Edwards dropped out because he didn't want to be a kingmaker or spoiler

[Herman Munster]

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/01/31/edwards/

He flew home to North Carolina on Sunday night to talk with Elizabeth -- his closest and often only confidant -- who had been off the campaign trail with a bad cold. (She was, however, in New Orleans on Wednesday). As a close friend of Elizabeth's put it, "She had hit a wall with the campaign, and it had nothing to do with her health. She just couldn't see a path to the nomination."

John Moylan -- a South Carolina lawyer who headed the campaign in that state's primary and traveled with Edwards constantly in recent weeks -- said, "I don't know if John himself knew that the decision was coming right after South Carolina. It came upon him gradually." And top strategist Joe Trippi explained the timing of the decision like this: "It became increasingly clear on Sunday and Monday that we were totally blocked out of the news story. John Edwards didn't want to play politics. He didn't want to stay in the race to be a kingmaker or a spoiler. There was just not a clear shot at the nomination."

For all the glib TV talk about a forthcoming Obama endorsement, there is a sense in the Edwards camp that any decision on where he will throw his support and direct his 50 delegates will be made deliberately -- and there is no guarantee that he will pick a candidate to bless. As Moylan said, "I think he will do nothing for the immediate future and just let it all settle in."

It is difficult in politics, as in life, to watch a dream die. John and Elizabeth Edwards have banked the last six years and maybe longer on seeing him in the White House. But there is also honor in having run a high-minded race for president on long-neglected Democratic issues, even if you fail. By that standard, Edwards is a success story even as he leaves the political stage to Clinton and Obama.

[rocktivity]

1. Maybe he got an offer he couldn't refuse

like a vice presidency.

:headbang:
rocknation

[Contrary1]

6. Exactly. I believe he will be on the ticket. n/t

[Thrill]

2. Edwards dropped out because now he has time to get

in the race for Senator or Governor of NC

[grantcart]

3. the others are so cynical I think you are right he simply wanted to

take the high road. The reason that I think he has kept to such a high standard is because he dedicated the campaign to Wade.

[grantcart]

4. the others are so cynical I think you are right he simply wanted to

take the high road. The reason that I think he has kept to such a high standard is because he dedicated the campaign to Wade.

[judaspriestess]

5. I am so sad to see John Edwards endhis bid for the white house

"I don't know when our party began to turn away from the cause of working people, from the fathers who were working three jobs literally just to pay the rent, mothers sending their kids to bed wrapped up in their clothes and in coats because they couldn't afford to pay for heat."



It is difficult in politics, as in life, to watch a dream die. John and Elizabeth Edwards have banked the last six years and maybe longer on seeing him in the White House. But there is also honor in having run a high-minded race for president on long-neglected Democratic issues, even if you fail. By that standard, Edwards is a success story even as he leaves the political stage to Clinton and Obama.

THANK YOU JOHN AND ELIZABETH EDWARDS!! You will remain in my heart. (insert sad Celine Dion song here, hahahaha)