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Kerry Endorses Obama, Richardson Drops Out
By Bill | January 10, 2008 | Email This Post
It’s been an interesting day so far in the Presidential race. First up, John Kerry endorsed Barack Obama for the democratic Presidential nomination, saying “There are other candidates in this race with whom I have worked and whom I respect. Each of them could be president tomorrow. But I believe that more than everyone else, Barack Obama can help our country turn the page and get America moving by uniting and ending the division that America faces.”
I suspect that John Edwards would like to quote Wayne Campbell: “Thanks a pant-load, Chet.” Failing that, at least fire back that Kerry once gave him something far superior to an endorsement, namely a spot as Kerry’s vice-Presidential running mate. He hasn’t, though, forbearing the temptation of churlishness and instead playing nice: “Our country and our Party are stronger because of John’s service, and I respect his decision.” So much for fireworks.
The endorsement is no surprise. It’s not a secret that Kerry and Edwards were never best friends; in fact, Time reported that Kerry was never particularly comfortable with his choice of running mate, and out-and-out regrets the decision now. Similarly, relations between Clinton and Kerry have never been anything but professional, leaving Obama as the only choice Kerry could make that would make any splash at all.
Still, it’s a nice pickup for Obama, though hardly game-changing. Can you see hoards of voters flocking to Obama’s camp simply because of the blessing of John Kerry? Me, either. At best it sets the stage for further endorsements from prominent Democrats to follow; everyone loves company if they’re going to risk picking the wrong side, particularly in a race this wide open. And should Hillary Clinton go on to win, is there any doubt that picking against her will turn out to have been a bad career move for a Democrat?
Richardson Drops Out
The other big event of the day was Bill Richardson announcing his withdrawal from the race, saying: “It is with great pride understanding and acceptance that I am ending my campaign for president of the United States.” With luminaries like Clinton, Obama, and Edwards in the race, Richardson was never able to draw enough voter attention to qualify as anything more than an also-ran. Richardson has spent the last several debates extolling his diplomatic and negotiation experience while also playing peacemaker among bickering candidates. All of this leads me to believe he’s angling for a job in the next administration. If not Vice President - and I don’t think adding him to the ticket makes sense, since he’s already proven he doesn’t draw a meaningful amount of support - then maybe he has his eye on something along the lines of Secretary of State. Will he get the offer? We’ll see.
Topics: Democrats, Editorial |