# Bill Richardson Endorses Barack Obama - Start of the Shift??? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 21, 2008, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209 "2008-03-21T11:57:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/1 "2008-03-21T11:57:26Z")
[Bill Richardson Endorses Barack Obama](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/us/politics/21cnd-endorse.html). This is a big deal for the Obama Campaign. Coming off a dicey week, Obama picking up a major party endorsement serves to show that the superdelegates, and some party heavy hitters know Barack is the candidate to back. Sure Richardson may be hoping for a veep, but he’s also showing other supedelegates that if we as a part want to get a dem in the White House we are going to have to start hitting the GOP right now! And get this thing moving before Denver. This will not be taken lightly on the side of the supers. I’m expecting Pelosi to come on soon, and perhaps some of the other large heavy hitting dems soon after that. Question, what does this mean for the Obama camp? And what will it mean for furthering him along the campaign trail? ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/2 "2008-03-21T12:15:30Z")
What the blue blazes are they waiting for anyway? If just 50 were to jump on the bandwagon right now, that would leave Hillary in the hole on states won and popular vote and pledged delegates and superdelegates. They could end this right now if they wanted to. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/3 "2008-03-21T12:27:41Z")
It’s definitely a little bit of good news when the Obama camp needs it, but is it the start of anything major? I don’t know. I think a lot of the remaining delegates are content to wait (unless that rumor about Obama’s 50 superdelegates ever comes to pass.) We’ll have to see what kind of coverage this gets. CNN and the NY Times are both giving it some major space. ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/4 "2008-03-21T12:36:04Z")
John Edwards hasn’t made an official endorsement yet, has he? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/5 "2008-03-21T12:39:17Z")
[QUOTE=Baldwin] John Edwards hasn’t made an official endorsement yet, has he? [/QUOTE] Official or otherwise, he has not endorsed anybody. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/6 "2008-03-21T13:06:49Z")
What this means is that Bill Richardson has picked who he thinks will be the winner, deciding that he’d better get on board now if he wants a shot at the VP slot. Sort of ironic considering his level of suckup to the Clinton campaign previously. The predictive value is iffy. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/7 "2008-03-21T13:11:09Z")
[QUOTE=Jackmannii] The predictive value is iffy. [/QUOTE] The predictive value is twofold: Richardson, an experienced pol FWIW, clearly expects Obama to win; and his endorsement, FWIW, makes it slightly more likely he will be proved. But, no, this is not the event to finally collapse the uncertain wave-state of this election. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/8 "2008-03-21T13:16:43Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] The predictive value is twofold: Richardson, an experienced pol FWIW, clearly expects Obama to win; and his endorsement, FWIW, makes it slightly more likely he will be proved. But, no, this is not the event to finally collapse the uncertain wave-state of this election. [/QUOTE] Looks like Superbowl with Bill was just an excuse to drink a few beers and chat… What this says, is that dem leaders, and superdelegates are going to take a second, and third look at Who Obama is, What his administration may look like. And in the end, it says party leaders want to stand by a winner, and are ready to stick their neck out for him. To be honest, he’s going to need all the help he can get to get a dem in the white house. I believe this is the beginning of a shift. Any earlier and I’d be skeptical. This late in the game, dems want a face to put in the white house now…not after denver. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/9 "2008-03-21T13:17:40Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] But, no, this is not the event to finally collapse the uncertain wave-state of this election. [/QUOTE] Schroedinger’s (Straw) Hat ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/10 "2008-03-21T13:25:12Z")
I got this in my email this morning. I’m still trying to figure out how I got on his mailing list. > [@Bill Richardson](#): > > 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 ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/11 "2008-03-21T13:46:42Z")
[QUOTE=asterion] I got this in my email this morning. I’m still trying to figure out how I got on his mailing list. [/QUOTE] I think there are more than a few in the backrooms that share this belief. From what I am garnering from my little Obama corner in CT, all eyes are on BHO. To be honest, if you simply look at how he has conducted himself and his campaign he has really taken the punches like Joe Louis and given speeches like a gentleman. I’m looking forward to see what he does next in terms of hitting McCain on Iraq -which he did a great job yesterday, Clinton on the Economy and taking this whole campaign by the horns and yet holding onto some emotional restraint. Very nice. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/12 "2008-03-21T14:32:01Z")
As I’ve been saying, the primary audience for Obama’s speech the other night was the remaining voters who matter most - the supers, and the one that I was most expecting to be swayed to action by it was Richardson. Nice to see I can be right sometimes. Richardson’s endorsement means something at this particular point, and it hasn’t since his inaction before Super Tuesday. He pulls some weight with other supers (no fat jokes please) and I suspect will be on the phone working the list. By PA’s primary day it will be clear that a majority of supers are going for Obama. I doubt Pelosi will come out any more clearly than she has until it is clear that party leadership is telling her to leave the race. ---
**Author:** ![BJMoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@BJMoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BJMoose)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/13 "2008-03-21T15:14:05Z")
The interesting thing about this endorsement is the fact that Richardson served at the cabinet level in the Clinton administration and has remained pals with Billy-Bubba. Richardson is saying, in effect, I may like you a lot, but I’ve gotta go with the guy I think will do the best job as President. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/14 "2008-03-21T15:14:42Z")
Will this be significant enough to displace Wright as the talking head fodder for the week end? Unfortunately I suspect not. Now if Edwards came out at the same time … together calling for party unity … that could. ---
**Author:** ![Menocchio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de053/32.png) [@Menocchio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Menocchio)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/15 "2008-03-21T15:36:58Z")
[QUOTE=DSeid] Will this be significant enough to displace Wright as the talking head fodder for the week end? Unfortunately I suspect not. Now if Edwards came out at the same time … together calling for party unity … that could. [/QUOTE] Richardson alone? Probably not. But we don’t have to wait for Edwards. We’ve also got that passport thing. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/16 "2008-03-21T15:43:52Z")
Now if Gore and Edwards and Pelosi were to join in, Hillary’s candidacy would not only be merely dead, it would be really most sincerely dead. ---
**Author:** ![Menocchio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de053/32.png) [@Menocchio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Menocchio)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/17 "2008-03-21T15:46:17Z")
I’d be surprised if Gore endorsed, at least before the convention. He seems to want to be above politics and all about environmentalism, and neither Obama nor Clinton have made that a priority. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/18 "2008-03-21T15:48:58Z")
I agree. Gore will certainly endorse the eventual winner, but he is now larger than politics and has achieved non-partisan elder statesman status. Pelosi, on the other hand, should get off the bench and join in the game. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/19 "2008-03-21T15:52:14Z")
To some degree it might be hypocritical for Pelosi to say “this should be decided by voters, not superdelegates” and then endorse Obama and encourage the superdelegates to hurry up and get behind him. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2008, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209/20 "2008-03-21T16:05:11Z")
[QUOTE=BobLibDem] IPelosi, on the other hand, should get off the bench and join in the game. [/QUOTE] Is that appropriate given her position as one of the party’s national-level leaders? I mean, it’s like asking **Howard Dean** to endorse Obama or Clinton. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-richardson-endorses-barack-obama-start-of-the-shift/442209.md?page=2)