Obama Endorsed By Bill Richardson

PORTLAND, Ore. — Bill Richardson, the nation's only Hispanic governor, threw his support behind Barack Obama for president Friday, delivering one of the most coveted and tightly held endorsements in the race for the Democratic nomination.

The New Mexico governor joined Obama at spirited rally Friday and said the Illinois senator demonstrated his leadership abilities this week with his speech on race. "You are a once-in-a-lifetime leader," the governor said from the stage. "Above all, you will be a president who brings this nation together."

Richardson dropped his own bid for the nomination in January. His support for Obama comes during a tough period for the senator, the leader in the delegate chase over Hillary Rodham Clinton. Obama has seen his lead in national polls wither as he's grappled with the fallout from divisive remarks by his former pastor.

Richardson was relentlessly courted by both candidates and his support for Obama represents a potential counterweight to Clinton's strength among Hispanic voters.

As a Democratic superdelegate, the governor plays a part in the tight race for nominating votes and could bring other superdelegates to Obama's side. He also had been mentioned as a potential running mate for either candidate.

No primaries are scheduled until Pennsylvania's on April 22, a gap Obama hopes to use for such announcements to assert that he is the front-runner for the nomination. Oregon hold its primary May 20.

Richardson backed Obama despite his ties to Clinton and her husband, the former president. Richardson served as ambassador to the U.N. and as secretary of the Energy Department during the Clinton administration. Last month, Richardson and former President Clinton watched the Super Bowl together at the governor's residence in Santa Fe.

Richardson praised Hillary Clinton as a "distinguished leader with vast experience." But the governor said Obama "will be a historic and 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."

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The Clinton campaign was publicly dismissive of the endorsement, after the New York senator failed to win it for herself.

Citing Clinton's victory in New Mexico in February, senior strategist Mark Penn said, "Perhaps the time when he could have been most effective has long since past."

Richardson was a roving diplomatic troubleshooter when he was a congressman from New Mexico, negotiating the release of U.S. hostages in several countries and meeting with a rogue's gallery of U.S. adversaries, including Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro.

"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," Richardson said. "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."

Obama embraced the endorsement of an accomplished figure on the world stage who "understands the importance of restoring diplomacy as a central part of our national security strategy."

Both men have proposed negotiating with enemies as well as friends, while Clinton has emphasized the need to press for changes in repressive or hostile regimes before engaging with them at the presidential level.

But there were also personal aspects to Richardson's swing behind Obama. He noted that both are the sons of one foreign-born parent _ Obama's father was from Kenya, Richardson's mother was from Mexico.

And Richardson told of the time, during one of the many Democratic debates, when his attention wandered and he didn't hear the question that came at him. Obama, then his rival, bailed him out by whispering to him that it was about Hurricane Katrina.

"He could have thrown me under the bus," Richardson cracked, "but he stood behind me."

Among veterans of the once-crowded field of Democratic presidential hopefuls, Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut is the only other one who has taken a side so far. Dodd also endorsed Obama.

John Edwards, the strongest performer among the nomination dropouts, has also been wooed by Clinton and Obama but he's not announced an endorsement.

___

Associated Press Writer Barry Massey in Santa Fe, N.M., contributed to this report.

Comments

[LeoMarvin]

"Citing Clinton's victory in New Mexico in February, senior strategist Mark Penn said, "Perhaps the time when he could have been most effective has long since past.""

Another lesson in grace and class from the Clinton campaign.

[kevenseven]

Me? I've lost track....

[Triangle1]

Interesting how all the Obama fans are all about ignoring the superdelegate votes, and paying attention to the voting public. Then they get this guy to endose him, when his own state's voters selected Hillary as the winner. I think we should follow Obama's lead in this one and just have all the superdelegates vote for who they want, rather than paying attention to the popular vote.

[LeoMarvin]

Another nice example of conflating away all the meaningful nuance, and then implying the other guys are the hypocrites. Who a super delegate supports personally and who (s)he votes for at the convention are not necessarily the same thing. It's perfectly consistent for Richardson to vote for Hillary at the convention as a principled act of ratifying the preference of the electorate, while publicly expressing his own preference for Obama.

[estreya]

The results in New Mexico were 48% to 49%. That's hardly a margin that clearly reflects the will of the people (especially since, as i recall, both Richardson and Edwards were in the race at that time and got a certain percentage of the votes as well).

[kevenseven]

Perhaps you could do me a favor, and stop putting words in my mouth?

I am an Obaman, and I am acutely aware of the SDs. RealClearPolitics has Obama with 214 SDs, Clinton with 250. That to totals 464. Which leaves 331 available to be wooed. Clinton is not going to win the nomination based on SDs.

If you are interested, Clinton bested Obama by less than 2000 in NM, but don't let a little detail like that confuse you. Call that a huge mandate that Richardson must accept.

But don't worry, the SDs will do as they see fit, for what ever reason suits them.

[Ajita]

Do you realize that if all supers voted with their constituency and split along state lines like in the general election, the race would be over?

[Grunty1]

I believe that the Super Delegates should follow the will of their party, at their own peril.
I find it more interesting that Hillary is ignoring the public vote of millions and is asking the 800 to decide for her. Why does that sound so 2000?

[Grunty1]

My first sentence is really mangled...

If the Supers nominate Hillary, against the will of the party, they do so at their own peril.

[lovethesinner]

This comment is especially revealing. Why would Hillary demean Hispanics (latinos) if she needs them in the general election. I have some theories:

1. She's just a racist by nature and can't help herself. (not likely)

2. Her judgement is so bad that she's unable to see past the primaries.

3. She isn't really a Democrat, but a CORPORATE PARTY candidate (DLC) and her mission had two goals all along: win, or make it so the progressive Democrat can't.

Joe Lieberman is DLC, and he's campaigning for McCain (he may run as his VP) Hillary, and Bill Clinton (founder of the DLC) have supported the war in Iraq from the beginning. Not just her vote, but the Iran vote, and the cluster bombs, and...

"Indeed, Dean once described the DLC as the "Republican wing of the Democratic Party."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Leadership_Council

Hillary isn't stepping down because she hasn't destroyed Obama yet. If somebody doesn't step up and make her quit, she's got the potential, and the desire to do it.

If she didn't, David Rockefeller would never have even given her this assignment.

Obama-Webb '08

[Georgiadude]

I would urge all who can to look at the link that is in lovethesinner's post,after researching the DLC, I have to say I fear the DLC more that I do the goofy extreme right wing of the Republican Party, the DLC appears to be moderate on the surface, until you dig a bit, best I can tell they appear to be just as Fascist as the nutty appearing extreme right, they just put a better face on. The best I can tell is that they were very much for the war, that is why Hillary Clinton can't declare her vote for the war a mistake, she was for war, I repeat, she was for war, everyone knows that when the vote to give Bush war making power, that there was going to be a war, go back review the news that year, if you have forgotten. I believe that the only problem the DLC had with Iraq War, is the execution of the war, in fact many members wish that the war in Iraq could be expanded into Iran, but thanks to the bumbling President we have, an Iranian attack by American forces is off the table, no doubt they figure he would screw that up also.
I should say that this is my take on the DLC, research them for yourself if you are not familiar with the DLC.

I do remember them from the mid 90's, I really didn't think much about at the time, but in my opinion they are trying to maneuver themselves to be the Dominate Political Association, I guess in the way that the Federalists are doing. It would be very interesting if Hillary started talking about DLC at her stump speeches, talk about the crap hitting the fan, it would be over for her overnight, but the fact is that I believe very, very few people really know many of the deep seeded beliefs of DLC. Oh yea, Hillary is their girl, they are counting on her to win this election, no wonder she is putting up such a nasty fight.

[marthlois]

I was so fortunate to be the rally today. Bill Richardson is not only "vetted", smart & experienced - but he is such a genuine and lovely man. Those two men made quite a team out there today.
Thank you, Governor Richardson, for not only endorsing a man we all believe it - but for choosing Portland, Oregon so that we could all bear witness to a heartfelt decision on your part - but your wonderful speech, humor & candor.
Very sincerely

[PlantGod72]

I'm a California transplant from the rolling hills of Eastern Oregon (35 years ago), so it was especially nice to watch the event today from the City of Roses! Though I wasn't lucky enough to be in attendance, I've been to 2 Obama rallies here in L.A., and they're special events under normal circumstances. Today would have been all the more special.

You're right about BR, the 'Katrina' story was maybe the most genuinely humorous moment I've ever seen at a political event; I could see him as VP making a great ticket with Barack.

[jsinclair]

Lucky you! I've watched Richardson's speech twice. It was great and the two of them had such nice chemistry together.

THAT definitely could be the real "dream ticket", although I do agree that Richardson might be better utilized as Secretary of State (although I think Obama WILL pick a VP who is a valued member of the team, not just window dressing that's discarded in December as usual).

[BluMoonRising]

Richard threw his State under the bus....he voted the other way...could it "motivation of some sort"? Ha ha. Every has a price. One minute the delegates should vote with their state and the next ......give me a break...

[indie17]

The superdelegates should vote for the candidate with the most pledged delegetes. And that's Obama. And they should do it NOW.

Thank you Bill Richardson! Hope to see you in the cabinet!

[dollphingurl]

stop being so darned incendiary! the dem primaries are not winner-take-all, and Bill Richardson is not the ONLY SD in NM.

the margin of "victory" for hillary was only one percent, so technically speaking, even if the SUPERdelegates were of the mind to proportion themselves in line with the popular vote and the pledged delegates, OBAMA WOULD STILL COME OUT AHEAD.................

and please don't forget, that the way things are laid out, hillary could win the plurailty or even a simple majority, and not win by enough of a margin OVER obama to gain more delegates overall.

we've been awash in this madness, steeped in it for almost htree months now -- are you being intentionally thick?

[moonejes]

Viva Richardson! thank you very much.the train is leaving the station! Al Gore?

[melann830]

Ay si y cuando gana Hillary se va directo a Mejico y al carajo tambien. Para que lo sepas.

[PlantGod72]

En tus suenos, mami!

[carmenmc]

"And Richardson told of the time, during one of the many Democratic debates, when his attention wandered and he didn't hear the question that came at him. Obama, then his rival, bailed him out by whispering to him that it was about Hurricane Katrina.

"He could have thrown me under the bus," Richardson cracked, "but he stood behind me.""

WOW....

[melann830]

Yep, stood behind him to kick him in the ass and out of the race. LOL! Its so sad when one does not recognize the face of one's own oppressor. Richardson, didn't your papa teach you ANYTHING?

[Kalima]

You do understand that this was a race and not musical chairs in kindergarten, don't you?

[kevenseven]

"oppressor"?

Jesus creeping Christ. You are a fool.

[StephenS]

It's odd to see the headline "Richardson: I Resent Clinton Suggestion That "Only Value" Is Swaying Hispanics" at HuffPost, since in this article that it links to:
1) Clinton does not suggest that Richardson's only value is swaying Hispanics,
2) Richardson does not say anything about resentment
3) No one uses the word "only value", which the headline directly quotes, anywhere

What's happening to HuffPost?

[melann830]

HuffPost has now resorted to oversensationalizing its headlines to lure in eveyone as suckers. First, allow me to express my deepest condolences to the people of New Mexico who have just seen first hand how the real Mexican government has been operating in their own state for so many years, which is why that country is in shambles. The people of New Mexico chose Hillary Clinton. She won Mexico. Yet their Governor sides with Obama. While he has a perrogative to choose as a private citizen who he wants, his role as governor is to side with his state and listen to his people. This is the same disgraceful behavior that has plagued the government of Mexico and will continue because their leaders go against what the majority wants time and again for their own selfish pursuits. Richardson does not care about the people of his state, but more about what he can personally gain from his endorsement of Barack Obama. Even if Obama's competition were anyone else, I would still feel this way. Shame on Bill Richardson for displaying the same antiquated macho attributes of his ancestors and oppressing the voice of his state. As a latina observer, I can unequivocally see the comparison with what almost happened in Puerto Rico until the Dem. Party there put a stop to it.

[melann830]

There is a typo. It should read She won New Mexico, not Mexico. Sorry folks.

[estreya]

The results in New Mexico were 48% to 49%. Even if your argument was valid, which i submit to you, it is not that's hardly a margin that clearly reflects the will of the people (especially since, as i recall, both Richardson and Edwards were in the race at that time and got a certain percentage of the votes as well).

[kevenseven]

"HuffPost has now resorted to oversensationalizing its headlines to lure in eveyone as suckers"

Yeah, it is called yellow journalism, and if this is the first you are noticing, you are pretty dull witted.

[Georgiadude]

Take it easy on the coffee...wow.

OK, I understand now, I just took a look at your profile, this type of post is not new for you, I always like to consider the source.

It's very surprising to me the level of animosity, being leveled at the Obama campaign and their supporters, this is a take no prisoners scenario that might just cost us the election.
Its clear, the Clintons would rather have McCain/War chief of the DLC Lieberman in charge of the prosecution of the Iraq war instead of a Obama/ and maybe Bill Richardson ticket. So much for party unity, just a bunch of hogwash.

[kevenseven]

Actually, Clinton's slob Mark Penn, speaking for the campaign, did say that Richardson is too lake because he would really only have been effective in states with lots of Hispanics, like Texas.

That is the reference. Do try to keep up.

[Kalima]

Hello kevenseven! Did you drop your "h" ?

You are correct about the "slob" part. Have to go. Hope you're well. Goodnight.

[MadJeffersonian]

Well...since Hillary (The Fox) could not get the endorsement (the Grapes), her campaign is "publicly dismissive of the endorsement" ("I am sure they [the grapes] are sour.").

[melann830]

I highly doubt it since it was rumored for many weeks that the endorsement would go to Obama. Also, if I were Hillary Clinton, I would be embarrassed to have Bill Richardson endorse me when he seems to care so little for the will of his constituency and more about padding his own resume and pocket.

[kevenseven]

Get a grip.

[unenrolled]

He did not support Hillary, no need to think he would do that for you, now is there.

[SignedSealedDelivered]

so, true, so true!

[McHenry]

In addition to the cynical and divisive nature of the Clinton campaign, perhaps its most distressing character is its transparent politics at all cost auto response to anything disappointing or potentially negative.

At first Clinton agrees to the DNC rules in regard to Michigain and Florida. Now her politically calculation says she needs these primaries the DNC is high jacking democracy. In her race for the Senate against Fazio his refusal to release tax returns was an affront to voters and demonstrated a disdain for transparency. Now she does the same thing and it somehow doesn't matter. First, she was for the war now she's against. And Bill Richardson use to be a coveted endorsement, now he has thrown his support to Obama his value is reduced and was desired by the Clinton's for the sole purpose of winning Latino votes prior to March 4th.

Bill Richardson's support who is a governor, former secretary, international trouble shooter and person of many accomplishments has much broader value than solely a cheerleader for Latino votes to anyone willing to view him in other than a coldly political utilitarian lens; which in this case is probably incorrect on its own terms. It again, is a repeat of the same Clinton ungracious reaction to loosing primaries to Obama where she either wouldn't congratulate him on his victory or played like it never happen. In contrast, Obama has always been gracious in victory or defeat.

It is not only difficult to trust the Clintons it is difficult to find any sense of fair play or anything beyond their cold political opportunism and ethos of do anything say anything to win imperative. This is in stark contrast to Obama who is a politician to be sure and an imperfect one. However, one does get a sense from him and the way he has conducted his campaign that there is more to his character than do anything or say anything to win.

In sum, there is more to Obama than just winning as an end onto itself. This is perhaps why more of Obama's supporters are "for" him as opposed to "against" either Hillary or anyone else. Whereas some of Hillary's supporters are "for" her but much of her support has been garnered by increasing the negatives of the competition. Unfortunately, the impact of Hillary's do anything say anything divisive campaign style will be a negative in the general election. Not only for the Democratic Nominee for President, whoever that may be but on down ticket Democratic Candidates. Its time for Hillary to demonstrate she is more "Democrate than Clintoncrate" and either change her divisive campaign style or get out.

[jbs1979]

HuffPost's Pick

Governor Richardson is one of the more genuine and likable politicians. I got behind Obama early in large part because of his unmatched charisma (which, yes, is incredibly important in politics) and what that could do for the party nationally, but I always liked Richardson a lot as a candidate. I think he could make an excellent running mate if Obama does secure the nomination as someone with executive and diplomatic experience, but I don't think his endorsement was mere political positioning.

Shortly before the March 4th primaries he was on one of the Sunday shows (can't remember which) and he criticized the tone of Hillary's "3 a.m." ad, cautioning against democrats taking cheap shots at one another. He also said that the party should rally around the pledged delegate leader following the March 4th primaries, which essentially amounted to an Obama endorsement, as there was no way Hillary could have overtaken him in pledged delegates by then.

To those Clinton supporters who feel Richardson "owed" Sen. Clinton an endorsement, and is somehow betraying them by endorsing Obama instead: As Richardson himself has said, he repaid his cabinet position with his service. He was not gifted that position as a personal favor, but was selected because President Clinton felt he was the right person for the job on the basis of his accomplishments. A politician's loyalty should belong to the people they represent and nobody else. That Richardson held back his endorsement for as long as he did indicates the value he placed on the Clinton's friendship. An endorsement of Obama should not be presumed to be a rebuke of the Clintons.

[Troubledgoodangel]

Those who chose presidents by "charisma" are history's greatest losers! Remember Hitler's charisma: many of his contemporaries wrote that "when he spoke, he appeared to tear his chest, and rip his heart out, and offer it on the palm of his hand to his huge audiences ... especially female"! The females were "slain in spirit" when he spoke, by the hundreds! But I am a man, and as such, being a victim and surviver of Warld War II, want to know only one thing: Did Mr. Wright, Sen. Obama's spiritual ego and avatar, called my Catholic Church "the Church of Antichrist"? If he did, myself and 100 milion of Catholics here, and another one billion abroad, should fear Sen. Obama's nomination lest he explains what his mentor meant!

[getrealalready]

ah there you are, troubledgoodangel, and still troubled. ever think of changing your username to just "troubled?"

[Lap48]

"...Did Mr. Wright, Sen. Obama's spiritual ego and avatar, called my Catholic Church "the Church of Antichrist"?..."

Considering other things he's said about the Catholic Church, that sounds more like a comment from the right Rev. Hagee, the man endorsing Hillary's favourite Republican senator. Any comments you care to post about him?

[DLSteinhardt]

President Obama

Vice President Richardson

Yes!!!!!

[MadJeffersonian]

Obama would be smart to use the talents and charisma of John Edwards in some/any capacity.

If Obama and Hillary could stop sniping at each other, there is great potential there as well. Democrats have not yet figured out how NOT to play into the hands of the inept RIGHT.

[InformedAmerican]

No...you mean HILLARY "has not yet figured out how NOT to play into the hands of the inept RIGHT. " But, then again...she knows exactly what she is doing. She knows that she cannot win but, instead, she wants to destroy Barack Obama. She is a cold, calculating, canniving b*%@# and I am soooo glad that people are opening their eyes to Hill (and Bill)!

[steamboat]

I'm sure that deal was cut........Either that or Sec. of State

[snruB]

I value your endorsement Richardson, even if it didn't sway one vote (and I'm a white guy). You conducted yourself with grace and good humour during the primary process and you are a good man. Plus, your new beard is totally ass kickin'

[estreya]

I like the beard too.

[Troubledgoodangel]

If I were you, estrella, I would go to Afganistan. There are many bearded men there!

[TMAN]

Congratulations on a thoughtful endorsement by a man who's served well and steadfastly in Government and who's words I can respect.

To all those on here who understand the gravity of the situation facing our nation, the importance of taking advantage of this opportunity that is apparent to course correct our ship of state, I'd recommend reading Frank Schaeffer's blog of 3-21-08. It gives one great hope.

Thank you again Gov. Richardson.

[alan2a]

The ultimate hypocrisy. Obama supporters vehemently argue that super delegates should vote as their state voted!!!!! Anything else is undemocratic and manipulates the system unfairly. So Richardson whose state voted for Hillary Clinton endorses Obama and spits in the face of the Democratic voters in his own state and makes a total mockery of the Obama campaigns super delegate argument. The sad fact is that the Obama campaign plays dirty politics in this campaign constantly but gets a total pass by the media, the liberal media and all the cultists.

[seattleblogger]

Whose koolaid are you drinking? You're obviously not watching the same campaign as the rest of us. The lies and dirty tricks are coming from the Clinton campaign and, yes, the McCain campaign. Your trite name calling symbolizes a small, small mind. You need a reality check.

[dollphingurl]

the ENTIRE STATE did not go to hillary, so maybe he'll be the superD on the Obama side......dude, Hater-ade is intoxicating...don't drink and chide.

[BikerJim]

No we said that the super delegates should vote folowing the will of the people, ALL THE PEOIPLE not just their states. If that was the case then I am assuming that the two senators from Washington State have just switched to Obama...

[Lori411]

She only won by 100 votes, which took too long to count.

[psfurlong356]

alan2a, wow... you should read what you just wrote. Hillary says SD's should vote their conscience, so what's the problem?

[quantum9leap]

Governor Richardson; I was most displeased to hear that you had decided to support Senator Obama at this time. It is my considered opinion that any and all of the superdelegates should and must wait until convention time to register their decisions. This is not a game we are participating in and all good things must occur at the proper time.
This is a primary election, not a general election as you must surely know and it isn't over until it is over. One can only assume that you are pandering or have been promised the gates of heaven for you to take this path at this time. I wish that you could have had the patience to wait until convention time.
I know that we are all tired of this rigamarole. It has been going on too long. However your decision at this time will not change the time of the convention at which time some very serious decisions are going to have to be made if the Democratic party is to succeed in the general election.

[MsLiz]

Were you promised or paid something to write this? No? You say you did it because it was the right thing to do? Well, how about that. Maybe Governor Richardson is doing the right thing also.

[melann830]

That would be really stretching it. Male politicians of late have not really been known to correctly exercise their conscience. Gov. Richardson wants out of New Mexico because he has a major problem there with securing his borders and wants a post in Obama's cabinet. There is not one noble bone in this man's body. The only nobleman left is the one who's name means, "noble"- Albert Gore and you all forsook him for Obama.

[alyceclover]

Maybe he is aware of this and you are not? "As Sen. Hillary Clinton grapples with the burgeoning scandal surrounding disgraced fund-raiser Norman Hsu, she can't quite shake a fund-raising controversy from her 2000 Senate campaign."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118973400928827314.html?mod=politics_primary_hs

"Renewed allegations of major campaign finance fraud directed by former DNC Chairman, now PA Governor, Ed Rendell to benefit the DNC and Hillary Clinton’s Senate campaign were detailed in a second FEC complaint filed by DNC and Hillary mega donor Peter Paul the first of the year.

Mysteriously, the FEC allowed Hillary and her campaign to enter into a secret settlement of the charges that they knowingly violated the law by making false reports, obtaining immunity from further investigation if they paid a fine of $35,000 and filed a 4th corrected FEC report. When that 4th report was filed on January 30, 2006, it omitted entirely any reference to Paul’s contributions and made it appear as though Paul’s companies were paid $839,000 - while hiding a $75,000 payment to Clinton friend Grammy’s producer Gary Smith."

http://www.peterfpaul.com/2008/02/26/gov-rendell-complicit-in-frauds-that-elected-hillary-to-senate-now-endorses-her-for-president/

This trial date was to be set in February and the best info I can find it is set to begin in mid-October. How will it be to have Bill Clinton on trial and his wife called to testify, just before election in November? Perhaps Richardson, like Obama does not want to invade Iran with Hillary or McCain. He made a wise endorsement. Gives me hope for the USA.

[kennedy]

The Obama campaign lies are in full force tonight. They have to do something to stop the poll slie. To late the voters see your Obamas lies.

And Richardson does not speak for any voter. We always make up our own minds.

OBAMA = BUSH= CHENEY

OBAMA = REZKO = LARRY SINLAIR = DONALD YOUNG = WRIGHT

[illinB]

It is pathetic that you state that "One can only assume that you are pandering or have been promised the gates of heaven for you to take this path at this time." when addressing Gov. Richardson and his reasons for backing Obama.

So if he had backed Clinton, he's an honorable, wise and important figure and if he backs Obama he's a fool who can be tricked by pandering or worse, he's a self-serving bribe taker who ignores his better judgement for professional gain...

I've mostly stayed out of the back-n-forth but truly the Hillary supporters most vocal troops on this and other boards have reached a stupefying level of delusional rationalizing... it's about time for you and your Mercurial leader (Sen. Clinton) to let go.

[radlib1]

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico is the most highly regarded and popular Hispanic-American politician in America today. For him to support Barack Obama is indeed of historic importance (particularly since he was in Bill Clinton's cabinet). He knows that Barack is indeed a "once-in-a-lifetime" leader.

Unfortunately, Hillary has proven herself to be a hack politician, willing to take money from anybody and to do anything to win. I applaud Obama for his integrity. So far, Hillary has shown none.

Advantage -- Obama.

[meese]

Were you similarly upset when Rep. Murtha endorsed Clinton several days ago?

If so, please point to your comment saying so.