by John McCormick, updated
PORTLAND, Ore. – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson formally endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today, calling his candidacy a "once in a lifetime opportunity for our nation."
Richardson, a former presidential candidate himself, said Obama's speech this week in Philadelphia on the nation's racial tensions inspired him and factored into his endorsement.
Later, Richardson told reporters that he had made his decision a week ago and called Sen. Hillary Clinton Thursday evening to give her the news.
"Barack Obama addressed the issue of race with the eloquence and sincerity and optimism we have come to expect of him," Richardson told a crowd Obama's campaign said totaled 12,000.
Richardson said Obama could have given a "safer speech," but he did not.
"He could have waited for the controversy over the deplorable remarks of Reverend Wright to subside, as it surely would have," Richardson said. "Instead, Sen. Obama showed us once again what kind of leader he is. He spoke to us as adults."
Being a Hispanic American, Richardson said he was especially touched by the speech.
"He asked every American to see the reality and the pain of other Americans, so that together we can rise above that which has divided us. He appealed to the best in us," he said. "I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants -- specifically Hispanics -- by too many in this country."
Richardson had been aggressively courted by both Obama and Clinton. Former President Bill Clinton even traveled to New Mexico to watch the Super Bowl with Richardson.
Noting his "great affection and admiration" for the Clintons, Richardson said he made his endorsement because the nation needs something different. He also called for an end to his party's endorsement process.
"It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will have against John McCain in the fall," he said.
Richardson, 60, was energy secretary and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in Bill Clinton's administration. He also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1982 through 1997.
He abandoned his own presidential bid in January, after a distant fourth-place showing in the Iowa caucuses. He has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential running mate and is also a superdelegate, the 62nd Obama's campaign says it has won over since Feb. 5.
His backing is thought to be especially influential with the nation's Latino community, an increasingly important voting bloc.
Clinton has generally had stronger support among Hispanics, something that has helped her compete against Obama's strong and increasingly loyal support among African Americans.
Richardson, meanwhile, recounted how Obama had helped him in a debate before the Iowa caucuses, where he had not heard a question that had been asked of him and Obama whispered that it was about the government's response to Hurricane Katrina.
Obama called Richardson "one of the great public servants of these United States." He seemed a little confused about how long he has been campaigning, saying he has been on the road for "15 months," about two more than reality.
Both Obama and Clinton have also sought to win the support of John Edwards, the former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate. But comments he made on Jay Leno's show Thursday evening suggested that no endorsement was immanent.
Just how much Richardson helps in Oregon remains unknown. The state is 86 percent white and is expected to be contested by Clinton, whose has told the local media here that she will be make a campaign swing to the area soon.
In a conference call with reporters earlier this morning, Obama's campaign again suggested the media has not done its job in vetting Clinton.
Campaign manager David Plouffe said Clinton has a "character gap" that could make it impossible for her to win a general election. "There are character issues here that would cause us real problems in the fall," he said.
Plouffe said Clinton has run a campaign filled by "evasions and misleading the voters." He pointed to a statement she recently made on CBS' "60 Minutes," where she stopped short of stating that Obama is not a Muslim, despite having attended prayer breakfasts with him.
As the Obama campaign has been doing for the past several weeks, Plouffe also called on Clinton to release more documents from the Clinton presidential library and from tax filings.
"What are the Clinton's scared off?" Plouffe asked. "What's lurking there?"
He then stated that the rest of the primary voters remaining and superdelegates do not yet have all the information. "Democratic voters can't know what they really might be getting in a Clinton nomination," he said.
Plouffe also charged that Clinton's campaign is "pushing" the controversy over Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., Obama's longtime Chicago pastor and spiritual mentor.
Before Obama appeared here, local television stations included traffic reports about the arena around the arena, as their helicopters hovered above.
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Comments
WHAT A MORON! LOYALTY ! FRIEND! JERK!
Posted by: Rick B | March 21, 2008 1:21 PM
Excellent. Now let's get on with Edward's endorsement and end the Clinton charade once and for all and move on to the bigger task at hand in defeating McCain.
Posted by: lookyhere | March 21, 2008 1:40 PM
Bill do some research yourself befor putting your name with someone! Do you bill Richardson really think this guy is a uniter? Don't you hold him accountable for the HOODWINK BAMBOOZLE remarks in South Carolina? Don't you hold him accountable for the Rezko dealings? Don't you hold him a ccountable for not a single meeting on forgien affairs sub cometee? Don't you hold him accountable for anything but HOODWINKING SO MANY PEOPLE. Are you one of those" On one end of the spectrum, we've heard the implication that my candidacy is somehow an exercise in affirmative action; that it's based solely on the desire of wide-eyed liberals to purchase racial reconciliation on the cheap." SHAME ON YOU BILL RICHARDSON SHAME ON YOU! ET TO BRUTUS!
Posted by: Rick B | March 21, 2008 1:48 PM
This just leaves Gore and Edwards as the main uncommitted superdelegates to make endorsements.
Posted by: KPO'M | March 21, 2008 1:55 PM
Richardson did so poorly in the primaries that we competed in I don't see that this is a great deal for obama. He couldn't even pull the hispanic vote in the primaries. Just another bragging point. If obama gets the nomination I definately don't see Richardson being an asset to him if he names Richardson VP, which is being talked about.
Posted by: RFB | March 21, 2008 2:10 PM
Bill Clinton should give Richardson a boot in the backside. Some friend!!
Posted by: garyw | March 21, 2008 2:13 PM
rant much rick? i am happy that my governor has chosen to endorse Barack Obama. It clearly illustrates that he continues to think for himself and is not swayed by the machinations of the Clintons. i am now waiting anxiously for the other Bill.....Clinton to come out for the best candidate also and endorse Barack.
Posted by: marcus | March 21, 2008 2:14 PM
Bill Richardson's New Mexico endorsement for Obama...Hmmmmmm. Is this why it took New Mexico three weeks to declare Clinton the winner? He was probably trying to cheat for Obama!
Posted by: political1 | March 21, 2008 2:17 PM
How appropriate Mr. Richardson.
Good Friday another betrayal!
Who was he before he become energy sec?
Posted by: James | March 21, 2008 2:24 PM
Governor Richardson,
Today I am ashamed to say that I held you in high esteem as a man, a politician and as a person.
However, your endorsement of the unpatriotic, race baiting, un-Christian and poor judgment led (Rezko, state appointments, suspect earmarks and REV. WRIGHT) Barack Obama makes me question your judgment.
The Obama campaign has race baited since Iowa and all of us in the African American community know it.
In addition, 20 years of attending and being under the mantle of the ministry of an American hater tells me that Obama lacks judgment for leading this country.
Were you threatened like the CBC members who were told they would lose their seats by Jesse Jackson, Jr. if you did not endorse him? Or were you paid off like other superdelegates with contributions to your upcoming campaigns?
Either way you have joined the list of non-thinking Americans and shown all Americans that you like Obama talk of a new political order; however, you do not live the new order you speak.
I am ashamed of you, but maybe this is why your candidacy did not take off to Americans, they saw through you like I see thorough you now.
God Bless America
Posted by: Informed Lifelong Democrat | March 21, 2008 2:24 PM
I'm sure this was a choice Gov. Richardson did not take lightly. His choice to endorse Senator Obama shows how much confidence we should all have in Obama's ability to lead this country. Richardson's support, backed by years of experience in public service (and 5 nobel peace prize nominations!), just give more credence to the fact that Obama has the wisdom and judgment necessary to unite America and lead us into the future.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 21, 2008 2:27 PM
It doesn't make him unloyal or no longer a friend, he has stated that he still remains very close to the Clintons. I am a hardcore democrat and I generally like Hillary as a person. Richardson needs to do what is best for him; and what I believe what is best for the country ( not saying Clinton wouldnt be a good president I am saying it because I want the nomination to be filled so we can take down McCain.) God Bless
Posted by: Tyler Clay Collins Ky | March 21, 2008 2:30 PM
The endorsement actaully came from me, Horatio Sanz and not Gov. Richradson. I'm sure you can understand the confusion.
Posted by: Horatio Sanz | March 21, 2008 2:31 PM
To Rick B re: "WHAT A MORON! LOYALTY ! FRIEND! JERK!"
I assume you are referring to Gov. Richardson and that you are a supporter of Sen. Clinton.
This is not the kind of dialogue (?!?) that Democrats should have in public or in private. Please grow up.
Posted by: Gene | March 21, 2008 2:31 PM
The endorsement actaully came from me, Horatio Sanz and not Gov. Richardson. I'm sure you can understand the confusion.
Posted by: Horatio Sanz | March 21, 2008 2:31 PM
I have lost all respect for Richardson. In order to get a VP position he surrendered his integrity and loyalty to kiss Obama's ass. Obama needs him after the storm resulted from his hatred-filled paster. Richardson needs Obama to have a hope of VP. Amazing what people will do to gain power!
By betraying his friends and his former boss in exchange for possible VP, he has created very negative karma that will come back to hunt for him forever, even for the next life! Retribution will always there!
Posted by: W | March 21, 2008 2:48 PM
Obama is a Harvard Lawyer expert using words to deflect and seduce, channeling MLK, JFK, and Lincoln as needed. He understands the core tenants of Black Liberation Theology and HAS CHOSEN to practice it for over 21 YEARS as his personal faith (as has his wife) and adopt it for his children. After Harvard, Obama became a Black Organizer and activist.
The Larger story centers on the faith’ and what the core tenets of that faith are, not merely one of many messengers - Reverend Wright.
The “black liberation” theologians James Cone and Dwight Hopkins pioneered the religion that Obama’s church espouses, and which Rev. Wright both adheres to and preaches.
Some of the main points of this Cult Theology’:
Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community. Their Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love. In the black liberation theology taught by Wright, Cone and Hopkins, Jesus Christ is not for all men, but only for the oppressed:
In the New Testament, Jesus is not for all, but for the oppressed, the poor and unwanted of society, and against oppressors. Either God is for black people in their fight for liberation and against the white oppressors, or he is not [Cone].
1. See William R Jones, “Divine Racism: The Unacknowledged Threshold Issue for Black Theology”, in African-American Religious Thought: An Anthology, ed Cornel West and Eddie Glaube (Westminster John Knox Press).
There are some serious issues to be addressed about WHY Obama chose to join this Black Power cult, and its main message of hatred. He’s in it now, and has been immersed in this core doctrine for over 20 years, and still embraces it in "speech"? Black Panthers are part of Obama Campaign, although taken off website Wednesday..
Posted by: Realista | March 21, 2008 2:58 PM
So he throws his old friends, the Clinton's, under the bus. He saw Obama with more chances to win and he wants that VP spot or Sec. of State position, which I am sure both canidates bribed him with. He is putting his money on Obama. Just another politician who would sell out his best friends, the Clinton's, for a buck and glory. The Democrats are sure self destructing and I could'nt be happier.
Posted by: The Donald | March 21, 2008 3:10 PM
The timing of Richardson's endorsement raises questions about what might be promised to Richardson in order to make it worthwhile for him to:
1. show his disloyal to the Clintons who have been his allies and supporters in his political career
2. show that he did not care about his state voters and his Latinos community
3. show his poor judgment and integrity by endorsing Obama who believes in anti-american and hate-filled Wright's teachings.
In the long run, this endorsement does not have big impact since the Latinos have supported Clinton even when Richardson was a candidate.
Posted by: vote4thebest | March 21, 2008 3:16 PM
Doen't every one know that if you accept a Cabinet post you owe the President who appoints you, and his wife, lifetime loyalty?
Doesn't he know he is never,ever allowed to think for himself again, but must base all decisions what is best for that President and his family?
Doesn't he understand how feudalism works, and that he owes everything to his liege lord?
Posted by: Clinton Supprter | March 21, 2008 3:34 PM
As per Reaslista's comments above...I'm really concerned that Obama is one scary, unelectable, man. It is OBAMA who's character we need to question and that the media has not done enough to disclose to the public. Realista should send that posting to LOU DOBBS or someone out there to put all over the news. I saw that "black panther' link on thier website on Tuesday then it is gone. Davie Pouffee Obama's campaign manager needs to sincerely eat his own stupid words when he's looking into Hillary's "character" gap as he calls it. Her life has been an OPEN BOOK for so many years "what gap is he talking about?" WE KNOW HER. With Obama he's only just in the spotlight and already we are scared to death of what he'll do to our beloved country.
Posted by: concerened american | March 21, 2008 3:53 PM
Obama is the choice of Richardson because Richardson thinks that Obama is the right choice for this time. I did not get the sense that in another election cycle he would have necessarily have made the same choice.
I certainly not disappointed in John Murtha for supporting Hillary Clinton. I would have been surprised if Mr Murtha supported Sen Obama. Obama would like to decrease the involvement of special interests, Clinton and Murtha have no such desire. So why would Clinton supporters be disappointed when a man of integrity chooses a like-minded man.
There are real choices in this election. Integrity in government is one, accountability of government to its people is another.
I prefer a government responsible to its people so I support Obama. Others gain their employment through special interests. They don't reveal that, they just blog outrageous slander against Obama, thinking that if they are nasty enough they will keep decent people from voting. I believed that worked in the Bush-Kerry election. This year there is someone to vote for: Obama.
Posted by: Ron M | March 21, 2008 3:56 PM
Obama has very little chance of ever becoming president now so it really doesnt matter who endorses him. His campaign for President is over he just doesnt know it yet. Can anyone actually see him winning with his latest scandals. He is falling in polls as we speak. Even his speech did little to change his downward spiral. People are not stupid. You cant have it both ways. You lie down with dogs you come up with fleas. The Rev Wright controversy has turned Obama from the front runner into a distant 3rd.
Posted by: Vinny | March 21, 2008 4:03 PM
Obama/Richardson 2008. The American people don't deserve a team that qualified in the White House. With them, we might just return to peace and prosperity, and the American people have shown in 2000 and 2004 that they do not want that.
Posted by: Paul | March 21, 2008 4:31 PM
i sure am glad so many of you expert political strategists are here to explain this for me!
here i was, thinking that someone as experienced and intelligent as bill richardson is able to weigh the pros and cons of his own endorsement himself, and choose who he feels is the best candidate.
thank god for so many of you, who are able to crawl inside his head and read his thoughts. now i know that bill richardson is a disloyal betrayer who doesn't know that he owes the clintons everything!
how could he ever do such a thing as endorse the person who has consistently shown better judgment and the ability to treat the american public like adults instead of the candidate who has consistently shown her lack of character and her ability to sling mud and drive the dialogue down into the gutter?
i'm so glad so many of you experts are here to point that out. which begs the question - if you're so able to read people's minds and thoughts, what are you doing on a message board?!? join the circus! you have talent!
Posted by: tb | March 21, 2008 4:58 PM
It means nothing ! Obama still won't get the Hispanic vote, Asian vote, Am. Indian vote. NADA!
Posted by: Don B | March 21, 2008 5:00 PM
Obama has very little chance of ever becoming president now so it really doesnt matter who endorses him. His campaign for President is over he just doesnt know it yet. Can anyone actually see him winning with his latest scandals. He is falling in polls as we speak. Even his speech did little to change his downward spiral. People are not stupid. You cant have it both ways. You lie down with dogs you come up with fleas. The Rev Wright controversy has turned Obama from the front runner into a distant 3rd.
Posted by: Vinny | March 21, 2008 4:03 PM
-------------------------
I think the trouble is that people are very stupid. They are stupid to get distracted by meaningless scandals like this. This is the worst they could pull up on him? The rantings of his preacher when he wasn't in church?
The good news is that the news goes on and Obama has plenty of time to recover. Soon the stupid people will be back to watching their reality TV and maybe we can get back to the issues.
Posted by: Ben A. | March 21, 2008 5:09 PM
Gosh, I guess that means that all of the other superdelegates are free to go against the will of their states' voters? After all, Kennedy, Kerry and now Richardson have. Or is that only good if they go for Obama?
Posted by: Mary | March 21, 2008 5:37 PM
Richardson has a habit of lying and misleading, and you can see it in action in his comments. There's very little "demonization of immigrants", and almost none by those in positions of power. And, those who oppose illegal activity are concerned with illegal aliens, not "immigrants".
Here's some background on Richardson that you'll never hear from the Chicago Tribune:
youtube.com/watch?v=i0YRHXoygRM
youtube.com/watch?v=MiszkrzoOs0
youtube.com/watch?v=CifLm6z32eA
youtube.com/watch?v=mN2o208PFhg
The last two have examples of him lying and misleading.
On the second, he supports ethnic nationalism.
And, the first video describes how Richardson was shilling for a pan-American group whose interests are at odds from the U.S. at *the same time as he was running for president of the U.S.*.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 21, 2008 6:33 PM
Looks like a good ticket to me. One I'd vote for! We don't need BLIND loyalty in times like these. We need effective leadership, and as much as I still admire the Presidency of Bill Clinton, it it time to move on. 20 years of Bush/Clinton/Bush is enough. These two well represent the melting pot of minorities that need to be spoken for.
Democrats stop fighting amongst ourselves and support Barack Obama. And, I for one hope his running mate IS Gov. Bill Richardson
Posted by: Bill B | March 21, 2008 7:11 PM
Richardson certainly isn't going to bring Obama's campaign back. He's proven himself to be a hypocrit and the audacity of his lies ring true. He is a fraud and does not deserve anyone's support. Clinton deserves the nomination and we should all support her.
Posted by: Toni | March 21, 2008 7:13 PM
Richardson certainly isn't going to bring Obama's campaign back. He's proven himself to be a hypocrit and the audacity of his lies ring true. He is a fraud and does not deserve anyone's support. Clinton deserves the nomination and we should all support her.
Posted by: Toni | March 21, 2008 7:24 PM
tb, Ben and Ron: Very good points. Thanks for your insights. As for you posters who are saying that Obama won't get any votes, can you please tell me the winning POWERBALL NUMBERS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT??? I NEED SOME MONEY AND A BIGGER HOUSE!!!
Posted by: Mary in Fort Madison, Iowa | March 21, 2008 8:23 PM
Vinny,
You're right, people are not stupid. Except people who believe there is a career-ending scandal surrounding Obama.
Do you like muskets?
Posted by: crud | March 21, 2008 10:58 PM
Obama claims to be bringing change to Washington. MSNBC reported in late December that Obama had 247 Clinton administration people working on his campaign. 47 of these were top Clinton people. Now he has another. Looks more like musical chairs than change.
Posted by: Grant Cameron | March 21, 2008 11:03 PM
Come on Al Gore! Come and do the right thing by endorsing Obama now!
Posted by: August | March 22, 2008 6:38 AM
Richardson is a traitor, as is Oprah! Obama realizes race does matter and but he tried to lull white voters into beleiving it does not. Now that he has many of their votes, all this stuff about the "reverend" comes out...too frightening for words.
Posted by: Wondering | March 22, 2008 10:03 AM
Bill Richardson is just like "Judas" and wow it happened around the aniversary of Judas 30 coin trade!! Back stabbing how sad. Can American not see how horrible Obama and his team are. So prejudice and wanting nothing but the "Minority Power" really sad!!
Posted by: Hillary Support | March 23, 2008 6:10 PM
I feel totally betrayed by Richardson's opportunistic endorsement.Richardson did not get the support of the Latino community during the primaries what makes him think this endorsement would help obama? he not only betrayed new mexico which supported Hillary he betrayed the hispano community nationally which has overwhelmingly supported hillary. this man is an insult an idiot who 'loves playing hero' he really blew it this time. the only benefit of this endorsement is that now obama supporters can not longer insist that superdelegates have to support the will of their constituents-so in a way this (vendido) did us a favor. many of us native new mexicans have long suspected that richardson moved to new mexico knowing that given its large hispano population this would serve as a favorable political enviorment for him to prepare for his real aspiration (the presidency). opportunistic self-serving traitor is how richardson could best be described. without the clinton appointments this idiot would not be where he is today.
Posted by: hispana in new mexico | March 24, 2008 12:06 AM
Mr. Richardson,
You have just proven how disloyal you are. You turn your back on friends for a job with Obama...God, how deplorable can you be?
I honestly have a hard time believing that in 20 years Sen Obama never heard the Rev Wright say anything bad against whites. It just doesnt sound right. Things that make you go hmmmm??
That's my view.
I don't care who wins, politicans are all alike...bottom feeders.
Cheers
JS
Posted by: John Stevens | March 24, 2008 1:33 AM