Richardson Endorses Obama

17 Comments

1. 

   idredit on March 21, 2008 at 9:40 am

   That analogy is great one.  That’s a knockout. Stop the fight and the blood letting. It’s Over.

   Obama’s speech closed the deal

   Richardson also said in the e-mail that he was touched by Obama’s recent speech on race in America, saying he “understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.”

   ends the week on a high mark.

2. 

   refinish69 on March 21, 2008 at 9:57 am

   What great News!!!!

3. 

   shergald on March 21, 2008 at 10:10 am

   Okay. So isn’t time to do the Veep diary all over again?

4. 

   Drew J Jones on March 21, 2008 at 10:14 am

   This is great news, and I must salute Richardson for having the guts to do it instead of remaining a loyal soldier for the Clintons.

   And an aside: I must say I dig the beard on Peyote Bill.

5. 

   joe in oklahoma on March 21, 2008 at 10:19 am

   i have been waiting on some “leaders” in the party to step forward and speak out.
   I think this took guts on Bill’s part….and i agree with Drew, he should keep the beard…even when he is Vice Prwsident!

   now, the next one who should step up is John Edwards to slam the nail in the coffin of the old politics!

   • 

     ejmw on March 21, 2008 at 10:25 am

     Yep.  I have to think Edwards liked what he heard in Obama’s big speech on race earlier this week:

     Just as black anger often proved counterproductive, so have these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle class squeeze – a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many.

     • 

       maryb2004 on March 21, 2008 at 10:38 am

       I’m disappointed in Edwards.  I don’t expect him to endorse either of them  –  and that’s fine.  Neither of them has taken on the issues of poverty in the way that he wanted.  

       But you don’t have to endorse a candidate to defend them from right wing attacks.

       • 

         ejmw on March 21, 2008 at 10:56 am

         Good point.  I really don’t understand the complete media silence by Edwards.

         Maybe he figured any statement he made would just be summarily ignored by the media, like his campaign was.

         • 

           americanforliberty on March 21, 2008 at 11:39 am

           No, I believe it is time for John Edwards to take a stand and endorse a candidate, hopefully Obama. The longer he stays silent the more it lessens the impact of his endorsement and the priority of his fight against poverty. If Edwards endorses Obama it would go a long way in helping Obama in Pennsylvania.

         • 

           ejmw on March 21, 2008 at 11:57 am

           But if Obama hasn’t met whatever requirement Edwards has for an endorsement, then there is no reason for him to do so.  How much we want him to do it, or how much it would help Obama, really isn’t (and shouldn’t be) a factor.

         • 

           americanforliberty on March 21, 2008 at 12:35 pm

           I don’t think Bill Richardson had any requirements for his endorsement. If John Edwards has requirements for his endorsement, than I feel stupid to have supported John Edwards before he dropped out of the race. I think it is clear Obama will do more for those issues that JE cares about than Hillary.

         • 

           ejmw on March 21, 2008 at 12:49 pm

           Of course both of them have requirements.  Everyone has requirements.  Why else would you endorse somebody?  If you don’t have any requirements there would be no point in picking one over the other.  It doesn’t mean that you’re saying “Hey, I’ll endorse you if you give me an ambassadorship”, it just means that the person has to have made enough of a commitment towards the causes you’re vested in.

           As someone who was an Edwards supporter until he dropped out, and who still likes and admires him, I simply cannot fathom why one would be willing to trust his judgment enough to want him to be President but refuse to trust his judgment in endorsing someone in this already-over ridiculous horse race.  It boggles my mind.

         • 

           americanforliberty on March 21, 2008 at 2:11 pm

           All, I’m saying is a person remembers people who help them out when their in jam/or need help. Like, Obama in Pennsylvania, think JE’s clout and influence in an Obama Administration would go much farther if JE would make an endorsement sooner than later.

   • 

     maryb2004 on March 21, 2008 at 10:34 am

     I agree.  I’m glad it pushed Richardson into taking action.  

     I’d like to see he and Chris Dodd campaign among the Pennsylvania Latino voters.  But more importantly I’m glad to see Richardson respond to Obama’s speech by characterizing it as the opportunity to open a dialog on an important issue.  The silence among the rest of the Democratic Party elite to respond to that invitation has been deafening.

     Based on this alone I could see him as VP.  (And truthfully I’m usually not too impressed by Richardson.)

6. 

   Steven D on March 21, 2008 at 10:44 am

   Actually Down Goes Frazier out to be saved for a Gore or other top Democrat endorsement of Obama.  Richardson is nice, but he’s not a knockout punch.

7. 

   ATinNM on March 21, 2008 at 11:14 am

   Here is the full email:

   During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.

   We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990’s were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

   Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

   As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants–specifically Hispanics– by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences–and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit — the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

   Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

   His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

   To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America’s international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

   During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation’s special responsibilities in the world.

   So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.

   Sincerely,

   Bill Richardson

8. 

   mainsailset on March 21, 2008 at 11:39 am

   If one is to appreciate the tacticians within the Obama campaign, and their very clear crystal ball in predicting as far back as last summer which states Obama would win and with the margins (remember Tim R holding up the Obama analysis on MTP?) then the article the LAT is writing that Obama plans to be rolling out more endorsements running up to PA makes alot of sense

   http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/03/breaking-news-b.html

   With his 3 speeches this week, the OR excitment at his stops there, complete with Richardson, the sheer #’s of new voters registering in PA and the prospect of more wise old party leaders endorsing, he’s demonstrating tactical genius that is jawdropping.