John Edwards, VP?

Not unexpectedly, John Edwards is to give long-awaited endorsement to Barack Obama. Big deal? Has Edwards waited until now so give Obama that shot that will finally sink Hillary so as to give himself a boost into the VP running?

Doesn't matter. Whomever Obama picks, it cannot be someone who contradicts Obama's middle of the road image. Edwards is seen as a hater of religious people. Obama's worked hard to draw evangelicals, a John McCain weakness. Evangelicals won't be pleased with pro-choice leader NARAL's endorsement, but might not care about the affiliation. Obama dares not lose these voters.

Edwards will not get the tap on the shoulder. He's too much the same as Obama on the issues, but offers nothing good in his differences.

By CHARLES BABINGTON, Associated Press Writer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Democrat John Edwards is endorsing former rival Barack Obama, fresh signs of the party establishment embracing the likely nominee even as Hillary Rodham Clinton refuses to give up her increasingly long-shot candidacy.

Edwards was to appear with Obama in Grand Rapids, Mich., as Obama campaigns in a critical general election battleground state, the Obama campaign said Wednesday.

The endorsement comes the day after Clinton defeated Obama by more than 2-to-1 in West Virginia. The loss highlighted Obama's work to win over the "Hillary Democrats" — white, working-class voters who also supported Edwards in large numbers before he exited the race.