FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both want the same thing from their former rival, John Edwards: his endorsement.
Clinton made a secret visit to Edwards' North Carolina home last week to ask for his support, and Obama is also planning to meet with Edwards. With his strong following among working-class white voters, it's expected an Edwards endorsement could give either candidate an important edge in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.
But Edwards isn't the only big-name Democrat who hasn't picked sides yet. How about Al Gore?
Sources close to the former vice president say not to expect him to endorse either Clinton or Obama during the primary season. They say he's on good terms with the two candidates and talks to both of them.
But there's another reason. If it becomes necessary down the road, Gore would be in a position as an elder statesman of the Democratic party to negotiate a deal between Clinton and Obama.
As for two other top Democrats – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – sources say neither has plans to endorse a candidate.
It's very much an open question how much endorsements matter. Even with the support of both senators, John Kerry and Edward Kennedy along with other members of the Kennedy family, Barack Obama still lost the Massachusetts primary to Hillary Clinton.
Here’s my question to you: Whose endorsement would make a difference in the Democratic presidential race?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Mark writes:
The one endorsement which would make a big difference would be Colin Powell. That would indicate which candidate has the best prospect of gaining Republican votes.
Scott writes:
Personally, I think a John Edwards endorsement will make the biggest difference. Al Gore is yesterday's news to most voters.
Dylan writes:
Absolutely no endorsement should sway a voter from who they feel would be the best presidential candidate. Endorsements are nice, but we're the working class voters, not the overpaid politicians who think that the sun shines out of their ever orifice.
John writes:
Last I checked, our southern liberal friend Jimmy Carter is still alive. What could cause a bigger stir than another presidential endorsement for Hillary or Obama tying the score (considering Mrs. Clinton has Bill)? He is a listed superdelegate, he'll have to make a choice in August at the latest anyway.
Irene writes:
I would respect an endorsement for Barack Obama by my father. My father is a lifelong Republican, Vietnam vet, and outspoken individual. Therefore, if Obama can capture my father's vote, then he really CAN bring everyone together!
Robert writes:
Edwards' endorsement: interesting, but not a deciding factor. Gore's endorsement: a little more interesting, but still not a deciding factor. Pelosi's or Reid's endorsement: irrelevant, uninteresting, and a joke. The only endorsement that matters to me is my own endorsement of a candidate. I make up my own mind, thank you very much.
Darla writes:
That's easy, Jack: the voters.