John Edwards just gave his dropout speech in New Orleans, which is where it all began, and he told his audience that he'd spoken to both Hillary and Obama and squeezed a promise from them.

"They have both pledged to me, and more importantly, through me to the American people, that they will make ending poverty central to their campaigns for the presidency," Edwards said, adding that they'd vowed to make poverty central to their presidencies, too.

"Today I am suspending my campaign for the Democratic nomination of the presidency," Edwards also said. "This son of a millworker is going to be just fine. Our job right now is to make sure that everyone in America is fine."

Edwards also pleaded with his listeners to not forget about his issues: "Do not give up on the causes we have fought for," he said. "It's time for all of us together to make the two Americas one."

As is well documented by now, the Edwards campaign had a salutary effect on the presidential campaign's ongoing conversation in multiple ways. The question now is whether Edwards, as a former candidate, will still be able to exert the same pull on the debate and keep his issues alive in the public consciousness.

It's a question that, judging by Edwards' exhortations, remains an open one, though he did secure a pledge from the two leading Dems that they would help him do just that.

And as expected, no mention of any endorsement.

Video soon.

Late Update: As promised, here's the video: