John Edwards Endorses Obama

Senator Barack Obama has picked up the endorsement of former Presidential candidate John Edwards during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - Standing together at a Rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, John Edwards gave his endorsement to Illinois Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic Nominee for President.

"The reason I am here tonight is that Democratic voters in America have made their choice and so have I." The former presidential contender from North Carolina, went on to say, "There is one man who knows in his heart that it is time to tear down that wall and make one America, Barack Obama."

The endorsement from Edwards also brings a possible 19 more delegates he won in the primaries, although they are under no obligation to follow his lead. Most of his campaign staff, including his national campaign manager, David Bonoir, had already declared for Obama shortly after their run for the presidency came to an end.

Obama, in his introduction of John Edwards, called him a great leader in the Democratic Party and expressed his thanks for the former senator's presence with him in Michigan.

The endorsement came one day after a strong showing from Hilary Clinton in the West Virginia primary, where she vowed to stay in the race until a candidate is chosen.

Early analysis of the political positions of Edwards with Obama put him much closer in alignment than with Senator Clinton, especially in his views on the economy, poverty, and health care.

After an unsuccessful campaign for the party's choice for Chief Executive, and serving as John Kerry's Vice-Presidential running mate, Edwards had begun positioning himself a few years ago for another run at the presidential nomination. His campaign was short-lived, losing even in states he had won four years prior. He dropped out in January.

When news of the John Edwards' endorsement reached the Clinton staff, Clinton's campaign chair, Terry McAuliffe issued a statement. "We respect John Edwards, but as the voters of West Virginia showed last night, this thing is far from over," Clinton was in Washington on Wednesday for interviews with the media and donor meetings.

She has indicated she plans to keep running until the last of the five remaining state contests concludes on June 3. "We don't have a nominee yet and until we do, I'm going to be making my case," she said on Fox News.

In addition to this key endorsement from Edwards, Obama also received commitments from four more super delegates and the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice America, formerly known as the National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League.

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