Elizabeth Edwards took the stage to the sounds of North Carolina native Ryan Adams' "Firecracker."

On stage at a textile mill in Manchester, N.H., the wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards struck an optimistic note despite the campaign's third-place finish, recalling his father's work in a mill.

"You never get anything you don't work for," she said. "No one ever promised Wallace Edwards it was going to be an easy job to work his way up."

"This day, we have taken steps, not as big a step as we wanted," she said. "The goal is still in sight."

Edwards then took the stage to the sounds of John Mellencamp's "This is Our Country."

DES MOINES, Iowa—John Edwards works the crowd following an appearance with John Mellencamp during a "This is our Country Rally" at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines on Wednesday night. This event was the conclusion of a 36-hour marathon campaign swing through Iowa before the caucuses today. (Robert Willett)

The soundtrack to John Edwards' 2004 presidential campaign was John Mellencamp's "Small Town."

So it was only fitting that during a concert in Des Moines over the weekend, Mellencamp stopped during a rendition of his song to introduce Edwards, Rob Christensen reports.

"You know, I've got a friend that I've had for about the last seven or eight years. This guy's from a small town. And he just so happens to be running for President of the United States ... Ladies and gentleman John Edwards has come to see the show."

Edwards then walked out on to the stage.