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Morning Open Thread: Bill Richardson Endorses Barack Obama |
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Chalk up another for Obama! I just got this in my inbox this morning:
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.
Richardson goes onto make a plea for unity:
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.
And on an interesting note, it seems at least one person was influenced by Obama’s speech on race:
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!
I respected Bill Richardson as a candidate and found myself agreeing with almost everything he said. His plan for Iraq, including no residual forces, was brave and prescient. Though he wasn’t my dog in this race, I’m glad he’s in the Obama camp now. And just maybe, he’ll be able to push Obama a bit further left in his stances….
This is an open thread, what are your thoughts?
Bill Richardson is a well respected diplomat and a strong figure in the Hispanic community. His support should mean a lot and I’m happy that he’s thrown his hat in the ring. If only John Edwards would do the same…….
yes yes yes yes yes! Edwards, let’s get off the fence already!
hear, hear. get on board johnny boy!
The truth is I don’t know if this will have any effect on votes — while an important politician, Richardson isn’t really known as being able to deliver any hispanic vote outside of NM. I do think it is impressive that he was willing to buck the Clintons, though.
I would say, yes and no. The value in endorsements like this is rarely direct votes. However, Obama now has Richardson campaigning for him, access to Richardson’s email list and donor list, and don’t forget that Richardson is a superdelegate too….