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Probably depends on how much of Edwards's hard support would go to Obama, should Edwards pull out. My guess is: most of it.

One theory making the rounds is that Edwards did 30% in Iowa, with a combination of Obama-sympathetic hard support and Clinton-sympathetic soft support -- and that this soft support benefited Obama by siphoning votes from Clinton.

In New Hampshire, goes the theory, Edwards was not strong enough to keep those Clinton-sympathetic soft supporters on board, and those voters added their numbers to the Clinton column, helping her to secure her very narrow -- barely more than 2-and-a-half-point -- victory.

Is the 17% that Edwards won in New Hampshire a truer reflection of his core support? If so, 17% is not enough to win the nomination -- not even close.

At that point, this becomes the issue: If Edwards knows, right now, that at least, say, 60% of his core support could readily be mobilized for Obama in Nevada, South Carolina, and most of the Super Tuesday states, he should withdraw and endorse Obama today.

Only by doing this now can Edwards influence the collective outcome of these states -- an outcome which stands to be the de facto Democratic nomination.

Edwards needs to decide how serious he is about change.

This is not a game.

I agree with the last caller--Obama is all rhetoric. We are NOT "all one people." Can he deal with conflict? They'll just push him around. I'd like Edwards not to drop out, but I am considering switching my vote to Clinton on February 5 although I had been planning all along to vote for Edwards in the primary.

If it's between Obama and Clinton, I will support Clinton on the issues, despite her problematic record on some of those issues (and the several times I swore that I would never vote for her again for anything...oh well...).

Geez, yesterday Brian was blatantly Clinton-biased, today he's an Obama-mama. Let's not "gang up" on poor Brian, OK, he might get choked up and then we'll all go gooey and vote for him in the next primary....

I agreee, Brian, you are unabashed in your support of Obama. Not fair.

You acted shocked when someone expressed their dislike of Obama...

I watched all the debates with an open mind, and Obama did the worst by fire. He is good at inspiring, but he is all concepts and vagueness. It was the people with more experience like Clinton, Biden, Kucinich and Edwards who answered adeptly and with facts.

It was the debates which turned me to Clinton. She outshone everyone even despite any slips.

Brian's pro-Obama bias is so obvious! Give the other candidates a chance!

I think Edwards lost the support of a lot of women due to his sexist comments about Hillary Clinton's display of emotion. Up until now I was supporting him but now I am going to vote for the true progressive, Dennis Kucinich.

Edwards is the only viable candidate not the the pockets of big business. He's willing to fight the good fight and why shouldn't he stay in? With South Carolina and upcoming Southern states to come, he'll become more and more viable. It's going to be a long fight, but one he'll ultimately win.

I'm 29, male raised in NH, and I'm surprised that Edwards didn't get higher. He can't drop out, he's the best one for the job. He'll have my vote. If he wants to take Obama for a running mate, that's fine, but don't drop out.

I want Edwards to stay in the race so that he can keep spreading his important message about inequality and corporate influence, two issues Obama has been silent about in this campaign. That said, I hate Clinton and would much prefer Obama. I'll follow Edwards' lead on this: if he asks his supporters to back Obama, I definitely will. But I hope he stays in and keeps spreading the good word.

Another thing. Why has so little been said about Obama's speech in Alabama,where he rearranged history to present himself as a son of the civil rights movement?

Heck NO!
Edwards is a viable choice.
2 down 48 to go.
Can Obama win in NOV?
Hillary is interesting but she keeps rush, sean and Ann colture employed! I like the idea of a woman but WE NEED a DEMOCRAT in the WHITE HOUSE -- 2 words SUPREME COURT!
Edwards is still the man in my book. As interesting as Hillary and Obama are i like an EDWARDS/RICHARDSON DEM ticket in NOV!

I'm a 62 year old woman. I don't trust Hillary or Obama. Edwards must stay in the race, because what he's saying is important.

why drop out??
only 2 states have voted. hang on until SUPER tuesday!
maybe i'll get to see a real party convention in the summer, just once in my life.

You have to be kidding with your opening comment to Edwards' supporters. Obama Who?