Initially I supported John Edwards, then Wesley Clark, then Howard Dean, then Wesley Clark again, and finally John Edwards. I hope every Democratic voter has gone through a similar process in choosing his or her personal candidate in the election. Despite what many pundits say, I think that this year's Democratic field is one of the strongest in recent memory, and to see a primary season that actually extends into February and possibly March is remarkable.

For me, my decision on a presidential candidate was made when I traveled to Iowa to take part in the Iowa Caucus. I had originally intended to travel down with the Edwards campaign because they offered free room and board, but ended up becoming only a non-partisan witness to the electoral process at its best. Over a 36-hour period I was able to see John Edwards, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich, the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, and the Amana Colonies.

Dean was characteristically negative and Kucinich characteristically positive (that's not all bad!). During the Edwards event however, I felt like he came off as an honest person who needed my help to become president. The key to being politically active is to feel a personal connection with the actors in politics, and that day I connected with John Edwards. I am impressed with every aspect of his life, from being the first person in his family to attend college, to attending law school, to being a hugely successful trial lawyer, to defeating an incumbent Republican Senator in North Carolina, to his presidential campaign. During each step along the way, people said he would not be able to do it, but he was able to reach each of his goals.

Let's also talk about the "electability" buzzword that always floats around during the campaign season. No Democrat has been elected president without winning at least five southern states (which were all swept by George W. Bush in the 2000 election). As I write this I feel that the race is realistically only between John Kerry and John Edwards. I feel both candidates have similar talents and would make excellent presidents. However, in my mind there is no way John Kerry will be able to win swing states in the South. If then Vice President Al Gore cannot win his home state of Tennessee in 2000 because he was too liberal, what hope does a Massachusetts senator have?

When looking at the statistical data of who is supporting which candidate, Kerry pulls ahead with Democratic voters due to their belief that he is more electable than the other candidates. However, when you examine how independent voters feel about the issue, they support Edwards much more strongly. After all, it is the independents, moderate conservatives, and conservative democrats that decide elections. And based on their opinions, Edwards is the stronger candidate.

However, since as Mark Twain said, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics," let me focus on his platform and specifically issues that students may be interested in. Edwards has pledged support for a program that will provide a free year of college tuition for anyone who attends a public college and is able to work part-time. He promises to simplify the financial aid process as well as increase available financial aid. He has proposed a matching tax credit of up to $5,000 to help those who need to cover a down payment on a first home. This will allow people across the country to own their own home who would not be able to normally.

In regard to taxes, Edwards advocates making the tax for the earned income of the wealthiest 1% to be equal to the top income tax level on earned income for middle-class families. The top rate on capital gains will be 25% for people earning over $400,000, which is less than 1% of Americans. Most importantly, Edwards has pledged to repeal the Bush tax cuts that benefit most the top 2% of Americans, who roughly make $240,000 a year.

For me, hearing the person speak was nearly as important as his stance on the issues. If you get a chance to see Edwards in person before the Wisconsin primary, give it a shot. No matter how you feel about the candidates, vote on Tuesday, February 17th!