COULD EDWARDS BE THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AGAIN?

Most political observers think it's unlikely. There is little evidence that Edwards helped as Sen. John Kerry's running mate on the national ticket in 2004. Kerry has said he regretted choosing Edwards, according to political consultant Bob Shrum. Kerry gave credence to that view when he endorsed Sen. Barack Obama in South Carolina, a move that seemed to design to hurt Edwards when he was most vulnerable. Finally, it's not clear that Edwards would be interested in a vice presidential slot -- been there, done that.

WHOM MIGHT EDWARDS ENDORSE?

The most likely candidate is Obama. Edwards and Obama shared many supporters, and both portrayed themselves as change agents while depicting Clinton as a representative of the politics of the past. Many of Edwards' supporters might see an endorsement of Clinton as a betrayal.

"It's unlikely that Edwards would cut a deal with Clinton if there is going to be an endorsement or Cabinet post," said Peter Francia, a political science professor at East Carolina University. "It would come in an Obama administration with an Obama endorsement."

COULD EDWARDS BE PART OF A DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION?

Edwards could end up as a Cabinet secretary, especially if his endorsement helps a candidate.

Edwards would be a high-profile appointment welcomed by certain segments of the party, including trial lawyers, organized labor and anti-poverty groups. But Edwards would be an independent power base within the administration -- something a Democratic president might not want.

Whether Edwards would be interested in a Washington job is another question. But a Cabinet post would allow Edwards to remain a player in big-time politics.

"Cabinet posts are often a polyglot of various sentiments of the party, often quite small," said David Rhode, a Duke University political science professor who has written extensively about presidential politics. "He has spoken for and received support of a significant portion of the Democratic voters -- considerably more than a bunch of others who would be considered for a Cabinet post. I could imagine him being invited to be in the Cabinet."

WOULD HE MAKE A BID TO RETURN TO THE U.S. SENATE?

Edwards did not seek re-election to his Senate seat in 2004. There is little indication that Edwards was enamored with the working of the Senate during his one term. He has also moved sharply to his political left while running for president, making it more difficult for him to win a Senate race in North Carolina.