Report from NPR's Two-Way blog:
Saying that "there is no viable path forward for me," Texas Gov. Rick Perry just confirmed that he is leaving the 2012 race for the Republican presidential nomination.
Then, he went on to endorse the bid of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich — just two days before South Carolina Republicans go to the polls in a primary that could either cement former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's lead in the race for the GOP nomination or give new life to someone else's; perhaps Gingrich's.
Gingrich, Perry said at an event in North Charleston, S.C., is not perfect but is "a conservative leader who will bring about real change."
By the way, here's CNN video from two weeks ago of that master of understatement, James Carville, calling Perry the worst American presidential candidate in history, relative to expectations. A brief panelist debate ensued.