Another Good Candidate Drops Out

Dear Jay,

Let me start by saying, "Thank you."

You have stood with Elizabeth and me throughout this campaign. Your support has sustained us as we have traveled across this country.

Earlier today, I suspended my campaign for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. I made this announcement from where our journey began just over 12 months ago: New Orleans.

I began my presidential campaign in New Orleans to remind the country that all of us -- as citizens and as a government -- have a moral responsibility to each other, and what we do together matters.

Now, it's time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path. We do not know who will take the final steps to the White House -- but what we do know is that our Democratic Party will make history. And, along the way, all of you who have been involved in this campaign and this movement for change and this cause, I am asking you to continue speaking out for those who have no voice, just as Elizabeth and I will continue to do. We need you.

Do not turn away from the great struggles before us. Do not give up on the causes that we have fought for. Do not walk away from what's possible, because it's time for all of us -- all of us together -- to make the two Americas one. We need you.

I hope you will take a few moments to listen to the video clip of my speech in New Orleans earlier this afternoon or to read it below. In the meantime, Elizabeth and my family join me in thanking all of you for your support and for working so hard on my behalf. We are truly blessed to have such friends.

Thank you.

John Edwards

January 30, 2008

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Personally I am sad to see John Edwards drop out of the race. He has done more than any other candidate to change the focus of the conversation toward social issues of poverty and inequality. If America were to focus on building a humane and sufficient social safety net, if America were to focus on eliminating poverty, on reducing inequality, then we will be able to lift our heads again. If we take care of our own we will be able to better take care of others overseas. If we are humane and just to our own citizens our foreign policy will change and we will not need to pour so many lives and resources into war and occupation.

I don't don't think we have heard the last of John Edwards. I wish him and his family good luck.