SOURCE: Governor's Official Statement
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
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4 comments:
This is HUGE. I'm glad Gov. Richardson chose to endorse Obama.
traitor
I am writing to urge your support of Barack Obama in the primary election. I am a Republican-from-birth conservative that for the first time in his life is fired up about politics. I am a former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel physician with 14 years active duty. In part, I separated from the military because of my hesitancy in supporting President Bush and his flawed middle-east policy. I spent a number of years overseas and deployed three times to the middle-east. Over the years I saw a steady erosion of respect for our nation and I had to admit it was not totally unwarranted. Stories of Abu Ghraib, Guatanamo, torture, wiretapping, and a general attitude of “my way or the highway” in both domestic and foreign policy from our president left me hanging my head in shame.
I have read Barack Obama's book, Audacity of Hope and admire his grasp of foreign policy given the real lack of a coherent and defensible policy at present. I feel that Obama's deep understanding of the Constitution and the principles of democracy that underpin our nation would help immensely in giving the United States greater credibility and respect from our allies. I also believe that he would approach international relations with an intelligence and sensitivity currently missing from our dialogues. Rather than beating our enemies over the head with the club of democracy, I can see Obama holding our democratic principals up for others to see them for what they are…sometimes flawed, sometimes messy, but ultimately truly inspired.
I have voted a straight Republican ticket my entire life, but for the first time, I find myself defending Barack and democratic policies to right wing surgeons in the OR, I've maxed out my primary donations and am just itching to toss in another $2300 when Barack gets the nomination, I've bought extra copies of Audacity of Hope to loan out to friends and family, and I'm writing to anyone I can think of that could make the dream of an Obama presidency a reality.
Utah clearly showed its support for Obama in our recent primary. I hope you listen to the voices of those you represent. I have no doubt Barack can hold his own against John McCain…he's fought Hillary Clinton, the anointed one, to a standstill...and given some of the most inspiring and pivotal speeches our nation has heard in a generation. Those of us who support Barack, especially the young new-to-politics generation, are the core of the Democratic party for the next 40 years. If Clinton's tactics of innuendo, fear-mongering, slander, and divisiveness succeed, the Democrats will cede the reins of government to the Republicans once again. If Clinton is the nominee, Republicans will come out of the woodwork to vote against her and her husband.
I recently changed my voter registration to Independent. With Barack as the candidate I'm onboard all the way to the White House. I just hope the Democratic National Party sees the crucial nature of the decision that lies before them…not just for this election but for the future of the party.
Dan Thomas, MD
Lt Col (Sep), USAF
Central Utah Surgical Center
Provo, UT
Oh Judas you sell yourself for 40 pieces of silver.
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