Edwards leaves presidential race

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards says it’s time for him to step out of the Democratic presidential race.

Edwards made his announcement in New Orleans, where he went a year ago to proclaim he would enter the race.

Edwards says history must now “blaze its path” in a Democratic race that is now left to Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. He says he’s spoken to both of them, and that they vowed to carry on the fight against poverty.

Mood somber at Edwards headquarters

It’s pretty gloomy at the Chapel Hill headquarters of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards today.

Edwards is withdrawing from the race this afternoon during a speech in New Orleans.

Rural affairs adviser Dave Saunders says Edwards just said it was time to get out. Saunders says he doesn’t like the decision, but it’s up to the former North Carolina senator.

Edwards adviser Kate Michelman says Edwards told her this morning that now is the time to pull out, given the reality of the campaign. She says Edwards presence in the campaign has made a difference for the country.

Edwards hasn’t won a primary or caucus this year.

Volunteer Laurie Thorp of Chapel Hill says the nation has lost the opportunity for an intelligent leader.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)