Speaking before a packed crowd of caucusgoers at a public library in Washington, Iowa, on Saturday, presidential candidate John Edwards made a bold announcement:

“I’m proud of the fact that I have stood up against Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, and I want to make an announcement today, which is when I am President of the United States, no corporate lobbyist or anyone who has lobbied for a foreign government will work in my White House,” he said.

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Edwards—who defines himself as a voice for the common man and one who will fight corporate power—made several historical references to past U.S. Presidents, such as Harry Truman and FDR, praising them for their work in standing up to entrenched corporate interests. Edwards pledged that his administration will “look like America.”

At a media availability following Edwards’ announcement, Fox News’ Major Garrett asked the senator whether or not he would ban all lobbyists from the White House, particularly one whose expertise was needed at a time of crisis.

Click to hear Edwards’ response:

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Edwards’ “no lobbyist” declaration could not have come at a more critical time. With the Iowa caucuses only five days away, Edwards remains in a tight three-way race with senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for Iowa, and he used today to further distinguish his views on lobbyist influence from those of his opponents.