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by Mike Dorning and Michael Martinez
CHARLESTON, S.C.—Democratic 2004 presidential nominee John Kerry endorsed Barack Obama Thursday as the candidate who “can be, will be, and should be the next president,” providing the Illinois senator a public affirmation from a well-established party leader at a moment when rival Hillary Clinton is questioning Obama’s seasoning and trying to build momentum from her New Hampshire primary win.
Support from the party’s past nominee is of uncertain value. Many Democratic activists were disappointed in Kerry for waging a presidential campaign they consider strategically flawed. And 2000 nominee Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean four years later just before Dean imploded with a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.
But Obama’s campaign advisers have long calculated that the large African-American electorate in South Carolina’s upcoming Democratic primary will swing heavily toward him if they can be persuaded that his race will not be a barrier to election.
Kerry supplies a vote of confidence in Obama from a prominent political veteran as well as a big event at a time when the Obama campaign would like to shift focus away from his loss in the New Hampshire primary.
As New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson dropped out of the race, Clinton secured the backing of two prominent Hispanics that previously had supported Richardson: former Clinton Administration Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros and former U.S. Ambassador to Spain Edward Romero.
Latinos are a large and growing population in Nevada that the major presidential candidates are targeting in the caucuses to be held there next week.
Kerry had spoken with Obama during the days before the Iowa caucuses about the endorsement but left the timing of the announcement up to the presidential campaign, said a source close to the Massachusetts senator. That suggests Kerry’s backing was held in reserve to generate buzz just as the struggle for the nomination shifts to a rapid succession of contests that place a premium on money and momentum.
The endorsement represents a rebuke to John Edwards, who was Kerry’s running mate in 2004 but whose relationship with Kerry soured quickly in the campaign. Edwards, who finished a distant third in New Hampshire, won the 2004 primary in South Carolina but has been trailing both Obama and Clinton in polls in the state this time.
“Our country and our party are stronger because of John’s service, and I respect his decision,” Edwards said, reacting to the Kerry’s endorsement. “When we were running against each other and on the same ticket, John and I agreed on many issues. I continue to believe that this election is about the future, not the past.”
Speaking in a courtyard shaded by Spanish Moss and Live Oaks in Charleston’s antebellum historic district, Kerry took direct aim at criticism from Clinton that her lengthier experience in public life better qualifies her to deliver change.
“Since the birth of our nation, change has been won by young presidents and young leaders,” Kerry said, noting that Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence and that Martin Luther King was 26 when he led the Montgomery bus boycott and 34 when led the civil rights’ movement’s March on Washington.
“When we choose a president we are electing judgment and character, not years on this earth,” Kerry said.
Kerry helped introduce Obama to the nation by choosing Obama, who was then a state senator running for the U.S. Senate to deliver a keynote speech to the 2004 Democratic Convention that helped catapult Obama to prominence.
Kerry’s support now could provide considerable practical benefits to Obama’s political organization.
The former presidential candidate maintains an email list of more than 3 million supporters that he successfully used to raise substantial amounts of money for congressional candidates in the 2006 election. Kerry may now rally them to give to Obama. He also maintains ties to a national nework of political operatives and donors whom he could encourage to assist Obama.
Comments
And I'll be emailing Kerry to ask that I be taken off that email list. I supported John Kerry in 2004, but as an activist I wasn't "disappointed," I was disgusted at how quickly he conceded. He can endorse whomever he likes, but I resent his assuming that it's okay to provide my email address to a candidate I don't support. For the sake of Obama supporters, I hope Barack has more stick-to-it-iveness than John Kerry had.
Posted by: sandra | January 10, 2008 7:26 PM
The Republican candidates SUCK!!!
I'll take any of the top Democrats over what the Republiscums are offering.
I can't decide which one of their candidates is the worst, is it that crazy-eyed old guy (McCain) who thinks the "surge" has been such a great success and runs around holding hands with Holy Joe Lieberman or Saint Rudy of 9/11 or Holy Roller Goober Hucklebee or Plastic Mitt?
Hey Republiscums, Karl Rove made your bed for you and now you have to sleep in it.
Posted by: The Reamer | January 10, 2008 9:41 PM
But what does Teresa think?
Posted by: Terry | January 10, 2008 10:56 PM
Kucinich asks for recount in N.H. Democratic primary:
http://www.wdtn.com/Global/story.asp?S=7608868
***
Kucinich thinks there was an error in the counting of the NH primary votes on the democratic side (specifically relating to the Clinton/Obama match-up) and he's asking for a recount!
..
Posted by: sue | January 10, 2008 11:38 PM
Prominent party leader? This has to be a joke. You guys are yukking it up at The Swamp, right? How much would Dukakis' endorsement be worth to you guys?
Posted by: Jeff | January 10, 2008 11:52 PM
Have we lost our memory to dementia? How long were some of the previous terrorists in our midst, living with us, behaving like us? ( Us meaning all Americans, born or naturalized, who truly care about our lives, our families, our freedom.) How long ago did a certain senator refuse to be sworn in to office using a Christian Bible and choosing instead the Koran? When did this same senator suddenly join a Christian church? How can we explain to the sons and daughters who are risking their lives far from home to protect our way of life ,that we are prepared to simply hand over the country to someone who does not salute our flag . Someone who knows more about the Koran's directive to kill infidels than what rights our Bill of Rights promises us? Religion has no place in our government, but common sense and human morality provide a template, that when used as the basis for a government ,serve quite effectively. Look for a person who actually follows up with what they say. Look to a person who does not make changes in the things they do based on how it will look to the public in the future but on how well this change reinforces and expresses who the person is. Don't make change a battle cry unless the changes are well considered, a plan exists to implement the changes , and the results of the changes are measurably positive. We have already wasted too much time and money on "changes".
Posted by: Grandma | January 11, 2008 12:10 AM
Uh, Kerry...you couldn't beat the worst preznit ever and we're supposed to care what you think? Sorry, no. The only people lamer than you are the Republic party candidates.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | January 11, 2008 12:18 AM
Obama should have asked Kerry to endorse Clinton. Then he should have sat in a diner and had a supporter asked him how he keeps it together. Then he should have teared up and said, "I have had it so good, you know." (Applause.) "But I'm doing this for you, you know." (More applause.) "I just don't want to see us go back." (Sniff followed by more applause.)
Posted by: Roger | January 11, 2008 12:21 AM
Big deal...a false VietNam war hero.
I wanna see Robert (KKK) Byrd (D) endorse Barack "Hussein" Obama....now that would be something!
'I'm John Kerry, and I'm reporting for duty.'
(and i lost)
Powerful!
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | January 11, 2008 12:49 AM
How is it that the dead-enders who voted in the worst U.S. president EVER, are deriding Kerry? I mean, even Medill SOJ flunky, Jeff Yoder, could have done a better job of running the country that Dubya.
Posted by: dt | January 11, 2008 1:04 AM
Kerry's a great addition. It's not like the Man's hateed at all. But wait until people find out about the NH vote recount:
http://zennie2005.blogspot.com/2008/01/dennis-kucinich-asks-for-nh-vote.html
Posted by: Zenophon Abraham | January 11, 2008 1:37 AM
the public in the future but on how well this change reinforces and expresses who the person is. Don't make change a battle cry unless the changes are well considered, a plan exists to implement the changes , and the results of the changes are measurably positive. We have already wasted too much time and money on "changes".
Posted by: Grandma | January 11, 2008 12:10 AM
If you stupid Republicans think you're going to win another campaign by speading more of this type of swiftboat crap, you're fooling yourself.
Do any of you whackjobs in the GOP ever stop and wonder why so many people loathe your party?
Posted by: Billy Zoom | January 11, 2008 4:15 AM
I think most of America now realizes that both Gore and Kerry, with all the flaws that they may have had, would have made for a much much much better President than the current Republican Decider Guy, he of the 26% approval rating.
America, let's learn from our mistakes, the Republicans have had the last seven years of leadership in the White House and they've spent this time flushing our country down the drain.
OBAMA 08!
Posted by: Grandpa | January 11, 2008 4:46 AM
Have we lost our memory to dementia? How long were some of the previous terrorists in our midst, living with us, behaving like us? ( Us meaning all Americans, born or naturalized, who truly care about our lives, our families, our freedom.) How long ago did a certain senator refuse to be sworn in to office using a Christian Bible and choosing instead the Koran? When did this same senator suddenly join a Christian church? How can we explain to the sons and daughters who are risking their lives far from home to protect our way of life ,that we are prepared to simply hand over the country to someone who does not salute our flag . Someone who knows more about the Koran's directive to kill infidels than what rights our Bill of Rights promises us? Religion has no place in our government, but common sense and human morality provide a template, that when used as the basis for a government ,serve quite effectively. Look for a person who actually follows up with what they say. Look to a person who does not make changes in the things they do based on how it will look to the public in the future but on how well this change reinforces and expresses who the person is. Don't make change a battle cry unless the changes are well considered, a plan exists to implement the changes , and the results of the changes are measurably positive. We have already wasted too much time and money on "changes".
Posted by: Grandma | January 11, 2008 12:10 AM
Mr. Obama was not sworn into office on a Koran, it was a congressman from Michigan in the House of Representatives. That information is incorrect. How is it that we can judge whether a person's conversion to Christianity is real or not except by the fruit that they bare? I'm not saying that Mr. Obama is perfect--no one is; however, eight years is enough for any person to be in the White House. (Isn't that what George Washington said?) It is nice that Hillary wants to make history, but I have a problem with President clinton being in the White House with her. Remember their slogan back in the 90's "Two for the price of one." He won't be kicking back, just taking it easy. It will be just like it was in the 90's--she might be at the helm, but he will still have a major influence simply because he is her husband. It is time for someone else to have a chance. That is why there is a limitation on the number of years someone can be in office so no one group will control the other. That is what makes this country so great!
Posted by: evangelistpastor | January 11, 2008 8:06 AM
John Kerry is a sore loser elitist liberal that nobody cares about. His endorsement of Obama is just more hype.
Personal endorsements are subject to Laswell's model of communication: Who says What to whom with What effect?
Obama he won't help you he can't help himself. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | January 11, 2008 9:49 AM
To all the Kerry Haters,we're buying all (5)of you moaners T-Shirts that say "BLAME ME,I VOTED FOR THE DUMB F**K".
Posted by: Raving Loon | January 11, 2008 9:50 AM
I hope Kerry can just do the endorsement and then low key it. The more he says, the worse it will get.
Posted by: Tom | January 11, 2008 10:18 AM
Profanity, please remove: To all the Kerry Haters,we're buying all (5)of you moaners T-Shirts that say "BLAME ME,I VOTED FOR THE DUMB F**K".
Posted by: Raving Loon | January 11, 2008 9:50 AM
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 11:37 AM
Personal attack, please remove it:
How is it that the dead-enders who voted in the worst U.S. president EVER, are deriding Kerry? I mean, even Medill SOJ flunky, Jeff Yoder, could have done a better job of running the country that Dubya.
Posted by: dt | January 11, 2008 1:04 AM
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 11:38 AM
After being given the kiss of death by John Kerry, "Barak" Obama is back in it after a populist tirade against him by Roseanne Barr. Thanks, Roseanne!
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/FULL_POST_Roseanne_Barr_launches_tirade_0111.html
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 12:05 PM
Also, DT, I didn't vote for Woodrow Wilson. I wasn't even alive.
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 12:09 PM
Personal attack, please remove it:
How is it that the dead-enders who voted in the worst U.S. president EVER, are deriding Kerry? I mean, even Medill SOJ flunky, Jeff Yoder, could have done a better job of running the country that Dubya.
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 11:38 AM
Bill/Jeff "the failed copyboy",
If you can't handle the rough and tumble blogging world how are you going to handle it when that nutty old man (McCain) that you carry water for crashes and burns? Are you going to pick up your pocket protector and go home?
Posted by: John E | January 11, 2008 2:38 PM
John E. what grade are you in? How are things in your Mom's basement, today?
Seriously, Swamp, you need to follow your own rules if you ever hope to become a well-read political site.
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 3:37 PM
Seriously, Swamp, you need to follow your own rules if you ever hope to become a well-read political site.
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 3:37 PM
Copyboy,
I know it's hard for you hardcore Wingnuts to understand this but your OPINION matters no more or no less than anyone elses on here.
Posted by: John E | January 11, 2008 4:31 PM
Hey John E,that's Billy/Jeff alright,crying like a baby!!!!!!
Jeffy,grow up.
Posted by: Raving Loon | January 11, 2008 5:41 PM
It's not my OPINION, "copyboy" it's the Swamp's stated policy. Personal attacks are supposedly not allowed here and aside from passing along smears from the DNC that's all you do is personally attack other posters (read the 'post a comment' rules). The Swamp also says it does not allow anonymous comments but nearly all the comments are anonymous, unless you think "weiderdog" is a reliable indicator of someone's identity. Some of them, lately, have even been tagged with the name "anonymous."
I know you have a fun time firing off insults and then going to play in the sandbox the rest of the day, but if this site is going to state that policy they should at least live up to it. Apparently your profanity is even CQ, and everyone knows what you mean when you post f**k.
The Swamp should enforce its own rules if it wants to be taken seriously (hear that, Silva?). I've wasted enough of my precious time on the likes of angry little activist like you.
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 5:52 PM
How many more aliases do you have, John E? Grow up.
Hey John E,that's Billy/Jeff alright,crying like a baby!!!!!!
Jeffy,grow up.
Posted by: Raving Loon | January 11, 2008 5:41 PM
Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 6:00 PM
Seriously, Jeff, what about "over-the-top" don't you understand? You've been jankin' everyone since you got back, and now you're crying over a little compliment? Who appointed you blog-Mom, biscocho?
Posted by: dt | January 12, 2008 12:27 AM
they all talk about 'change'
but what do YOU want to see change?
A Day of Change
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxnO1LAe68
Posted by: kenshin | January 12, 2008 1:24 AM