Rudy officially drops out, endorses McCain – Ahhhnold may be next to endorse the Mc

CNN reports:

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) — Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani ended his GOP presidential race and endorsed rival Sen. John McCain of Arizona on Wednesday.

And sources say California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger might endorse McCain on Thursday.

“This is a man who is prepared to be president,” Giuliani said of his “old friend.”

Giuliani said McCain gives the Republican Party the best chance to hold onto the presidency.

“I am very proud to endorse my friend and fellow Republican — a hero — John McCain,” Giuliani said at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley California, two hours before the Republican presidential candidates were to face each other in their final debate before the Super Tuesday contests next week.

Meanwhile, two Republican sources told CNN that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is in discussions about endorsing McCain.

One of the sources said, “you can safely describe the conversations as progressing and productive.” The second source described the endorsement as “more than expected” and said the conversations were aimed at arranging a Thursday announcement.

I’m sure McCain will be asked about it at tonight’s presidential debate, which starts at 8pm ET and will be broadcast on CNN from the Reagan Library. John Hawkins will be liveblogging it. Not sure if I will or not – if I do, it’ll be a mini-liveblogging.

On a related note, Bill Kristol has some advice for Mitt Romney.

Bonus: Prospect of Obama Defeat Drives Matthews to Verge of Tears