New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has come under fire from Clinton supporters for his endorsement of Barack Obama as the Democratic Presidential nominee.Critics are claiming that Richardson, who served as Secretary of Energy under Bill Clinton, owes a debt of loyalty to the family for helping him in his political career.
Endorsing Obama is seen by some to be a political dagger in the back, with Clinton campaign advisor James Carville going so far as to imply Richardson was a Judas. Richardson chose not to lower himself to that level, but did mention that he saw that as typical for Clinton's people, and that there was "a sense of entitlement to the presidency."
The 60 year old Governor and former Presidental candidate came out in favour of Obama at a rally in Portland, Oregon on Good Friday, saying that "Obama will make a great and historic President," and adding that he is a "once in a lifetime leader" and that he would be "a president who brings the nation together."
CNN reports that despite his decision to back Obama, Richardson says he still remains loyal to the Clintons, but just feels that it is time for a change. Clinton's camp has officially shrugged off his decision, claiming that the nomination will be decided by the public.
This comes in the wake of a hectic week that saw the Obama and Clinton camps go at each other while the Republican party just sat back and smiled. The constant back and forth attacks between the two Democratic hopefuls is said to be causing some tension within the party, and playing right into the oppositions hands. Richardson himself remarked about the negativity and personal attacks in th ongoing campaign.
Meanwhile, on the Obama side, issue was taken with former President Clinton's remarks which seemed to imply he didn't love his country. Of course the Clinton camp denies that they ever intended any such implication.
Funny how two people who claim to want what is best for the country and agree that a Democrat must take the White House can carry on with no regard for the possible damage it might do to either one's bid for the Presidency. Despite the numbers, Sen. Clinton remains adamant about staying in the race.
And so it drags on. Let the mud slinging continue.
