Former Gov. Dean is on record -- on video -- saying that he had ALREADY gone on the record that
he believed Sen. Edwards would be a more formidable candidate in a general election than Sen. Kerry would be.
I think that's really about as strong an endorsement as you can make (and I'm sure that Edwards appreciates it, even if it was primarily intended to tear down Kerry). It also happens to be a fact, as the exit polling consistently shows.
That said, if Dean is considering backing Edwards at this point, I'm not sure that a formal, announced endorsement is the way to go. If Dean stays in for two more weeks, and if he has stashed away any money (and he seems to be able to keep raising it), he could run hard in those Super Tuesday states where Kerry looks strong, continue to get free media and still play hatchet man on Kerry -- more special interest money than any other senator. This would leave Edwards free to focus his resources on his best states and remain Johnny Sunshine.
If Dean would prefer Edwards over Kerry, and he's already said as much, I think that would be the best strategy.