Edwards Dropping Out

So it's all over the news that John Edwards will be withdrawing from the presidential race today in a speech in New Orleans. The speech is at 1 pm EST: we'll have full coverage after that point. In the meantime, check out some of our past Edwards coverage: possible Atty. General; possible VP; Iowa; Iowa; Iowa; tough love for Dem insiders; New Hampshire; and Nevada. Let no one accuse Mother Jones of perpetuating the John Edwards media blackout!

With word out that Giuliani will be endorsing McCain later today, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest days of the campaign season.

Update: Barack Obama rushes to claim the Two Americas mantle with this statement:

"John Edwards has spent a lifetime fighting to give voice to the voiceless and hope to the struggling, even when it wasn't popular to do or covered in the news. At a time when our politics is too focused on who's up and who's down, he made a nation focus again on who matters – the New Orleans child without a home, the West Virginia miner without a job, the families who live in that other America that is not seen or heard or talked about by our leaders in Washington. John and Elizabeth Edwards have always believed deeply that we can change this – that two Americans can become one, and that our country can rally around this common purpose. So while his campaign may end today, the cause of their lives endures for all of us who still believe that we can achieve that dream of one America."

Update II: Clinton statement after the jump.

"John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it - by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate.

"John ran with compassion and conviction and lifted this campaign with his deep concern for the daily lives of the American people. That is what this election is about - it's about our people. And John is one of the greatest champions the American people could ask for.

"I wish John and Elizabeth all the best. They have my great personal respect and gratitude. And I know they will continue to fight passionately for the country and the people they love so deeply."