And? Sen. Richardson was a lackluster presidential candidate with low voter response. These "endorsements" are only a way for second-rate has-beens to get a headline or two. What people should be aware of is that practically the entire next primary state of Pa. has "endorsed" Sen. Clinton.

Sent by Atl for Hillary | 7:28 AM ET | 03-21-2008

The dynamics of this election are forcing America to recognise and hopefully resolve many of the weaknesses contained within ourselves. Overall I believe this will prove to be a strengthening experience, however, I am thankfull for Mr. Richardson's endorsement at this time, as it is now time to move forward. Obama has the capability to engage us all during this historic transition in the best manner.

Sent by Joe | 7:43 AM ET | 03-21-2008

I WANT to believe, I really do. It's just that an innate distrust of smooth talkers (however, Dumbya is a bit TOO far in the other direction!). I don't want a lot of feel-good sermons to unite me; I want soemone who has some common sense and who will kick some butt if needed, AND who has more than a single term in office under their belt. I will admit that Mr. Obama is truly a once in a lifetime eloquent taalker -- just not sure if that is the primary role of President of the United States (although the current dismal occupant has certainly lowered the bar).

Sent by Chuck | 8:30 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Sent by Joe: Obama has the capability to engage us all during this historic transition in the best manner.

Yes, Virginia, there is a war.

No, Virginia, Obama will not be president.

Yes, Virginis, there are many UFOs in New Mexico.

No, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus.

Yes, Virginia, there is a shadow government that is very active in wartime in America.

No, Virginia, Obama won't be let anywhere near America's Nuclear Arsenal.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 8:49 AM ET | 03-21-2008

A large number of Americans are disgusted with politics as usual. Sen. Obama has a near magical appeal for many of us. It is truly exciting to get that he could be the one to restore the America that we all long for as a "land of opportunity" where citizens can overcome differences and focus on our common goals, working together for the common good. America is getting weary of the culture of rudeness and disrespect for the other side. The Karl Rove style of dirty politics just doesn't work anymore and many of us are seeing Obama as really being something different in the political scene. It is time to work together and reject the arrogance, hate, and fear that drives us apart. Sen. Obama has something uncommon and more and more are coming to see it. Now is a rare opportunity for real change. This is why so many are endorsing Obama.

Sent by Gary | 9:02 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Great news! I say may the best man win. Richardson is anything but lackluster. He's an experienced productive statesman who made the right call. Whining about it is counter productive to the real mission, which at times seems to be all but forgotten. A good question to ask is what are the real chances of Clinton beating McCain?

Sent by George Gekas | 9:17 AM ET | 03-21-2008

I also want someone who will
kick butt when need be and to call to task and hold individuals responsible for there actions. we don't need feel good sermons.a plan with a lot of hard difficult choises to make. that won't make most happy but common sense must prevail[the current occupant has set the standard low]

Sent by david | 9:25 AM ET | 03-21-2008

You gotta be kidding with that Nuclear Arsenal stuff.

In August of last year six nukes were removed from weapons storage attached to cruise missles and flown by B52 from Minot to Barksdale by "mistake" under our current CnC's watch.

Give me a break.

Good call on Bill Richardson's part.

Sent by Chester | 9:25 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Bill Richardson is close to the Clinton's. Well if he has decided to support Obama after all this time, that sends a message as to how he views Hillary. He must know sometthing we do not know.For those supporting Hillary from the outside think again.

Sent by Ty | 9:30 AM ET | 03-21-2008

I would call it common sense to have the foresight to see what a huge failure the war in a Iraq would turn out to be. Especially to see that from the beginning, when 90% of America was too busy flag-waving and staring glazey-eyed at the "shock and awe" on their tv's to realize what a disaster we were getting oursevles into. Obama showed the courage and judgement on that issue then, and he still has it now.

And as for someone who will "kick butt," Obama has been a proponent of the military action in Afghanistan all along. And seeing as how the ones who actually attacked this country were being harbored by Afghanistan, that also seems like good common sense, and a willingness to act.

Bad mouth the "feel good" stuff all you want; I for one am excited to think we might end up with a president who makes us feel inspired instead of ashamed.

Sent by Sallie | 9:42 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Well, I am glad that this endorsement has come about. I don't think calling Gov. Richardson a "second-rate has-been", which some people have posted, is anywhere close to the mark. Please do a little more homework before you try and discredit somebody who has actually done very good things for the world. This helps NOTHING!
I am glad Gov. Richardson took his time in figuring out who he was going to endorse, and the fact that he has decided to endorse Barack Obama instead of making the 'easy' choice of voting for people he is close with, makes me feel that his choice is genuine.

Sent by Jeff | 9:48 AM ET | 03-21-2008

A broad range of responses ranging from the angry to the measured to the bizarre; a lot of ego that needs some addressing.

The Buddha says:
You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.

Sent by EnlightenedOne | 10:04 AM ET | 03-21-2008

I understand everyones concerns and what we must remember is that our president must act as both "president" and "prime minister" (since we only have one). Meaning, he must be the manager as well as the inspiration. Common sense is not always dictated by terms in office (i.e. Nixon, Coolage, GEORGE W. BUSH) nor does good leadership necessarily come from how long you have waited in line for the presidency. After Hillary's documents have been exposed we see now that she DID support NAFTA, already know she voted for the war in Iraq, pushes away the moderate right who are (statisically speaking) coming out for Obama in PA. We must think of the general election, not simply about winning the Nominee. And I am tired of people saying he is just an eloquent speaker... it isn't like he is some back ally bumpkin who's never stepped foot in the political arena!

Sent by Alex Harne | 10:16 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Did anyone notice that FOX news last night hardly said anything about the security breach of a seating U.S. senator (Obama)? They instead focused on the divisive remarks of an elderly pastor. When are people going to wake-up and chose to move forward? Progress will happen sooner or later whether we like or not. I for one, NOW, would like to experience the tomorrow that our children will ultimately bring about (e.g. youth support for Obama).

Sent by Allen | 10:24 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Thank you to Bill--a great governor (look at his record), a very insigtful foreign policy leader. I too am increasingly impressed with Sen Obama. After 8 years of incompetent and destructive presidential leadership, it is sometimes hard to imagine that a president can be very smart, insightful, strategic, and principled. Someone who can bring out the best in America. But those are the qualities we see Obama demonstrate again and again. Every great leader asks us to show the courage to reach much higher in our aspirations. That what he is doing and we need to overcome our fear and cynicism. Obama deserves our support. An Bill Ricahrdson sees it too.

Sent by Denise | 10:26 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Richardson was my first choice in the primary and I'm still angry at the media for turning the democratic primary into a two-person race a year before anyone got a chance to vote. I will support any candidate that pledges to appoint Richardson as Secretary of State.

Sent by Lisa | 10:30 AM ET | 03-21-2008

It's about time. Richardson kept his word that he would support Obama if Hillarious did not gain ground on March 4th, 2008. She has lost ground since then and finally after patiently waiting he endorsed like he said he would. With his international and domestic RESPECT Richardson is top three for Obama's VP.

Sent by Dave Perille | 10:42 AM ET | 03-21-2008

FRED! FRED! What on god's silly earth do you mean by a shadow goverment very active in wartime in America and Obama won't be let anywhere near America's nuclear arsenal??? Man are you daft or what? I for one will sleep sound knowing Obama is at the helm.

I appreciate the innocence in the belief that the NET is an organic enterprise, but like any garden that is not tended it will morph into weeds.

Sent by George Gekas | 10:57 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Governor Richardson's thoughtful expression of support for the next President of the United States of America, Senator Barack Obama, is music to the soul of America and the world!

Sent by Jeff from the Redwoods, Arcata, CA | 10:58 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Thank you, Governor Richardson, for your courageous move. I can only imagine the pressure being put on you to do anything but endorse Seantor Obama. It is sad to read some of the vitriol in this campaign, but perhaps someone will look back at it in a century or so as I have recently looked back at some of the press Abraham Lincoln the candidate received. Good thing the voters of the nineteenth century could take in his character and integrity. The groundswell for Senator Obama is a most heartening thing.

Sent by MumsLastVote | 11:16 AM ET | 03-21-2008

For the man who categorized Gov. Bill Richardson as second rate and lack-lustre, i have an advice for you. do a little research on Gov. Richardson in your local library, this is a man with an intimidating international profile and patriotic resume. And for losers like you who see the truth and look the other side, Obama's tuesday historic speech is a must read. And for the man who wants a "Kick-but" president, that smacks of a hawkish predatorial prescription which is personified in the Bush White-House. They have by their butt kicking strategies , have made this great country a pariah in the international community. What we need now as Gov. Richardson has rightly pointed out is a new direction , healing of wounds, reconciliation, reaching out to all, unity at home and reclaiming of our moral olympian height as a free society devoid of age-old stereotypes. Obama is at the crossroads of these stereotypes, he is neither white nor black, hispanic, asian, african or jewish. He occupies a vantage point in race relations, socio-political, socio-cultural, socio-religious, socio-economic and socio- washington contradictions. He is an equatorial magnet and presents an equilibruim to deal with the multi- faceted challenges facing the United states in this century.

Sent by Ezeogu, Anthony | 11:30 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Political question: It appears that 463 of the superdelegates have made a committment to Clinton or Obama. Does that mean that the remaining (there are around 800, right?) have yet to make a committment?
P.S. Mr. Fred Comorra Call- you don't have to write your name every time. It goes up automatically.

Sent by Shawn Green | 11:43 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Despite the sadly expected attempts to discredit and degrade, both Richardson and Obama are true products of the American melting pot and represent the rapidly expanding diversity that is the United States. If you do a little digging, you'll find that Richardson has a huge depth and breadth of experience. Richardson's latino roots also make him a fine bridge between our rapidly growing hispanic citizenry and traditional American culture. Comprende?

Sent by Steve Kingsford-Smith | 11:44 AM ET | 03-21-2008

"And?"??? And there is more proof of the unacceptability of Hillary Clinton as a candidate. This politician, who was appointed Energy Secretary and Ambassador to the United Nations by the male half of Billary-Clinton, Inc., owed everything to the Clintonz. And yet, he chose to endorse the candidate who would be the better president.

Sent by David Paul | 11:49 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Amen Anthony, you nailed it! We are in desperate need of everything Obama stands for, it's been long overdue. May John Edwards show the same courage as Richardson...

Sent by George Gekas | 11:50 AM ET | 03-21-2008

Thank you Gov. Richardson! Your endorsement lends an air of political class in the days of incessant media race-baiting. Thank you for all of your hard work on the behalf of diplomacy and difficult foreign affairs. I would LOVE to see you as VP or Secretary of State.

Sent by Nick | 11:58 AM ET | 03-21-2008

The Iranian president goes to Iraq and walks freely. Our leaders go to Iraq and need not less than a 100 troops and some overhead support to go from one place to the other.
Guess who is really in charge and who is paying the tab both in funds and lifes (youngmen and women ; America's future).
While China is training and graduating unprecedented number of people out of their colleges and institutions of higher learning, to position themselves for the future, we are fighting and wasting lifes for bragging rights for people who honestly do not want us in their backyard. You can only remain a leader for so long acting in this manner.
Living on past glory would only carry us to sometime, the gas tank is emptying very fast.

Sent by concern | 12:02 PM ET | 03-21-2008

Barack Obama's eloquence and moral authority will give him the power to move people when the initial polls are against a tougher, but wiser, course of action. We really need to have a leader - not a follower of the polls. And the latter is unfortunately a good description of Hillary Clinton.

Sent by Laura C. | 12:14 PM ET | 03-21-2008

I would love to see an Obama/Richardson ticket.

Sent by Martin Green | 12:28 PM ET | 03-21-2008

It is my belief that this endorsement reprents to various communities that Obama sould be given a chance. Last year, Clinton was the anointed one, all the media said so. Some wanted her to run in 2004, but she choose not to. Clinton is unworthy of the nomination. A Deomcratic(Clinton) claims a Republican(Mccain)is more prepared then Obama. She is willing to tear the Democratic party apart for what she wants . Just like Bush and Chenny

Sent by Jason Dache | 12:32 PM ET | 03-21-2008

Obama's ace in the hold was his opposition to the Iraqi war. Maybe the credit should go to his mentor the Rev. Wright and his congregation, they would never resort to force in defense of Amerika.

Sent by ben | 12:52 PM ET | 03-21-2008

Wonderful news! I can actually see a Obama/Richardson ticket. Now, all we need is John Edward's support! I want to see an end to the Clinton smear campaign. It's disgusting.

Sent by crissy | 12:59 PM ET | 03-21-2008

I wish to thank those of you who took the time to share your thoughtful insights and observations about Governor Richardson and Senator Obama two very talented and inspiring leaders, for those of you who were only able to manage a few negative words and some drool this time, please don't give up on yourselves.

Sent by Bill Hogan | 1:47 PM ET | 03-21-2008

I have a great deal of respect for Governor Richardson. I'm a female over 50, working class, and my primary vote (Missouri) went for Obama. So there to the pundits. They're wrong about his base. I would love to see a woman in office, but not Hillary. I don't trust her judgment. Add me to the call for a Obama/Richardson ticket. Will the Democrats be that wise or brave? ojala que si (I hope so)

Sent by Molly Frankel | 1:56 PM ET | 03-21-2008

Anyway, the joke going around New Mexico is that Bill Richardson has proven that there is at least one Hispanic in New Mexico who will vote for Barack Obama.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 2:01 PM ET | 03-21-2008

OBAMA/RICHARDSON 2008!!!

Sent by DB | 3:15 PM ET | 03-22-2008

I'm amused that Hillary and her supporters have dismissed Richardson's endorsement as insignificant. You'd better believe that if he'd come out in favor of Hillary, it would have been hailed as a HUGE victory. Exactly the sort of two-faced, do-anything-to-win attitude I've always expected from Hillary.

Sent by Chuck W | 5:14 PM ET | 03-22-2008

I don't know (or care) much about Richardson. But I do know that I wouldn't trust a man who backstabbed two people who did so much to further his career.

Sent by Karen | 12:00 PM ET | 03-23-2008

Oh Karen, you don't think Bill and Hillary stabbed a few in the back, or forehead, on the way to the top? Maybe Monica rings a bell? Last I heard she was a young lost soul looking for a father figure. Anyway the short of it is that if she'd never come along Bill would never have transgressed. Now how likely is that...

Please get real.

Sent by George Gekas | 8:23 PM ET | 03-23-2008

You want to see a guaranteed Republican win then present the Obama/Richardson ticket. The Rep voters will come out of the woodwork to try and defeat these two. Along with many of your Dems staying home. Richardson jumped at the first opportunity for advancement plain and simple.

Sent by distortitmore | 12:12 AM ET | 03-24-2008

Hey George, thanks for being the typical Obama supporter and getting all nasty and negative when you read a comment you don't agree with. That is my educated and informed opinion. It's time for you to "get real" and realize that people who have a different opinion than you aren't necessarily idiots or need to be spoken to in an insipid manner.

Sent by Karen | 10:22 AM ET | 03-24-2008

Okay Karen, maybe "get real" is a little hard on the ears; for you I'll tamp it down (just a little). As much as I supported Bill Clinton way back when I thought everyone was aware of how the Clinton machine attempted to deflect accountability for the Monica tryst. Isn't it possible (it's a good question to ask ourselves) that Hillary in the capacity of standing by her man was somehow a co-conspirator in this spin? Standing by your man has come to represent a demeaning and submissive role we see repeated all too often at the behest of retaining power. It's a pathetic role for any woman. And isn't it true, and as a direct result, the press swallowed it up and painted Monica as a greedy little monster when in the end it turns out that she was merely the victim of a powerful and consuming personality? Are we not witnessing the same unchecked behavior frantically waving its arms up and down in the background and causing problems for the Hillary campaign? I admire Hillary Clinton on her own footing, but feel she comes with too much baggage that can't be easily checked at the White House door. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it's naive not to consider it and what those influenecs might be or how overbearing.

Not sure what a typical Obama supporter is and if it has anything to do with age groups I missed that boat a while ago. Anyhow, as Joe Friday was fond of saying, "...just the facts mam", that's all I'm saying.

Bill Richardson showed a great deal of courage by putting country and what's at stake above all else. It's on par with Obama's truly impressive and far reaching speech on race.

Peace...

Sent by George Gekas | 3:10 PM ET | 03-29-2008

I personally do not want to see a duel (sic) presidency of the Clintons. When Hillary answers the phone at 3am she will probably find her marriage bed empty and Bill on the prowl again. Will her then mental state allow her to make good judgment?

Sent by pragmatic pete | 11:05 AM ET | 03-30-2008

As a 64 yr. old white female Obama supporter(read "outside the demographics")I have never been so politcally enthused and inspired by a candidate as now. My husband recently
changed his affiliation from independent to democrat so that he can vote in the primary for Obama. He's 59, white and somewhat conservative but this time we're both on the same page.
Thank you Bill Richardson for putting your belief on what is best for the country over friendship. It is a wonderful thing that we have a women and a black running for president. However I am not voting for a gender or color. I am voting for a person whom I truly believe can make me proud of my country again.
Hillary would certainly be better than what we've had the last 8 years but I'm afraid she'd just be "politics as usual". We need better.

Sent by DIANE SCHOFIELD | 6:02 PM ET | 03-30-2008

Did anyone see Obama's rudeness to a supporter last night,over a photo op? It was childish and arrogant, and was extremely disappointing to this previous supporter. It went against what he proports to support. Is that the real Obama? Uhg.

Sent by Susan | 9:25 PM ET | 04-03-2008