Edwards, Giuliani Withdraw From Race

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Edwards Ends Race for the White House

Sen. John Edwards announced Wednesday that he will end his second bid for the White House. During his candidacy Edwards railed against the state of the U.S. political system and sought to bring more attention to the working class and the poor.

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That led to speculation that, if he decides to endorse, he will probably throw his support to Obama. But Democrats close to Edwards cautioned that the choice may not be so evident or easy. Edwards has come to know both candidates well through their joint appearances over the past year and sees strengths and weaknesses in both, according to Democrats close to the former senator.

"You've got two candidates up to this point that have made change their theme -- Edwards and Obama," Robert Gibbs, Obama's communications director, told reporters traveling with the campaign. "If Edwards is not taking those voters anymore, they've got a great home with our campaign."

But there is evidence that Clinton may profit from Edwards's withdrawal. One Edwards adviser, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Clinton may pick up support in Southern states that otherwise might have gone to Edwards, while Obama could benefit from liberal Democrats' support in such states as California or Minnesota.

In the GOP race, Giuliani could help McCain nail down victories in primaries in the Northeast -- New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware -- and their big baskets of delegates. But he will do little to help McCain bridge the divide within the GOP.

Romney's advisers see an opportunity to highlight ideological differences between the two and to cast the race as outsider vs. insider and future vs. past.

"That is the contrast, and over the next seven days we have to make that case," said Kevin Madden, Romney's press secretary.

Kornblut, traveling with Clinton, reported from Arkansas and Georgia. Alec MacGillis, traveling with Obama, reported from Colorado and Arizona.