HOOKSETT – John Edwards was traveling throughout the state yesterday, talking about global warming and environmental issues, but a question from a Manchester Central High School student dove to the core of his candidacy.

She asked him why he wants to be the next U.S. President.

"Because I want every single American, no matter who you are or where you live or what color skin you have to have every opportunity that I've had," Edwards said. "I've come from nothing to having everything -- and I want that for everyone."

Speaking to about 150 people across from Robie's General Store, a favorite stop on the campaign trail, Edwards drew an enthusiastic crowd who peppered him with questions about education, the environment, and his chances against Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

"I don't think it's possible to buy the New Hampshire primary," the North Carolina senator said when asked if he could fundraise at the level of some of his fellow Democratic Party contenders.

Kate Edwards, 25, joined her father in the campaigning yesterday.

"I think my generation has been through a lot, and we've heard from candidates about the change they want to bring," she said. "Washington needs to change, we need hope and optimism. But we can't have a person who goes in and wanders around. We need someone who has a plan, who knows what he wants. There's only one person who can do that and that man is John Edwards, my dad," Kate told the crowd.

Edwards spoke of his plan for "change without rhetoric," citing his promise to not take money from Washington lobbyists, his plan for universal health care funded in part from taxes for those earning over $200,000 a year, a proposal to draw down troops in Iraq within 10 months of becoming president and a plan to pay for college tuition and books in exchange for students who work 10 hours a week.

Global warming is a crisis for the world, he said. Edwards proposes a national cap on carbon emissions and advocates creating more fuel-efficient vehicles, including plug-in hybrids. Everyone must be willing to conserve and save energy, both at home and at work.

Yesterday's event brought out Betty Brosher of Hooksett, who said she was a Republican until George W. Bush took office. Now she's making the rounds to see what all of the candidates have to say.

Also at yesterday's event were Marc and Julianne Northscott of Concord, and their chocolate Lab, Bailey. Julianne said she's interested in Edwards' stand on climate change and energy independence.

"I liked a lot of the things (Edwards) talked about in the last election, like changing the status quo," Marc said.