Bill Richardson Endorses Obama!

Text of Richardson’s Endorsement of Obama

New Mexico Gov.Bill Richardson, the nation's only Latino governor, is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for president, calling him a "once-in-a-lifetime leader" who can unite the nation and restore America's international leadership.

"I believe he is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America's moral leadership in the world. As a presidential candidate, I know full well Sen. Obama's unique moral ability to inspire the American people to confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad in a spirit of bipartisanship and reconciliation."

This is a significant development for these reasons:

1) It signals to the all-mighty super-delegates of the Democrat Party that a major one time loyal Clintonite has more faith in Obama than in Hillary.
2) It immediately puts pressure on super delegates in Florida and Southwest--areas Obama lost to Hillary largely due to the Latino vote.
3) It better positions Obama against a McCain match-up in states with heavy Latino populations that the GOP thinks McCain can win.
4) It answers the question about Obama's preparedness to lead because Richardson is viewed by many as the best prepared to be president by virtual of his deep and multi-layered governmental experience.
5) And it tells all decent Americans tired of divisive politics that Obama can be trusted as to serve as a uniter.

Some of us would have preferred Richardson's endorsement prior to the Texas primary. It could have taken some of the steam out of the Clintonistas-Fox-Rush Axis. On the other hand, there's value to the nation to have witnessed what has transpired, the dirty tricks, racist commentary, attempts at character assassination, stealing passport information, etc. Voters have witnessed the strength of character and decency of Obama versus the nastiness and divisness of Rush, Hannity, Coulter and Hillary.

It's Good Friday 2008 and today's lesson is an age old one: Stop the hate and division of the past and grow strong as a united people of God.

Yes, We Can ! Si, Se Puede!

Obama Wins Richardson's Support/WSJ
AP: Gov. Richardson Endorsing Obama