Edwards Endorsement as NC Primary Clock Ticks Down

On May 6th, 2008, North Carolinians will go to the polls and vote in the presidential primaries. The most recent "Real Clear Politics" NC poll average shows Democratic Sen. Barack Obama leading over Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton 48.6 to 33.0. However as the primary clock ticks down, neither candidate is yet to receive the nod from North Carolina resident and former presidential candidate, John Edwards.

It is unclear how much, if any, impact an Edwards endorsement would bring to the primary table. However it is a coveted endorsement by both candidates as they face the primaries in Edward's home state. Both Senators Clinton and Barack Obama have stepped off the campaign trail to seek his support.

Even though Edward's wife Elizabeth strongly favors Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s universal health care proposal, she said Wednesday that neither she nor her husband would endorse a candidate for president soon.

Edwards has kept somewhat of a low profile since dropping off the presidential radar. However one should not be surprised if he is simply holding back for the sweetest deal and the moment when such an announcement is likely garner the most attention from the media.

At the moment, Edwards is free to sit back and enjoy the self-beneficial offers from each presidential candidate. It has been reported that Obama previously offered Edwards the possible position of U.S. Attorney General in exchange for the nod.

Odds are, the Edwards endorsement will be released a few weeks before the primary. If Edwards waits until after the primary, he looses a big bargaining chip to negotiate the fulfillment of his own interests.