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Bill Richardson endorses Barack Obama
March 21, 2008 1:48 PM
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president official during a rally in Portland, Oregon Friday.
Appearing side-by-side with Obama, it took Richardson only thirteen words into his speech to mention Obama’s speech on race in Philadelphia this week, one he dubbed “historic.”
“Senator Obama could have given a safer speech. He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party’s nomination. He could have just waited for the controversy over the deplorable remarks of Reverend Wright to subside, as it surely would have. Instead, Senator Obama showed us once again what kind of leader he is. He spoke to us as adults,” Richardson said.
Watch the VIDEO HERE.
As the nation’s only Hispanic governor, Richardson said he was moved by the speech knowing the struggle of Hispanics in America, “As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants, specifically Hispanics, by too many in this country.”
Richardson also cited Obama’s opposition to the Iraq war in 2002, and his intended plan for withdrawal as the foreign policy leadership that he believes America needs.
The governor, who worked in the Clinton administration and has long ties to both Clintons, explained his decision: “My great affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver,” but added that Obama is part of the new generation of leadership that can bring the country together, “It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the Fall.”
Calling Obama a friend, Richardson told the story of when, as a presidential candidate on stage with Obama during a democratic debate, he was not paying attention to a question that was asked of him by the moderator. Obama, sitting next to him, an opponent at the time, whispered “Katrina, Katrina” to him, Richardson recalled.
“He could have thrown me under the bus,” Richardson laughed, but said his then-rival backed him up.
Obama accepted Richardson’s endorsement, saying that he couldn’t be more honored to have “the support of one of the great public servants to the United States.”
March 21, 2008 in Obama, Barack, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (190)
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As a hispanic the least I can say is that I, along with most of hispanics here in the US, betrayed by Bill Richardson. He's the same one that suggested not long ago, that he would embrace the voter's decision of whom they would favor for the presidential nomination. Clearly, his decision was not in benefit of the hundreds of thousands of latinos that supported Hillary Clinton in the voting booth. His endorsement is clearly a personal move and has nothing to do with the voters will and preference.
Richardson's endorsement DOES NOT represent the will of the majority of hispanics in the United States. The majority of the hispanic community clearly believes in Hillary Clinton's leadership and should repudiate Richardson's endorsement to Barack Obama. Neither Barack Obama nor Bill Richardson represent the will of hispanics here in the US.
Posted by: Anthony | Mar 21, 2008 1:53:24 PM
it is nice to see bill richardson endorse barrack obama. i like to say to Obama. no weapon form against you shall prosphere.
Posted by: elaine | Mar 21, 2008 1:57:54 PM
This world needs Obama..He is a true leader ("once in a life time"). I am willing to give this guy a chance! Go Obama!
Posted by: newmusicnme | Mar 21, 2008 1:59:21 PM
Richardson is a loser and his endorsement won't change the fate of the sinking Obama ship. Obama cant have it both ways, he cant denounce his racist pastor and still support him. Americans are not swollowing that one and many call for resignation
Posted by: eds | Mar 21, 2008 1:59:57 PM
We should all come together as democrats and support this historic candidate. Bill Richardson has once again demonstrated a sound judgement and hope that other super delegates will follow. OBAMA ALL THE WAY
Posted by: Prince | Mar 21, 2008 2:00:44 PM
This endorsement just want to change the topic of Wright affect and fooled the American people, especially younger people.
Posted by: john | Mar 21, 2008 2:02:33 PM
So Obama is supposed to be the new generation of Democrats who will bring this country together according to Richardson.
With the civil war that is going on right now between Obama and Hillary, it doesn't seem like the "new generation" of Democrats can even bring the DEMOCRATS together, much less the country.
... and if Obama shows his unwavering support of a man who says "God Damn America", it doesn't look like Obama is going to unite anybody in the future either.
Posted by: Marco123 | Mar 21, 2008 2:02:46 PM
Wow. Crushing blow for Hillary. As a former supporter of Hillary, I have to agree with Richardson in that it's time for Democrats to stop fussing and support Obama. Hillary really should have dropped out a month ago so hopefully she will do so now.
Posted by: Latisha | Mar 21, 2008 2:03:23 PM
This just makes it worse for Obama. Both are soft on illegal immigration which is a HUGE problem for both of them.
Posted by: Jo | Mar 21, 2008 2:03:28 PM
Hispanic here. Endorsement does not matter. Already voted for Hillary.
Posted by: Charles | Mar 21, 2008 2:03:43 PM
Boy Obama sure does want to change the subject - too bad it won't work.
Posted by: J | Mar 21, 2008 2:04:40 PM
I knew Richardson was going to support Obama when shortly after dropping out of the race he was on CNN with a Go T. Unfortunately, during the interview, Solidad O'Brien made fun of the fact that Richardson snorted while he laughed, not particularly cool and he was embarassed. In any case, being that he's a Latino, I wonder why Hillary had the Latino vote while he didn't....I guess Latino's vote for candidates over race. As a Latina, I am glad we vote for Hillary.
Posted by: irma | Mar 21, 2008 2:06:28 PM
Anthony...I find it interesting that you speak for "the majority of Latinos" in the country. I thought that Latinos, including Gov. Richardson, are Americans and can vote for whoever they want.
Posted by: Maria | Mar 21, 2008 2:06:42 PM
The only people the pastors remarks are a "topic" to are the media and opponents of Obama.
Frankly the People and voters of the United Staes are sick of hearing WHAT SOMEONE ELSE said...
Posted by: Paul Fratus | Mar 21, 2008 2:07:03 PM
Why didn't Mr. Richardson make the endorsement much earlier? Why now? Richardson is probably pressured by the Obama campaign to do it now in order to distract the American people from Obama's decision to embrace and endorse his white-hating and country-hating pastor for the last 20 years. Anyway, it is quite apparent that Richardson endorses this OVERLY-AMBITIOUS and INEXPERIENCED man with a hidden African-American agenda at this crucial time in order to gain personal political favor.
Posted by: tom | Mar 21, 2008 2:08:09 PM
Obama/Richardson - thats America's winning ticket - ticket to Hell.
Posted by: teenc | Mar 21, 2008 2:08:49 PM
The only reason Richardson is supporting Obama is because Hillary wouldn't give him the VP position.
Obama, of course, told Richardson that he is one of the top candidates on his list to be VP.
The problem here is that Obama lied to him like he lied to all the American people that he hadn't heard Wright's sermons. Bill will soon find out.
Wake up Bill R.
Posted by: Bahama Mama | Mar 21, 2008 2:08:56 PM
Obama what a joke with what happend this week. Who in the USA could vote for obama.
Posted by: Bill | Mar 21, 2008 2:10:20 PM
Yeah Anthony; I am in complete agreement with you because you are correct. Richardson does not represent us Latinos, that's why we voted for Hillary instead. I bet he's JEALOUS that we rather vote for Hillary, because we are loyal to those who have proven themselves with us.
Posted by: irma | Mar 21, 2008 2:12:53 PM
This endorsement at this time is designed by the Obama's campaign in order to distract the public from the controversy of Obama's embrace and acceptance of his white-hating and country-hating pastor, Wright for the last 20 years. Does Obama have a hidden agenda against or in favor of a particular race?
Posted by: tom | Mar 21, 2008 2:13:12 PM
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