Richardson Endorses Obama, Race Speech Influenced the Choice

Posted by Pam Spaulding, Pam's House Blend at 5:15 AM on March 21, 2008.

This statement from Bill Richardson just landed in my inbox and it's huge, coming at the right time -- when we all need to discuss the impact of race -- all of us. It is apparent that Obama's speech on race and reconciliation had an impact on his decision, which had to be difficult. The AP story is here.

New Mexico Governor and former Democratic presidential contender Bill Richardson could have easily endorsed Hillary Clinton -- he served as Secretary of Energy and UN Ambassador in the Clinton Administration and he is a long-time friend of the Clintons. His mainstream candidacy touted his impressive long resume of experience in federal and state government --  it makes both Clinton's and Obama's current bickering about who is more "3AM-ready" look ludicrous.

This is a tremendous loss for the Clinton team because they publicly worked so hard for Richardson's endorsement -- don't you remember Bill showing up to watch the Super Bowl with the governor? And what makes it even more stinging is that Richardson's statement is extremely enthusiastic, calling attention to bridging the racial divides and healing the schisms rather than politically capitalizing on them.

Richardson, who has been chatted up as a running mate in the MSM for both candidates, is slated to appear with Obama on Friday at an event in Portland, Oregon. Emphasis added is mine.

During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.

We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990's were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America's international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation's special responsibilities in the world.

So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.

Sincerely,

Bill Richardson

It's pretty clear that this decision weighed heavily on him. Look at this March 11, 2008  interview with Los Angeles Times journalist Maggie Farley at the UCLA Burkle Center for International Relations' second annual conference.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson discusses his personal experiences in the Democratic presidential primary race, the role of superdelegates and whether he will endorse Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama.

This friend and supporter of the Clintons couldn't say it in any stronger terms that it's time to stop the bickering and take a look at what will happen to this country if we allow the rancor to put John McCain into office.

What are your thoughts on the impact of this particular endorsement -- Richardson is also a superdelegate, so this is a strong signal to the Clinton campaign on that front as well.

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Tagged as: clinton, obama, richardson, delegates, superdelegates, democrtic party

Pam Spaulding blogs at Pam's House Blend.