By Eileen Buckley
Chautauqua Institution, NY – Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards took time out from "debate camp" at the Chautauqua Institution Sunday.
Senator Edwards and his wife Elizabeth made their first and only public appearance so far while in Western New York. The couple went for a Sunday ride to check out the countryside. They also visited a farm and bought two pies and a pumpkin. They gave the pies to reporters.
Edwards would only tell the media that his debate preparations are going well and they are working hard. He would not reveal efforts taking place inside Chautuaqua.
His campaign organizers say Chautauqua was selected because it provides a scholarly atmosphere and is also located close to a swing state -- Pennsylvania.
Edwards did say he felt good about Senator John Kerry's performance in last week's presidential debate. The first national poll since the debate shows the race is now a dead heat. But President Bush's top political adviser is downplaying poll results.
Edwards will debate Vice President Dick Cheney in Cleveland Tuesday night.