Kerry endorses Obama, not Edwards

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry today endorsed Barack Obama for president.

The Massachusetts senator who lost to President Bush in 2004 announced his selection of Obama this afternoon in Charleston.

Kerry told Obama supporters in Charleston this afternoon that now is the right time to make the endorsement. Kerry says he’s confident that the Illinois senator can, will and should be the next president of the United States.

He says there are other candidates in the race he’s worked with and respects. Democratic candidate John Edwards was Kerry’s running mate in 2004.

But Kerry says Obama more than anyone else can help get America moving by uniting the country.

Edwards says he respects Kerry’s decision.

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