from Krugman today;

Mr. Edwards, far more than is usual in modern politics, ran a campaign based on ideas. Both candidates left standing are, to a large extent, running on the platform Mr. Edwards built.

At the beginning of 2007, it seemed likely that the Democratic nominee would run a cautious campaign, without strong, distinctive policy ideas.

But Mr. Edwards made a habit of introducing bold policy proposals " and they were met with such enthusiasm among Democrats that his rivals were forced to follow suit.

It"s hard, in particular, to overstate the importance of the Edwards health care plan, introduced in February.

Before the Edwards plan was unveiled, Democratic politicians avoided the subject, treating universal care as a vague dream for the distant future.

Suddenly, universal health care became a possible dream for the next administration. ,The rival campaigns moved to assure the party"s base that it was a dream they shared, by emulating the Edwards plan.
Similar if less dramatic examples of leadership followed on other key issues, such as greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, those rivals had far larger financial resources and received vastly more media attention.

Yes, Mr. Obama is also running as a "change" candidate. But he isn"t offering the same kind of change: Mr. Edwards ran an unabashedly populist campaign, and given the economic elitism of the modern Republican Party, populism is unavoidably partisan.

One thing is clear, however: whichever candidate does get the nomination, his or her chance of victory will rest largely on the ideas Mr. Edwards brought to the campaign.

It will be tough for John. Back to the salt mines with that $400k/year job with the hedge fund on Wall Street. Back to that 25,000 square foot shack in North Carolina....

What does John do now? The "two Americas" thing didn't work out... All that time in Iowa for nothing... Did not win the nomination twice... Lost as the VP candidate... What is a poor class action lawyer to do?

My condolences to the 'Breck girl'.

A nice guy who added a lot to the race, a good alternative to the only two left standing.

To all the Edwards supporters feeling particularly blue at this time, speaking as a strong and loyal Edwards supporter from the very beginning, who will still vote for John Edwards as the write-in candidate, yes, unfortunately, John Edwards will not be our next president, but we can all take heart in the fact, that, in John Edwards speaking up for the millions of poor, middle, and working classes in our nation, we have all discovered a true American hero in John Edwards that is not going to go away; he will not turn away from the fight. And because John Edwards will continue on in his heroic fight to end poverty in America, John Edwards will ALWAYS be a winner in the hearts of millions who have grown to admire and respect Sen. Edwards ... all across this great nation of ours! John Edwards IS a true Patriot for the better common good of our country, and I deeply thank him for all of his great service and sacrifice to his beloved nation. As John Edwards has rightly stated, his presidential campaign may be over, but the fight for restoring the American Dream for ALL Americans, has only just begun! I'm on board with Sen. Edwards heroic fight. I hope you all will be, as well. -God Bless.

I'm really sorry to see him go. I'll still vote for him in the primary.

John Edwards will be back, not sure how, but I don't think America has seen the last of him.

John has his organization intact(the one that helps build the houses) he does walk the walk.

Will miss him at the debates he always did the best. Obama seemed easily distracted and stammered alot. Hill sounded shrill.

Love ya John!

Sen. Edwards is what the democratic party should be about. Thanks you, Mr. Edwards for putting your heart first.

Ditto to Mr. Kucinich.

Secretary Of Labor John Edwards..... Sounds better than AG

Huge loss to one of the most important campaigns and elections of our time. Huge loss to America. Huge loss to those of us who feel totally overlooked, even trashed, by the mainstream politician.

I believe I will be writing him in as well . . .

"He wanted to have a shot at being president," said Joe Trippi, a senior adviser. "He wanted to have a chance to change people"s lives, not be a spoiler or a kingmaker and not play political games."

I'm going to miss that man in this campaign.

Something has to be done about this Obamaramah cult!I saw a poll that was quite alarming in that it said that 62% called it the second Coming and this blog has serious content.
Plus when did the children become Adults in todays society?All I hear from parents is that Barry has them all inspired it troubles me!And yes I said Barry which is name Barak was given by his mother and he used it till he went to college where he thought the name Barak was exotic and would be a turn on to the young ladies.I wonder what michelle calls him?

Politics requires participation by the people. I hear many on Progressive talk shows decrying the fact that Edwards dropped out of the race but I wonder how many of those same people really did anything to support his candidacy other than set on their butts in front of the couch and cheer.

Just because Edwards has suspended his campaign he still has many campaign related bills that have to be paid. Show how much you supported him and go to his website and make a contribution.

I was soooooooooo looking forward to my man, John Edwards kicking some butt tonight at the debate, and, just, MAYBE get some media attention to drive us his numbers.

I am so distraught that the people of America have lost their ONLY HERO to fight for us in Washington against the lobbyist and special interests.

Thank you, John Edwards, for the dream, no matter how short it was.

I VERY PROUDLY voted for you in Florida this Tuesday, rather than deciding between the lesser evil. Now, that is the only choice remaining to me.

Keep fighting your humanitarian causes - America will be the loser without you to lead us.

Thank you for caring for us, the American people.

President John Edwards....would have been SWEET!!!