(May 14, 2008)--Making a surprise appearance Wednesday evening in Michigan, former Sen. John Edwards said he has decided to back Senator Barack Obama.

Edwards, who dropped out of the presidential race in January, said, "Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I."

He said Obama stands with him in a fight to cut poverty in half within 10 years.

Edwards also praised Hillary Rodham Clinton, saying Democrats "are a stronger party" because of her.

The endorsement came a day after Clinton defeated Obama by more than 2-to-1 in the West
Virginia primary.

The loss highlighted Obama's challenge in winning over so-called "Hillary Democrats,” white, working-class voters who had supported Edwards in significant numbers before he left the race.

She had also sought Edwards’ endorsement.