Edwards Backs Obama

For months now, the public has waited for the former North Carolina Senator's endorsement of either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. But at a rally for Mr. Obama on Wednesday, John Edwards made a surprise appearance saying, "There is one man who knows this is the time for bold leadership ... and that man is Barack Obama." Wanting to begin unifying the Democratic Party, Mr. Edwards also stated that Obama has joined on with him to cut poverty in half within 10 years. Moments later, Obama confirmed that message to the audience in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Some say that Edwards' endorsement comes too late, stating that his backing of Obama could have helped the Illinois Senator earlier on in the campaign trail. Regardless, Edwards support of Obama could certainly turn the tables, possibly bringing Super-Delagates over to Obama; not to mention the possibilities within the remaining primaries of Kentucky, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Montana, and South Dakota.

Though giving his endorsement of Obama, Edwards also praised Hillary Clinton at the Michigan rally. MSNBC reports Edwards as saying, "We are a stronger party" because of her involvement and "we're going to have a stronger nominee in the fall because of her work."

In response, Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe said in a statement: "We respect John Edwards, but as the voters of West Virginia showed last night, this thing is far from over." Indeed, with the race as close as it is, and with Clinton winning three of the last five primaries, the former New York Senator surely still has a viable chance at making it to a nomination.

Clinton herself has said she will continue through the remaining primaries in an attempt to convince the American people that she is best suited to defeat John McCain come November.

John Edwards' wife, Elizabeth, remains steadfast to Mrs. Clinton, stating her healthcare plan as the superior one. She did not accompany her husband to Michigan; neither did her endorsement.



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Photo courtesy of Jae C. Hong, from npr.org.