Edwards withdraws from Democratic race

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., Wednesday withdrew from the race for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, pledging not to forget struggling Americans.

"It is time for me to step aside so history can blaze its path," Edwards said in a news conference in New Orleans' Musicians Village.

Edwards said he spoke to rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, extracting pledges to "make ending poverty central to their campaign for the presidency and ... central to their presidency."

He said he expected the Democratic Party would be stronger and more unified "and with conviction and a little backbone, we will take back the White House in November."

If the party hears "the voices of our working people, a proud progressive will be in the White House," Edwards said against a backdrop of houses under construction. "We will never forget you; we will fight for you; we will stand up for you."

Edwards announced his departure in the same city where he announced his candidacy.

"This son of a mill-worker is going to be just fine," Edwards said. "Our job now is to make certain America will be just fine."

He did not endorse Clinton or Obama Wednesday.