John Edwards had kind words for Democrat presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton during his speech at the Young Democrats Convention.
"I have a very high opinion of both of them," Edwards said. "We would be blessed as a nation to have either one of them as president."
Edwards said Obama has brough many people into the democratic process that wouldn't otherwise be involved and has inspired the nation.
Clinton has served the country very well for a long time and has forged an historic campaign for the nomination and for the presidency, he added.
Asked after his speech if he would endorse either Obama or Clinton, Edwards declined to comment.
"When I have something to say, I'll let you guys know," he said.
More about Edwards' speech after the jump.
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Edwards then talked about the issues facing the country. On the top of his list were universal health care, the war in Iraq and increasing the minimum wage.
Health care for some people means going to the hospital and begging for service, Edwards said.
"Our democratic president has to lead the way to real universal health care," Edwards said.
Edwards also said the war in Iraq must end to better the "stature of the United States."
Ending the war in Iraq will allow the United States to focus on other issues that need its attention, he said. Edwards then mentioned the problems in Darfur and Uganda, as two examples where the U.S. could make a difference.
Edwards also talked about the need to raise the minimum wage.
"I know I'm not supposed to say this in North Carolina, but we have to strengthen the right of unions to organize in the workplace," he said, leading about a dozen people in the room to stand up and applaud.
