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John Kerry to Endorse Barack Obama
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ShareJanuary 10, 2008 10:28 AM
ABC News' Rick Klein Reports: Sen. John F. Kerry plans to endorse Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primary, a source close to Kerry and an Obama campaign official tell ABC News.
The announcement -- set to be unveiled at a noon rally at the College of Charleston in South Carolina on Thursday -- gives Obama a chance to boast of the endorsement of the Democratic Party's most recent nominee, even as Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign has sought to raise questions about Obama's readiness for the job.
"He's in a unique position to validate Obama's ability to be president," said one source close to Kerry, D-Mass. "It is about turning the page, making a fresh start, without renewing old battles. He thinks that's good for the Democratic Party and good for the country."
The timing of the endorsement -- in the wake of Obama's defeat by Clinton in the New Hampshire primary -- gives Obama a chance to change the campaign storyline during a crucial period. It also gives Obama access to new sources of campaign cash, particularly through the 3 million-strong e-mail list Kerry has maintained after his failed 2004 bid for the presidency.
While all of the Democratic candidates sought Kerry's endorsement, its value is decidedly limited. Kerry's loss to President Bush in 2004 is a major sore point among Democratic insiders and activists, with many in the party viewing the campaign as a missed opportunity to defeat a politically vulnerable incumbent president.
Kerry himself was forced last year to abandon plans for a 2008 run when he realized how difficult it would be to mount another run after falling short in 2004. One Republican operative said Thursday that Kerry's endorsement could detract from Obama's outsider "brand."
The source close to Kerry said the Massachusetts senator has long leaned toward Obama, a freshman senator from Illinois, but wanted the Democratic field to sort out a bit before weighing in. He was particularly sensitive about not wanting to make an endorsement while Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del. -- two longtime friends and colleagues -- were still in the race.
In backing Obama, Kerry is bypassing not only Clinton -- the choice of much of the Democratic establishment -- but also former senator John Edwards, D-N.C., who was Kerry's 2004 running mate. The Kerry-Edwards relationship has been frosty since 2004, with aides trading charges about who was responsible for decisions that may have led to the ticket's defeat.
Kerry associates say Kerry has long had a special affinity for Obama, since his choice of Obama as keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention in 2004 vaulted him into national prominence.
January 10, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (83)
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Kerry lost to the idiot Bush last time. Who cares about who he endorses.
Posted by: Bob | Jan 10, 2008 10:38:45 AM
Kiss of death...
Posted by: NY Independent | Jan 10, 2008 10:40:34 AM
What happened??? Did John Edwards sue John Kerry for malpractice?
Posted by: godfearingman | Jan 10, 2008 10:44:48 AM
Lots more money for Clinton and Obama to espouse ideas originated by John Edwards here in Iowa
Posted by: Laura | Jan 10, 2008 10:45:21 AM
Kerry's endorsement of Obama is indeed a slap on the face of John Edwards who was Kerry's handpicked running mate in 2004. Evidently, Kerry's non-endorsement of Edwards speaks volumes of Edwards standing as a presidential material.
Posted by: chicago nathan | Jan 10, 2008 10:51:21 AM
Oh Man! Tough blow to the Obama Campaign!
Posted by: TexBork | Jan 10, 2008 10:56:49 AM
I AM NOW GOING TO WORK FOR HILLARY TILL THE END! I FIND IT FUNNY THAT HILLARY IS DOING GREAT AND THEN LITTLE KERRY COMES OUT TO LIFT OBAMA UP! HILLARY MY FAMILY IS OUTRAGEED AND WE ARE GOING DOOR TO DOOR TOMORROW! HILLARY 08!
Posted by: Christy | Jan 10, 2008 11:01:04 AM
These politicians have no sense of loyalty what so ever. Edwards does not deserve this has-been loser anyway.
Posted by: Maria | Jan 10, 2008 11:01:24 AM
Does Kerry really believe that we still care what he thinks?
Posted by: Massachusetts democrat | Jan 10, 2008 11:04:01 AM
At the proper time, I expect Gore and Carter to come onboard as well. It is not that we do not like you Hillary, I am happy a woman is running for President and happy that Obama is as well. The problem with you hillary is that Pelosi should already be our first woman President filling out the failed term of the bush cheeny regime, both of who should have been easily removed. I also think Hillary, that you would cover for the war lie, the 911 commission, the cash collector contractors, the failed bush years, and all that. You should be running a far different campaign but must be limited in your advisor brigade.
Posted by: daddyblue | Jan 10, 2008 11:17:50 AM
It's funny how people are so outraged that Kerry is backing Obama and want to downplay the event yet Hillary was also seeking his endorsement. Had she got it you would all be up in arms. Hiprocrites I tell you.
Posted by: No Hillary 08 | Jan 10, 2008 11:19:43 AM
Wake up america! That show of emotion by Hillary was so fake it's terrible! Don't vote for someone who just is running on her husband's record!!
Posted by: vetina | Jan 10, 2008 11:20:31 AM
What is sad is where was her Tears when she Voted to send our Soldiers off to Iraq to die!
Posted by: Listen Up | Jan 10, 2008 11:26:45 AM
Good for Obama -- obviously Edwards isn't in a position to beat Hillary and a senior senator lending his endorsement lends a lot to Obama campaign --- YES, WE CAN! YES, WE CAN!
Posted by: Paulet | Jan 10, 2008 11:30:44 AM
Not a wise move on Obama's part. I am a big fan of Obama and love what he plans on doing, but accepting John Kerry's endorsement seems a little wrong.
I mean, he wasn't too popular in the last election, he is still know to be unpopular and could be the potential downfall of Barack. I wonder what exactly his thoughts were when he accepted this, because you know they weren't thinking of past mistakes
Posted by: Tashia Taylor | Jan 10, 2008 11:33:14 AM
It's time the Clinton machine realize not all democrats believe they are a gift from God. Obama is the best thing to happen to the democrats since sliced bread. Regardless of performance, the only way we are getting out this time is because of him. Kerry realized that, it’s better to back an innovator than status quo.
Posted by: patrick | Jan 10, 2008 11:38:20 AM
Kerry has just assured Obama will not be the next president of the United States. He no longer has the credibility or standing among voters to make his endorsement valuable. If I were Obama I'd run as far away from Kerry as i could!
GO HILLARY!
Posted by: bradley | Jan 10, 2008 11:53:44 AM
Collin Powell spoke about Obama. He knows Obama. Powell stated is is proud of Obama. And he knows Obama to be a man of his word. I believe Powell. I believe in Obama.
Posted by: angie | Jan 10, 2008 11:54:59 AM
who cares what Kerry thinks or endorses? seriously, this man was unable to garner enough to beat a man who took a free ride in the Nat'l Guard whilst Kerry was in Vietnam. his ineffectiveness to campaign cost the US 4 years of neandertal politics and a pathetic foreign policy. as a liberal independent, john kerry is a prime example of why i no longer identify with the Democratic party.
Posted by: alan | Jan 10, 2008 12:02:44 PM
Wow John Kerry just endorses Obama, how should I view this? Again the Clinton machine is playing dirty politics. Yes sir, John Kerry in endorsing Obama than we can open the doors to the swift boat attacks. I would ask your show to please mention on the air tonight that viewers meaning (me) feel that bringing John Kerry in the field is apart of the Clinton’s old dirty politics scam to have the swift boat brought up so it can bring A negative number or reaction to Obama. I hope Obama watches his back. The Clintons are betting on that the republicans that are in support of Obama will get their memories back about John Kerry and the untruth about the swift boat than Obama support will weaken. Very smart strategy, at least that's what the Clinton’s think. It will fail along with their other failed attempts to stop our country's future President. President Obama. Let me tell you what I think really happen. Hillary Clinton prior to Iowa knew with all certainty that she was the front runner and the only democratic candidate that could get the nomination, but Obama threw a monkey wrench in that plan. Hillary felt that she was owed the White House because after all Bill was our country’s former President. But Mrs. Clinton didn’t bet on Obama becoming the more ideal President candidate. The Clinton sure deal failed, but like I said every dirty trick that can be played will be played even one’s that look genuine….hint,,hint John Kerry. Don’t get me wrong the Republican is playing a dirty game too. In my opinion it’s time to reveal the truth about Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton. The truth about what Hillary's being President will do to this country and I have two words, Monica Lewinsky.
Wow there thinking of everyway they can bring the first African American President down…everything but just saying the words..you know..the N word…
There thinking how do we stop this from happening?
Posted by: betty | Jan 10, 2008 12:45:19 PM
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