Sen. Barack Obama once seemed to be a long shot to gain the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. After nearly a year on the campaign trail, his promises of change have resonated with American voters, giving him a surge of support in the early primaries.
His somewhat unexpected success has been impressive enough to draw support from one of America's most prominent families, the Kennedys.
In front of a crowded arena at American University, Obama officially received the endorsement of Sen. Edward Kennedy, Rep. Patrick Kennedy and the daugther of the late John F. Kennedy, Caroline.
"I'm proud to stand here today and offer my help, offer my voice, offer my energy, my committment to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States," Sen. Kennedy said to the energetic crowd.
"With Barack we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group and striaght against gay," he continued.
Caroline said that Obama "offers the same sense of hope and inspiration" as her father did.
I'm proud to stand here today and offer my help...to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States. Sen. Edward Kennedy
The endorsement from the Kennedy family was given to Obama despite former President Bill Clinton's attempts to draw the family's support for his wife.
The family's decision may be in part because of Bill's comments comparing Obama to Jesse Jackson.
Obama's campaign advisers told CNN reporters that they hope that the endorsement will pull votes from working class democrats and Hispanic voters, both groups that have favored Clinton according to exit-polls throughout the early primaries.
The largest effect the endorsement will have is likely more from major campaign contributors, and possibly the reassurance of voters that question Obama's experience on the national stage.
In response to the endorsement Obama said, "I was too young to remember John Kennedy and I was just a child when Robert Kennedy ran for president."
"But in the stories I heard growing up, I saw how my grandparents and mother spoke about them, and about that period in our nation's life - as a time of great hope and achievement."
Heading into Super Tuesday, Obama leads democratic candidates with 63 delegates. Clinton is second with 48 and John Edwards has 26. 2,025 delegates are needed to win the nomination.
Comments
Gerri commented, on January 28, 2008 at 11:11 p.m.:
This is a joke....The only reason they are helping him would be for themselves...Hummm.. What do they want now.....
Bill B. commented, on January 29, 2008 at 2:47 p.m.:
With Kennedy's endorsement all Obama needs next is O.J.Simpson's. Just don't ride over a Bridge with Ted
or go out at night with O.J.
Bill B commented, on January 29, 2008 at 4:33 p.m.:
Correction on the "Drive Over The Bridge "
"Edward " Sorry Ted.
John B. commented, on January 29, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.:
Shame on you Caroline. John would turn over if he knew you
associated him with a Muslim name like Osama or Obama. Take back the Kennedy name and "Streighten Up" for your Dad.
Bill B. commented, on January 30, 2008 at 3:21 p.m.:
That just rips the big one. You find a good site and some
A.H's have to screw it up. I hope you choke on your damn merchandise you A.Hs
Tom J. commented, on February 1, 2008 at 1:55 p.m.:
"YEA HILLARY" It took a CLINTON to clean up after the first BUSH and it will take another CLINTON to clean up after the second BUSH. You go lady President