Edwards says no to VP

On the Today show this morning John Edwards said that he is not interested in being Barack Obama's running mate. He also put to rest the speculation that Obama had his endorsement in his back pocket and was waiting until after West Virginia to roll it out.

Edwards said that he voted for Obama in the North Carolina primary, and he decided to support him then. He said that he did not make up his mind on when to endorse Obama until 24 hours before he gave the endorsement. When Matt Lauer asked him if he was interested in being VP, Edwards replied, "Won't happen. This is not something I'm interested in."

To read more, head on over to http://www.politicususa.com/en/Edwards-no-VP-5-16

Rep. Pete Stark Endorses Obama

This morning Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) announced his endorsement of Barack Obama. He pointed out that Obama delivers a message that transcends politics.

"Senator Barack Obama has captured the imagination of Americans in a way we've not seen for decades. He's inspired millions of young people to register to vote and join the ranks of our Democratic Party, he's consistently opposed the war, he advocates universal health care, and he delivers a message that transcends party politics at the same time," Stark said.

Here is the link to the full story:

http://www.politicususa.com/en/Stark-Obama

I wrote this for www.politicususa.com

As usual, here are the highlights:

- "I have a very high opinion of both of them. We would be blessed as a nation to have either one of them as president," Edwards said.

- He continued on the same path of complimenting both the remaining Democratic candidates. "We are blessed, first, to have an extraordinarily talented African American who could be the next president of the United States," Edwards said. "There’s no way to contest the fact that he’s inspired this country. And Senator Clinton, who has served America for so long and so well, and has shown so much strength and leadership, has really forged an extraordinarily historic campaign as a woman for the nomination and for the presidency." When asked by reporters about an endorsement, he said, "When I have something to say, I’ll let you know."

- Edwards has millions of supporters, so his endorsement, when it comes, will carry a lot of weight. It is my guess that Edwards will end up endorsing Obama. There is an ideological match between the two that is hard to ignore. Edwards thought he would be a big player in the 2008 race, but I don’t think that this is the role he had in mind for himself.

Here are the highlights from Pelosi, Clinton, and Obama’s comments:

 Nancy Pelosi:

 "Americans also understand that the cost of the war to our national security, military readiness and our reputation around the world is immense and that the threat to our economy -- as the war in Iraq continues to take us deeper into debt -- is unacceptable. America wants a New Direction, not the continuation of the President’s plan for a 10-year, three trillion dollar war in Iraq."

Hillary Clinton:

"I recall the great honor of meeting many of our brave men and women who have served our country. In meeting them, I am always struck by how, no matter how great their suffering, no matter how grave their own injuries, they always say the same thing to me: "Promise that you’ll take care of my buddies. They’re still over there. Promise you’ll keep them safe."I have looked those men and women in the eye. I have made that promise. And I intend to honor it by bringing a responsible end to this war, and bringing our troops home safely."

Barack Obama:

"It is past time to end this war that should never have been waged by bringing our troops home, and finally pushing Iraq’s leaders to take responsibility for their future. As we do, we must serve the memory of all who have died as well as they served our country, by providing support for their families, caring for our troops and veterans, and upholding the American values which our fallen heroes exemplified through their service."

To check out the full stories, and lots more political news, go to:

www.politicususa.com