By Kevin Zwick
Staff Writer

The day after the Florida Primary, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards gave up his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination at the same place where it started, New Orleans’ 9^th Ward. With the devastated city at his back, Edwards looked as if he was giving his concession speech in a third world, war-torn country.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both complemented Edwards saying that he added a great dynamic to the Democratic race. His populist campaign, which focused on economic reform, brought a new element to the race by bringing the economic fairness issue to the forefront.

With Edwards out of the race, the Democratic race becomes much tighter and both Barack Obama’s and Hillary Clinton’s websites feature slogans such as “Thank You John and Elizabeth,” as an attempt to gain an endorsement from John Edwards. An endorsement from Edwards would give the receiver a huge boost in the now tight Democratic race.

“We as citizens and government have a moral responsibility to each other,” said Edwards, speaking in front of supporters in the city’s flood-ravaged 9^th Ward. It was a heartbreaking reminder that our own people are still living in ruin and shows how the issue of economic instability is a real and crucial problem that must be resolved.

“Our Democratic Party will make history. We will be strong, we will be unified, and with our convictions and a little backbone, we will take back the White House in November, and bring hope and opportunity to this country.”