[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/21/art.edwards.ap.jpg caption=" Democratic presidential hopeful former Sen. John Edwards, waves to the crowd before a Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
By his own admission, John Edwards says he got his "butt kicked" in the Nevada caucuses, where he received only 4% of the vote.
Nonetheless, Edwards insists he's in the race "for the long-term" and will continue to fight for the things he cares about. In fact, he's now saying that he's the only Democrat who can successfully take on Republican John McCain.
But, now the former North Carolina senator heads into the South Carolina primary, where polls show him trailing far behind Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The New York Times reports that even Edwards' closest advisers acknowledge he no longer expects to come in higher than third place. Edwards was born in South Carolina… this could be embarrassing.
But whether Edwards stays in the race, or gets out of it, he could affect the outcome. Some experts suggest that by staying in, Edwards might influence the result at the convention. They say even without taking first place in primary states, he could still wind up with "hundreds of delegates". And if the race is a tight one, those delegates could play a big role.
Other strategists say Edwards has another good reason to stay in it, at least in South Carolina, where he could end up sharing the white vote with Clinton - thus helping Obama win.
Here’s my question to you: Who would benefit most if John Edwards dropped out of the race, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Carolyn from Land O’ Lakes, Florida writes:
At my house, Obama will benefit. Former President Clinton's selfish Lewinsky escapade gave us eight years of Bush. Now it appears the Clintons' divisive me-first tricks are set to destroy Obama and the Democrats’ chances for November.
Jamal writes:
I think that Obama benefits if Edwards drops out, because both Edwards and Obama represent change, while Clinton represents the status quo. If Edwards continues, the people who want the much-needed change are split between two worthy candidates, and the status quo wins.
Jim from Prosperity, S.C. writes:
Jack, Neither! The Republicans will benefit if John Edwards drops out. Democrats will be left with two choices, a woman and a black man, neither of whom is electable in November after the reality of their candidacy sets in.
Kerry writes:
There are two types of Democrats at the moment: those who love Hillary and those who hate Hillary. The haters are left with two options: Edwards and Obama. If Edwards dropped out, I think clearly Obama would benefit the most.
Patty from Louisville, Kentucky writes:
Jack, The only people who will benefit if John Edwards drops out of this race are the lobbyists and entrenched interests who have a stranglehold on Washington D.C. If we want to eliminate the two Americas, we need a fighter like John Edwards. Stay in the race, John!
Judy writes:
Hillary, of course. Why anyone would vote for her over Obama is beyond me. But, she definitely has a following and she would probably pick up those votes.
Doreen writes:
I hope it’s Obama, but the real beneficiary would be the moderators of the debates. They wouldn't have as many politicians who don't understand the meaning of the "lights".