Sen. Barack Obama with Sen. Christopher Dodd during their news conference in Cleveland, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, where Dodd endorsed Obama, his former rival, in the Democratic presidential race. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
By Mike Dorning
CLEVELAND — Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) today became the first former Democratic presidential candidate who shared the debate stage over the past year to endorse a rival, urging Democrats to unify behind Barack Obama’s candidacy and warning against harsh attacks that could damage the party’s nominee in the fall election.
“It is now the time to come together as a Democratic party,” Dodd said at a morning press conference, adding a few moments later, “I don’t want a campaign that is only divisive here. And there is a danger of it becoming that.”
Dodd’s candidacy never achieved a significant popular following. So his endorsement may not have much impact with the public.
But he has considerable potential influence within the party’s political establishment to make the case that other party leaders need to throw their weight behind Obama to bring the contest to a close. A 27-year veteran of the Senate and a leader of the party’s liberal wing, he came within one vote of becoming of the Senate Democratic Leader in 1994 and served as general chairman of the party during the mid-1990s.
Already, a steady stream of Democratic superdelegates have been announcing support for Obama’s candidacy since his 17-point win in Wisconsin last week. Major union endorsements of Obama last week and national polls this week showing he continues to build support among new demographic groups such as blue-collar workers and women also are seizing the attention of political professionals.
In answer to reporter’s questions, Dodd said he did not intend to suggest that the time had come for Hillary Clinton to withdraw.
“No, I wouldn’t” suggest that, Dodd responded. “Obviously we have contests here next week that are important ones,” referring to primaries in Ohio and Texas on March 4.
But he indicated at other moments that the time was nearing.
Bill and Hillary Clinton “have made significant contributions to our country,” Dodd said.. “And I believe very deeply and sincerely this morning that Hillary Clinton will continue to make a significant contribution to our nation in the years to come. But it is now the hour to come together.”
Coming just hours ahead of a crucial debate between Obama and Clinton and amid reporters of conflict within the Clinton campaign over how hard to go after Obama, Dodd’s advice against harsh attacks served as a warning shot.
“I just want a cautionary note here to the campaigns and the people around them: Be careful this week,” Dodd said. “I know the temptation in campaigns, beyond the ability of the candidates themselves to control it, can get out of control.”
Dodd said “we’ve witnessed a little bit of that” in recent days.
Dodd appeared to be referring to a photograph that appeared on the web site the Drudge Report Monday showing Obama in a white turban and a white robe that was presented to him by elders during a visit to Kenya.
Though the web site said it received the photograph from an unnamed Clinton campaign staff member, the former first lady’s spokesman said he was not aware of any staff involvement in providing the photo to the web site.
Asked about the photo, Obama said, “Certainly, I don’t think that photo was circulated to enhance my candidacy. I think that’s fair to say.”
But, he added, “Do I think that it is reflective of Senator Clinton’s approach to the campaign? Probably not.”
Dodd agreed to endorse Obama in conversations last week, said Obama chief strategist David Axelrod. Axelrod claimed the timing of the announcement was dictated by the two senators’ schedules and travel commitments, noting that Dodd was out of the country until last weekend.
The Connecticut senator said he had spoken to Clinton last night about his decision to endorse Obama.
“These are not comfortable conversations,” Dodd said.







Comments
So Chris Dudd is throwing his hat behind Husassan - the loser suppoerts the loser. And in one breath says he's not telling HRC to quit? Yeah, right! Like you and the drunken senator from Mass have anything but hate for America!
Posted by: mda | February 26, 2008 3:47 PM
Finally. It's high time someone finally pushed the first domino in the demise of the Clintons. Barack Obama did that. So many people who have been afraid of the so-called "clinton machine" are stepping forward to denounce this immoral pair. Because we are in large numbers, the clintons cannot destroy us all. They simply have to give up. They don't have power over us any more. Why on earth were we afraid of them? But then, Vince Foster isn't here to tell us, is he?
Posted by: jen anderson | February 26, 2008 3:56 PM
I'll guarantee you one thing...those endorsing Obama are no longer afraid of the wrath of the Clinton's because they don't expect her to win the nomination.
Posted by: Danbo | February 26, 2008 4:00 PM
So Chris Dudd is throwing his hat behind Husassan - the loser suppoerts the loser. And in one breath says he's not telling HRC to quit? Yeah, right! Like you and the drunken senator from Mass have anything but hate for America!
Posted by: mda | February 26, 2008 3:47 PM
Keep up the racism and the bigotry you nut, you dumb Republics are doing more to help us get Senator Obama elected than you will ever know.
Posted by: John E | February 26, 2008 4:01 PM
worst post ever
Posted by: americafirst | February 26, 2008 4:07 PM
wow, please move to canada.
Posted by: kc | February 26, 2008 4:08 PM
Here's a new theory. We all know Hillary Clinton and her Political Assassination Machine are dirtier than the delta mud when it comes to this campaign. Yet I believe she has heard the political chattering class suggesting she bow out gracefully now "to position herself well for 2012 if Barack loses in 2008"...but before she finally gets lost, she and Team All-Slime-All-The-Time are hard at work to make sure that is exactly what happens. These people need to be put down hard, for once and for all, dismissed from the Democratic Party, and ideally set adrift on a small raft somewhere over the Arctic Circle. To quote Al Gore in the 2000 election cycle: "It's time for them to go."
Posted by: Rex Range | February 26, 2008 4:08 PM
Wow, that was an ignorant comment.
Posted by: Bart H. | February 26, 2008 4:09 PM
HRC should get out now...with an ounce of dignity.
Posted by: Craig Rubin | February 26, 2008 4:11 PM
I think Senator Dodd's remarks refer to mda's posting. Again, another slanderous, fear mongering attack towards Obama.
Posted by: Mike | February 26, 2008 4:17 PM
It's usually easier to have your comments and opinions taken seriously when you demonstrate knowledge of spelling (or at least proof-reading) and proper grammar.
I, for one, applaud Chris Dodd, especially considering his recent stance against the FISA ammendments aimed at granting immunity to telecom companies which acted as criminal accomplices in a program of warantless wiretapping.
Shame on the Republicans for staging their "walk-out protest" last week.
A change of power is needed in the White House... vote Democrat!
Posted by: Cullen | February 26, 2008 4:21 PM
It's about time! Even the klu klux klan has endorsed and given $250,000 to the Obama campaign. Google subject- Klu Klux Klan supports obama, and see who they are directing hate to these days and its not blacks
Posted by: Ken | February 26, 2008 4:39 PM
Here Here Jen Anderson! Very well put! Lets restore ethics to our country's vocabulary.
Posted by: mary S | February 26, 2008 4:50 PM
You know.. That was a joke right? I certainly hope so.
Posted by: Wayzom | February 26, 2008 4:53 PM
Ha, Chris Dudd's endorsement carries about as much weight as one from John Kerry and far less than Louis Farrakhan. Dodd probably couldn't get his mother to attend his own campaign rallies, that's how much excitement he generated.
He's supposedly the "expert on foreign policy among Democrats," an oxymoron if there ever was one.
Posted by: Andy | February 26, 2008 4:54 PM
All the chips are falling in place right now for Obama. 'Tis a beautiful thing!
Posted by: DC denizen | February 26, 2008 5:03 PM
Ken,
KKK story is urban legend.
Snopes.com
Posted by: BKL | February 26, 2008 5:08 PM
“It is now the time to come together as a Democratic party,” Dodd said at a morning press conference, adding a few moments later, “I don’t want a campaign that is only divisive here. And there is a danger of it becoming that.”
Kudos to Sen Chris Dodd!!!
He is a great public servant and I applaud him on taking the lead in this time when party unity is so important. Thanks Cris!
Obama 2008.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 5:08 PM
Dodd endorses Obama who will lose to the Republican candidate in a recession. What is wrong with the democratic party picking losers?
Posted by: Dave Tincher | February 26, 2008 5:10 PM
The train is too much for HRC to slow it down. Come next tues I hope to do my part in sending her back to new york and starting the big bang against McCain.
Obama 08
Posted by: Mike in Cincinnati | February 26, 2008 5:14 PM
Really, overall, who is Chris Dudd (sic) anyway? More importantly, who cares? He's just part of the crooked machine "they" say they're working against and trying to get away from. Right. Help drive a nail in America's coffin and get the USA that much closer to Socialism/Communism, vote for Barack Hussein Obama & the Dumocrats (sic) to bankrupt the US now! Sarcasm intended... Now, more than ever, we need someone with REAL experience, not a crooked Chicago politician who is a gifted speaker. (Hitler, Mussolini, & Castro were passionate orators too, so what!?) Wake up America, we need a LEADER! (I do NOT agree with a lot of his Foreign Affairs positions, but Ron Paul is the only one remotely close to what we need.) Enforce our border!
Posted by: E. O'Neal-from IL | February 26, 2008 5:17 PM
He's supposedly the "expert on foreign policy among Democrats," an oxymoron if there ever was one.
Posted by: Andy | February 26, 2008 4:54 PM
Yeah Andy, we shouldn't listen to Chric Dodd, afterall, the Republican George Bush/Dick Cheney foreign policy has been working so "well" the past 7 1/2 years!
BwaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHOHOHOHOHO!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nqtL-P8kzo
Posted by: John E | February 26, 2008 5:40 PM
I like how open minded people all asume the first comment,mda, was a republican. Prejudice much??? Why not a Paul supporter(who are almost ALL lefties) or a Nader supporter? I know its ok to stereotype and be prejudice as long as your pretty sure its a republican, a jew, or a whit male you are doing it to.
Posted by: kirk | February 26, 2008 5:40 PM
In response to an allegation about the KKK supporting Barack Obama:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/kkk.asp
Posted by: Roger | February 26, 2008 5:43 PM
Uhh, right, the KKK endorsed Obama (http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/kkk.asp).
You, sir, are a moron.
Posted by: elvez1975 | February 26, 2008 6:08 PM
Still, one of my many problems with BHO is that he did not care to do the time--speaking of experience before running for CIC. I reserve the right to call ANYONE who is the next prez--including BHO--Chimpy, just like GWB. MANY similarities between GWB and BHO. Change???? Not much. Same dangerous inexperience leaving room for control by others. Someone on this thread stated an opinion about BHO--then another called it racism. That is crap--and projection. Kind of like calling those who want border security laws enforced racists. I don't want to be walking on eggshells for the next four years--no matter who is elected prez. If #44 also has disregard for America or Americans, she/he should get it verbally--to the max--as some give to GWB--and deservedly so. One good thing about BHO is that he does not have a Poppy, like GWB, who introduced him to the 1% Kool-aid, and made him very carefully taught--to the dismay of most Americans and to the demise of thousands of Americans. The same was a good thing about Bill Clinton, too.
Posted by: Vivian | February 26, 2008 6:16 PM
The American people must decide who the most eligible candidate is. Or should I say the Democrats. I think its ironic that the very party that have supported Black people end up being betrayed as now they have turn their attention not on the Republicans but there own old friends. It’s so sick. Who wants friends like that? Hilary Clinton deserves to be the winner and those who oppose her in her quest are nothing but traitors.
Posted by: Rev S Singh MA | February 26, 2008 6:18 PM
Amazingly funny or amazingly stupid people on here. The "Klu(sic!) Klux Klan supports obama" was very funny.
Is this what people in Chicago are supposed to be like?
Obama is liked by most, so he gets the most votes. Clinton is disliked my the most, so she gets fewer.
Dodd wasn't very well liked, but he's an influential person to have on one's side and can make a president's job much easier, meaning Obama now has more "credentials" for being president. Many in Congress resent Clinton's bullying... including Democrats and would make her job go about as well as, say, Carter's.
Posted by: C Morales | February 26, 2008 6:21 PM
Great more endorsements for a candidate that has proven nothing but being apt at public speaking. Watch Mc Cain be the next president, I am still waiting for something concrete to come from obama and yet all we get is speech after speech about what's wrong with the country, and nothing about a realistic plan of attack. Just more promises and verbal candor. This country is going to the gutter when someone can simply talk their way into nomination.
Posted by: kay | February 26, 2008 6:21 PM
Yeh - the Republican foreign policy "experts" have really done this country a lot of good. This administration and their congressional lackeys have managed to provoke hatred of the U.S. among the citizenry of even our staunchest ally Great Britain. The utter blindness that these right-wingers show to their own hypocrisy is staggering. Everyone besides them "hates America." Please spare me.
Posted by: Mr. Washington | February 26, 2008 6:31 PM
THERE IS NO CHANGES WITH OBAMA AND HIS USUAL WASHINGTON POLITICAL TATICS EXCEPT THE MEDIAS HELP AT HIDING HIS RECORD OF SUPPORTING THE WAR AND BUSH. WHAT OBAMA SUPPORTERS ARE AFRAID TO REALIZE. "Senator Obama has some questions to answer about his dealings with one of his largest contributors, Exelon, a big nuclear power company. Apparently he cut some deals behind closed doors to protect them from full disclosure in the nuclear industry."Obamas record shows he supports the war, voted twice in 2006 against bringing America's troops back home. He voted for war appropriations giving our money to Halliburton and Blackwater where recently A Houston, Texas woman, who says she was gang-raped by her co-workers at a Halliburton/KBR camp in Baghdad, His latest bit of posturing S 433 allows the Bush Administration to suspend any troop withdrawal!!!!if not suspended, still keeps the troops in Iraq for a long time to come? Obama when faced with tough choices always gave in to pressure from the Bush administration or corporate lobbyists. Such as Obama voted for Bush's energy bill, sending more than $13 billion in subsidies and tax breaks to oil, coal, and nuclear companies. Obama voted with Republicans to allow credit card companies to raise interest rates over 30 percent, INCREASING STUDENT LOANS RATES AND FEES increasing hardship for families. Obama voted for one of Bush's top priorities - expanding Nafta to South America - even as President Bush obstructed all the top Democratic priorities. Obama voted with Bush to make it harder for ordinary people to hold big corporations accountable when they do things like sell toxic toys, poisonous pet food, human food or just plain rip you off. Obama was the Senate's biggest Democratic advocate of subsidies for liquid coal, even though liquid coal produces twice the global warming pollution of the crude oil it's meant to replace and voted for increased subsidies, albeit with conditions.Obama, a Hamiltonian believer in free trade and supporters of globalization has lent his support to the "Hamilton Project formed by corporate-neoliberal Citigroup chair Robert Rubin and other 'Wall Street Democrats' to counter populist rebellion against corporate tendencies within the Democratic Party. Obama provided assistance to pro-war candidates (such as Joe Lieberman). Obama voted for "business-friendly 'tort reform' bill that rolls back working peoples' ability to obtain reasonable redress and compensation...from corporations!!! Obama considers single payer universal health care too socialist and has stated that he prefers voluntary solutions. **He voted against requiring medical care for aborted fetuses who survive. Abortion opponents see Obama's vote on medical care for aborted fetuses as a refusal to protect the helpless. Some have even accused him of supporting infanticide. He supported allowing retired police officers to carry concealed weapons, but opposed allowing people to use banned handguns to defend against intruders in their homes. And the list of sensitive topics goes on. With only a slim, two-year record in the U.S. Senate, Obama doesn't have many controversial congressional votes which political opponents can frame into attack ads. But his eight years as an Illinois state senator are sprinkled with potentially explosive land mines, such as his abortion and gun control votes. recent land purchase from a political supporter who is facing charges in an unrelated kickback scheme involving investment firms seeking state business. Obama has no substance. He has provided no solutions.
Posted by: sick of obamanation | February 26, 2008 6:32 PM
Hillary must bow our gracefully with not much dignity at this point. She's a liar and a hypocrite.
Posted by: David Hasza | February 26, 2008 6:33 PM
Get it right, Ken. The amount was $452 dollars, from a bake sale.
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s2i30792
(Actually, the gag is obvious enough that multiple sources have come up with it. Here's one with the quarter-million number that Ken mentions. http://www.dailysquib.co.uk/?c=117&a=1227 )
Posted by: Dan Wylie-Sears | February 26, 2008 6:34 PM
You get sick of the cat fight with Clinton. just run a clean election and whomever win, wins. This is why people don't want to waste their time voting.
Posted by: willie porter | February 26, 2008 6:36 PM
I like how open minded people all asume the first comment,mda, was a republican. Prejudice much??? Why not a Paul supporter(who are almost ALL lefties) or a Nader supporter? I know its ok to stereotype and be prejudice as long as your pretty sure its a republican, a jew, or a whit male you are doing it to.
Posted by: kirk | February 26, 2008 6:38 PM
Senator Dodd's endorsement of Senator Obama sets the trend of what is going in the Democratic party core. Yet, some of the people in the Senator Clinton' campaign group seem to be possessed with negativity. And the more negative they go, the more they lose. But they don't acknolwedge their weakness of relying on negativity. They want to do the same thing that cost them so far and expect to get new and better result.
Posted by: Barry IL | February 26, 2008 6:38 PM
MDA,
School, spelling, education... all tend to go a long way. However, absent those qualities, civility and common sense works just as well. Stick to the issues and avoid the attacks. Empty wagons tend to be awful noisy.
Posted by: Orlando | February 26, 2008 6:40 PM
let us not judge to soon remember we all thought 2 bushes were what this country needed but look what happened. your grand childrens children will pay for two wars. then we had nafta and we had no jobs. then we heard i voted for the war but i didn't and now i am going to fix it all!!! GO OBAMA kick butt.
Posted by: jerry | February 26, 2008 6:45 PM
I am so sick of the nasty tactics and comments coming from the Clinton campaign. I have little respect for her. Obama has run a respectful campaign. I will certainly vote for Obama as our president!
Posted by: Theresa | February 26, 2008 6:45 PM
I am so sick of the nasty tactics and comments coming from the Clinton campaign. I have little respect for her. Obama has run a respectful campaign. I will certainly vote for Obama as our president!
Posted by: Theresa | February 26, 2008 6:47 PM
Since Hussein means Handsome one or beautiful child, what Mother would not look at her child and say this is what I give to you. He had nothing to do with his name nor was there any negative aspects to the name at the time. Infact we were support Saddam. What are they going to do if this is all they can find.
Posted by: maida | February 26, 2008 6:51 PM
Wake up America!
Senator Dodd! huh
Just another loser(joining 2 loser Massachusetts senators ...)supports a loser! DON'T YOU AMERICANS love AMERICA anymore??????
Posted by: American Patriot | February 26, 2008 6:55 PM
Wake up America!
Senator Dodd! huh
Just another loser(joining 2 loser Massachusetts senators ...)supports a loser! DON'T YOU AMERICANS love AMERICA anymore??????
Posted by: American Patriot | February 26, 2008 6:56 PM
Let's face it. It appears to we interested observers that the former first lady is actually trying to grab on anything thing around while drowning.... she certainly is ...It is clear though, the world is not fooled & it does appear that the Americans want a change. Go for the change guys, you deserve it!!!
Posted by: Dr S Olusegun Nwhator | February 26, 2008 6:57 PM
Ug ... the first comment and the KKK comment ... just ignorant. How do such people survive? Please try and stay in limited contact with the real world. Whether Dodd's endorsement is worth anything is a fair debate. Any impact is probably minimal. But some of the things people post ... just mind-blowing.
Posted by: Scott | February 26, 2008 6:57 PM
To John E and others who have your opinion. All the republicans I know hope Hillary goes against McCain and will be voting for Hillary, not McCain.
Posted by: Carol | February 26, 2008 7:03 PM
Everyone (especially Hillary supporters) should read Frank Rich's most recent column in the New York Times. Yes, I'm sure we're going to see responses to this post that slam Frank Rich but if those of you in Clintonian delusion land would start reading things other than her website, you might get a sense for what normal Americans are thinking.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/frankrich/index.html
EP, CA
Posted by: Analu | February 26, 2008 7:05 PM
Obama must be doing well. The conservative talk show hosts are frothing at the mouth, the Republicans in sheep's clothing who run as Democrats are taking digs, and the off-the-wall ranters are chiming in. Looks like he's got a good shot to go all the way. That would make me feel REALLY sorry for the Republican Party, the lobbyists, and the impostors who claim to know the way this country should go. Sorry, guys.
Posted by: Richard Bentley | February 26, 2008 7:11 PM
It's not true that the KKK endorsed Obama. It was a spoof. Read Snopes.com (http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/kkk.asp) to know the truth.
Posted by: Frank Adams | February 26, 2008 7:14 PM
The Clintons should have some rest. They were in the White House for eight years, and now, if she wins, might rule for another eight years.My concern is that they are both old and I don't think there is something new they can add to what they've done before. moreover, it's just like Bill ruling when she wins. America is much more fragile like it was before and care must be taken in choosing the next president. There should be a trial of change and i guess a change in the current line of action would yield positive results for the americans especially in terms of international reputation.
Posted by: Adebanji Johnson | February 26, 2008 7:19 PM
Just for the record, the KKK endorsement thing comes from the Daily Squib, which is a humor site (kind of like a British "The Onion.")
Posted by: Matt | February 26, 2008 7:20 PM
I don't care if the Pope endorses him I'll vote Green if Obama gets the nomination.
He has divided and decimated the Democratic Party, his supporters are among the most arrogant and bullying I have ever encountered and I will not drink the kool aid!
Posted by: maureen | February 26, 2008 7:25 PM
The Clinton Machine may be on the way out finally. Tonight's debate will tell a lot. I really hope Barack holds his demeanor as in past debates. If she can't phase him then I do believe it is over for HRC.
Steve
Posted by: steve | February 26, 2008 7:36 PM
I'm a Canadian watching the current US political races with keen interest. The majority of folks I've spoken to up here are as enamored by Obama as many Americans. His appeal definitely crosses borders literally and figuratively. It can't hurt to have a potential president who is easier for other countries to trust. I think many Canadians also feel ok about McCain as well. Interesting because Canadians, in general, never trusted GW Bush, and Canadians are a good barometer for world sentiment toward the US.
Posted by: warren jacobs | February 26, 2008 7:37 PM
I think its high time the clintons allowed true democracy to reign in america.The government of a nation can never be a family affair.Soonest it will be chelsea clinton vying for the presidency i guess.We must give credit to barrack obama,the next american president.
Posted by: frank nigeria | February 26, 2008 7:37 PM
Who knows what any of these comments mean? They mean nothing-- its sport. It's hard to find people who are willing to discuss the issues-- much easier to dig a trench and hunker down into some positional bunkered landscape. Democrats, Republicans, these writers are a bunch of America’s pathetic, insecure, educationally challenged, likely unsuccessful losers, let's call the whole thing off!
Posted by: Astonished | February 26, 2008 7:45 PM
Kennedy, Kerry and Dodd supporting Obama might hurt, not help. Hillary carried their states. Besides,94 votes separates them now. Democrats have to allow the votes from Florida and Michigan or they loos in November plus Texas and Ohio is Clinton's. I live in Texas and she has it for sure.
Posted by: Glen Arthur | February 26, 2008 7:46 PM
Hahahaha. Getting Chris Dodd's endorsement is like getting the trots after a bad bowl of chili.
Posted by: Schratboy | February 26, 2008 7:49 PM
no one cares about endorsements. but he is probably right, time for the dems to round up the wagons.
who is the veep-my guess is dodd or biden
Posted by: jef | February 26, 2008 7:50 PM
democrats vote for socialism.
republicans vote for
democracy
Posted by: Michael Mielauskas | February 26, 2008 7:56 PM
Thank you Senator Dodd, for your effort to unite and save the Democratic party. The Clintons have done everything in their power to destroy it in their lying greed for power. Senator Obama will be our next President and will unite the country.
Posted by: Samantha | February 26, 2008 7:57 PM
Knock knock
Who's there?
[crickets churping]
the person who is going to tell Clinton to hang it up and go home.
Posted by: Republican For Obama | February 26, 2008 8:14 PM
About 5% of american voters on either the left or the right are die hard party fanatics.
The other 90% of us are left or right leaning centrists, and apparently better at spelling.
No politician is perfect and Barack Obama can't actually walk on water.
He really is even at a basic level the lesser of three evils, and he's not too dirty yet.
The American 90% still has at least a chance to send a message to the American government of both parties that we are sick of being lied to, sick of being treated like morons who can't remember political votes, and actions of a month ago much less a few years back, sick of being used as a bludgeon to force the two parties into wretchedly extreme behavior that reflect none of the beliefs of the majority of us.
Look it up:
Keating Five (McCain)
NAFTA (Clinton)
Posted by: Theresa Smith | February 26, 2008 8:16 PM
I am a Marine vet of Kosovo and Iraq and for the longest time I have always considered myself a republican, but recently with everything thats been going on I think I will end up voting for Obama. He shows the most promise for a change that is desperately needed in this country and everytime he does have a political win over the Clintons, the very first thing you see is some sort of smear tactic against him from the Clinton campaign. I have seen what happens first hand when people in high ranking offices don't make informed decisions. He may be (Obama) inexperienced in foreign affairs but the idea of sitting down with leaders like Kim Jong Il without precondition sets a new standard. They might actually be able to hash out at least some of the problems between two men instead of two nations. Just my opinion!
Posted by: Will | February 26, 2008 8:22 PM
I used to be for Hillary. Now I am for Obama. I like them both. I hear Clinton supporters and Republicans throwing tons of dirt. Any Democrat who keeps referring to Obama as "Hussein" is showing bigotry and doesn't belong in the Democratic Party. Don't you people EVER get tired of this. I am 60 years old and I've seen it all. I am convinced that Obama is our best HOPE.
Posted by: Bill | February 26, 2008 8:34 PM
Hussein is his middle name.
Bill for a 60 YO you are an idiot.
Barry stands for nothing, he is vacant and sinister.
Barry is a socialist, there is NO hope in socialism.
Posted by: Cindy | February 26, 2008 8:44 PM
Even if B.O. makes it , the Democrat party machine will have him goose stepping to their tune in no time. The only time they "reach across the isle" is to stick their thumb in someone's eye.
Kennedy and Co. are not going to let some upstart punk like B.O. run the country.
B.O...I like that!
Posted by: tdrag | February 26, 2008 9:01 PM
Lets all agree maureen is an idiot. Obama, with the exception of returds like you, has unified and strengthened the Democratic Party more so than anyone since JFK. Obama, of course, will win the nomination and the general election. Why would anyone throw their vote away and vote for someone in the green party who can't win is beyond stupid. Why anyone vote for McCain is also beyond stupid. Here is a man who was tortured for over 5 years, but says it is ok for the U.S. to do it. He originally did oppose it, but now urges Bush to veto a bill that would outlaw waterboarding and a few other forms of torture. Talk about a flip-flopper and ultimate hypocrite! Disgusting, as are all Republicunts and Neo-cons.
Posted by: ERIC | February 26, 2008 9:07 PM
Even if B.O. makes it , the Democrat party machine will have him goose stepping to their tune in no time. The only time they "reach across the isle" is to stick their thumb in someone's eye.
Kennedy and Co. are not going to let some upstart punk like B.O. run the country.
B.O...I like that!
Posted by: tdrag | February 26, 2008 9:01 PM
It's nice to see that the Republiscum idiots are out in full bloom....and you Wingnuts wonder why we laugh at you when you call yourselves "Patriots"?
Posted by: John E | February 26, 2008 9:23 PM
Ah, the noose tightens around the Hillybilly's political necks. I've found that you can generally gage how badly the Clinton's are getting whupped by the viciousness of their rhetoric in response to the threat. Much like a wounded animal that has been backed into a corner. Barack better watch his political backside so to speak, because if Hillary can't WIN, then she'll do her best to make sure he doesn't either. And the thought of having to wait ANOTHER four years is just gonna make her meaner.
Posted by: Jim Griffin | February 26, 2008 10:00 PM
Sick of obamanation... I was currently reading your post during the Obama/Clinton debate in Ohio, and as I was reading, Clinton was quoting you word for word... Anyways, All politicians are sneaks who have their own personal agendas. The best way to choose a president is to pick the person who seems to have the BEST moral terpitude and that, at this time, seems to be Barack Obama. Besides this, the name calling, between dems and repubs is childish, and is one of the most refreshing things that Obama stands for. Regardless of your political party, we need to come together as one country. As we sit here and fight, Foreign interests are purchasing more and more property in the United States of America. The Bin Laden family owns hotels and companies in our country. George Bush Sr. is friends with the family. Again, personal agendas.... no good...
Posted by: mmmmkay | February 26, 2008 10:02 PM
I remember know why I hate democrats.
Posted by: Drew | February 26, 2008 10:55 PM
2/3 of the voting public is against the Iraq War; McCain is Bush and is a relic; Hilary is finished; and Obama will be the next President.
Posted by: Mack O'Connell | February 26, 2008 11:08 PM
Dodd endorses Obama who will lose to the Republican candidate in a recession. What is wrong with the democratic party picking losers?
Posted by: Dave Tincher | February 26, 2008 5:10 PM
Stay off the crack Dave!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | February 26, 2008 11:44 PM
This un-Amarican politico Chris Dodd like a chameleon supportsObama, thinks the Americans forgot his support of leftist Ortega of Honduras not so long ago,What a shameless character.
Posted by: Yoan Zaifer | February 27, 2008 12:00 AM
I think Chris Dodd wants A, to be on the winning side. And B, the Vice Presidential spot on Obama's ticket. But that's just my suspicious nature at work.
Posted by: Randy | February 27, 2008 12:11 AM
This is what happens when you let that Hartford Courant guy write a post.
Posted by: Jeff | February 27, 2008 12:43 AM
In light of the Dodd endorsement, one has to wonder how long Sen. Clinton's campaign remains viable?
Posted by: Rocco Rubino | February 27, 2008 4:32 AM
I'm sorry, but the vast majority of the posters here are uneducated proto-organisms—certainly creating noise but not truly communicating. I suspect the three or four of you out there who are actually responding with intelligent discourse would be quite engaging to sit down and debate with. But think about this Obama supporters (and I'm definitely one): Your attacks on McCain, Clinton and anyone else goes directly against Sen. Obama's compelling message, not only of hope but of tolerance and a better America than the one we've been left with. Think about it. As for you other clowns, and you truly are, do the world a favor and never procreate.
Posted by: Owen | February 27, 2008 5:20 AM
and barack hussein obama was doing so well. this 'kiss of death' from senator dodd should be enough.
Posted by: charles | February 27, 2008 6:47 AM