Last week former North Carolina senator and two-time presidential candidate John Edwards uttered the words that Democrats long to hear from the lips of Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore:

"The reason I am here tonight is because the Democratic voters of America have made their choice and so have I."

Mr. Edwards endorsed former rival Sen. Barack Obama over Sen. Hillary Clinton in what has become the most protracted primary fight in recent Democratic Party history. The news overshadowed Mrs. Clinton's lopsided victory over Mr. Obama in the West Virginia primary the previous day.

Though some argue that Mr. Edwards' endorsement came weeks after it would have had an impact at the polls, there is little doubt that it will help the front-runner woo the white working-class vote.

Because of Mr. Edwards' affinity for and understanding of Appalachia, his endorsement could influence Kentucky voters in their primary tomorrow. But for as influential as Mr. Edwards may be, the most prized endorsement of all has yet to be given.

Al Gore hasn't endorsed one of the candidates, but it is widely believed he favors Mr. Obama over the wife of his former boss. While Bill Clinton and Mr. Gore are reportedly not as close as they once were, it can't be an easy thing to endorse Mrs. Clinton's opponent, no matter how unlikely are her chances of winning.

Mr. Gore insists that he won't make an endorsement until the primaries are over. Because of his stature in the party, the thinking is that he may be one of the few honest brokers around if the nomination fight goes all the way to the convention.

While admirable to a degree, Mr. Gore's restraint will inadvertently lead to a possible crisis. This is a fight the Democrats can't afford to have at the convention. If the party gets to Denver in August without a nominee, the chances of defeating Republican John McCain in November are much diminished.

Mr. Gore is in a position now to influence the bulk of superdelegates who have yet to declare their choice for president. If he waits till July, it will be too late. Al Gore should end the suspense and make his preference known -- for the party's sake.