Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich Endorses Obama

BOSTON — Former Clinton Cabinet member Robert Reich on Friday endorsed Barack Obama over Hillary Rodham Clinton in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Two other Democratic elder statesmen, former Sens. Sam Nunn of Georgia and David Boren of Oklahoma, also said they were supporting the Illinois senator.

Reich, who served as Labor secretary under Bill Clinton, said in a blog post that "although Hillary Clinton has offered solid and sensible policy proposals, Obama's strike me as even more so."

Reich also said Obama's plans for reforming Social Security and health care have a better chance of succeeding, and his approach to the nation's housing crisis and financial market failures are sounder than the New York senator's.

Reich is a longtime friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton. He ran for governor in Massachusetts in 2002 and now is a professor at the University of California-Berkeley.

A number of other former Clinton cabinet members have endorsed Obama. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who was U.N. ambassador and energy secretary under Clinton, endorsed former rival Obama in March despite heavy wooing by the former president. Former Denver Mayor Federico Pena, who headed the transportation and energy departments under Clinton, became a co-chair of Obama's campaign last September. Former Clinton Commerce secretaries Norman Mineta and William Daley also have endorsed Obama.

Nunn and Boren will serve as advisers to Obama's National Security Foreign Policy Team.

Nunn served as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 1987-95, while Boren was the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Both fall into the moderate-conservative end of the Democratic party's ideological spectrum and gave Bill Clinton trouble during his presidency, trying to tug him to the right on issues while most congressional Democrats were leaning to the left.

Nunn, who recently flirted with his own possible White House bid, said Obama has "a rare ability to restore America's credibility and moral authority and to get others to join us in tackling serious global problems."

Boren, who recently played host to a forum on electoral alternatives, including third-party runs, said: "Our most urgent task is to end the divisions in our country, to stop the political bickering, and to unite our talents and efforts. Americans of all persuasions are pleading with our political leaders to bring us together. I believe Senator Obama is sincerely committed to that effort."

Comments

[flyguy14222]

Reich never hid his choice anyway. Like it's really going to help.

[DRPike]

And, "like Obama needs any more help!" But, Good for Reich, I like him on NPR.

[flyguy14222]

After his piss poor performance in Philly, yes Barry does need help.

[drzoon]

but don't you ask yourself ... "why"?

[psfurlong356]

Just announced on MSNBC Clinton super delegate from Ohio switches to Obama

[ddlrid]

you sound jealous.

[Mystery954]

Sam Nunn and David Boren will endorse Sen. Obama

[lafrance]

Wow. Another from the Clinton White House running away from them and to Obama.
Nevermind, Georgie Steph is still very loyal.

[Cyndee1113]

Yea lafrance, Georgie Staphinfection proved his loyalty!

[missjabez]

Apparently working for the Clintons is a very disillusioning experience. Now watch the Clinton camp diss Reich and say they didn't want his endorsement anyway. Generally, their strategy of lowering expectations has worked better than they had ever imagined!

[Northlite]

Robert Reich is one of the smartest and most humane individuals to serve in a president's cabinet in our lifetime. That he has known Hillary for more than 40 years and served in her husband's administration also tells us something. IMHO Reich is a very honorable person.

I was a Hillary supporter and donor until late January, when her campaign(Bill) started its subtle race-baiting. Isn't it ironic, that Hillary's "throw the kitchen sink at him" strategy and tactics are turning off more people then she is gaining. And with each passing week of spin, manipulation, petty zings, and crass panderings our respect for the Clintons declines. This has nothing to do with the fact that Hillary is a woman--I for one would love a woman president--but with her essentially amoral campaign. I am deeply offended at her shabby excuse--well, the Republicans will do this. Well why help them?

[flyguy14222]

I love these "I used to be a Hillary supporter." If that is not a line direct from Barry's HQ I don't know what is.

[KO1583]

nope, you don't even have to go to "Barry's HQ" just ask his endorsers who don't owe the Clintons anything: Robert Reich, Bill Richardson, Greg Craig, Federico Pena, and the list goes on and on and on. you can try and underestimate an endorsement from a former secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration who has known both of them for 40 YEARS, but it just won't fly (no pun intended).......

[psfurlong356]

I used to be a Hillary supporter... wait my phones ringing, yeah hello HQ?

[Megaflow]

I used to be a Dodd supporter. After he dropped out I was perfectly happy with Hillary, Obama or Edwards. When Clinton started campaigning like a republican, however, she lost my support. Simple as that. And comments like yours, fly, just show that I was right. "Barry's HQ" indeed.

[TinaFreeman]

Yep. There are MILLIONS of Obama supporters that used to back Clinton.

We're fed up of the old politics...and with her vile methods. She has debased herself when she could have won with a clean, HONEST campaign.

[AliHajiSheik]

The message is clearly this:

Hillary Clinton - To know her is to not love her.

[williamg]

Robert Reich - The next person trashed by the Clintons. Get ready for the Judas remarks.

[CTmom13]

And Sam Nunn and David Boren endorse Sen Obama

DRIP DRIP DRIP

[kevenseven]

Sam Nunn?

Wowza!

[williamg]

Robert Reich is a 40 year friend of the Clintons. In fact, at one time, he dated Hillary.

[rosal]

No wonder he won't endorse her. If he dated her, he really must be aware of her character.

[AnnnCA]

Some would say Reich is a "Judas-type politician" :(

I say, "Jud-my-ass." Reich is simply acknowledging what a majority of Democratic Primary (and Caucus) voters have acknowledged. Obama is the better choice.

Thanks, Robert! How about another crack at a cabinet position! ;)

[Cyndee1113]

If a person has been a friend and has known the Clintons forty years, this has got to tell people something about Ms. Clinton.

[RedKnuckles]

Boy you had me fooled! I thought you were AnninCA on mushrooms....

[williamg]

More high profile endorsements for Obama:

Former Senators Sam Nunn (D-GA) and David Boren (D-OK), two high-profile southerners and key foreign policy voices in the Democratic Party, throw their weight behind Obama.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/

[EyeWantOneNation]

Sam Nunn ??? I hadn't heard that one !!!

Thanx...will !!!

[Erdgeist]

When the going got rough--Hillary became the right-winger she despised in the past. Those of us who expected her to behave presidentially and address the pertinent issues were soon disappointed. Slamming down beers, taking a shot of hard liquor and trying to portray herself as some kind of hunter soon made it apparent that Hillary didn't have much character. America is looking for a president who has the character to act on principles--not political expediency.

[Anastasia]

Exactly. Her piling on the other night during the debate, was the last straw, an embarrassing display. While today's news of Reich's endorsement is unexpected, it also makes sense.

Robert Reich is a classy guy. So is Sam Nunn. It's not surprising that they would endorse Obama.

[frustratedinohio]

I luv how these so-called friends of the Clintons are somewhat astonished by their own decisions to endorse Obama, when they previously had no intention to do so. Were they force-fed the Kool_aid in the middle of the night and it affected their memory? Do Obamabots have more sophisticated equipment now? Like the flashy thing from "Men in Black"? (Please don't call me a racist for that one.) Or the stab to the back of the head like in X-files. Or is Obama just handing out big bundles of cash?

Anyway, this guy looks like he'd sell his mother for a nickel. I'm so unimpressed by these has-beens or the people who just aren't well-known, holding press conferences to endorse. Like it actually means something to anyone. Actually it does mean something for them. Especially if their candidate doesn't win. Quite a gamble.

[MidwestMomma]

I can see why you are frustrated in Ohio!

[hbw3]

"...this guy looks like he's sell his mother for a nickel."

No wonder you're "frustratedinohio" - good luck with the dating thing.

p.s. - If don't know who Robert Reich is, perhaps you should actually find out prior to posting.

[DRPike]

And of course you cannot consider the possibility that, like a holding majority of Democrats (Americans) have just come to see him as a better candidate.

[goodtomeetyou]

Frustratedinohio, "I'm so unimpressed by these has-beens or the people who just aren't well-known." I recognize your fixation on brand name products. You should upgrade your selection, it won't cost you a thing. You get to retain your soul. Welcome to the revolution.

[rosal]

You sound bitter and frustrated, frustrated. Relax. The "not to be trusted" candidate will have another chance in 2012. She'll be 80, but look at little old, confused McInsane. He still thinks he has a chance!
Don't be bitter that Hell-ary has not been able to buy, or threatened, superdelegates in her favor. Remember the letter donors wrote to the party? Talk about selling her mother!

[Countess]

Reich was one of the few people in the Clinton administration that favored the less fortunate and when you look at some of the others around Billy he is a saint by comparison.

[nativeeyes]

Dean said endorse Obama now!!! Bloomerg said at least we will have an adult in the White House as he get's his own room next to Barrack.

WHOA!!