SALEM, Ore. - Conventional wisdom suggests New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama ’s bid for the Democratic nomination matters most among Hispanic voters where, as a Hispanic himself, Richardson could have most influence.
Following that logic, the endorsement would have made more impact before Texas primary on March 5 or, even better, before Super Tuesday’s primary in California. Sen. Hillary Clinton won the big Hispanic vote in both states handily.
The point was made by Clinton’s campaign strategist Mark Penn.
“You know, I think New Mexico is a state that, actually, we won,” he said. “And if Senator Obama’s campaign wanted to follow what they tell everyone, they certainly would be telling Governor Richardson to be casting his pledged delegate to us.
“But I think that, you know, perhaps the time when he could have been most effective has long since passed and — long since passed.”
But Richardson, who had been in the Democratic presidential race until dropping out in January , told a news conference that point of view was “unfortunate” and reflective of an outmoded politics of ethnic identification that he said Obama opposes.
President Bill Clinton appointed Richardson energy secretary and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and the Clintons had courted his endorsement assiduously.
Richardson called Sen. Clinton on Friday to explain why he was supporting her opponent and it was a difficult phone call.
“Let me say we have had better conversations,” he said.
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
- Photo credit: Reuters/Richard Clement (Obama (left) and Richardson wave to the crowd at a rally in Portland, Ore., March 21 after the New Mexico governor endorseed Obama’s presidential campaign.)
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49 comments so far
On the same day that Gov. Richardson endorses Obama, the owner of the Bunny Ranch (a very high-priced house of prostitution) endorsed Clinton saying that her voice was important for woman’s rights. Irony rides again.
- Posted by Mimi KugushevTales from the trail? Where is a tale from John McCain’s campaign…. this is only one half of the trail…
- Posted by TalleyrandActually, I think it was a grand idea for Governor Richardson to endorse Obama. Time is crucial for the American people‘s upward movement, and anything to accelerate the accommodation of Obama’s campaige for change concludes that we are headed on the right path. Gov. Richardson ‘s wisdom and knowledge of Obama’s position have lead him to a wise decision. This endorsement shouldn’t come as a surprise to the American people because we ourselves have shown acceptance of Obama at the polls. Despite all of the rhetoric manifesting from Hilliary and the media’s distorted views, the truth still prevails that Obama is the best elect for the democratic nominee. I commend Obama on a job well done. In regards to Hilliary’s response to the endorsement, one would expect her to say the contrary, which shows her inexperience and inability to deal with the truth . Obama possess a unique style and ability to organize and unite people on one accord . His campaige have bought so many together for a worthy cause and it’s so phenomenon to have the opportunity to play a part in executing change for our country.
- Posted by Nisey01Richardson has stated all along that he felt the Super Delegates should follow the majority delegate leader as that shows the will of the people. To say he should just vote with his state would no more help Clinton than Billing being quiet. Obmama has won more states and therefore would still beat Hillary.
- Posted by Sam FosterObama has won more states, more elected delegates, more delegates total and the popular vote…not sure how much more information the Supers require…..glad to see that Gov. Richardson is smart enough to figure it out and add the math. That bodes well for the people in New Mexico.
Mr. Richardson couldn’t get the support of Hispanics for himself - why the Obama campaign thinks he can deliver Hispanics now is beyond me.
I can assure you that he is incapable convincing me to vote for Obama. Though it pains me to say, I will most likely end up having to vote for McCain. For a lifelong Democrat that’s a truly painful prospect.
- Posted by NoemiTo Nisey01 and other supporters of Obama, I say you’re all acting like robots! Obama believes in the Black Liberation Church and it’s doctrine and if you think he’s anything other than a slick talking lawyer whose been groomed for 20 years by the church, you really are being blind, deaf and dumb.
- Posted by JamalHis tax increases will cause pain on the poor and middle class, NOT the wealthy and his ideas on racism are just one small example of once again blaming everyone but the black man. I, for one, am one black man who sees through the facade of Obama-mainia and Lord help the potential storm that will come if he is elected.
Richardson endorsing Obama means absolutely nothing to me. He couldnt even get votes for the primary himself. Hispanic people are in large very religous and for Richardson to endorse Obama in light of his spiritual advisors comments is a slap in the face to the hispanic people. Obama knew this man’s views (and has heard them many times) and STILL appointed him to his campaign. Come on america wake up and smell the coffee.
- Posted by BrianTo Jamal,
I certainly appreciate and respect your incoming comment. However, Obama is still the better choice for me and so many others, excluding you which I understand. There’s no imperfect being in this world, and I can’t foresee any more damage that he could deliver in the midst of the last two previous presidents. Being afraid to embrace change in the midst of conditioned and programmed minds of the past stand no where in my book. Therefore, I conclude that I will not continue to contribute to handicapping our society out of fear of change and the same ole, same ole political elected officials. I am sure that Obama, including the entire world and yourself is not unaware of the injustice inflicted on so many, regardless of race, creed or color. But, to admit and to include a plan of reconciliation for the entire world with no respecter of person, is a positive response to our present status and in embracing it, is more than I can say the other candidates in prior or present years have offered as to this point. The sky is the limit, why settle amongst the stars, I refuse to settle for less, I am better than that . Actually, a lot more Americans tends to feel the same should you view the polls statistics. Future generations are far more advance d in their thinking and abilities, so I refuse to stunt their growth, out of fear to move forward.
- Posted by Nisey01To Jamal’
Correction-there is no perfect being in this world, from the comment you sent me. Please accept my apology for my typographic error, but the rest still stands. Have a good one. Take care.
- Posted by Nisey01What gratitude! If it weren’t former President Clinton, no one would care whom Richardson supports.
- Posted by Ruth ValdezRuth Valdez, Republican voting for John McCain
Nisey01, I respect your views as you are certainly entitled to them. If Obama indeed becomes President, I hope and pray the wishes and hopes and dreams you advance come to fruition, however, some of what you present is exactly that, a dream. Nothing more. And please understand, I mean no disrespect. I am merely pointing out that Obama is nothing more than a typical, dare I say it, lying politican and yes, there is no perfect candidate. But to truly think that Obama will save the world with, as you wrote, “a plan of reconciliation for the entire world” seems more than a bit dreamy to me. The world is a dangerous place, period. All the fine talk and dreams won’t change facts that radical Islam’s goal is for world domination and the destruction of Western society. Nor will dreams solve corruption from those “haves” who are intent on staying part of the powerful elite. God forbid if someday we are again attacked and even more brutally, where do you think the elite will be afterwards? Not in the U.S. Why? Because they have the means to leave and leave us holding the dead. Fine talk won’t address the real issue of why a man running for President stays in an environment for 20 years in which hatred and condemnation of our nation, white people, Jews and blacks like myself who disagree with them are celebrated, all the while with his supporters and most all of the news media praises a speech in which, once again, has an underlying tone of not taking responsibility and blaming others. Some insight on this can be found on YourTube from Harlem’s Pastor Manning.
I applaud wanting change, for you are certainly correct in that our nation needs change, but change for the sake of change without fully knowing what that particular change will bring in the end is not what “Future generations are far more advanced in their thinking and abilities” ends up being. The old sang, “The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence.” holds true for most times, it isn’t. Change is good and needed, but only with real honesty and we do not have that.
- Posted by JamalI do not believe Richardson endorsed Obama for the Hispanc vote. Of the states left, there are few in terms of the Hispanic population.
- Posted by MikeGood man, Gov. Richardson!
Go Obama!
The prospects of Clinton or MaCain prevailing are terribly depressing.
With the sad state of Iraq and sad state of US economy, we need the hope of an Obama Presidency!
- Posted by ScottTo Jamal,
Thanks for getting back. I feel your concern, indeed. Optimistically speaking, we have actually never known the exact end result of none of the past presidents. So why concern yourself so immensely now. Does it not indicate that your mind has been programmed and conditioned to perceive such concern, when in retrospect thoughts of this caliber did not manifest in your mind previously, because of the norm of the same ole same ole no color or no woman president in the running. I am sure that in the past we all have stood for one thing or another, whether it was good or bad, yet later we made a better choice and decision. Nothing remains the same, change occurs all the time. Yet in our comments people tend to deny Obama that same ability to change. Why? And who’s to say that Obama regarded the pastor’s speech as a platform for him to live by. We don’t believe everything that is taught us, do you? It appears that Obama if he was in the midst for some 17 or 20 years, have taken the pastor’s rhetoric to another level and comprised a solution to help solve the issues enclosed for the best. He reevaluated the pastor’s concerns and revised a counter reaction in the form of a change to accommodate the issues for the best and did not fall prey to it. Decisions and solutions can’t be addressed if there is no basis indicating otherwise. So no I am not going to disregard the fact nor stagnate a concern and force it to be placed against anyone in a negative tone to accommodate selfish intent from another for their selfish approval. In that case, should one do that, then they are no better off than the pastor himself and in agreement with the rhetoric therein. Obama’s unique ability of discernment , intellect, and wisdom was given him at birth. In several readings, he has revealed that ability throughout his time, from an young age into his old age. It’s also said in the bible, to listen to the words that come out of the mouths of babes(young), in which they are at exceedingly numbers showing up at the polls and they know things that the older generation may not know. We shouldn’t take anything or anyone for granted nor be so quick to say this and that, without honestly revaluating the entire situation at hand. I have followed this campaige from day one and daily researches each fore running candidate . Obama has great wisdom and knowledge, something that one should take heed to. In the past and hopefully not now, remember the saying “the blind leading the blind”. OBAMA 08
- Posted by Nisey01Jamal, thanks for mentioning the name of Pastor Manning. Now, I understand where you are getting the inspiration for your distrustful, absolutist views. Seeing Pastor Manning in a YouTube video saying “Barack Hussein Obama has a white mama” and his way of saying that his father is not even American, he is from “Aff-ri-ca”, sent chills down my spine. It is downright racist even though Pastor Manning himself claims that it is not. You can really choose to follow his divisive messages or try to have a more open mind, and evaluate people and events with your own intellect. Obviously, you have wrong information about Obama’s plans. His proposed tax cuts are directed at low and middle-income groups, not the wealthy. He is not taking donations from lobbyist (pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, etc.) so that he can eliminate their impact on decision-making in Washington and protect the regular people from the greed of these powerful interest groups. Please stop with this baseless conspiracy. To answer another point that you made, if you think that his speech in Philadelphia last week, about his position in relation to his church and former pastor, where he refused to disown either, was not taking responsibility, then I don’t know what else to tell you. I sincerely hope that you start seeing the truth with your own eyes.
- Posted by DilhanWishing a Happy Easter for all.
Nisey01, I must say it seems you’ve mistakenly lumped me into the older generations, which hurts my feelings considering I’m only 27 years old. Hmmm
To Dilhan, Pastor Manning is a man that speaks the truth for black Americans unlike the perverted rantings of hatred by others. As far as Obama’s speech and taking responsibility, I can only say deeds, not mere words constitute taking responsibility. The deeds, as always, haven’t materialized. Only words of a typical politician. And as far as a “baseless conspiracy”, I would suggest the propaganda machine will not work in the general election.
Forgive me as I must return to family as it is Easter.
- Posted by JamalThe logic is flawed - that superdelegates should follow the delegates lead. It is tantamount to the Senate House should follow the Lower House how it votes.
The delegates process of selecting its choice is not really democratic! Vox populi!
Remember, Christ was crucified not by the majority but by the tyranny of the minority - the loud mouths!
Also, caucauses is very undemocratic wherein a few people decide who is their choice is - very unfair!
- Posted by NORMANhere are some notes about the PA primary on the last day to register…
http://thevote.abc13.com/2008/03/some-no tes-on-p.html
- Posted by tom abrahamsI agree with Noemi. As a lifelong Democrat, I will have to vote for McCain as well if Obama wins the nomination. Mind you, with his close connections to the guys on trial in Chicago for corruption, likely he will be indicted before primary season is over. What superdelegate would vote for a guy facing trial? Hillary hang on, please, until Obama sinks himself
- Posted by Carol O'ConnorTo the lifelong Democrats who “will have to vote for McCain” - why? What are your reasons? Surely your issues with Senator Obama (that neither of you explained) aren’t enough that you would want to give up multiple seats in the Supreme Court?!
- Posted by RenaVery simple. Obama offered Richardson something Richardson wanted. Either the VP slot or a certain cabinet
- Posted by Bobpost where Clinton did not.
I saw Bill Richardson on Fox News last night trying to defend his decision to support Obama, and it looked to me as if he regretted his decision to support Obama! If Obama wins the Democratic Nomination, it will be a landslide victory for John McCain in november. No one wants a president that hates america the way Obama hates america!
- Posted by MickWhat a joke. Richardson is hoping to be named a running mate “cuz” that is the only way we will ever hear about him again.
- Posted by DanaOsama oops, Obama is anti-american. 20 years in that so called church of his is 100% proof. duh….from my 11yro son!
America will be single handedly dismantled and if this person gets the DNC nomination - I will vote republican for the first time in my life!
Governor Richardson speaks to establishment Democrats. Before his election as Governor, he was a well respected leader in the Democratic National Committee.
- Posted by BlaksmithBill Richardson was fooled by North Korea, among others. PLEASE!
- Posted by JamalAs A hispanic–Bill Richardson’s endorsement was a SELLOUT and most Latino/Hispanic people know it. He could have endorsed Obama during the NEw Mexico Primary. WHY DIDN”T HE DO IT THEN? So this won’t change me vote. I still won’t vote for Obama. Either Hillary or McCain. No politician is a saint. BUT OBAMA isn’t without great tarnish like most paint him. He always is the victim in everything.
- Posted by elizabethRichardson is a typical politician who came to Oregon to hustle himself into a political job when/if Obama is elected. As an Oregon Hispanic, I wish that Richardson had stayed in New Mexico. Hispanic voters are not bought & sold. Go back to New Mexico, Richardson.
- Posted by PatGive Obama credited for the effort but slap Richardson for thinking he could sway hispanics to ignore the work of the Clintons on behalf of Hispanics for years. Blacks as a race have been voting without thinking just based on skin color but Hispanics have much more education and will not be used by Richardson. In fact Richardson may need a new job because after this I say he loses his next race.
- Posted by JodiI would be labeled 1st generation Italian/American and 2nd generation German/America. I think Richardson has come to his senses in endorsing Obama. It shows he truly has citizens concerns at heart. He is too kind in his words about the lying and corrupt Clintons. Maybe he is aware of Bill’s upcoming trial that the press is ignoring.
- Posted by mary CAHas anyone reading, and commenting, considered the fact that “JAMAL”, is not black.
- Posted by DennisHe always is the victim in everything.
- Posted by mary CA- Posted by elizabeth Typical Hillary lie repeated by her followers. I will vote for Cynthia McKinney myself if the choice be Clinton or McCain. My conscience will be clear. I will not vote for invading Iran and cluster bombs and her lobbyist’s that she gives “aid and comfort to” like Hoffman-La Roche. Hillary is seriously mentally deranged and terrifies me, but I will not vote for McCain and more killing of innocent children in Iran to ensure she loses. Either Clinton or McCain is a loss for citizens.
Posted by Dana “100% proof. duh….from my 11yro son!” Sad, Dana that you are not teaching your son about smear campaign tactics and to be quick to judge based on scant info fed by media. Get the facts about Rev. Wright and get on your knees and ask God for forgiveness. You are exactly the audience the defamation of character tape was made to influence. Sad, sad people who are quick to judge and condemn. You do not even know that part of Wright’s sermon sound bite was him quoting Ambassador Peck after “9/11″. You do not know Wright was admired by President Johnson and President Clinton among leading clergy of many religions nationwide, but will teach your son to hate and believe anything he sees on the boob tube.
- Posted by mary CA“What superdelegate would vote for a guy facing trial? Hillary hang on, please, until Obama sinks himself”
- Posted by mary CA- Posted by Carol O’Connor Good question. Bill Clinton is facing trial. That is why Hillary is leading her voters astray casting false suspicion on Senator Obama. Whatever crime she accuses Obama is what she and Bill are guilty of. In her crazed lust for power she has indeed handed McCain a win. Like him, she wants into Iran, welcome back draft. Both do not care that Iran puts us at risk from attack by Russia and China. Clintons got away with Vincent Foster, Billy Dale to name two. Powers used the correct word to describe her.
For the democrats that state that if Obama is DMC nominee, they will vote republican, I do not understand the thought process that you used to come to that conclusion, could you all please enlighten me? Barack Obama and Hilliary Clinton in regards to the issues, and their positions are almost exactly the same other than universal health care and the way that they choose to go about it. McCain on the other hand is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum. I just don’t understand.
Hum……… maybe I missed something ??????
- Posted by diggiWow. Who are you people?!
- Posted by RenaI’m still trying to figure out why ANYONE would vote for McCain. If that’s the best man the Republicans have, I’m sorry for all Republicans.
C’mon America WAKE UP!
This great country has lost its place in the world. We are a laughing stock, while the rest of the world moves forward, the Bush Administration continues to lie to the good people of America.
Let’s put our differences aside, we all generally want the same things.
We NEED CHANGE!
ONE AMERICA, FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICANS!
Vote OBAMA!
- Posted by Medellin Travelerfor richardson to endorse obama is such a farce. was in the clinton administration and the turn coat goes over to the obama campaign. wants all hispanics to vote for obama. no way. all richardson wants is a position in the obama camp in case he wins the election [ i pray he dosen’t] right away they play the race card. “we are both 1/2 white} they make me sick, just like obama had to bring in his white grandmother in playing the race card when he got caught with his pants down in listening for 20 yrs to the racist man called a preacher. in my church we never talk about persons or politics, our preacher just talks about the Bible and the word of the Lord. The Lord teaches is to love and if obama is that blind to thinki his preacher teaches love, he is full of it. he stinks as far as i am concerned. he has all those followers, as he has said “HOOKWINKED,BAMBOOSELED”. WAKE UP AMERICA. this obama has his racisim well hidden but he lets it out once in a while if you listen closely to him, always bringing up the white/black issue. racism is tolerated but will never never be accepted.
- Posted by marieThe Clintons must be really awful for him to change sides. Or maybe they were never good friends.
Obama is obviously the best candidate, even a Nobel Prize nominee says so. Go Bill Richardson, kick Clinton out of the water.
- Posted by TruthForwardShould our leaders make alliances based on personal friendships
- Posted by joe ombimaor based on policies that are for the common of the people?
What makes the Clintons so furious about Bill Richardson’s decision?
What makes them feel entitled to Richardson’s support irrespective of how they
the tear apart the democratic party?
The Clinton campaign lost their black backing because of such assumptions
and that drew just the same kind of anger
we need a president who can stay above the fray
Governor Richardson made his choice. It’s time the Superdelegates stand tall and let Senator Clinton know that she and her husband don’t own them, like chattels.
- Posted by Bilbo983Gov. Richardson and Obama are a good ticket. G-d speed to them. In the wake of the blatent Bosnia lie, if anyone is delusional into thinking that Obama supporters will somehow back Hillary if she goes on and wins the primaries, they are mistaken. Hillary should simply step down. Her cavalier attitude about such an egregious sustained lie — not a mistatement — points to all the more reason why she is not ready to be in such a position. How could we every be certain when Hillary is telling you the truth or on another fantasy flight?
- Posted by lizRichardson endorsed Obama for one Hispanic - himself.
- Posted by AvaFor those of you who can not understand the reason Barack Obama maintained his status at Trinity church, it may help to put the remarks made by his pastor in context. The words pertained to the U.S. Government and how it acts as if it is God. He stated in part, that if America could rob its native people of their land and decimate the race, place her citizens in concentration camps, bring Africans to this country, make slaves of them and force them to work without pay for more than 250 years, teach its citizens that these people are only 4/5th of a man, should be feared, pass laws to ensure that they live in a perpetual state of poverty, etc., then God damn America! Jeremiah Wright came of age when Jim Crow, Segregation, and Racism was rampant and highly visible in America, and as explained by Obama, probably retains some bitterness as a result.
- Posted by CaliGirlI don’t get why people keep bringing up what Wright said as mattering in what Obama does. Preachers will say things they want in their churches and he doesn’t owe anymore of an apology than Hillary does apparently for Bill’s racist comments such as the one he said about NC and SC. Fox News seems to love to take bits and pieces of Obama’s speech too to use against him while listening to the whole thing makes sense.
- Posted by ZarthusIn the end, Hillary needs to just stop worrying about things like Richardson switching teams and making his decision. It seems that he is being penalized for making a vote. We aren’t supposed to do that. Leave the man alone and respect his decision already.
My life doe not tither on hope. I have lived to be 51 and have worked for everything I have. I am retired, own my own home, sent 4 kids to college, and travel often. And none of this was done on hope. It was all done with hard work. And as for change, what change does Obama really want. I’ve lived through change, and it is usually worse than before. He has never been specific.
- Posted by 51 and enjoying itGMT- Bill Richardson is a fence rider. He will wait until the going gets good and then jump on the bandwagon. You’re right he went with Obama for one HIspanic, himself. Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are. The company you keep tells a lot about who you are. Bill Richardson is White/Hispanic, depending on the day of the week and who he is with at the time. We have a lot of people like that here. They will use their white name all the time, and then suddenly they find their Hispanic surname serves them better, so they hypenate it on.
- Posted by Rio Grande ValleyDon’t be fooled by Richardson’s endorsement. He’s been promised a place in Obama’s administration, otherwise he wouldn’t have traded camps. Also, it was done at a time when he needed cover for his woe’s over Rev. [W]right?To the youth of America: Please learn about the issues before you decide who to vote for in this election. Don’t be swayed by spin that there is very little difference between Hillary and Barack. Hillary’s Solutions for America are far and away above his empty promises of hope. Hillary is right for America. Our country faces serious issues and the next President will be challenged above all others before them to restore our standing at home and abroad. Please just do your homework before you vote and then, I believe, you will vote for Hillary for President of the United States of America.
- Posted by Mary O'Bryanhey Mary,
polititcians are elected to make decisions, Bill Richardson made not just
a wise decision but also one that reflects the will of the American people
(obama is ahead in popularity and states!) ..so what is the problem?
he may have been promised a post ..so what? any upright statesman would gladly
accept to serve an administration that he has faith in
and what makes you think that the Clintons endorsers aren’t looking forward to, or haven’t
been promised a position. There’s totally nothing wrong with that.
And for your information every historical milestone from independence to the civil
- Posted by joe ombimarights movement have been driven by hope. it will be wiser if u critisize Obama
by his policies than the shallow shot at his message of hope. how can you discredit hope
in the situations that americans face every day.
Good morning Americans, it astonishes me to read the comments here. You should all open your eyes and see that Obama is the right candidate to lead your country. He is the only candidate so far that the rest of the World (namely, Austria, Germany, Russia, and other parts of Europe, Asia, Canada not forgetting Africa) feel is best suited to become your president. Instead of accusing him of things you think he has done in the name of press publicity, listen to his views and make a comparison with the views of Clinton and McCain (who is a joke). It will be a shame if democrats in your country decide vote for McCain. If I was an American, I could have voted for Obama. We in Africa have seen what the Bush Administration has done to the whole world. I was even more pissed off that he decided to visit Africa for a vacation not his administrative work in his last months in office. You should all see how he was able to belittle your country and the rest of the world. Open your eyes and vote for the best candidate for your country.
- Posted by cutie