Edwards: 'It's Time For Me To Step Aside'

Controversial Haircuts

Edwards also struggled at times to match the message with the man.

His campaign paid for two $400 dollar haircuts, an instant source of mockery from rivals and late night comics. Between his first and second presidential runs, Edwards took a consultant job with the hedge fund Fortress Investment Group, earning a salary of close to half a million dollars. While Edwards worked for the company, a subprime lending division of Fortress moved to foreclose on homes of Katrina victims.

Related

Your Candidate? Find Your Presidential Match!

BLOGS: POLITICAL RADAR

Candidate Bios, Pictures and Favorite Things

Edwards was able to hold on to a key group of voters: union members. He was endorsed by several state chapters of the nation's largest health care union, the Service Employees International Union, as well as the Carpenters and Steelworkers.

Edwards has not publicly said which candidate he will support, though he has had private conversations with both Clinton and Obama in recent days.

In a recent interview with ABC News' David Muir, Edwards adamantly denied any desire to again be a vice presidential candidate.

He will not be participating in tonight's' Jefferson Jackson dinner in Atlanta as scheduled. It is likely the family will return to their Chapel Hill, North Carolina residence this evening.

During his announcement Edwards told anecdotes of voters he me throughout his campaign -- ncluding a coal miner who lived without healthcare coverage for most of his life. "His amazing story gave this campaign voice, universal healthcare for every man woman and child."

Ending his bid, Edwards reassured the small crowd, "This son of a mill worker is gonna be just fine. And our job now is to make sure that American will be fine."

Edwards thanked all the staffers who have worked on his year plus campaign, and the voters he met in recent days as his campaign was coming to a close.

"I want you to know that you almost changed my mind," Edwards said.

He ended his announcement saying, "Thank you god bless you and let's go to work."

Edwards and his family then walked to the houses they stood in front of and began their immediate work rebuilding homes in 9th ward of New Orleans.

ABC News' Rick Klein and David Muir contributed to this report.