Edward Kennedy to back Obama (Offers to drive Obama to next debate)

Err · Post by **Err** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:31 am

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/4A36713D-4782-44BD-9C82-C7370A199730.htm

Edward Kennedy, the US senator and youngest brother of former president John F Kennedy, is to support Barack Obama in this year’s presidential race.

A source close to Kennedy said that an announcement of his support for Obama will be made at the American University in Washington on Monday.

Kennedy, a member of one of America’s most famous political families, joins his niece, Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late president, in supporting Obama.

In Sunday’s New York Times, she said that Obama could inspire America in the same way that her father did.

Obama, a first-time senator from Illinois, refused to be drawn on support from Edward Kennedy.

"I'll let Ted Kennedy speak for himself. And nobody does it better," he said on ABC's This Week.

Support sought

"But obviously, any of the Democratic candidates would love to have Ted Kennedy's support. And we have certainly actively sought it.

"And you know, I will let him make his announcement and his decision when he decides it's appropriate." In focus

Kennedy, who is friends with the Democratic candidates, was pursued for his support not only due to his family dynasty status, but also because of his broad national fundraising and political network.

In October Kennedy said he would find it "difficult" to choose which Democratic candidate to support, adding: "I've got a lot of friends who want to be president."

Family split

The Kennedy clan is split, however, on who to support in the 2008 race.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, another of Edward Kennedy’s nieces, said on Sunday that she would support Hilary Rodham Clinton, Obama's main rival.

In a statement she said: "I respect Caroline and Teddy's decision but I have made a different choice.

"While I admire Senator Obama greatly, I have known Hillary Clinton for over 25 years and have seen first hand how she gets results.

"As a woman, leader, and person of deep convictions, I believe Hillary Clinton would make the best possible choice for president."

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:49 am

Was he drinking when he made that decision?

Err · Post by **Err** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 11:03 am

Executioner wrote:Was he drinking when he made that decision?

Is he ever sober?

blade · Post by **blade** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:28 am

As a woman, leader, and person of deep convictions

Yep. I'd say he drinks.

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:18 pm

Do any of you actually take these endorsements to mean anything? It is kind of sad that some people actually vote based on endorsements...

Err · Post by **Err** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:46 pm

ZYFER wrote:Do any of you actually take these endorsements to mean anything? It is kind of sad that some people actually vote based on endorsements...

While Teddy's endorsement doesn't count for much. Caroline and remaining Kennedy family's endorsement will help Obama because it hurts Hillary. Hillary is being frammed as the "the man, the status quo, old" while Omaba is the young guy who is going to "bring about change." The closer Omama can align himself to look like JFK, the more likely he is to win.

He will probably win the election this year. Let's face it, the Republicans have nothing. The only chance the Republican has getting elected is if somehow Hillary manages to pull off the nomination for the Democrats.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:28 pm

I hope what you are saying does not come true. Obama is the last guy I would vote for, even though he will probably win the dem nomination. I'm still throwing my vote to Ron Paul even though he will not come close.

blade · Post by **blade** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:00 pm

ZYFER wrote:Do any of you actually take these endorsements to mean anything? It is kind of sad that some people actually vote based on endorsements...

Oh heck no. I'm pretty sure most don't. Not counting the obvious exceptions. Like obama getting at least 90% of the black votes and many voting for the first time. And Hillery getting many female votes. Billy bob needs to zip it. His low double team effort is classless, imo. Favoritism and perhaps even some racism at work on the demo side.

Not sure who I like. Paul seems ok. But he has no chance at this point. The last weeks before are what counts and sways the most. Whoever tells the most and best believable lies. John McClane has his moments.

Who the heck is teddy anyway. A lot will side with the opposite of what he says.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:11 pm

Actually the endorsements aren't for US they're for the power brokers and it means serious money for the campaign.

Ted Kennedy's support gives Obama's campaign even more legitimacy. Democratic campaign contributors who haven't committed yet will look at him more seriously. Hell just a month ago everyone though Hilary was the shoe-in Democratic nominee. Now a lot of people aren't so sure.

Kennedy's support may not mean much to you or me, but it means a hell of a lot to the voters of his state AND to large groups like unions who haven't yet committed to a candidate. If a union officially endorses a candidate, that will strongly influence the members of the union to vote for him. That's a large voting block in some cases.

blade · Post by **blade** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:41 am

One thing that hit me. Say Obama ends up as the democrat nominee. So here we have a black man vs a white man going out for prez. That is how certain ones will see it. Eventually if not already. It'll build and build, then if he loses, things could be worse than the rodney king aftermath.