Confirmed: John Edwards to endorse Barack Obama tonight

So, it was a revealing slip the other day when, as reported in the Ticket, former Sen. John Edwards said he was going to endorse the Democratic presidential candidate he had just voted for in the North Carolina primary and then referred to that person as "him."

Tonight, according to sources in the Obama campaign, Edwards will endorse Sen. Barack Obama at a rally in Michigan, a crucial state for Democratic plans to recapture the White House Nov. 4.

It's perfect, and not accidental timing, for the freshman senator as it will shift the political conversation away from Sen. Hillary Clinton's lopsided victory in West Virginia Tuesday.

In public and in private conversations today in Washington with potential campaign donors, she was trying to use the win to show momentum and raise questions about Obama's. It's a bitter pill for Clinton, who had adopted several of Edwards' campaign themes, including fighting poverty, in an effort to win his endorsement.

But now the prime-time focus will be back on the Democratic front-runner, who will let other Democrats and the media ask the recurring question, "Why doesn't she just give up in the face of the unconquerable delegate math?"

In her victory speech last night in West Virginia, the New York senator indicated she would stay in the race until "everyone" is heard, possibly including settling of the Michigan-Florida vote-counting morass.

In a campaign appearance today, Clinton's spouse, ex-president Bill Clinton, remarked he never thought it would be the Democrats who would not be counting votes from Florida.

Now, that leaves only one big kahuna out there ...

... who's not yet endorsed, former vice president Al Gore. He's likely to await a grand entrance and proclamation at the national convention in Denver in August.

(UPDATE: Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe issued a brief reaction: "We respect John Edwards, but as the voters of West Virginia showed last night, this thing is far from over.”

(Mike Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, also issued a statement equally full of joy and praise: “Barack Obama and John Edwards share an out-of-touch agenda that would raise taxes on families while cutting funding for our troops. The only question is why didn’t Edwards endorse sooner?  Edwards’ endorsement of a candidate he previously blasted as inexperienced, hypocritical and lacking substance will not help Obama with voters looking for real change.”)

-- Andrew  Malcolm

Photo Credit: CNN

Comments

[arizona89]

Hillary is doing nothing but spreading bitterness in the Democratic party. I'm sorry people stuck in the Clinton days but Obama is the voice of the future, he has won the popular vote fair and square, he has won more delegates fair and square, the only way she can win is by cheating her way into getting Michigan and Florida to joint in. Both of those states Obama didn't campaign in and in Michigan he wasn't even on the ballot. Your calculated life has failed you this time Clinton. Bow out gracefully. Democrats quit being bitter that the country didn't choose your candidate the way Rush Limbaugh wanted them to.

[WomanFromMaryland]

Yes we can! Many, many thanks to Senaor Edwards.

Obama '08!

[trey_trey]

this has turned out to be a wonderful nominating process! obama gets the nod and then goes down in flames as every white voter in america sends him packing. we could not have written a better script..... beautiful, simply beautiful... sigh...

[Alf Thurgrate]

Well that's it then. Were doomed to have two divisive, far left, special interest, anything for a buck driven candidates on our ticket instead of the one who could unite us. This democrat is sitting this one out.

[John PaulTelhomme]

Gaypastor,

So, all this including Edwards' endorsement is just so that Hillary Clinton will be sent into the kitchen to bake cookies? Come on! Be real! Why don't you listen to what the candidates are saying and consider the weight of their words and judge how those are helping the party or damaging it. Maybe, that is the reason part elders want all this to end now; and Anna... momentum to where? What do you think she will gain by the "momentum" you describe? No doubt her "momentum" can be likened to that of a run-away truck. Her efforts will end up destroying everything and finally plunge over a cliff.

[BG]

Hillary will negotiate a VP role before Memorial Day. Superdelegates will help.

[pati]

talk about a dream ticket.

[rajesh seth]

What a looser both obama and edwards are-
This is.one lifelong democrat who will vote republican if obama gets the nod

[joe3]

Obama is PEOPLE POWER.He didnt take special interest money like Hillary.He has a Plan to get America away from Big Oil interests that have controlled this country for 8 long years.We need a new vision for America---now!!

[Norman]

Finally it seems we have a little more Democratic structure!!! I am thankful for Senator Edwards taking a stand and choosing to endorse Senator Obama, we need to get ready for McCain and get the Democrats back in office, not have a brawl during the Primaries!! Good Luck Obama.

[Stephen Maurer]

Anyone who claims that they will not vote if their candidate is not nominated desperately needs to grow up. Not voting in an election that will determine the direction our country is headed in for at least the next 4 years is ridiculous. If you don't support Obama, then vote McCain. If you dislike both, vote for the one you dislike the least. Staying at home and pouting accomplishes nothing other that causing the founding fathers to turn in their graves.

[Blog Fairy]

Just wanted to comment how Hillary supporters sound like one person to me...

[onewqy]

ANNA, if you feel that way we don't need your vote

[Billy Clinton]

hillary. NO ONE WANTS YOU. GO AWAY.

[Cataplasm]

For those Clinton supporters who say they won't vote for Obama in the general election, I say please reconsider. Hillary has been an outstanding candidate in the primaries but the numbers are the numbers and she will not be the person slugging it out with Bush 3 come November.

Her competitiveness has sharpened and strengthened Obama and will blunt things like the Wright attacks when the Republican attack machine gets going.

Thank you Hillary but now is the time to help consolidate the Democratic Party for the upcoming battle.

For her supporters saying they will go with McCain, good riddance. Republcans will desert to Obama in droves and your votes will surely not be missed.

[Steven]

I'm so happy and relieved that I'm about ready to start dancing in my desk. Thank God for the restoration of reason in this unreasonable primary.

Democrats 08!

[Seth]

It's amazing how many Clinton sycophants are out there. If you think Hillary Clinton is going to excite moderates... you're crazy. She is not Bill. She will not win if nominated. I have doubts about Obama, but he is not nearly as polarizing as Hillary. Get over it, get behind the candidate. If Hillary happens to pull this one off, I'll be with her, but worried.

[Game Over democrats]

The game is over before it begins for the democrats...

McCain has already won the general election and a vote has not even been cast!

Know why?

Because Broke Hussein Obama is a quazi-Marxist! For all those who don't know who Marx is: That means Obama is a progressive... which is the same as "forward" socialist... which is the same as: COMMUNIST

America is a FREE CAPITALIST REPUBLIC ...

Don't be a slave to the government like Obama wants you to be... Nothing is free: A$$, Grass, or CASH....

and if the govt. is giving you the "cash" with free education, healthcare, etc. YOU CAN BET that they will be taking out of your A$$!

[RAtionalVoter]

CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE STOP VOTING WITH YOUR EYES AND START VOTING WITH YOUR BRAINS. YOU SHOULDN'T VOTE AT ALL IF YOU ARE GOING TO SHUT OUT THE OTHER OPPONENT OF THE SAME PARTY. THEY ARE ABOUT 99.9999% THE SAME ONE IS A OLD WHITE WOMAN THE OTHER IS A YOUNG BLACK MALE. STOP THE HATE ON BOTH SIDES. IF YOUR FAVORED CANADITE DOESNT GET THE NOMINE SUPPORT YOUR COUNTRY AND VOTE ON THE ISSUES. YOU FUCKYOURSELF AND YOUR COUNTRY AND ALLOW GEORGE BUSH PART II TO TAKE OVER THE WHITE HOUSE.

[bluejazz]

Sorry lady, but you do not qualify to be the President of United States.

[Steve]

I agree. I have voted Democrat since I was able to at age 18. I will not vote for a man who sat an listened to the hateful spewings of Rev. Wright for 20 years.

Hello America - WAKE UP!

[DANTE]

You can read through it: Edwards is positioning for the vice-presidential slot now that there are strong opinion that Hillary Clinton be named Obama running mate to help his presidential candidacy to succeed. Former senator Edwards is just so transparent.

[myrna]

John Edwards endorsement just proves what I've been thinking for sometime now, that is, that the dems are even bigger hypocrites than the republicans. They will never allow a woman to be pres or vp. I for one plan to drop out of the democratic party and register as an "independant," after 47 years as a democrat. I hope other women will do the same.

[Joe]

Wow, you Hillary supporters are on fire! Don't get all puffed up over this, it's already a done deal. Whether smarmy Edwards endores Obama or not, it doesn't really matter at this point.
And to those that are being stubborn, and suggesting they wil sit out... go ahead, it's very patriotic of you (yes, sarcasm). I can't stand Hillary personally, but if she were the nominee, I sure as heck would do anything I could to not allow McCain in the White House. Your logic baffles me... maybe because there is no logic??

[Brooks]

Here we go again! The pundits, press and other a--holes are pushing a guy that cannot win in this country against a hero white guy.
If Obanm is nominated he will become another Edwards loser. And the country will be the biggest loser.

Clinton is good for America.