PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards took another tentative step into the public spotlight Tuesday, speaking at Brown University about extreme poverty around the world and urging Americans to get involved in what he called a “fundamental moral issue.”

Edwards, a two-time candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, has struggled to get his message heard since a scandal about an affair he had with a former campaign staffer enveloped his personal life.

During 30 minutes of questions following Tuesday night’s speech, just one person in the audience of nearly 600 came close to asking about the affair, reports Barb Barrett.

A student who said she organized for Edwards on campus and knocked on doors for him in New Hampshire asked whether politicians should be held to higher moral standards than the rest of the public.

The question sent murmurs through the crowd.

“I don’t think it’s for a candidate to decide what’s appropriate,” Edwards said. “It’s something for every American to decide for themselves.”

He added: “I have my own view, which I’m going to keep to myself tonight.”

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Brown University students began lining up for former Sen. John Edwards' speech at 6 p.m. tonight — two hours before he is scheduled to speak.

Some showed up even before organizers, and were kicked out of the auditorium until doors officially opened at 7:15 p.m., Barb Barrett reports.

Tonight's speech at Brown University in Providence, R.I., is Edwards' first public appearance since November. It comes just as the National Enquirer has yet another story out on his personal life that has not been confirmed by other news sources.

Edwards is scheduled to give a speech entitled "Beautiful America."

Brown University political scientist Wendy Schiller said the former Democratic vice presidential candidate may try to return to the national public scene the same way he arrived, by focusing on issues of poverty.

"When you can voice a message the way John Edwards can, I think you can still remain relevant," Schiller said. "He should get on the trail, give speeches on populism, and make the case that even though he's got personal problems, he’s still willing to advocate on behalf of those who can’t help themselves."