a candidate that won't be ignored, whether he wins the nomination or not.
"We need to be at the table, and the only way we can be at the table is if we are all included and we all feel like we are respected and regarded in the strategy," he said.
Former Gov. Howard Dean, Sen. Joe Lieberman and Rep. Dennis Kucinich did not make public appearances in the state before the debate.
