Clinton Endorses Obama, Vows to Stay in Race

In the latest bizarre development in a political season marked by twists and turns that have consistently defied the experts' predictions, Senator Hillary Clinton today endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, her leading rival for the Democratic Presidential nomination. At the same time, Clinton -- weary of calls for her to get out of the race -- said she would fight for the nomination, "All the way to the convention and beyond, if necessary."

With polls showing Obama widening his national lead over Clinton, her advisors believed that her endorsement might improve her favorables while at the same time costing him votes among key demographic groups. "Machiavellian," was how one Clinton insider described the move, adding, "On that fine line between genius and crazy." The endorsement left other Clinton supporters wondering about the campaign's direction.

Said one, "What the hey, It's April Fools, so anything can happen....."