New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, whose presidential bid never picked up enough steam, backed Sen. Barack Obama for president yesterday, handing the Illinois senator what could be an important endorsement in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Richardson, the nation's only Hispanic governor, told a rally in Portland, Ore., that Obama was an extraordinary leader who appeals to the best in Americans.
"You are a once-in-a-lifetime leader," Richardson said. "Above all, you will be a president who brings this nation together."
The pair seemed very comfortable together, likely to increase speculation that Richardson would be a suitable vice presidential candidate. Amid their mutual praise, they joked with each other about a past debate appearance and bantered with the crowd.
Mentioning Obama's speech this week on race relations, Richardson praised Obama, who is seeking to become the first African-American elected to the White House, for "rejecting the politics of race against race."
"As a Hispanic American, I was particularly touched [by Obama's comments]," Richardson told the cheering crowd.
Obama "didn't evade the tough issue to soothe us with half-truths," Richardson said.
The endorsement is important because Richardson's backing could help Obama with a key constituency - Hispanics - that has supported New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Clinton won the New Mexico caucus in early February with a nearly 2-to-1 advantage among Hispanics, according to exit polls. She also ran strongly among Hispanics in Texas and California.
Richardson backed Obama despite his history with Clinton and her husband, the former president. Richardson served as ambassador to the United Nations and as secretary of energy during Bill Clinton's presidency.
The Richardson endorsement was eagerly sought by both the Clinton and Obama camps. In a photograph that appeared in most newspapers, Richardson and Bill Clinton watched the Super Bowl together.
Richardson's endorsement also comes at an opportune time for Obama, who has given three major speeches in the past week. He discussed race relations in the wake of charges that his pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, has used incendiary and anti-American language in his sermons.
It was the speech on race that Richardson praised yesterday.
"He could have just waited for the controversy over the deplorable remarks of Reverend Wright to subside, as it surely would have. Instead, Senator Obama showed us once again what kind of leader he is.
