Bill Richardson has endorsed Barack Obama for President, releasing the following email over night:
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
We’ve seen this year that endorsements have limited effect, but at very least this is one more super delegate backing Obama. Richardson will also help with the Hispanic vote and it doesn’t hurt to have Obama’s speech on race brought up once again as it might take time for the average voter to become fully aware of it. Richardson’s support might also help strengthen Obama’s foreign policy credentials:
In his statement, Mr. Richardson, who served as ambassador to the United Nations under Mr. Clinton, said “there is no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama has the judgment and courage we need in a commander in chief when our nation’s security is on the line. He showed this judgment by opposing the Iraq war from the start, and he has shown it during this campaign by standing up for a new era in American leadership internationally.”
I wonder if this could be taken as a sign of how the race is going. Richardson has been spoken of as a possible running mate or major cabinet secretary for the next Democratic president, but the Clintons are known for having a long memory with regards to who supports or opposes them. This endorsement might be taken as a sign that Richardson no longer fears that an endorsement of Obama reduces his chances for career advancement.
i have been waiting, waiting, waiting….
on some “leaders” in the democratic party to step forward, speak out, and end the bloodletting.
I think this took guts on Bill’s part…. especially considering his friendship with the Clintons.
and, o yes, he should keep the beard…even when he is Vice President!
now, the next one who should step up is John Edwards to slam the nail in the coffin of the old politics!
where are you John?
My guess is that a lot of people like Bill Richardson have been afraid to come out in support of Obama. Many of the Democratic leaders owe a lot to the Clintons, and they all know that the Clintons hold a grudge.
Such a move is personally risky, and i think that’s why Richardson waited so long. I also think that’s why Edwards won’t come out at all.
Perhaps Richardson’s act will strengthen the spine of a few more major Dems…