Bill Clinton once tried to take the torch of leadership from JFK by showing us this photo. Team Clinton have worked tirelessly to get Ted Kennedy to endorse their campaign for the presidency in 2008. They blew it.
Ted Kennedy started out neutral in the 2008 presidential elections. However, he watched Team Clinton use their hardball race-baiting politics over the past few weeks ... and he watched Barack Obama share his story and his vision. Today, the brother of John F. Kennedy (Ted) joined with the JFK's daughter (Caroline) and Bobby Kennedy's son (Patrick) to endorse Barack Obama as the best choice for America in this year's election.
"I know that he's ready to be president on day-one," said Sen. Kennedy. The statement was a clear shot at Hillary Clinton, who has argued that her experience makes her better prepared for the Oval Office. Click here for full text of the endorsement from Ted Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy.
Ted Kennedy begins active campaigning for Obama in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Can this Kennedy endorsement make a difference in the results of the Super Tuesday primaries on February 5th?
Ted Kennedy begins active campaigning for Obama in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Can this Kennedy endorsement make a difference in the results of the Super Tuesday primaries on February 5th?
14 comments:
I think it can make a difference but I have to admit there's a little part of me that feels annoyed that now people will say to themselves, "Well if Ted Kennedy says Obama's ready, he must be ready." -- Like Obama has the stamp of approval from the head white man in charge or something and so now it's okay to believe in him.
That said, I'd rather Obama got the endorsement instead of Hillary.
I will also say that I felt that Caroline Kennedy's NY Times endorsement was beautifully written and very touching. I think the Clintons knew it was coming and so they hoped to dominate the media with another story of Bill saying racist things.
Liz - I understand your mixed feelings. However, the real deal is that Obama, or any candidate, must take steps to shore up weaknesses (perceived or real). One weakness that Obama has with the general electorate is whether or not he has the experience to be POTUS. Kennedy was explicit in his opinion that Obama has the experience necessary to be prez. And Ted Kennedy has been in or near presidents for most of his adult life ... his opinion is credible.
I wasn't sure if I was shocked or pleased when I heard that Ted Kennedy endorsed Obama for president.
Like, you Villager, I tend to give some credence to what Kennedy has to say based on his years in politics and knowledge of presidents and the presidency.
I still think Obama may lack some experience being a president, but he certainly can't be any worse than what we have now. The current president has balked on every job he's had and bailed when the going got tough. Nowhere have I heard Obama doing that.
This is one of the toughest runs for presidency that I've had to vote on; I pray I make the right choice.
Blu Jewel - What do you see as the top 2-3 issues that you'll consider when making decision on who to vote for this year?
This is big. The entire Kennedy camp has turned it's back on the Clinton crew. And Ted is hitting the trail actively too? Man, next week is going to be good.
This is a serious power shift in the works. Team Hillary couldn't have seen that one coming. She is going to have to pull out some major stops and I don't see where she's going to yank them from.
Of course, I hope Bubba keeps sticking his foot in his mouth and continues to sink his old lady's ship day by day, LOL!!!
I am happy for the endorsement as it may get undecided and waivering voters to take a second or third look at Obama. I agree that Caroline's opinion piece was very inspiring, too.
I just wrote an opinion piece on my blog at mybarackobama.com about why I feel Obama is the best choice in terms of U.S. foreign policy. For readers still trying to make up their minds (or for those who want to try to influence friends and family to look at Obama), visit:
mybarackobama.com
It is very important to encourage all eligible voters in states participating in Super Tuesday to show up!
Its much a do about nothing. To be honest, Ted Kennedy's appeal is for those Baby-boomer's that have undying loyalty for the party .. the far RIGHT of the Democratic party, usually Older, usually White, Majority male. Standing next to Obama it looked a bit morbid especially when you are pulling on thay YOUNG voter who can be anti-OLDER voter.
Ted gives Obama Congressional Street Cred which he still lacked prior to South Carolina. Now you have John Kerry and Ted Kennedy both with shady histories on Capital Hill and equally as polarizing as any Clinton by themselves. This could turn out to be a big thing depending on how Ted Kennedy is used.
Worst Case, the endorsement can split the PARTY to a point where it weakens them all.
PS Robert Kennedy Jr. endorsed the Clinton's and his Political and Social Street Cred is far reaching in the Black and Brown communities than Caroline and Ted's.
I don't read much into it, I actually question WHAT DOES TED GET OUT IT IN THE END?
Martin - The dynamics of the race before South Carolina was Team Clinton had two big-wigs duking it out against one guy (Obama). Team Clinton could be in two states at once ... they could get media attention in two states at once. It seems that Ted Kennedy may even those odds if he actively campaigns on behalf of Obama. The press will cover Ted Kennedy much as they cover Bill Clinton ... especially in the local markets. This is a good thing for Obama in my view.
Strider - Pretty good forecasting on your part to get that domain --> mybarackobama.com! I will go check out your foriegn policy insights later this morning.
Shazza Nakim - Ted Kennedy does two things (IMHO) for Obama. He appeals to older white men (who Obama was not winning yet) and he gives a great counter-punch to Bill Clinton. It will make for interesting theatre over the next 7-8 days.
As for what Ted Kennedy gets? He becomes relevant again. After he lost the presidency back in the 1980s...he lost his national relevancy. He's back in the news. They weren't showing his picture at the last dozen SOTU speeches ... but last night they showed him with Obama a number of times. He gets relevancy and gets to promote the Kennedy name again on a national level. I imagine that is what he wants/gets out of it.
Also ... he may truly be inspired by what Obama brings to the table. Maybe he gets to be on the right side of history this time.
I agree, it's definitely a good thing.
Villager, it should make a difference on Super Tuesday...don't you think?
Teach - There are very few days between now & next Tuesday. However, he should be able to create some effective television ads that might include snippets from Kennedy's endorsement. That should help...
Villager,
Although I love the idea that I may have had the foresight to think of the domain name, mybarackobama.com, I had nothing to do with it! It is available to anyone who wants to open an account and participate in Obama's campaign. My Barbara's Blog is on that site, dedicated to issues concerning Obama.
Strider - Oh. Heck, you are still my hero (smile)! I hope that you have reason to visit with us often...
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