Edwards’ supporters meet up


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By: Sarah Nakasone & Web Staff

Local supporters of Senator John Edwards' bid for president are finding each other through the Internet.

A New York-based organization called "Meet Up" helps unite people who share similar interests in 500 cities worldwide but they don't endorse any particular topic or candidate.

The group is changing the face of grassroots support for the Edward's campaign through the Internet.

Bill Hulette is having a hard time keeping his growing list of attendees straight.

“There were, like, seven people on the Internet this morning and now there's obviously a lot more interest,” said Hulette.

Interest in a President John Edwards. Some are cyber friends, that is, they've only known each other on email until now.

Just in the past few weeks, 17 people have already signed up on edwards2004.meetup.com in the Raleigh-Durham area, including some UNC-Chapel Hill Young Democrats.

“I think he represents a group of people the Democratic Party has started to lose over last four or five years which is the youth,” said Jeffrey Smith.

There are also the converts.

“I'm going to be changing my registration to democrat,” said Hulette.

The Edwards campaign may end up endorsing these monthly meetings, but for now, they're just happy to sign on volunteers and supporters are equally as eager to give policy advice.

“Every year, once you sign for your four years that you’re going to come to this college and learn, that you'll essentially pay the same thing year to year,” said Russ Smith.

It’s a list of ideas they hope will grow by the next meet-up.

Edwards’ supporters began signing up for meet ups in over 100 cities around the world. The Raleigh-Durham area leads the nation with the most support, followed by Washington DC and New York City.