Bill Richardson endorsing Barack Obama

Welcome to Team Obama, Governor!

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.

The above excerpt is from Richardon's email to his supporters, sent out nationwide a few minutes ago. Naturally, most major traditional media outlets are starting to pick up on the endorsement.

Richardson's decision to back Senator Obama is significant. His endorsement had been highly coveted by both campaigns. Richardson is not only a former presidential rival, but also a sitting governor (of New Mexico) as well as one of the nation's most prominent Hispanic elected officials.

Although his endorsement comes too late to help Obama in the southwestern states that Hillary Clinton has already claimed victory in (California, New Mexico, Arizona, the caucus vote in Nevada, and the popular vote in Texas) it could certainly help Obama in the general election if he is the Democratic nominee.

Richardson isn't the only former Democratic presidential candidate to be backing Obama (Senator Chris Dodd is already a supporter).

Of the candidates remaining who have not endorsed, John Edwards' would likely carry the most weight. Appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno just a few minutes ago (Pacific Time), Edwards refused to speak favorably of one over the other, and confirmed that he continues to stay in contact with both campaigns.

Why Edwards hasn't endorsed Barack Obama is somewhat puzzling to me, as it is pretty clear that the differences between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are like night and day. As a family friend remarked to me recently, the subtle message of Hillary Clinton's campaign is, "Elect me. I'll take care of things for you," while the theme of Barack Obama's campaign is "Join me. Become involved and help revitalize our democracy." In other words, Hillary's approach is conventional, Obama's is not.

We desperately need an unconventional, fresh approach for challenging times. We need a candidate whose political philosophy isn't based on the destructive strategies of divide and conquer or triangulation, but is instead rooted in the great progressive American tradition of expanding freedom and inspiring the people of the United States to do better. (The Clinton approach yields immediate benefits for the Clintons, but ultimately hurts the Democratic Party).

The Pennsylvania primary is just a few weeks away, on April 22nd. If Clinton does not win, she will likely be forced to bow out of the contest in the face of intense pressure from fellow Democrats. Edwards' support could very well help Obama do better in Pennsylvania, end the nominating fight with Clinton, and unite the Democratic Party. Edwards has admitted he wants to see the party unified.

Our question for John Edwards is simple: What are you waiting for?

UPDATE: I asked our good friend Ken Camp, who helped put together the Washington for Richardson effort (along with Emmett O'Connell, who also resides in Thurston County) for his reaction to the endorsement:

I'm thrilled that Governor Richardson chose to endorse Senator Obama. Since he dropped out of the race, it has been my hope that Democrats will have an Obama-Richardson ticket in 2008. Along with millions of other people, Bill Richardson wants change too. Governor Richardson's endorsement will help Barack Obama in the Latino community, and based on my experience, will likely bring a lot of enthusiastic Richardson supporters into the Obama camp. In a general election, Governor Richardson becomes a key ally in the West to counteract John McCain. I've held out on supporting either candidate, watching to see where Governor Richardson went, and today I've decided to follow Governor Richardson's lead and support Barack Obama.

Glad to hear it. The bigger Barack Obama's people powered force, the better.