Was John Edwards paying somebody to write press releases? Because as it turns out, he could have saved a few bucks and bought a coat or two for the naked hobo children he’s always going on about. From the Associated Press:

DENVER – Democrat John Edwards is exiting the presidential race Wednesday, ending a scrappy underdog bid in which he steered his rivals toward progressive ideals while grappling with family hardship that roused voters’ sympathies, The Associated Press has learned.

Also, John Edwards loves poor people. He loves poor people more than anyone ever has.

So now the Democratic race is between two far left progressives instead of three far left progressives. But then, hasn’t it always been?

[Update 01/30/08 5:23pm] I love the way the AP updates stories throughout the day with no mention that a previous version was ever published. It’s an awesome contribution to a more transparent political process.