Senator Leahy Endorses Obama

Sen. Barack Obama picked up the endorsement of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-VT on Thursday, adding another big name to the list of congressional figures pledging their support to his campaign.

Leahy, a veteran Senate Democrat and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters on a morning conference call:

"We are a good and a great nation. I think we can restore that respect but we need a president who could reintroduce America to the world and reintroduce America to ourselves. I believe Barack Obama is the best person to do that."

Leahy is regarded as one of the leading progressive Democrats on judiciary issues. He was one of ten senators to vote against the reauthorization of the Patriot Act, legislation that Obama supported. The two, however, did agree in their opposition to the nomination of current Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. And both Leahy and Obama opposed the Iraq war, though Obama was not in the Senate at the time.

Asked why he did not offer up his support to Sen. Clinton, with whom he has worked for more than seven years, Leahy skirted around the question. "My endorsement is not in opposition to Sen. Clinton or Sen. Edwards both of whom I know and admire. My endorsement is about who can do this best..."

Another topic addressed during the roughly 25 minute call was the lawsuit filed by the Nevada teachers union that would shut down the at large caucus sites create for workers on the Vegas-strip. Leahy criticized the suit, which will be decided Thursday afternoon, saying,

"I've always been of the assumption that we should do everything possible to allow people to vote when they can.... If somehow they were shut out from being able to caucus, I think it reduces the legitimacy of the results."

The Clinton campaign has publicly backed the suit but the state and national Democratic parties have filed briefs opposing it.

Leahy is the latest in a series of Senate luminaries to offer Obama their support, including Massachusetts Democrat John Kerry. In the 2004 election, Leahy endorsed his fellow Vermonter, former Gov. Howard Dean.

Comments

[shanghaislim]

10:55 AM on 01/19/2008

And anyway....we just need a caretaker president because you know who will be back????

Al Gore 2012. Believe it. Gore is smart by sitting this fucked election cycle and staying above the fray. Way above the fray into a new atmosphere not reached by politicians heretofore in the world of celebrity. Sure he is done now, but when the country calls and he has spent 12 years away from the muck pit of politics. He will be back, wiser and more cunning with the backing of all establishments and sectors of life.

[shanghaislim]

10:38 AM on 01/19/2008

PROPOSAL TO HUFFPOST MEMBERS:

If Obama wins the Nomination and the Presidency we will support him unconditionally in his fight to right our American Ship. Not snark at him and continue the vitriol and angst.

If Hillary wins the Nomination and the Presidency we will support her unconditionally in his fight to right our American Ship. Not snark at him and continue the vitriol and angst.

If Edwards wins the Nomination and the Presidency we will support him unconditionally in his fight to right our American Ship. Not snark at him and continue the vitriol and angst.

Folks, this is our obligation and duty as Democrats to unite against our common enemy, not cannibalize ourselves. I am talking about after the convention.

How about it?

[mrtojo]

02:02 PM on 01/18/2008

It seems that there are many people who are lucky enough to have time to dissect this crap ceaselessly. Wish I did!

I am thrilled that Leahy has backed Barack Obama.

Leahy is a bulldog and cannot be bought. Though there are reams of sardonic, cutting posts (almost everyone seems like a try-out for pundit TV), I have found to be Leahy extremely dedicated, ethical, and,is one of the few pols who I truly respect, so, his backing of Obama, who I am also supporting, is welcome news.

As for the cynical post that Leahy's "looking for a job": Obama - and the U.S. are really fortunate to have Sen. Patrick Leahy. While his peers rolled right over to Bush and Cheney,
Leahy was one of very few who actually took decisive action. OBAMA / LEAHY would be a great ticket!

[Felicty]

12:31 AM on 01/18/2008

Shouldn't Leahy be working on another one of his pointless non-binding resolutions? Who he recommends bears absolutely no weight as far as I'm concerned.

Obama doesn't need Ol' Pat sniffing around for a new job.

[LITU]

11:42 PM on 01/17/2008

I listened to that worthless bag of wind Pelosi speak today, and once again sidestep the issue of impeachment on the grounds that the potential for success is minimal at best. Apparently the sycophant doesn't find Cheney's or Bush's violations of the law significant. She actually had the audacity to cite health care reform as one of the main focuses of her caucus. What? I say, WHAT? This woman needs her fucking face slapped, just like she's slapping ours.

[dezzertguy]

09:49 PM on 01/17/2008

Given Leahy's past, this could be a set up with the Clintons. Obama had better watch his back. Leahy has poor character and who knows what he could be up to.

[bioslois]

09:46 PM on 01/17/2008

Read Sally Bedell Smith's book on Bill and Hillary, "For the Love of Politics", and you will hope that we do not elect Hillary (and Bill) for another term in the White House. Almost every page describes behind the scenes maneuverings and ineffective efforts on behalf of the American people. I voted for Bill both times and didn't want to believe the gossipy stuff - but...it was true. Barack Obama promises the possibility of restoring a unity of purpose to our country. Ideally he can succeed in bringing us all together. Idealism above political game-playing (especially the nasty stuff of recent days).

[dr4Will]

09:28 PM on 01/17/2008

Gutless Lay-he is of no help--he is a friend of Craig and a roll over Dem!!

[IkeChicago]

07:59 PM on 01/17/2008

Has anyone noticed that not one major Dem has come out for Hillary in the past 6 weeks. The party so badly want Hillary to be gone, their trying the endorsement angle.

Has anyone here thought of what happens if Hillary gets the nomination, could you see Hillary campaigning in marginal states with the incombent Senator or Rep. , they would first find out what direction Hillary is coming from and then run in the opposite direction. I hope Hillary is not counting on Obama campaigning for the party at large.

[Tsunami]

07:14 PM on 01/17/2008

Lately I've noted that Leahy seemed to be losing touch with reality. Now there is confirmation.

[Mattatat]

05:05 PM on 01/17/2008

Tweety just finished a 4 minute mea apology for his behavior towards Hillary.

Looks like the heat got to him.

[OhPlease2007]

04:50 PM on 01/17/2008

*** CHECK THIS OUT! ***

Audio Interview: Anonymous Nevada Culinary Union Member Reveals Wrongful Intimidation Practices of Culinary Union to FORCE Union Members to Vote For Obama.

I'm hearing that many culinary union members don't want to vote for Obama, but are being strong armed by the Cullinary Union in Nevada to vote for Obama, or they will be banned from entering the caucus.

Now, I'm all for unions protecting it's workers from unfair corporate business practices, but this is clearly change, that we all CAN'T believe in!!!

Listen to the audio interview by clicking on the appropriate link provided below.

1.) Audio Source:TaylorMarsh.com( Culinary Union pressures members to vote for Obama, Marsh, Jan 16, 2008)

http://www.taylormarsh.com/audio.php?audio=http://www.taylormarsh.com/podcast/mp3/stream.2008-01-16.170818.mp3

2.) Further Reading:TaylorMarsh.com(Culinary Union Intimidating Members to Vote for Obama, Marsh, Jan 16, 2008)

http://www.taylormarsh.com/archives_view.php?id=26839

[dezzertguy]

04:27 PM on 01/17/2008

Given Leahy's character, is this good for Obama or Clinton? It could be way to hurt Obama and taint him as a "beltway" Senator. Leahy has a long history of misdeeds and is one of the most repugnant of senators. Obama should watch his back.

[CraigB]

03:59 PM on 01/17/2008

This one is worth 10 John Kerry endorsements.

[jesstickles]

03:44 PM on 01/17/2008

obama=CHANGE
hillary=more war, more lies, more corporate love,
more dark government, more"good"clinton ideas like NAFTA.....etc.