John Edwards bowing out of the race is no surprise after South Carolina, and I guess neither is his refusal to endorse a candidate. I think he’s setting himself up as a kingmaker, and unless either Hillary or Obama are particularly persuasive, he’ll probably hold off on an endorsement as long as possible. But popular also-rans don’t always help sway the party’s decision. I’m pretty sure John Kerry’s selection wasn’t influenced by Howard Dean.