Senator Barack Obama won a coveted endorsement from former Democratic presidential candidate and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on Friday. The backing from the Hispanic governor is a victory for Senator Obama and could improve his chances of winning over Latino voters who have leaned toward Senator Hillary Clinton. Typical for the Clinton campaign, one of her advisers dismissed the endorsement as not significant at this stage in the race, especially when each candidate is trying to win over as many superdelegates. Actually this bring Senator one step closer to gaining the Democratic nomination.
Governor Richardson, who served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary during the Clinton administration, chose to abandon the former president and his wife, saying it was time for a new generation to lead. He told Senator Obama that his candidacy was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our nation and that he was a once-in-a-lifetime leader, as he stood next to the senator in Oregon. Both Senators Obama and Clinton had sought out Governor Richardson's backing in part because the Hispanic politician could gather support among the Hispanic community, the fastest-growing segment of voters and a vital voting bloc.
Governor Richardson praised a speech that Senator Obama gave on race earlier this week and said it touched him as a Hispanic. "This is a man who understands us and who will respect us," he said in Spanish. Hispanics largely backed Senator Clinton in nominating contests on "Super Tuesday," with polls showing her winning two-thirds of the Latino vote in several states, and it was unclear whether they might shift to Senator Obama because of Governor Richardson's endorsement. While saying his "great affection and admiration for Senator Clinton and President Clinton will never waver," Richardson added: "It is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward." A skilled negotiator and diplomat, the popular governor has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate or secretary of state in a Democratic administration. Wouldn't that be something; a Black/Brown president/vice president team?
If things go the way they have in this campaign, look for the Clinton campaign to come back with some sensational in the next few days to try something negative against the Obama campaign.
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