Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Suzanne, Elkhorn, WI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:46:47 GMT

Thank you Governor Richardson. Your support means so much to us Obama supporters.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:49:28 GMT

TO THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS:

Please do not be too hard on those Hillary supporters who blog here. I'm sure it is painful to recognize that their candidate does not have a chance to win this nomination and the hurt can obviously turn to frustration and anger. It is understandable why so many try to defend Hillary with denial of the facts. Let's have sympathy for them and give them time to work through their anger.

GREAT speech Governor Richardson. Welcome on board.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Anna, Los Angels — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:50:00 GMT

I'm very happy to hear of Governor Richardson's endorsement of Sen. Obama. I would love to see these two men work together in bringing our country back to greatness.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Carrie in Texas — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:50:13 GMT

What an attractive ticket this would be.

Obama/Richardson '08!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

jeanie o, saint inigoes, md — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:50:38 GMT

Elegant words from an elegant man! Thank you Governor Richardson.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

MBM, Chicago, IL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:52:14 GMT

Hillary, please take note. His reasoning seems quite sound. You can continue to go against the will of the people and the desire of your party to see a Democrat in the White House. Or you can ontinue on your merry way and work towards seeing that Bill and your good friend McCain is elected.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Keith in PA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:52:37 GMT

Bravo, bravo Bill Richardson!! Sí, se puede!! Alllllll aboard! People should choose the politics of hope and unity over the politics of division!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Paul, Riverside, CA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:52:55 GMT

Domino effect?

We'll just have to wait and see.

Funny how all the Clinton supporters are pissed off, but a while back were so convinced he was going to support Hillary.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Hillary 08 in Tennessee — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:53:17 GMT

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Asad — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:53:26 GMT

Turn toward Obama and smile?

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:53:34 GMT

Hey Governor Richardson -- We all want you back on the campaign trail as soon as possible. Having your support will a big boost for Senator Obama, that's for sure. Just when he needs it most.

Change we can really believe in --

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

AJ, IL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:54:30 GMT

Yes, Gov. Richardson thanks for your support. Even the conservative FOX NEWS is starting to show some unpopular support for Obama-bashing based on several anchors either walking out of the set or speaking up on the thought of fairness when discussing Obama's comments.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

gary - Pitt — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:55:08 GMT

Hillary must be so angry and hurt. Her real problem is actually that her level of "experience" has shut her mind to other options. She is one of those people (all to common in politics - just look at 1600 Pennsylvania's current resident) who, once they've been around, no longer believe that they are not always right about everything. Just listen to how often she uses the word "I" in her speeches and even bobs her head in agreement with herself. Also, I generally find that people who feel entitled cannot understand why others don't see it that way. I know this all sounds a bit pathetic - that's the point.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Maria Christine, Richardson, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:55:53 GMT

LOL! RIDING ON THE COAT TAILS OF OBAMA TO BE THE VP!! EYAH RIGHT!!!

AND THIS ENDORSEMENT DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACT THAT OBAMA'S POPULARITY IS STILL GOING DOWN...LOL..OBAMA STILL HAVE POOR JUDGEMENT!!!!

OH AND REMEMBER THIS! IF OBAMA WINS THE NOMINATION...THEN CONSIDER MCCAIN AS THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE US.. THE PARTY WILL NOT BE UNITED...........................

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Chris, Dorr, MI — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:58:47 GMT

I hope ALL of America reads this endorsement. It speaks the real truth.
Thank you FR for this posting.
White men over 40 for Obama!

Obama/Webb 08'

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Robin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:59:04 GMT

I'm delighted to see Gov. Richardson's endorsement. His statements were well-reasoned and thoughtful; a class act. I also believe he is correct in the statement that it is time for the infighting to cease. Dems must pull together to prepare for the war ahead in the fall if they are to prevail.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Bull the Dog — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Governor Richardson, who helped secure hostages in hostage negotiations, senses that Hillary Clinton's race for the presidency is more of a way to cap her politicial career than to unite the Democratic Party and better serve the country. He is convinced that despite all the hateful views of anti-Obama folks (I am absolutely convinced that Obama's "typical white" remark was misinterpreted and taken out of context, plus I am a white man) Obama is the candidate to confront the most difficult challenges facing America at home and abroad in an era of America's waning global influence.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Shtuey — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:00:07 GMT

Governor Richardson, I supported your candidacy. But I cannot support this. Barack Obama is a duplicitous liar and a fraud who uses the race card like a mallot to tar anyone who criticizes him as a racist including Gerry Ferraro, Ed Rendell, and the Clintons. These are people you know. These are people you know are not racist.

His ties to Wright, which he lied about, will prevent him from winning in November. You will not bring him Latino voters (you dropped out of the race before Nevada; you couldn't even count on Latinos there).

Poor judgement Governor, just like the man you endorsed; a man surrounded by racists and anti-semites who lies to the American people. That's not who I want in the White House.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

MBM, Chicago, IL — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:01:14 GMT

Maria,

You are right... the party probably won't be united . At least not right away. That is the last thing Hillary wants. The Democrats might actually win the general election if that happens and that isn't in her plan.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Gary — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:01:28 GMT

My predictions:

1. Biden will endorse Obama in next 7 days
2. Edwards will endorse Obama before PA primary
3. Al Gore will endorse Obama after NC primary
4. Obama will be official nominee by May 10th
5. Obama will be sworn in as President on Jan 20th, 2009

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Jessica, Wisconsin — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:01:53 GMT

Maria,

Your right. He really had a hard time selling out this event in Portland today (12,500 seats) - it took less than an hour. And that crowd sure looked like people who were so over him. They weren't excited about his camapign at all. Jeepers!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

American Voter — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:02:07 GMT

He "Appealed" to the Best of US ????

Does this mean 'typical white persons" INCLUDED???

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Joyce St. Helen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:03:01 GMT

One great man supporting another great man! Thank you!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Just Asking — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:04:42 GMT

OH!!! PLEEZE!!! Do we care that Richardson endorses someone at this late stage? I certainly don't. I don't think endorsements help i.e. Kerry & Kennedy. Their endorsements did not help BHO in MASS. Day late and a dollar short GUV.
Hillary 08 in Tennessee (Sent Friday, March 21, 2008 1:53 PM)

------------------------------

Will you say the same thing if/when it's John Edwards?

...or Nancy Pelosi?

...or Al Gore?

...or Howard Dean?

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

nom, st. louis, MO — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:05:45 GMT

Gov. Richardson is right about Obama. He has shown remarkable courage and leadership in tackling the issue of race head on. And he has done it in eloquent terms. It may cost him the election because it is such a painful area to think about that many white people may choose to rave on about his pastor and accuse Obama of poor judgment in his association with him. But that will be rationalization and nothing more.

Not only has Obama shown his own "once in a lifetime" leadershipbut he has (by their default) highlighted the lack thereof in his opponents Hillary Clinton, and John McCain. They are apparently content to let the hatemongers pick at Obama while they stay mute on the subject of racism. What a rare opportunity they both have to leap to his defense and join in a legitimate discussion of racism, this nation's most intractible and pernicious problem. But no, they are mere politicians guarding their political butts and shrinking from the fray just as other politicians have done for the last 230 years.

The question now is whether the people will draw courage from Obama and rise to the challenge that he has set for us -- the challenge to say to the polarizers and wedge drivers and fear peddlers "not this time."

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Shel, SLC UT — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:07:00 GMT

Here's an intelligent, articulate man who should be placed high in Mr. Barack's administration. VP??? Secretary of State??

His considerable talents shouldn't be wasted.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Colene, New York, New York — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:09:43 GMT

The party will be united and it will be a blessed day.

Obama is just what our country needs right now.

Thank you for speaking the truth, Senator Richardson!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

LB, Virginia — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:10:00 GMT

Thank you Governor Richardson, you are an inspiration to all of us. It is especially good of you to endorse him today after a tough week, with both Hillary and McCain piling on. Gracias!!!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

LB, Virginia — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:12:32 GMT

Poor Hillary, apparently she can only get endorsements from people who DON'T know her very well...

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

fortuna, Houston, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:14:32 GMT

As a former supporter of Richardson, I received an e-mail from him this morning announcing the endorsement. I replied to that e-mail with my great thanks, explaining that after he dropped out of the race and I started looking more closely at the other candidates, I quickly saw the potential that Obama offers this country. I would indeed be thrilled with an Obama/Richardson ticket and I hope that may be in the offing.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

nuanced — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:15:03 GMT

He spoke to us as adults... He appealed to the best in us."

That is what I find so refreshing. I am so tired of being treated like an idiot to be manipulated by obvious lies and spin.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Who's Sane — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:18:10 GMT

"He "Appealed" to the Best of US ????
Does this mean 'typical white persons" INCLUDED??? "
-- American Voter

Yes, I can see clearly why his appeal would not reach you. Other candidates appeal to the worst of us; you might find them more to your liking.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Linda. Boston, MA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:18:51 GMT

"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."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

And THAT is his way of telling all the other super delegates to finally take a stand and get behind the front-runner. I think the death of the FL and MI re-votes has significantly changed the playing field and will result in more super delegates realizing that Obama's win is inevitable.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Larry — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:19:54 GMT

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

gene — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:23:17 GMT

Purely a polictical endorsement. Lame duck govenor who lost an opportunity to run for an open senate seat is his state. Before super tuesday when his endorsement with the hispanic population might have made some difference, but not now. Richardson wanys to be Secretary of State and he could not get this in a Clinton admistration, this job is going to Holbrook, a real expert. You Obama supporters keep cheering, but starting with getting blowed away in Pa.and the stark realization that you have lost the white male vote, which will also hold true for the remaining pramaries.You can also expect that Michigan and Florida delegates and total votes will apply. The Democrats that have brains know this and would never go into a general election knowing that their candidate would lose these two states.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

voter — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:25:01 GMT

I find it astonishing that people will vote for McCain when he sought the support of Rev. Hagee who said inflammatory comments to people who were disenfranchised. The inflammatory statements of Rev. Wright are villified and therefore it influenced people's decision to not vote for Obama. On the other hand, the inflammatory comments of Rev. Hagee are accepted and people are willing to vote for McCain. I don't understand this. Inflammatory comments should be villified regardless of the people who say it. If it is condemed for one person it should be condemed for all. If people are not going to vote for Obama based on the comments his pastor made, than people should not vote for McCain either.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Robert, Indiana — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:27:58 GMT

Bill Richardson is just trying to his ONCE IN A LIFETIME VP nod.

'Cause if Hillary wins, she will take Obama as VP (as she has stated before).

With Hillary never wanting to play 2nd, Obama will take Richardson as his VP.

It is all a political calculation on B.Richardson's part.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Bill, Rochester, NY — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:32:07 GMT

"Never appeal to a man's better nature. He may not have one. Appealing to his self interest gives you more leverage"- Lazarus Long.
Well said Governor Richardson. I'm glad to see that you have some principles and some guts to boot!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

John Hergert, Pasco WA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:34:00 GMT

What a week for Obama, I hear him give one of the greatest speeches in my 53 years of life and now Gov. Bill Richardson comes along with wonderful words of endorsement for Senator Obama, the next President of the United States. I have been hoping for this to happen for weeks and it came at a great moment in the campaign. Isn't it ironic that none of the former democratic canidates have come out and endorsed Senator Clinton? They have either endorsed Senator Obama or remained neutral. What do we all think this means? Perhaps she is not as well liked by the democratic establishment as she thinks.

Oh yes, for all of you who feel that Obama is being less than honest about his experience at Trinity United Church of Christ, I have been a Lutheran pastor for the past 25+ years and have served in my present congregation for over 17 years. I am quite certain I have said some things that are over the top, outrageous and occasionally undefensible in that time. Never has anyone left this church because of them. People come for the message of hope not the pastor. Pastor Wright has a given his community a message of hope for almost all of his 30 years there. I would suggest that you hear what Dr. Martin Marty, a teacher and the University of Chicago, has said about Pastor Wright. The relationships that develop between a pastor and the members of the congregation are complex and vibrant. I have engaged in lively argument and heated debates with many of the members here, but we are still commited to one another and the message of hope that we come to experience. I submit that is what is happening between Senator Obama and Pastor Wright. I feel an even greater connection to Senator Obama because of his willingness to comdemn the remarks, but not condemn the man who married Michelle and Barack Obaman and baptized their children. Way To Go Barack! "Yes We Can!" Yes, we will!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Charles, Fort Walton Beach, Florida — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:38:16 GMT

Thanks Governor Richardson! Thanks for pointing out that Obama's recent speech on race in America says that Obama "understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans." Thanks for speaking your heart in saying that, "He appealed to the best in us … as a Hispanic American I was particularly touched by his words." You are not alone in your words my brother, for in most of our patriotic hearts we all want to be one people, One America! I pray more Americans will see beyond the curtain of dividedness have some placed between us. VOTE OBAMA!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

nuanced — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:38:39 GMT

Kucinich would have been my first choice but he didn't have a chance so Richardson and Edwards were my top two choices. I was not considering Obama or Hillary because I thought race and sex would work against them. After the field narrowed I leaned to Obama because just as Ferraro and Clinton have said, the sexism is more of a hurdle to overcome. I have recently leaned more heavily toward Obama as I get more and more impressed with his intelligence and understanding of how to bring out the best in people and the country. I have been disappointed with other candidates who try to divide Americans and bring out the worst.

But no matter what I will vote Democratic in November; too much is at stake.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Enrique, Chicago — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:41:09 GMT

What a great endorsement. This proves that Senator Obama can unite a diverse group of leaders and voters and work to make America a great nation for all of us.

Though there are forces within our country that seek to divide us, the moment we travel outside of the US, we are seen for what we are, Americans. As a Hispanic, I am proud to stand with both Senator Obama and Governor Richardson.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Steve Lynchburg, VA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:55:37 GMT

I was a republican until the media insulted my ability to realize the realism of Rev. Wright. After Obama's speech Tuesday, i told my wife i was no longer a republican. I will say I'm an independent and my vote will be for Obama. I grew up in southeast virginia, not the most racially tolerant place in the world. After watching Hannity try to tear down Obama I realized how racism does run rampant in the republican party. I cannot be part of that. I also see right through the Clintons and think it's a shame for them to tear apart their own party. Obama has not lied to us and has not sidestepped a single issue. There are plenty of people who will not support Obama simply because he is black. That is a shame.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

ST, Houston, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:57:24 GMT

It's great to see that Richardson has endorsed Obama. Richardson is completely right on many points. Objectively speaking, Obama showed great courage in confronting race issues head-on, when he spoke out against the war when it was so unpopular to do so, etc. We as Democrats and Americans should be looking for someone who has shown that kind of leadership. My hope is that other Democrats take the time to read Richardson's endorsement speech and absorb its ultimate message that the time has come for us to rally behind Obama as our nominee. A fractured party is what we have right now, and we need desperately to come together. I mean, hasn't this fight between Hillary and Barack gone on long enough?

If my candidate had such an improbable path to the nomination as Hillary does this far into the primary season, I would feel a moral obligation to come to terms with the fact that my candidate was close but lost and feel comfort in knowing that at least the winning candidate has VERY similar policies. You don't have to support Obama as much as die-hard Obama supporters do, but Hillary-supporters really need to come to terms with the fact that their candidate has lost - fair and square. Obama has been the front-runner in the Democratic race for weeks now, and over time, it becomes clearer that it's time to do what Richardson did today and back our likely nominee up!

And for Hillary supporters that claim to prefer McCain over Obama, remember that making that decision will disqualify you from complaining about the state of the war, economy, healthcare, etc for however long McCain is in office because you'll only have yourself (and other sour losers) to blame. Remember, his policies on the most important issues facing the country are identical to George Bush - agh!!!!!

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Angie — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:59:03 GMT

I am very happy about this endorsement. I have always been an Obama supporter, but I also like Richardson. I especially liked how he exited the race with great dignity and respect. Even Obama had not been in the race, I would have voted for Richardson.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

YM — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:59:13 GMT

Why does Obama think this is going to help him, I am a hispanic that is not voting for Obama. Hispanic's and blacks hate each other, all the blacks want to do is make trouble for the hispanics. Hispanic's would never vote for a black man.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

OBwan, In — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:03:54 GMT

Yep! I am a typical white person.
Cautious of those I met on the street. Walk with purpose - address no one.

He could have been talking of my parents, except they crossed the street.

No problem supporting the O man.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Steve Lynchburg, VA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:04:00 GMT

Many thanks to Bill Richardson.
To dems. yet to vote in the primary.
Will you allow the media to guide you through life or will you take control and make your own informed decisions. Morning Joe doesn't think you have the intelligence to look past the race issue. I would be insulted. He is basically calling you a bunch of racist, especially in PA. Will you prove him right or will you face your own fears and realize you are being played? Even Bill Clinton saw the good in Rev. Wright and invited him to the white house after he was thoroughly vetted.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

sotiredofignorance — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:04:26 GMT

Thanks to Gov. Richardson. I am sure that this was an act of personal courage given his friendship with the Clintons over the years. That he stepped forward and stated his conviction that it was time for Senator Obama to be the nominee is wonderful.

Other superdelegates need to move on this too. It is time for the primary season to end. Senator Clinton continues to prove herself unworthy of the office that she seeks.

Obama/Richardson? Wouldn't be a bad ticket at all.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Ed Sunshine, Largo, Florida — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:07:54 GMT

My take on this is they are spreading out the breaches naming other people than Obama for the purpose of marginalizing the situation and to take the focus away from OBAMA. Remember this administration lies and breaks the law as a daily business as usual policy. How can anyone trust them to tell the truth on this very embarrasing issue?

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Cheryl McGraw, Westfield, MA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:07:54 GMT

I think the way Barack Obama tackled the Rev. Wright contraversy demonstrated admirable wisdom, insight and strength of character. He also showed us, by that speech, that he is not "politics as usual". I commend Gov. Richardson for recognizing this and endorsing Obama. I hope Obama places Richardson in a position, such as Secretary of State, where the country can benefit from Richardson's knowledge and experience. Obama could put together a cabinet capable of giving us back the United States of America our forefathers envisioned.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Tom from Etobicoke — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:17:08 GMT

Continued Obama damage control presentation.
Richardson said before he was for Obama.
Obama is retreading an old story.
How about being straight up about swimming with Reszko and the Rev for 17 and 20 years?
Don't retread but find your voice Obama on what matters...character

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Dallas, TX — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:20:23 GMT

Thanks Governor Richardson for supporting Obama. I love him and so does the American people. You couldn't said it better when you stated, Obama will be a President who bring our country together". He is great and we are preying that he become the next President of the United States of America.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Joe Cooper — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:25:10 GMT

Cheryl McGraw -"I think the way Barack Obama tackled the Rev. Wright contraversy demonstrated admirable wisdom, insight and strength of character."

Obama blamed everyone but himself for the problem. He even dissed poor grandma, not once, but multiple times. And somehow yout call that "wisdom, insight, and character"?

Obama is certainly being graded on a curve.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Still Undecided but Leaning, Seattle, WA — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:32:47 GMT

I think it is a very good endorsement for Obama. Congratulations!

One question: Does this give the superdelegates the right to endorse and support whomever they want rather than as Obama has said "The Will of the People"? Remember, Hillary Clinton won the majority of votes in New Mexico, Richardson's home state and is by far winning the Hispanic vote. Based on the Obama campaign assertion that superdelegates should support the will of their constituents, Obama himself should be encouraging Richardson to support and endorse Hillary Clinton.

Is Obama now trying to "steal" the nomination by having superdelegates support? Even the national vote seems to be trending toward Clinton. I don't see any argument that Obama has to justify (based on his own campaigns statements) in accepting this endorsement.

Richardson: 'He appealed to the best in us'

Steven, Highlands Ranch, CO — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:32:48 GMT

YM, that is the type of thinking that garners hate, not hope. I am a hispanic and I would never judge a person on the color of their skin, where they grew up, or what their religious preference is. There is no room in this world for racism and discrimintaion if we are to evolve as a species.