Edwards backs Obama nomination

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards gave his long-sought endorsement to Senator Barack Obama on Wednesday night, calling on Democrats to unite behind him and turn their attention to the fall campaign.

"The reason I am here tonight," Edwards declared, "is the voters have made their choice, and so have I."

Edwards had been heavily courted by Obama and Sen Hillary Clinton since he quit the race three months ago. His decision to climb off the fence with just five contests remaining is likely to yield limited benefits, but it sends a strong signal that Edwards, at least, thinks the nomination battle is over.

Appearing with Obama at a rally here, the former senator from North Carolina and 2004 Democratic vice presidential nominee gave what sounded in places like a eulogy for Clinton's candidacy, praising her tenacity and describing her as "made of steel". But he emphasised that the party must now get behind Obama. "When this nomination battle is over, and it will be over soon, brothers and sisters," he said, "we must come together as Democrats and in the fall stand up for what matters in America and make America what it needs to be."

Friends said Edwards told Obama of his decision on Tuesday night, as Clinton was thumping Obama by 41 points in the West Virginia primary and winning the overwhelming support of white working-class voters at the heart of Edwards's candidacy. Still on the ballot, Edwards received 7 per cent of the vote there.

Obama was in Michigan in an effort to connect with voters who are considered essential to his chances against Sen John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee. A majority of West Virginia voters said Obama does not share their values.

Clinton, who has vowed to continue her fight through the final primaries, struck a more conciliatory tone during a round of interviews following her victory in West Virginia. Those who voted for either of the Democrats, she said, have far more in common than they do with McCain.