Editorials

When former Sen. John Edwards threw his support behind Sen. Barack Obama on Wednesday, he first praised Sen. Hillary Clinton's commitment, skills and determination.

It was a classy and smart thing to do, and it set the tone for what must follow. The Democratic Party and these two campaigns must start coming together if Obama is to win the presidency in November.

Edwards' endorsement is important for a number of reasons, including his influence and relationship with America's blue-collar workers — a critical constituency Obama must win if he hopes to be president. But it is this tone of reconciliation that is most important.

An overwhelming majority of voters in West Virginia, for example, were not convinced by the Illinois senator, and a
disturbingly high percentage of them say they do not plan to vote for him this fall.

Some of this is the inevitable result of a hard-fought, sometimes-rude campaign. In time, sour feelings should melt away as the general election campaign heats up. But for many, Clinton's defeat will be very hard to get past. Their dream not only has evaporated, but they see Obama as out of touch with the concerns of the working class.

The truth, of course, is that's not the case. Obama knows first-hand the struggles of the working class and the working poor. Apparently, that message hasn't gotten through.

Edwards will be able to help with that.

Perhaps Edwards' most significant accomplishment will be to prepare a path for Hillary Clinton, the most popular candidate among blue-collar workers, to work on behalf of Barack Obama's campaign.