Barack Obama
Earlier today I endorsed Barack Obama for president, and I couldn't be more excited for the Democratic Party, the nation -- and the world.
Barack inspires me -- it's that simple. In the words of President Kennedy:
"The world is changing. The old ways will not do... It is time for a new generation of leadership."
In Barack, I see that next generation of American leadership: a figure who can transcend the divisions in this country that my family and I have fought so hard to tear down.
We were all moved four years ago as Barack told us a profound truth: We are not red states and blue states, but one United States. Since then, he has matched that rhetoric with action, traveling the country to inspire record turnouts of men and women of all ages, races, parties and faiths. Barack has forged consensus in the Senate on contentious issues such as immigration and pushed through necessary reforms like the most far-reaching ethics reform in its history.
But I'm not only supporting Barack because of what he has done. What counts in our leadership is not the length of years in Washington, but the reach of our vision, the strength of our beliefs, and that rare quality of mind and spirit that can call forth the best in our country and our people.
That's why I'm most excited about the promise of President Obama:
As president, Barack Obama will break the Washington gridlock to finally make health care what it should be in America.
He will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion and bridge the divisions of race, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation that plague our country.
He will end a war in Iraq that he has always stood against, that has cost us the lives of thousands of our sons and daughters, and that America never should have fought.
He will close the door on the old economics that has written off the poor and left the middle class poorer and less secure.
He will make the United States the great leader and not the great roadblock in the fateful fight against global warming.
When Barack Obama raises his hand on Inauguration Day a new generation of American leadership will take charge and restore the hope, peace and prosperity the country so desperately needs.
Looking out from the stage today, I realized just how powerful his campaign has become. It's a movement for change -- and one that I'm proud to be a part of.
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President Kennedy - intelligence with heart.
Well done, Senator!
Are you FIRED UP? Are you READY TO GO??
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Thank You Sen. Kennedy ! I saw your speech today and was greatly moved. Your speech was inspirational, honest, and to the point. This is what it must have been like to hear people like
Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun. You are right what the country needs now is someone like Obama . Someone with new ideas, and Hope to move the country in a new direction. God Bless you Sen. Kennedy, Caroline and Patrick and once again Thank You..
Senator Kennedy,
Wow. Obama will do all of that while ignoring the civil rights backlash of the last 40 years and believing that financial interests won't block anything that harms the bottom line. We need a skilled and knowledgeable President who faces reality, not catchy slogans and fantastic promises.
Senator,
I am so happy you endorsed Barack Obama today. I watched it today and it was so inspiring to see.
I have been a supporter of Barack Obama since he ran for the senate here in 04.
This is someone who can really do what he says and will heal this country and repair our image.
He has lit a spark in the country and I am hoping enough democrats listen to your message about him and nominate him as he is what this country needs right now.
Thank you
Thank you Senator. You speak for many of us who long ago stopped believing it was possible any more for a candidate to inspire us and make us proud.
Thank you Senator, thank you Congressman, and especially, thank you Caroline. I watched your speeches today and with tears in my eyes, watched the young people's faces alive with hope and enthusiasm –with a true belief in their abilities to bring the world’s respect back to our country. Finally! Thank the gods.
Young people indeed will carry the torch that was lit so long ago by your family. I am filled with hope again – after such a long spell of anger, frustration and contempt for our leaders. You are correct in your assessment that Senator Obama inspires us all to hope again.
For the record, I am a fifty-two year old white female, single mother, life-long feminist, progressive Democrat --who well remembers the power of JFK, RFK and MLK.
As for my feminist sisters who are so angry tonight – I say to you, as a woman who grew up with the teachings and wisdom of Virginia Woolf, Nora Ephron, Gloria Blakely, Mary Kay Kaufman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ntozake Shange, Fanny Fern and of course, Gloria Steinem – I am embarrassed for your behavior. Progress and EQUALITY are not a given just because one has a uterus. Yes, Hillary had the potential to be great, but she does not stand on her own, she does not stand for me. She has let me down with her old-boys tactics and divisiveness. So shut the f*ck up and think about what real change could be. Social equality and justice for all – that was always the goal. Remember?
Obama 2008
Senator Kennedy,
It is a great day. We appreciate your important enforcement and look forward to a tough battle and victory.
Fired up and ready to go!
Bad move if you wanted to get Republicans to vote for you. Now you are more Liberal than Hillary. LOL Now she looks like the moderate.
As for Mr Obama, he understands that if you keep saying "I am not playing the old politics"
he does not have to answer any questions. His hands in SC were not clean either and he and his people pushed the race issue as hard if not harder than Clinton. It was his campaign manager in SC that pushed the 5 out of context mis-statements as being about race. It's a shame that the media is so in love with Obama they will not ask him the tough questions.
I still think that a 46 year should not be President. I also think you need to ask all the questions or we will end up with another BUSH.
Senator Kennedy represented millions of Americans who have felt we had lost our collective voice in choosing a candidate.
The ugliness turn the campaign started to take because of some bad moments in the Clinton's attempt to divide by race, was put on hold.
Senator Kennedy so eloqently expressed the importance of real change and a faith in a candidate that can unite us and bring young ideas, goals and hope to our country. We really need it!
Don't listen to network slants, polls or, desperate "campaign" plots-vote for Obama and leave the clutter behind!
Change is coming!
Teddy though I respect you Obama won't know what he is doing on day one, he doesn't stand above the frey, he does engage in dirty politics and engages in personal attacks, he played the race card masterfully right along side the media then turned crybaby whining how the Clintons were picking on him. He has lied and distorted Hillary's words and records and never takes responsibility for his own. The new kid in town is the same old type of politician however there is a possibility obama is a sleaze like his buddy rezko.
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Obama will never get my vote.
Ted Kennedy has singally today alienated many of the woman in our party. His words were hurtful and mean and woman did not like what he had to say. I have been a democrat my whole life and this speech today hurt me. The notion that Sen Kennedy did not have the nerve to call Hillary directly before he endorsed Barack bothers me very much. Hillary is running not her husband and yet he spoke to him instead. I find this extremely sexist. I would have voted for whoever the nominee was but now I will vote for the republican whoever it is. I am ashamed of your behavior today!
Senator Kennedy.
I'm a long time fan of yours.
It has been a pleasure to watch you fight for ccommon cause and equality for all.
Thank you, your Niece and your Son.
Senator Kennedy,
I think you're right, in that Barack Obama is a great man capable of great things. But I think the republicans will have a hayday with him in the general election if he gets the nomination. They've already hit Hillary with everything they have and she's still standing. They haven't even begun to open up on Obama yet. I hope your endorsement doesn't lead to us all getting used to saying "President McCain".
Honorable Senator Kennedy:
Thank you for an eloquent appeal to returning reason and justice and fairness and tolerance and decency and mercy to this campaign's political discourse.
You have expressed exactly not only what ails us but also what can heal us.
I, many others I know, and far more I do not share your sentiments and dreams. We are also convinced that we can effect meaningful change.
We must stand strong but lift people up with us, no let them wallow in despair.
We must ensure opportunity through education, and renounce any other efforts to the contrary.
We must clean what we eat and breath and help others learn the same.
We must teach our children civility.
And we must vote.
Thank you, Mr. Kennedy, for your inspiration. I have been a follower of both your late brothers' policy statements and visions, as well as the legacy over which you have been a respectful steward.
I was only 7 months old when President Kennedy was taken from us. My family has kept his memory alive and has helped us live to help ensure his visions were realized or will be with continued work. Especially racial equality.
President Kennedy once said "Race has no place in American life or law."
Until we achieve this vision, we cannot move toward the rest successfully.
I have not felt this energized about a presidential campaign in years. Thank you, Senator, for standing beside Barack Obama.
--R Nantelle
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