Friday, March 21, 2008

Gov. Bill Richardson Endorses Barack Obama

In an e-mail to supporters labeled "A personal note," Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM), former presidential hopeful and former top official in the Bill Clinton administration and huge supporter of Clinton administration policies as a leader in the US House of Representatives, announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for president.

"We have been through a lot together," the e-mail read, "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."

The letter goes on:

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.

Richardson cited Obama's historic 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.

Linking Obama's words to his own experiences as a Latino and that of Latinos in the US, Richardson said, "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."

Obama is the leader we need to bring change, said Richardson. "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."

5 comments:

Krumbled Kookie said...

I don't know if anyone else agrees, and this is obviously just speculation, but I think that an Obama/Richardson ticket would be quite appealing. Much more appealing than an Obama/Clinton ticket, because in my opinion, if we want things in this country to change, Hillary Clinton must be kept as far from the White House as possible.

Joel said...

I think Obama, if he manages to win the nomination, will select someone with a stronger orientation to the military and "national security" issues. People I have seen elsewhere raised as possibilities are Anthony Zinni or Jim Webb. The general election process will be a race to the middle of the political spectrum.

Krumbled Kookie said...

Sadly enough, you're probably right about the general election being a race to the center. Hasn't Zinni said that he won't ever run for office, though? I know that means little, but I think I remember him saying that when some people tried to get him to run for Congress.

stimbox said...

He'll be running to the center-right if he picks a hawk to be his VP. He is already running to the center.

Joel said...

I don't think he'll pick a hawk. I think he'll pick someone who is closely identified with the military or to national security issues. There's a difference, I'd say.