May 15, 2008 Obama looks to Edwards for working class vote Play video

(NECN/ABC) - John Edwards says Democratic voters have decided Barack Obama should be
the next president and so has he.

The former presidential hopeful endorsed Obama in Michigan, stealing the
thunder from Hillary Clinton right after she trounced Obama in West Virginia.

"Please give it up for my friend John Edwards"

Since John Edwards dropped out of the race in January, Barack Obama and
Hillary Clinton had both aggressively sought his endorsement. He's now made
his choice.

John Edwards
"There is one man who knows in his heart that it is time to create one
America, not two. And that man is Barack Obama.”

The timing of the endorsement helps deflect Obama's stinging loss in West
Virginia. That's because John Edwards is popular among the white, less-
educated working class voters Obama needs -- voters who soundly rejected him
in Tuesday's primary.

Barack Obama
"Hopefully his endorsement will help some of those supporters who haven't
already joined my campaign to take a look at my campaign."

Edward’s may also be looking for a job in an Obama administration -- perhaps
Vice President. A possibility Obama isn't ruling out.

Obama
"John Edwards is obviously somebody who would be on anybody's shortlist."

Despite Obama scoring the Edwards endorsement, the Clinton camp insists she
still in the game.

Terry McAuliffe
"She is ahead

But political experts say it will be hard for the Clinton camp to put a
positive spin on losing the Edwards endorsement.
In an e-mail to ABC News, one Clinton advisor put it simply: "ouch".

Clayton Sandell, ABC News, Washington.