Richardson also called on other Democrats to rally behind Obama, so the focus can be turned to winning in November.
Here is a copy of Richardson's endorsement email to his supporters.
Dear Friend,
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
Barack Obama discusses the burgeoning costs of the Iraq War and the effect on the ailing economy.
1 comment:
I think the passions that Obama arouses are curiously textured on both the sides-- those who write him off do so for reasons as insufficient as those who embrace him. he is NOT the Messiah, but nor is he the Pretender-- at least any more than Bush (who appeared dimwitted but reliable, "shrub"), or Clinton (who was brilliant, but unreliable, "slick") were.
Actually, it is, in part, a "white boy" fatigue that lifts Obama's boat. Not that there is anything racial about it.
Obama's most impassioned followers transfer ages of (partly imagined) burden, and see him as the benevolent exponent who'd score a symbolic victory over generations of (partly imagined) inequities. His biggest appeal is in being un-white, un-Clinton-usqu, -un-GeorgeBush-like, and in many ways, being a cool-dude. What is surprising is how it is mainly independents and intellectuals who suffer from this politician fatigue, and let their emotions drive them Obam-nuts. I, too, support him.
His worst detractors, apart from being rabid anti-Democratic politically, are also, surprisingly, blase because they are political realists. They don't dislike the man, just the warmth and halo that surround him, and poison real-politik, with hope and fervor.
That is this countries main problem. Political realism. Unlike in Pakistan, and Georgia, and Kenya, where people elevate elections to a crusade for the moral and the just, in the US it is just a leap-year exercise.
Obama threatens to make it more than just that.
http://vishvamaryam.blogspot.com/
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