Edwards praises both Clinton, Obama in first political speech

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards says he has a high opinion of both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.

Edwards took the stage in a political speech Saturday for the first time since dropping his presidential bid in January.

He declined to endorse either of the Democratic candidates for president but said the nation would be blessed to have either in the White House.

Edwards appeared at the Young Democrats of North Carolina convention that included speeches from both Obama and Clinton supporters. Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, was scheduled to make an appearance later Saturday.

Edwards dropped his presidential campaign two months ago after winning 26 delegates through the first four contests.