CARROLL, Iowa (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards on Sunday defended his relentless assault on corporations and special interests, dismissing criticism that his pointed populist message is too divisive.

In an interview with The Associated Press, the 2004 vice presidential nominee argued that his oft-repeated theme would unite the nation and force a political realignment heading into November's general election. Edwards explained that he offered this argument during campaign stops in Iowa on Sunday to ease fears about his electability.

"I believe it's true," Edwards said. "It's not divisive at all, it's uniting. Most Americans feel that the economy, the government is not working for them because corporate greed and influence have far too big an affect on issues that affect their lives."

Edwards is locked in a tight race in Iowa with rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. He plans an intense blitz in the closing days before Thursday's caucuses that includes a 36-hour campaign marathon beginning Tuesday. He is subtly shifting his message to assuages worries about his viability for a general election by arguing that all voters feel the economic pain he talks about on the stump.