Edwards Weighs Clinton Endorsement

Just last month, at the ABC News/WMUR/Facebook debate shortly before the New Hampshire primary, Edwards came to Obama's defense when Clinton went on the attack.

Former senator John Edwards dropped his bid for the Democratic nomination after losses in early states. But will he endorse either of his former rivals, Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill., or Clinton, D-N.Y.

Obama, Edwards said, "believes deeply in change, and I believe deeply in change. Anytime you speak out for change, this is what happens. The forces for the status quo are going to attack."

But notwithstanding his often caustic criticism of Clinton, on a series of high-profile issues — most notably health care and energy policy — Edwards stands closer to Clinton, D-N.Y., than to Obama, D-Ill. Clinton has taken care to mention the similarities between her health care plan and Edwards' on the trail in recent days.

Another veteran member of Edwards' inner circle said the former candidate is approaching the possibility of an endorsement with a fresh mind. In reexamining both candidates, the former aide said, he is attracted not only to Clinton's policy portfolio, but also to her long track record as first lady and as a senator.

"He's now in a position where he's thinking, who's really ready to be president?" the veteran aide said. "I know that he believes she's going to do what she says he'll do. Not that that isn't the case with Obama, but there's more maturity there [with Clinton]."

Clinton and Obama have been actively wooing Edwards in the hopes of getting one of the last big Democratic endorsements available. Clinton traveled secretly to Chapel Hill, N.C., to meet with Edwards last week; a similar meeting with Obama was rescheduled from Monday night after it received wide press attention.

Both have begun sprinkling their stump speeches with more talk of poverty — Edwards' signature issue. Over the weekend, Clinton told an audience in Maine that she would lean on Edwards' expertise if she's elected president.

"There is a lot John and I have in common," Clinton said. "I will be a fighter, and I intend to ask John Edwards to be a part of anything I do in the White House."

The fact that Edwards' endorsement is in demand is in part a statement on how close the Democratic race is. Edwards won 40 delegates before dropping out, but those so-called Edwards delegates are under no obligation to follow his direction at the Democratic National Convention.