Ever since John Edwards dropped out of Democratic Primary race this year, many people, including pundits, pollsters, voters, government officials, super delegates and the candidates themselves asked if he’d endorse Senator Barack Obama or Senator Hillary Clinton. For a long time, John Edwards declined to comment or give an endorsement of any kind, making small appearances, meeting with both candidates and remaining impartial. The waiting and the questioning was put to bed in Michigan yesterday as John Edwards officially endorsed Barack Obama.
“The reason I’m here tonight is because the Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I,” John Edwards said during his endorsement speech. “There is one man who knows and understands that this is a time for bold leadership. There is one man that knows how to create the change, the lasting change, that you have to build from the ground up. There is one man who knows in his heart there is time to create one America, not two … and that man is Barack Obama.“
In an effort to keep the party united, Edwards also had kind words for Clinton.
“What she has shown … is strength and character, and what drives her is something that every single one of us can and should appreciate. She is a woman who, in my judgment, is made of steel, and she’s a leader in this country not because of her husband but because of what she has done.“
Senator Obama responded to the endorsement with his own thoughts on Edwards‘ legacy.
“I am so grateful … for John Edwards to come to Michigan tonight. … I’m grateful for his support … but more importantly, I want to thank John for everything that he has already done to make us one America,” he noted.
The total delegate count stands with Barack Obama at 1,884 total delegates (Pledged and Super) and Hillary Clinton at 1,718. Although Barack Obama has more pledged delegates and more super delegates than Clinton, the race is not over because 2,026 delegates are needed to win the nomination.
