Students line up for Edwards speech

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."