UPDATE: Now, Caroline AND Ted Kennedy endorse Barack Obama

(UPDATE: On Sunday the Associated Press, quoting "party officials," was the first to report that Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts would endorse Sen. Barack Obama at a news conference in Washington on Monday. As an influential party elder, Kennedy's endorsement has been eagerly-sought and long-awaited in Democratic circles, not least for its accompanying connections to his broad national political and fundraising network.

(And its loss is a blow to the Clinton campaign, although perhaps not a surprise after Caroline Kennedy's endorsement reported below.

(The Times' Maria LaGanga confirmed the impending Ted Kennedy endorsement, which will come on Monday in Washington during a joint appearance at American University with his niece, Caroline. According to Times sources, Sen. Kennedy will actively campaign for Obama around the country with special emphasis on labor and Latino groups, where Kennedy is strong after his ardent advocacy of immigration reform.

(The other two big Democratic endorsements much-sought in this campaign were Sen. John Kerry and former vice president Al Gore. Kerry has already also endorsed Obama. Gore has yet to take sides, although his relationship with Hillary Clinton during their White House years was often fraught with friction.

(Sen. Clinton was in Memphis at a black church service when her spokesman, Doug Hattaway, sought to downplay the Kennedy endorsement by issuing the following statement: "She has a great deal of respect for Sen. Kennedy and is very proud of the endorsements she's received from her Senate colleagues. At the end of the day, people will select a candidate based more on their merits than on their endorsements.'')

A very, very good night for Barack Obama just got better.

Just minutes before the Illinois senator officially claimed his victory in South Carolina's Democratic presidential primary to an adoring crowd, his campaign publicized what readers of the New York Times will learn in Sunday's edition -- Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the president whose aura Obama has sought to capture, wants him to win.

She begins her Op-Ed article thusly: "Over the years, I've been deeply moved by the people who've told me they wished they could feel inspired and....

hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama."

That's music to the ears of the Obama campaign, which from the start of his White House bid has sought to cast him in the role of John F. Kennedy.

That effort received a bit of a boost this summer when the man we described at the time as "the most devout keeper of the assassinated president's legacy, Theodore Sorensen," promoted him as Kennedy's logical heir. But Sorensen, at this point in his long life, is known mainly to historians.

An embrace from Caroline Kennedy -- who a vast swath of the American public has watched grow from a pixieish little girl who brightened the White House to an accomplished middle-aged woman who has weathered the early deaths of her dad and brother -- is quite another matter.

Her piece also contains some backhanded slaps at Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Kennedy extols Obama for "running a dignified and honest campaign." She writes: "And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning."

And then there's this, an assertion that likely will garner the most attention (and surely will cause Bill Clinton to grimace):

"I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

Her move will no doubt intensify speculation about whether her uncle, party stalwart Ted Kennedy, will come off the sidelines in the primary race. It was reported earlier this week that he was among the party heavyweights who, in private conversations, urged ex-President Clinton to soften the barbs he's been directing at Obama -- advice that initially, at least, was ignored.

-- Don Frederick 

Comments

[Enrique]

Barack Obama inspires this Latino just like JFK did my parents. Tonight's victory in South Carolina will show my fellow Latinos across this country that Barack Obama will lead this country in a new direction.

[JohnSmith.P]

A person’s character is shaped and tested by their experiences. Character should matter as much if not more than their experience when we elect our next President.

1969 – While Barack Obama was being raised by a single mother and experiencing a life of racial and cultural diversity , Hillary Clinton was learning the art of triangulation and writing an admiring college thesis on Saul Alinsky whose fifth rule of political agitation was, “Ridicule is man's most potent weapon.”

1979 – While Barack Obama was actively involved in the South African divestment movement to end apartheid, Hillary was reaping profits of almost 10,000% in the futures markets and leaving taxpayers with her real-estate losses in the Savings & Loan bailout.

1989 – While Barack Obama served as the Harvard Law Review’s first black president in its 104 year history, Hillary Clinton then wife of the Arkansas governor was receiving payments from a law firm that was doing the state's business and receiving board of director payments from Wal-Mart where she remained silent about Wal-Mart’s anti-labor union practices.

1999 – While Barack Obama was securing bipartisan support for health-care reform and passage of low-income tax credits and child care subsidies in the Illinois legislature, Hillary Clinton was urging her husband to bomb Yugoslavia and supporting his Iraq “regime change” policy in order to divert public attention from the president’s marital, legal and ethical infidelities.

2007 – While Barack was promoting a restoration of balance between work and wealth and criticizing special interests for distorting U.S. tax codes, Hillary and her husband were liquidating their blind trust of the nearly $50 million amassed during their years in public office.

The U.S. needs a uniter not a divider for President as the global economy teeters on the brink of economic meltdown not unlike the Great Depression.

Afterall the Roaring Twenties decade that preceded the Great Depression, like the Irrational Nineties that preceded our current decade, were both a golden age for technology, scandal-plagued politicians, corporate greed, and unrestrained personal debt and speculation.

[Sophie]

Wow, that's awesome. Even though I prefer John Edwards to Obama-- and a I plan to vote Green Party if Hillary Clinton is nominated -- I am inspired by Caroline Kennedy's strength and sense of judgment. She is truly her father's daughter. Obama is a worthy candidate to carry the Democrats.

[MARK A. FRY]

i thnk that there is no one better qualified to speak about her fathers legacy than Caroline Kennedy !!!
To endorse obama says it all .....with tears in my eyes...nothing more has to be said ...end of story !!!

[Doug Thompson]

Isn't it wonderful to feel so good about getting behind a candidate? I voted for Bill Clinton twice but was never very proud of it. I thought he was better than his opposition. I can vote for Barack knowing not only that he is a remarkable leader but also a remarkable human being. Hillary is not a bad person but she does not have Barack's capacity to build a movement that transcends race, age, and gender.

[steven gracia]

This is truly a great piece...!!! However, I really think that the LA Times is biased and wants Billary to win.

But, as Caroline so eloquently says "Barack is running a dignified and honest campaign. And I totally agree with her when she said

"I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

Caroline..truly your father's life was not taken invain. Barack with our help will help us to make the dream of what we can do for our country a true reality!!!!

Great story LA Times....please stop being so biased toward Billary with all the love that you are showing her. I don't hear you talking about how she got over a million dollars from the fraud dude Hsu????

[wes]

Wow! this is amazing.

[Richard Frick]

Barak Obama is the first politician who has inspired me since Robert Kennedy. I worked on Senator Kennedy's campaign. A while ago, the Clintons drove me from the Democratic party. Obama has brought me back. Caroline Kennedy, with a clarity and eloquence that is her own, and echoes hopes that resonate with those of us who will always remember, illuminates the contrast between vision and naked ambition, between integrity and manipulative narcissism. I speak of the former President Clinton, not the one who hopes to be the future, but is so mired in the past that whatever voice she could ever hope to find is hallow, bitter and always divisive.

[petesb]

Glad Hillbill lost big time even with Bill lies about Barack. Maybe America is finally walking up to lies, lack of ethics ,and win at any cost by the power couple wannbes back in the White House!!

[Dave Guss]

The world loved JFK and world loves Obama.
Way to go, Caroline! Let's make America great again!

[Mo]

Congrats to Sen. Obama on the big win! I hope this will send the Clinton's a message that the voters will not accept race-baiting. They may think that racial code words can divide democratic voters, but theyre wrong. Democrats understand that united we stand, and divided we fall. Obama is the most unifying, representative figure in the country. He understands the Immigrant Experience like not other President in the history of the country. He understands the urban experience. As the son of a middle class, caucasian Kansan mother, he understands the experience of the middle of America. He understands the experience of a Harvard law graduate, a civil rights attorney, a professor of constitutional law, a state senator, and a U.S. Senator. He doesnt just understand these experiences, he has lived them! Obama is the right person to lead all Americans! Best of luck to him!

[Janet Downing]

Sad that Caroline would endorse Obama. Kerry was probably behind it. I don't think her mother (Jacqueline) would be happy. If he beats Hilary, the Republican's will turn out in a force unheard of.

I would not be proud to have someone who is unknown in the White House. A White House with a Black President who has never been in the military. Woe is us.

Kerry couldn't win and neither will this arrogant Obama who thinks he is another Lincoln and a David Palmer like on 24.

genadoll@yahoo.com

[Jorge]

Dear Mr. Frederick:

I hope that you can contact Ms. Kennedy and give her my message. As a Latino person who believed in her dad's legacy. I'm so sorry that she is endorsing someone with no experience or expertise, someone that won't be able to take us out of this recession. Just because one speaks eloquently doesn't mean that they will be a good president. I'm glad that we live in a country in which everyone can voice their opinion and this is mine Why try to nominate someone that as George Bush will rely on other people to tell him how to govern. Someone which obviously have republican beliefs and can't stand behind any of his votes in his short career as a Senator. If he is nominated for the democrat seat I will definitely will vote Republican.

Thanks for your time,
Jorge, Phoenix, AZ

[Lou in SC]

Bobby Kennedy's children, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (former Lt. Gov. of Maryland) both endorsed Hillary Clinton some time ago. As a boomer who also went into public service because of JFK's inspiration, I believe that inspiration is only one part of the equation. Lasting and profound change in our country has only come about when ideals are translated into reality by the enactment of legislation. Building the coalitions to get that done requires not ony a willingness to work with others of different philosophies but also deep, substantive knowledge of the issues. Without that, you can't negotiate effectively and end up having the wool pulled over your eyes. Hillary Clinton freely admits she's a workhorse, not a showhorse, but she has demonstrated she knows how to get things done. If people were less generous in their criticism of her, maybe she would also feel the freedom to be more eloquent and inspirational. She deserves our respect and, in my view, our votes. I'm counting on you, California!

[Laura]

I was born after President Kennedy, but I alway hear from older people talk about how wonderful he was. I live in Germany and the Europeans admired JFK ,they even said that Obama reminded them of him while he was President. I guess we won't know until he wins the Campagn. He is the only nominee I feel fully confident about in this race. Being the youngest canidate of course he will be picked on about stupid things people come up with.

[FJ Stratford]

Obama supporters wake up. Obama is running a racist campaign.

Obama's camp compared their vicotry over Clinton in Iowa to OJ's murder of his wife.

That was waaaaaay back in January. And the media covered it up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDaO7N-JujU

[katharine]

Obama is the future of the Democratic Party and the future of America. After Bill Clinton's distateful tactics this past week it is obvious that the duo will only succeed in dividing, first, their party, and then the nation. With Bill overshadowing her campaign and her white house tenure, Hillary Clinton will never find a viable vice president, will disenfranchise independents and republicans who would be willing to move towrad the Democratic party, and loose a good many disgusted democrats as well, who have been posting on blogs throughout the nation that they will not, under any circumstances, vote for Hillary Clinton in any election. Clinton will loose handily to John McCain, who can beat her on experience, on patriotism, on the ability to be comander in chief, and more importantly, on the ability to draw from independents and the other party. Democrats vote for Hillary Clinton at their peril, and at the peril of our country.

[andy]

Go Carolina Kennedy! Go Obama! (Shame on Bill Clinton!!) I encourage you all read Obama's writings over the past several years. Unlike Clinton he is not "inventing" himself for this presidential race. Outside of his books, see his Knox College Commencement address from 2005 http://www.knox.edu/x9803.xml
me-(43 year old white guy from North Carolina)

[Julia Marshall]

HOORAY FOR CAROLINE AND HORRAY FOR OBAMA'S WIN!!! Although I am currently inEngland, I have seen the light within Barack Obama since I first heard him speak. OUR COUNTRY CERTAINLY NEEDS A POSITIVE CHANGE, and BARACK OBAMA seems to be the light that willl take us out of our years of darkness! I PRAY A MAJORITY OF AMERICAN'S WILL HEED THIS WAKE UP CALL, AND WE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE...A UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!

[spring woods]

Obama achieved a tremendous victory last night in spite of Bill Clinton's "clever" tactics. This "fairy tale" is starting to look like it has a happy ending. The whole world needs Obama, not just the US.

[Tanisha Everett]

Well,

I find the fact that Ms. Kennedy is supporting Obama a sign of change. Many want to throw race into the fray but it seems it isn't working. As far as the Jesse Jackson, Jr comment it was not made by Barack, the man would never be able to campaign if he had to chase every fire that was lit near, under or above him. What JJ,Jr said has nothing to do with Obama, it is quite hard to be racist when you were raised by a white woman. Make sure you put that in your pipe.

#2 Everyone is killing me with this experience thing, Hillary Clinton has 6 years experience as an official politician, I feel it is dishonest and ridiculous to count her time as the First Lady and wife as a governor as "experience."

If I were to apply for a job and include in my experience section the time I served with my husband at a job plant as my experience, the employer would laugh my resume out the office.

I pray that America wakes and truly understands what is at stake. Will we continue to be a country divided by nationality, religion and party or will we unite as a country to defeat our enemy? Because in all honesty if we cannot unify on the ground--which Obama's campaign as been able to do successfully-- then we will never come out of the shadow of the Bush regime.

Go Caroline for seeing in Obama what you saw in your father and for your Aunt seeing in Obama what she saw in Bobby.

[will]

Epistle to Caroline: Your father,JFK was a great man and nobody can deny his inspirational oratory prowess. But how many Americans were adults in 1960 and are able to recall the Kennedy presidency from 1961-Nov.22.1963 with objectivity and honest unbiased evaluation. I dare say very few ! There were some troubling moments like the Bay of PIgs and the Cuban Missile Crisis . I can remember the fear my family and i experienced when JFK came on national TV and told the nation that any attack from Cuba would be met with a nuclear response against the Soviet Union. JFK was a young President and very inspirational but his youth and inexperience was a detriment.(note Barack's reckless and hawkish comment regarding invading Pakastan, a sovereign nuclear power--an act that he backed off of in a nationally televised debate, after Hillary informed him of the potential consequences of setting off a conflagration with its neighbor,India--in order to find Osama Bin Laden) And so, Caroline , although I can appreciate your sentiment ,I must also caution against your oversight of the value of experience. Hillary is an astute ,knowledgeable and prudent person. She has more experience than Obama and will make a better President than her husband Bill and can be trusted to secure the nation's safety better than Obama. Hillary is an A+ student of the real world while Obama merely gets a B at best.

[benvictor]

Does this matter? I am curious why the news coverage and who is thought to be swayed by her endorsement? Frankly, Rambo endorsing John has more influence. At last count, this puts her in the same camp as John Kerry. And, we know about him. Personally, I am affronted by her lack of guts to support the first woman for President. I am a white male who will vote with the sisterhood in supporing Hillary for President.

[Lauren]

This is very big! I think that Caroline's words about Barack will open up a lot of people to his message. Hillary keeps saying she has 35 years of experience but she graduated from college 35 years ago. The numbers don't add up. The exit polls in South Carolina showed that the majority of people who voted for her voted for her because of her husband. The candidates should be judged on their experiences.

*Hillary voted Yes for war in Iraq
*Yes to the bankruptcy bill
*No to two supreme court justices she admitted were highly qualified but would not promise to vote her way on roe v. wade (which is illegal for a justice to decide a case they have not heard)
*She couldn't get the healthcare bill passed when she was first Lady

I don't understand why women feel the need to vote for a woman who needs her husband to fight her battles for her. There are plenty of women who are far more qualified to be president than her: Madeline Albright, Janet Reno, Condolezza Rice, and Nancy Pelossi to name a few. We should be voting based on issues not our gender. If she can't fight Barack Obama on her own how can she deal with men like Vladamir Putin, Bin Laden, Kim J E, or the like?

[Jack Mylou]

Its confirmed in SC, Obama is the black special-interest only candidate. SC only showed that Obama proved true to his racist church. Its was black voters ONLY that gave him the un-impressive win in SC. Michelle Obama has been stumping throwing our racial comments last few months but media refuses to report or print. That worked in a mostly black voter state (SC), wont work anywhere else, obamas have spent months chasing black voters from the Clintons and distanced himself from ALL white and Hispanics voters, again, showing he isn’t too smart at making decisions and proven he doesn’t have the ability to look ahead, but in his favor, no one said he was smart, just able to give a black inspirational speech that’s written for him.. He is def not the uniter he and the media claimed. It was no surprise he won SC... Now let’s move on to the not so racist primaries...Obama is an embarrassment to the U.S. His idea of change is going back to racial divisions of the 60's...He is a fairy tale in politics...Not experienced, no substance, now all he and Michele offer is skin color to the 1/3 of the American voters...BIG MISTAKE. More and more proof this guy couldn’t lead his way of a paper bag...
Obama supporters wake up. Obama is running a racist campaign.

Obama's camp compared their vicotry over Clinton in Iowa to OJ's murder of his wife.

That was waaaaaay back in January. And the media covered it up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch...

[James]

I support Barrack Obama because he is the truth and he represents "We the People..." God has sent us another true leader of the people and we must embrace him. The great leaders of the people are Abe Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Barrack Obama.

Rock the Vote!

[Retired FDNY]

I was 10 years old when my mother dragged me down to Jamaica Avenue in Queens, NY to see the late Bobby Kennedy. He was looking to become our next President at the time. Unfortunately, his dreams of a better America were cut short. Let's get behind OBAMA.......he will unite this great nation, unlike Clinton(s).

[donna and dan bearden]

I also wasmoved this year by Obama. After many years of waiting for a chance to believe again.db

[verycold]

Barack and John Kennedy shared the ability to move the masses. I think that is what Caroline was referring to. So if the message is hope, it is possible to bring people up to become better people when the messenger is so inspirational. I would beg to differ with Caroline about how similar both men are when it comes to their resume. John Kennedy was youthful as well but packed a much thicker resume. As we all know, Barack is very short in the experience department. It doesn't mean he can't learn, but he will be doing that as president of a super power country. The fact that Barack was against the war is really a mute point at this time. I would bet Caroline, a liberal democrat, would be opposed to just about any war, and thus she might differ with Barack about that. He has said publicly that he would use force to find OBL. To be clear, he was against THIS war not necessarily any wars to come. I seriously doubt Caroline would say the same. I am not sure I would want to be compared to Kennedy as a presidential hopeful either. We all loved JFK for his inspiration but he was not a great leader by any stretch. He made lots of mistakes in the short time he was there and most certainly was a very flawed man personally. I am sure loads of people have written Caroline over the years to tell her how much her father moved them. I feel very much the same. My concern about Barack is putting all that inspiration into a practical solutions with issues that need addressing. Since he has very little history to showing me this can happen, I just have to hope. At this point in our country should we be relying on hope or looking to elect somebody with a history we can judge?

[Liana and Rama Martens]

Hey Brother we support you here in Canada...All the Best to you in your Campaign your doing a good job love and love Mr. Rama Martens

[George Thomas]

The bigotry below is what many of us in this country are tired of dealing with. Blacks can be just as bigoted as whites and whites can be just as bigoted as blacks. But the post below shows a basic lack of critical thinking and represents a close minded nature that has become the hallmark of America. What's the fact that Barack Obama have to do with anything? Oh, and by the way, I don't think that Hillary Clinton ever donned fatigues and carried a rifle in the infantry either. Idiot.

Sad that Caroline would endorse Obama. Kerry was probably behind it. I don't think her mother (Jacqueline) would be happy. If he beats Hilary, the Republican's will turn out in a force unheard of.

I would not be proud to have someone who is unknown in the White House. A White House with a Black President who has never been in the military. Woe is us.

Kerry couldn't win and neither will this arrogant Obama who thinks he is another Lincoln and a David Palmer like on 24.

genadoll@yahoo.com

[Ellen]

I am an Independent that leans Republican. Caroline's endorsement gave me pause simply because Caroline up to this point has stayed out of politics. For Caroline to step forward is an event in my opinion. Opinions seems to think the endorsement is no longer relevent because no one cares about the John Kennedy legacy anymore. I wonder. Caroline's brother John was in the political spotlight and seemed to generate a great deal of interest before his tragic death.
I watched Obama last evening give his victory speech. He impressed me with the first part of the speech but sort of lost me when he listed the typical Democratic platforms for the party faithful towards the end. That said, I will pay attention to Obama simply because I believe Washington needs to change. I am sick of business as usual in both the position of President and in Congress. Both the Office of President and Congress are responsible for policy and problems the Nation needs to resolve. Political Endorsements usually hold no weight with me for this reason. I always wonder what was promised behind closed doors to win a political endorsement. This is not the case with Caroline Kennedy.

[Robert Stein]

In an interview after her husband's death, Jacqueline Kennedy told me she was disturbed that JFK was being remembered for how he died rather than what he had lived for. Forty years later, their daughter is doing something about that.

It's curious timing to have the New York Times run Caroline Kennedy's OpEd two days after the paper endorsed Hillary Clinton in the NY primary. Is there ambivalence on the part of its editors?

http://ajliebling.blogspot.com/2008/01/president-like-my-father.html

[molly]

i always admire the kennedy's. got good respect to caroline. but after endorsing obama, i had my second thought of her now. i didn't think it is a good idea endorsing him at all, i must say she should have gone neutral instead and vote for obama if she likes. now she is giving it away her divisiveness.
caroline please, don't get carried away. i've seen obama's victory speech in sc and honest i was moved by it. he is articulated, a good preacher, very good public speaker. but after that i said, hang on a minute, yah, this is america, not a hollywood.
i have read hillary clinton about what she had done for everyone, her perseverance, hardwork, vision, courage, intelligence, experience, and many more i wouldn't change for helping her to go on power.
if only she could make a speech as good as obama, or michelle i would say hillary is perfect in the campaign.

[Zandra]

I am excited about this election because it is finally forcing America to honestly assess our racial bias. Blacks love[d] and support[ed] Bill Clinton for many years. Now that the likelihood of a third term is not guaranteed for Bill he is pulling off the gloves. Having once been called the first black president and proudly wearing that title he is now a few primaries short of calling blacks the N-word. Obama will be a great president.

[ROSS KELLY]

Barack Obama - this is the future of America.

He is a man raised by God, with the right sense of judgement to move the US to the next level. America is going down, cant Americans see - In Europe,
there is a seeming connection with Baracks message. He inspires us here as we listen to him, he always commands attention and his words are always loaded.

America wake up!

[Paige Goodpasture]

I am thrilled by Ms. Kennedy's endorsement of Senator Obama for several reasons. First, I support Senator Obama as the best possible candidate for the presidency and any high-profile endorsement such as this is good news for his candidacy, especially in light of the inexplicable endorsement of Senator Clinton by the New York Times last week.
But second, Ms. Kennedy gives eloquent voice to the main reason I support Senator Obama -- his character. The citizens of this great country have suffer through seven administrations -- yes, 28 years -- of both parties who have repeatedly lied to us to further their own agendas at great cost to this country. Where once we were the heroes of the world, we now are viewed as bullies who will stop at nothing to impose ourselves on the rest of the citizens of the Earth. There was Iran-Contra and related disgraces that stretched through two administrations. There was the regretable Lewinsky affair. Finally, there is the Iraq war. All involved boldfaced lies to the American people by the president that we elected and who holds in trust the values on which this country is built.
Well, we are tired of presidents who tear this country down, brick by brick, in the name of personal or partisan agendas. Senator Clinton is clearly made in this mold, as her campaign over the last three weeks has shown. Senator Obama, on the other hand, has shown himself to be made of the strong stuff of true leadership, refusing to step in the pile left behind by the Clintons' ugly tactics and instead continuing to talk of what presidential campaigns should be made of -- values and ideals and how to make those a reality. Ms. Kennedy puts all of this into words much better than I. What we need is NOT the kind of experience that Mrs. Clinton claims, but instead a true leader who is sure of himself and of what he and this country stand for, and who will make his decisions as president from that place. Vote for Barack Obama, and be proud of this country's government again.

[Peter207]

Are we talking about the drunkin murderer who was given a "pass" for driving Mary Jo Kopeckny to her death while in a drunken state?

The same Ted Kennedy who, after driving the young women in his car OFF a bridge into the waters...Mr. Kennedy got out - saved himself "ONLY" went home changed his clothes then decided to have someone call the police?
Did I remember that correctly?

Or what about the Kennedy nephew(The Rapist) in florida? Did he also support and endorse him? No. Only supported and assisted in covering up the rape.

The same Ted Kennedy sitting in the Senate while his collegues regularly molested young boys thru their special "page" system yet pretended no to be aware.

Who this man endorses is meaningless.
I have absolutely no respect for him at all.

Who Caroline Kennedy endorses? She was a mere child when her father was alive. What does she know about his policits, character or lack thereof(sleeping with every woman he could within reach)integrity or lack thereof, honesty....

She s a young woman who only can judge from that which people have told her.

As a matter of fact, JFK 's lack of knowledge got us in the Viet Name war(another needless war) his passing left LBJ with the dirty task of cleaning it up & hoping to bring the troops home. (VIET NAM?)JFK didn't have a clue how to get out of Viet Nam.

So Ted Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy endorse Brack Obama? Who cares.

Is that supposed to make me stop thinking for myself?

To be honest - Why would we want another administration that either of these people endorsed?

I thought Mr. Obama was campaigning with the thought in mind" Leaving behind the past of the old regime..forging forward with new thoughts and ideas"

What's new about Senator Ted Kennedy or Caroline Kennedy? I don't see either as a koo.

[brandon]

I think there have been defining personalities in American history--John Kennedy is one of them and became a touchstone for an entire generation. As a woman, I want to support the first viable female candidate for president, but I also like to think that there will be plenty of better female candidates to support in the future. Why must I choose along gender lines? Like Caroline Kennedy, I think Barack Obama is a much more powerful agent of change at this particular moment in history. It's time to shed the generation that came of age during the sixties and look towards something new--someone who will define this particular moment and move us forward.

[G. wright]

ENOUGH OF THE CLINTONS!!! GIVE US HONOR AND BRING BACK SCRUPLES TO THE COUNTRY. CLINTONS ARE DISGUSTING POLITICIANS AND OUR COUNTRY NEEDS HONESTY AND RESPECT FROM THE WORLD. EINSTEIN QUOTE: YOU CAN NOT SOLVE A PROBLEM WITH THE SAME KIND OF THINKING THAT CREATED IT. GIVE US A NEW - FRESH - UNCORRUPT PRESIDENT.

[Zandra]

I am excited about this election because it is finally forcing America to honestly assess our racial bias. Blacks love[d] and support[ed] Bill Clinton for many years. Now that the likelihood of a third term is not guaranteed for Bill he is pulling off the gloves. Having once been called the first black president and proudly wearing that title he is now a few primaries short of calling blacks the N-word. Obama will be a great president.

[Sophie]

To JohnSmith.P

Confronting Yugoslavia/Serbia for the horrific genocide carried out against the Bosnian Muslims is about the only thing which B. Clinton did worthy of redemption, in my book. However, it was too little too late. There was a slew of resignations of career State Dept officials from Clinton's administration as protest over their complicit inaction during the Bosnian holocaust. Madeline Albright, when asked if the deaths of nearly 500,000 Iraqi children were an acceptable direct consequence of the devastating and inhumane "sanctions" against Iraq (a collective punishment on the Iraqi people for the former CIA-buddy Saddam Hussein), replied "Yes." She needs to be tried as a murderer.

[Ravi D]

I had great admiration for the Kennedys.But do I see envy on the part of the Kennedys towards the Clintons.Kennedy was overrated as a President and served only three years as President before the unfortunate assasination.Clinton not only had two terriffic terms as President but became "the first black President" with great respect from the black community.

Ted Kennedy could never become a President because of his mistress who was killed in his car at Chipaquidiq and he failed to report to the police in time.Clinton had become even more popular during his Monica Lewinsky problem.Kennedy had started the Vietnam War which was many times worst than the Iraq war.

If Hillary still wins after so many celebrity endorsements against her then the Kennedy legacy rather than the Clinton legacy would be at stake!

[veritas]

Hey Everyone -Get a grip- Obama is no JFK nor Lincoln -read yesterday's OP ED by Presidential Historian "Obama's Misuse of History" http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-wilentz26jan26,0,5561702.story

Democrats have a way of finding candidates that lose. Here we go again. Caroline & Ted will split the Democratic party. Racism is far less acceptable than the rampant sexism that has permeated this campaign. Woman got the vote 50 years after African American men. That's a sad fact and we have allowed Obama to characterize HIllary's foreign policy as having tea with leader's wives-where's the outrage? We need some push back against the media trashing of a woman who has done the hard work to be ready to deal with the enormous problems facing our country. Massachusetts has a governor that used the same political operative as Obama-exact same words of hope and change-unfortunately since he's taken office he has gone from "yes we can" to don't give up on me. Bright Star of Mass. Tarnished by Lapses
'Don't Give Up on Me,' Gov. Patrick Pleads
By Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 18, 2007 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/17/AR2007031701005.html
This is the prototype for what we can expect from someone with very little experience.

[Donzi]

sf chronicle endores Barack Obama.....Go Bama!

[Donzi]

I respond with evidence ... Dick Morris statements in an effort to set the record straight on Hillary's history.
For those of you who don't know Dick Morris was the political advisor to Bill Clinton during his White House years. He was about as close to the Clintons as anyone during that time. I am reposting his comments concerning Hillary.
"If you happen to see the Bill Clinton five minute TV ad for Hillary in which he introduces the commercial by saying that he wants to share some things we may not know about Hillary's background . . .
beware .
"Bill says: "Hillary didn't succeed at getting health care for all Americans in 1994 but she kept working at it and helped to
create the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that provides five million children with health insurance."
The facts are: Hillary had nothing to do with creating CHIP. It
was included in the budget deal between Clinton and Republican Majority Leader Senator Trent Lott. I know; I helped to negotiate the deal. The money came half from the budget deal and half from the Attorney Generals' tobacco settlement. Hillary had nothing to do with either source of funds. "
by Dick Morris

[John]

Wow, after reading these posts, I am really sad for my Democratic party. I have been a lifelong Democrat because I believe in the core principles of our party, especially economic and social justice for all.

As each of the three leading Democratic contenders are light years ahead of all the Republican contenders on issues like Iraq, health care, tax policy, and immigration, I will vote for the eventual Democratic nominee, even if it is not the candidate that I vote for in the California primary.

However, when I read many of the posts from Senator Obama's supporters, I am struck by the vile and contemt they spew against Senator Clinton and President Clinton. The Clinton's are honorable and patriotic people who have served our country well.

I do not see the same level of garbage posted against Senator Obama by Senator Clinton's supporters. If Senator Obama truly is trying to run a "clean" campaign, it is certainly being undercut, in my view, by the vile hatred and negativity being spewed by his on-line supporters. These "supporters" use derogatory words like "Billery", "HillBill" and others. I am disgusted by such tactics and they only tend to turn me away from supporting Senator Obama.

In the last debate, Senator Edwards was able to show us that in the last few weeks, his campaign is the only one that really ran a "clean" non-negative campaign. To bad that was not reflected in the racially-charged South Carolina primary.

For our party's sake, and that of the eventual Democratic nominee, I hope the hate spewers stop poisoning the well and just shut up.

[Hillary Ready For Change]

With all due respect for Mr. Obama and the campaign he has run I'd have to agree he has alot of good things to say, who can argue with that? but the major difference is, Obama has nothing really but his words so far, what has he actually accomplished? nothing much in his 2 very short years in the Senate. He skipped on 130 Senate votes, no one does that and gets things done, seriously. Change happens when you TAKE ACTION and sitting back and not voting 130 times, is not taking action. You know I have nothing against Obama's ideas, but Hillary and Edwards both have alot more to back up their promises. One step at a time, I think Obama is an impulsive choice and the wrong choice for what America needs right now. Change is great! of course it is, we ALL want change and no one wants it and can make that change happen more effectively for what we all need to restore America right away quite like Hillary Clinton starting on her first day in office. Hillary has my vote and support all the way and John Edwards is my second choice, I wish Edwards would be Hillary's running mate in fact, those two would be just awesome together. I would consider Obama another time but he is way too young, untested and inexperienced still for what we need done now. Do the right thing and vote for what we KNOW will work at a time in America's history when we cannot afford to lose another another child, another job, another business, another family, another home, another day. Hillary already knows exactly what to do and how to do it, you cannot just promise that or say 'yes you can' make change, it takes hard work. You have to actually have the skills and know how to get it done like Hillary absolutely does. Bottom line, you don't hire an amateur to do a professional job. Vote for Hillary for real serious, immediate change, she is the sure thing and she will not let us down.

Hillary All the Way!!!!!!

[Coming Awakening]

To all against Barack, please go see him in person. I just got back to DC from my trip to SC where I saw him in person. I had chill running up and down my spine and I am no political dummy. I saw Whites, Blackc, Hispanics and more importantly young people (college, high school, and younger) all engaged in hugs and positivity.

It's time for us to turn the corner and mature as a company.

Barack is no dummy. You can't do what he's done unless you have the brain power to support it.

With Hillary, it will be another 4-8 year of Bill's girfriends, Monica, White Water, S&L scandal, and nothing getting done. Republicans will block or argue everything she tries to do. Obama will work with them and they will work with him to some extent because he does not have a negative track record.

Inspired....

[R Delacroix]

I am so disappointed with Mister Kennedy's choice, but not surprise, really.
I think Obama and his surrogates played the race card big time, "Oh how dare you to ask about Obama's past, you must be a racist... why do you need to know about Obama 130 present votes, oh you must be racist,... "
I am so bloody tired of self righteous liberals believing that any question directed to Obama is of a racist nature, but where are you guys, when Obama's camp are blatantly sexist
Where are you when Obama was touring South Carolina with reverend Donnie Mc Clurkin, a self proclaimed ex homosexual, who believe homosexuality is a choice and with a little praying, and some therapy they can all become straight. so where were you, you Hillary haters..... Where were you when Obama work against the gays, lesbian to secure the black evangelist votes. That Obama surrogates believe that the black evangelist support was contingent on latent homophobia, No one, I guess sexism and homophobia is ok among Obama supporters. Well I am outrage, and I am a proud democrat, but I will never ever vote for Obama.
NObama is my new motto

[ozzie]

After reading these comments three things are confirmed with me. The Times wants Bill and Hillary. Obama backers are full of hope. Hillary backers are full of hate.

[Branden Lehman]

I think a lot of the things written in this article are bias. Such as the comparison between Obama and Clinton, Obama is reviewed very positively, while Clinton is receiving a lot of negative comments that are not true. I advise anyone who would like to contest what i am saying to read the auto biography Hillary Rodham Clinton, to learn that who ever wrote this is a complete idiot.

[JP]

Barack Obama will be receiving my vote not because of his race or mine (German/Mexican-American from L.A.) but because he is a strong leader with an intelligent and just vision and plan for this country. After almost 8 years of Bush, we need a political and cultural leader who will shift this country around. Go Barack!

[Izzo]

I agree with Ozzie that Clinton supporters are bristling with anger and hate. The Clintons, and Ozzie did imply this, have almost succeded in dividing the party. I hear every echoes of racism in the tones and undertones of the Obama bashers.

[Juan Garza]

As a Latino who has supported Obama from the beginning, I want to thank Ted and Caroline.

As a son of a farmworker who lost his mother at the age of 14, while only having only few vivid memories of her, there are two that stand out. Once when JFK was killed then when Bobby was gunned down. She cried so much for these men, these men who gave migrant farmworkers hope that tomorrow would bring a better life. These men who instilled a desire within us to achieve ... the impossible.

Why does this endorsement matter when others do not , ask the tears that went down my mothers cheeks.

[Samson Lim]

YOU VOTERS WILL DECIDE! DON'T BELIEVE THE NATIONAL MEDIA, PUNDITS, POLITICAL ADS, POLLSTERS, SPIN DOCTORS, POLITICIANS AND CELEBRITY ENDORSERS! YOU ARE THE DECIDING FACTOR AND DON'T GIVE THAT RIGHTS TO ANYONE! NOW WE HAVE TO THINK HARD AND BE REALISTIC - FOR WE NEED TO VOTE WISELY AND PRUDENTLY FOR AMERICA CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER MISTAKE IN ELECTING A WRONG PRESIDENT! WE HAVE TO FOCUS AND BE REALISTIC WHERE OUR COUNTRY RIGHT NOW - THIS IS A TOUGH DECISION WE HAVE TO MAKE. I KNOW SENATOR OBAMA IS THE MAN OF THE HOUR AND AMERICA IS INFATUATED WITH THIS YOUNG SENATOR FOR HIS RHETORIC AND BEAUTIFUL SPEECHES PLUS THE MEDIA IS BACKING HIM UP. BUT WE NEED TO CHECK HIS RECORDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT AS SENATOR - EXPERIENCE WISE I DON'T THINK WE CAN TAKE CHANCES ON THIS SENATOR. AMERICA SHOULD REALIZE WHERE FANTASY BEGIN AND WHEN FANTASY ENDS. WE HAVE TO THINK FOR OUR COUNTRY FIRST AND FOREMOST DON'T BELIEVE ON THIS NATIONAL MEDIA THAT IS FEEDING YOU. IN MY OWN OPINION SENATOR CLINTON IS THE MOST QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCE, SMART AND READY TO LEAD THE COUNTRY IN DAY ONE! SHE ALWAYS SPEAK WITH SUBSTANCE AND CARE AND HAVE COMPASSION FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS AND MINORITIES AND BEEN THERE AND BEEN ATTACKED BY THE REPUBLICAN MACHINE FOR 16 YEARS AND SURVIVED! I HOPE AND PRAY THAT AMERICA WILL GET IT THIS TIME TO SELECT THE RIGHT PERSON TO BECOME PRESIDENT WHO WILL RUN OUR COUNTRY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION - AMERICA WE CANNOT TAKE THIS TO CHANCES!
God Bless America!!!

[Ronald Loui]

Interesting, interesting. This blog has more reactionary pro-HRC anti-BHO posts than any I have seen in a while. I suspect it is a coordinated effort on the part of the Clinton campaign. I don't believe there are so many regular readers of the LA Times Top of the Ticket, who choose to be so selective with their facts.

For those who attack Caroline Kennedy's knowledge of her father, Mr. Frederick's article reminds us of the backing Obama receives from Theodore Sorensen, JFK's close personal advisor and speech writer. For those who now diss Senator Ted Kennedy, why is it that the Clintons wanted his endorsement so much, and even denied that it was forthcoming? If the Kennedy family is not relevant, then why did the Clintons respond by pointing out the endorsement of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend?

This blog smells bad, and it is the Clinton supporters who are again stinking things up.

My God, do you people really want to go down in history as attacking Caroline Kennedy because you will do anything or say anything to get Hillary elected? Is that how you want to be remembered?

Everyone knows that Caroline Kennedy's words are historic and profound. The backers of the un-endorsed candidate are responding with petty attacks like bad pit bulls, when they should instead be showing a little class and thinking about what has just happened.

(Boy, Ronald, you gotta get out and read more items here. Shouldn't be biased about what you choose to read.)

[Robert D.]

I've learned a life's lesson. South Carolina has the worst high school graduation rate in the entire US. It's been written about often. Yet these Democratic voters have taught our country a lesson-You can get into Yale, and pretend you served military service. But the least educated and poorest people can figure you out. Our country is a GD mess, and even his Old Man knows it. Thank God for the regular people-I think we're on the way to redemption. Yes, "Childrens do learn". Even with an Ivy League "education".

[ArchiesBoy]

Mantle, schmantle -- just get rid of Billary!

[Eli]

4:45 - you must be right. It was a vast left-wing conspiracy that brought the Clintons down in SC. They always get such a bad rap...

The Clinton supporters always claim Obama and his supporters are naive - but some of these comments seem pretty green to me.

It is time to turn the page on the Clinton soap opera and its divsive and micro-targeted politics. Hillary will be much more effective as a member of Obama's cabinent or as a leading Senator.

[Diane]

I am a female in support of Obama. I think Hillary will bend and fold at the least situations that needs to be dealt with in this country. She has already proven that she can be bought out of her decision making when she back down off the healthcare reform before. Twice during this campaign she has broken down and act like a spoiled child because she did not win. The first time she cried, this time with Barrack winning South Carolina she acted like a soar loser. Refusing to do her speech and getting on the air talking about a bunch of nonsense trying to get everyone minds off the fact that she lost. That was the most boring talk she gave last night. A bunch of nonsense. Wow she had nothing better to talk about? Then her husband makes the racist remarks he did about Obama. I mean come on are they children or adults? Soar losers and i don't trust her with a ten foot pole because the first person to wave money in her face she will sell us all out.

[sue]

Meet The Press addresses Clinton’s race-baiting:

Today, an amazing thing happened; the MTP panel confronted the Clinton’s race-baiting strategy against Obama head on. Here’s the link. Watch it for yourself. The discussion begins at around 27 minutes (after the John McCain interview).

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22867810#22867810

Will the rest of the MSM follow suit?

[George]

Being an African who immigrated to the States 13 years ago, I had loved and admired Bill Clinton for years, and it would have been for he why I would have wanted to embrace Hillary. As a black man,
I stood by Bill and supported him during his worst years as president. But I was taken by surprise by his antics and what he said about Obama, his "fairy tale" refference and more. I have vowed not vote if Hillary is nominated, and I hope my blacks colleagues do the same. Bill will know that our votes are not "fairy tales".

[amurcia]

Someone said perfectly before me. Obama is no JFK. He had a thick
resume and was a real war hero. But he was also a reckless womanizer
and had no experience which got us in trouble, please read before you
make judgements. Who is Ted, a want to be president, who saved himself
from dying but let her to die. Carolyn your father was a true uniter Obama
is played the race card. Someone said it jealousy? The kennedys although
very talented, have not accomplished greatness. It is already proven both
clinton have accomplished more than the Ks with all the money and talent,
Bill clinton is the best president of our generation like or not is all ready
written in the history books and hillary will make history as the first woman
president, her record so far also predicts she will be a good president. this is big for people coming from humble beginnings THAT IS INSPIRATIONAL Oh! I forgot I shake both your father and Bobby's hand just two week before he died here in Los Angeles, comparing those two to Obama is misleading
the voters.

[FreeAmerican]

Anyone interested in voting Republican should really take a look at the state of the country. Bush has doubled the debt, the dollar is falling, jobs are leaving this country as fast as corporate boards can approved them and we are in a war that is costing us a fortune. Not to mention the cost of EVERYTHING is going through the roof.

I've voted Republican, but they talk a good game and never deliver. Anytime Clinton can have a balanced budget , then Bush should be able to produce at least one balanced budget. Not one in 8 years.

Clintons tricks won't work on me. I'm voting Obama-Edwards in 2008.

[keith turner]

The people of California can change the course of history-political machines be dammed. Of course the times supports Hill and Bill because it is all about connecctions and paybacks. The great thing is that for the first time in my lifetime ordinary people have the chance to affect history- not corporate elites connected to political machines.

[David]

If the comments here by the supporters of Mr. Obama provide any indication of the type of man he is or what type of president he might be then I am truly sadden. The hate and ugliness of these people is truly shocking and not what I want in my president. Funny thing is that if you think about it, if Mr. Obama does win the nomination it is evident Mrs, Clinton will suck it up, carry on like a trouper and work hard to get him elected. Lord know she has enough times in the past. If Mrs. Clinton receives the nomination it is clear Mr. Obama does not have the strength of character to do the same. Obviously his hate-filled admirers could not do that. I truly started out thinking we Democrats were so lucky this year and I would be happy with any of them. Not anymore. I can't be associated with people like these Obama bloggers, I see no difference with them and the GOP.

[Gerrrg]

If Barack does win the nomination, he will lose the General Election, because he primarily panders to his own base, in spite of the rhetoric he talks about leading all of America.

And if we're talking about the superficiality of the voter - for that's what the exit polls in SC showed - blacks support blacks, whites support whites, women support women and men support men, then Barack does not have enough of a base to win against the GOP nominee who will be a white man.

Call me pragmatic, but don't call me naive...most of America is still driven by superficiality of color, gender and creed.

I'd say that old, white established politicians supporting Barack is a good sign, except that they represent the establishment, and Barack was supposed to be running away from politics as usual. I'd rather get the backing of Ralph Nader, Greenpeace and NOW, not some old white men from inside the beltway.

[M.K.Dharan]

All that Clinton did was turning the Oval office into an Oral Office. Hillary could't even control Bill then and he went out with no respect for the great country or the great office he was holding. How can the world and the media forget his lies.Hillary will be a disaster to our great country as much as we have Bush. Hope anybody other than Hillary get nominated and win the whole thing.

[Mrs. Seale]

It's interesting that Caroline Kennedy should crawl out from under her celebrity rock and endorse Obama and say he comes closest to her father, considering she saw her dad when she was perhaps three years old. Does she remember for instance that the Vietnam War started under the "inspiring leadership of her father and actually wound down under Nixon's rule?"
Yes it was utterly tragic and dastardly how her father was assassinated, yes he was a handsome guy who had at least two celebrity mistresses on the side... but he's a hero in everyone's consciousness because he was killed by either a madman or a larger conspiracy...Ted Kennedy can endorse Obama and come off sounding like the Pope... The Clintons had to literally claw their way up the political ladder.. The Kennedys, in contrast are "American Royalty" had everything handed to them, despite their mafia tendencies in much of New England and NY. Really, how incredibly juvenile and unlearned can we allow ourselves to be?
Obama will make a good President, Hillary Clinton will make a great one.

[John Crandelll]

Now if Ethel and Eunice and Joe III all show up tomorrow as well. Well......
And if Gonad The Barbarian does too, it's all over baby!

[Nancy]

Clinton's "experience" is best kept in the Senate where she can provide her professional commentary. However, to lead in the White House, we need someone who will not arouse so much hatred as Hillary Clinton does. Whether or not it is her fault is not the point. The fact is, we do not want to go back to the gridlock of the Clinton years. Barack Obama said early on in this campaign that "our politics are broken" and he has been steadfast in his message of unity and bringing everyone to the table. He did not have to learn this (as Clinton had to learn by disaster), because such inclusivenss and even-handedness are natural to him, they are his core, as an amalgam of so many diverse cultural backgrounds.
To get past the divisiveness of the Clinton years and the corruption and arrogance of the Bush years, this country badly needs Barack Obama. He is the face of the real America, which is multi-racial, multi-cultural, international, and he can speak for all and talk to all.

[Barbara]

The cracks in the Clinton armor are growing. it is being chipped away, bit by bit. South Carolina was the first big piece to go. Now the CTA found that their rank and file did not want them endorsing Clinton so they are not going to. Another piece of armor gone. Go Obama.

[OM]

I am a Canadian and find American politics fascinating. I find this race the most fascinating of all the ones I've followed. At times the tag team of Bill and Hillary is so arrogant that they act as if they think Americans are clueless. Why on earth would you all want to put Bill Clinton back into the WH? It's amazing how soon we humans forget, when it's convenient.Was it not a dishonorable thing to make a WH intern his playgirl in the Oval Office and then to blatanly lie to the American people. Why does no one from the Press challenge HIllary on her claim of 35 years experience. RIDICULOUS! I do not have any respect for either and Hillary is a shame on women. Which woman would stick it out that long when her spouse cheats repeatedly? I guess she would if she has a big pay day ahead, like a presidency! What baffles me more is: why the blazes do you all think he will not be running the show much like he is now? I thought a president only had 2 terms? This smacks of either a lack of sound judgment; audacity or maybe a lack of ethics? I guess it's okay to use your spouse's experience and help on the next job interview! Then again it's the Clintons... they seem to get away with anything. Poor Al Gore!

[LAShores]

Hillary is the wrong person for the job!
Several points to make:
Experience means nothing if you don't have judgement and a set of principles to guide you. Political experience is only one aspect, and in my opinion a small one. I lost respect for Hillary when she voted for the Iraq war. I truely believe that she didn't want to vote for that war resolution but had to because she would have appeared to be weak on terrorism. This is such a big issue to me because it's THE most important position that she confronted as a senator. AND, SHE GOT IT WRONG! She "triangulated" and in my opinion this is a display of her poor judgement and bad decision making. There are certain things that you can get wrong, but authorizing a war IS NOT one of them. And, the sad part about this is that she refuses to admit she made a mistake by voting for the authorization to go to war. It baffles me why anyone thinks she is qualified to be president.

[Barbara]

Samson, using capital letters is considered rude, it is shouting. And Obama warned us about the cynics and the fear mongers. I am no longer fearful. Obama will be the President. Just because you vote out of fear, doesn't mean everyone else does.

[Ross C.]

With JFK's son in the White House, Caroline is apt to do anything her half-brother wants her to do. Ted Kennedy is likewise inclined to help his nephew, W.
Even with his win in SC, Obama has gotten more republican votes than Democratic ones. Those motivated anti-Hillary voters will vote OSAMA before they'll vote OBAMA in NOVEMBA!
Senator Obama was a nobody Illinois state senator 25 months ago. The republicans gave him a US Senate seat by not running against him, luring him in to be their dupe. 2 years experience, and a foreign childhood, right. Even Romney could beat Obama and he's a treacherous Mormon (google mountain meadows).

[Karoli]

To all of the pro-Hillary folks bemoaning the 'hate and ugliness' by pro-Obama commenters, let me present the truth of the matter. I just read every comment on this post and note the following:

1) Phrases used by Hillary supporters in reference to Obama: "panders" "arrogant abuse" "racist campaign" (twice, verbatim by differently named people), "juvenile and unlearned", "sexist", "homophobic", "David Palmer like on 24", "skipped on 130 Senate Votes" (not true, by the way),

2) Phrases used by Obama supporters in reference to Hillary: "Billary", "divisive", "disgusting politicians", "HillBill".

I don't condone the perjoratives on either side, but the truth is that the invective and race cards are being played by the Hillary supporters, not the other way around. It's all here in black and white. No grey.

This is what you can expect if Hillary is nominated. Get your waders on now, because you will be slogging through mud and ugly from now till November as the national campaign heats up and gets underway.

We can choose hope, or we can choose hate. Experience in politics isn't always an asset, because what comes with experience is cynicism and acquiescence.

The generation of voters in the 18-29 age group is speaking loudly and they don't care what race Obama is. This will be their country long after those of us in Hillary's generation are gone. Listen to them. Take a risk on change.

[Charles]

The last time I checked, Sen. Kennedy failed in his own presidential bid, didnt even pass the Democratic primary. Then Kerry comes along also, supporting Obama. Well, he was also supported by Kennedy in his presidential bid, which unfortunately failed too.

These two people pale in comparison to Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton's biggest supporter, whos been there.

[Hoslo]

If the American people choose Mr. Obama as president in November, they are sending a powerful and positive signal to all nations of the world: A change is about to happen!

First of all you tell us that you are for the first time since the WWII a UNIFIED PEOPLE!
One America, One UNITED STATES! That is much more powerful than the cowboy
rhetoric of the last 15 years. Terrorist and fundamentalist of this world will shake
in their pants by such a powerful message!

Then you don’t need to send your ex president around the world to repair the damage done by Bush, Cheney and yes, by Mr Clinton. (Remember, 1 million Iraki children died under Mr Clintons presidency, while Mrs Clinton was already planning her own run for the presidency at the White House dinners.)

Just to give the world a change, REAL CHANGE, not the Romney change, the McCain change or the Clinton change which came after their pollsters requests, (while they are singing
Bomb, Bomb, Bomb) is the very powerful message that will bring USA back where it belongs: At the top the world, not only as a military or economic power but most importantly as the morally and ethically leaders of the this world! Ask anybody in Europe or Africa, Asia or even in the Middle East:

NEED HOPE! NO MORE OF THE SAME! PLEASE!

This may be a very important and defining moment in the history of your great country. But I think this moment is even more important for the future of the entire world! For the rest of us
Its not just the economy right now but the HOPE for a future for our children and this planet!

So Good Luck to you, all Americans, in this primary and in November! And God bless!

[Jane Becker]

A president like her father? How bout a president like my ex-husband?
http://thedamedomain.blogspot.com/2008/01/president-like-my-ex-husband.html

[N Pena]

Obama should run from the Ted Kennedy endorsement. Obama says he's for change and a new way of dealing in Washington. Either he is for "Change" or he's for business as usual. Ted Kennedy represents the good old boy network of Washington with all the backdoor politics. If Obama shakes hands with Ted Kennedy for the endorsement then he is a lying hypocrite. Obama has sold out before he even gets the nomination. So much for "Change." Hilary should be happy about not getting the TK kiss of death.

[Noel Ferguson]

What does the Kennedy's know about dignity? They want a leader that they can manipulate, and they do not find that in the Clinton's. I am an African American and I believe that Mrs. Clinton is the best candidate. She is hardworking, tough and will more help black than Obama. We can not let charm rule over issues. I know many charming black CEO in jail, because all play and no work make Jack a dull boy. I also believe that we need someone who has a larger worldwide appeal to strengthen America ties abroad. The Saudi's are waiting for Barack to win so that they can double the oil price. The Kennedy's wants him to win so that they can reclaim their names. African Americans want him to win so that can say history has been made. I want Mrs Clainton to win so that we can get on the right track. Come on people which great CEO do you know that is liked by everyone? If you are liked by everyone you are not a good leader. Please do not pay for your mistake with your wallets and your homes in foreclosure in the next five year. Please choose wisely, we are not sixteen years old looking for a first date, so we pick the most charming person that comes along. How many of us have made that mistake in life. We are looking for a strong President.

[Jeugenen]

REAGAN REPUBLICANS AND KENNEDY DEMOCRATS IN REVOLT AGAINST NEO-CONS AND NEO-LIBS

Just as the Ronald Reagan Conservatives are revolting to crush the Podhoretz Neo-Conservatives; the John Kennedy Liberals are revolting to crush the Leiberman Neo-Liberals; and the leading Libertarian Republicans, dauntless guardians of the rule the American Constitution, are drawing their growing rebel forces from the ranks of young energetic conservatives and liberals.

These insidious Neo-Cons and Neo-Libs, victims of their own culturally subversive ideology and political corruption, with the traditional conservatives and liberals now rebelling to expel them from their niches of power in government, education, and news media are in panic; their fear and loathing of the America People having become their self-fulfilling prophecy.

The endorsement of the unpopular Neo-Con McCain and Neo-Lib Hillary, by the New York Times, exemplifies this desperate struggle by the Neo-Con/Neo-Lib news media to retain control over the wealth and blood of the American People, by hook or by crook. Similarly, Neo-Lib Leiberman’s notorious endorsement of Neo-Con McCain was an attempt to unite the Neo-Lib and Neo-Con supporters against the Conservatives and the Liberals.

It is the beautiful dawn of the American Reformation; and the beginning of the End of the Era of the Ugly American; and whole wide World is watching and cheering.

Google: Who Would the World Elect; Stricherz Why the Democrats are Blue; Mearsheimer "Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy"; Human Events Ron Paul Interview.

[brainylagirl]

Barack Obama is the first presidential candidate in my lifetime to capture my imagination and fire my hope for the future of this country, currently divided by an ever-widening gap of haves-and-have nots, the question of legal immigration and migrant workers, the utterly misguided war GWB and Co. waged in Iraq and an economy threatening to collapse under the weight of unemployment, dead-end jobs & the mortgage crisis. I don't know if Barack Obama will actually be able to reverse the serious damage that has been done to our civil liberties, our economy, the environment and our reputation on the world stage under the eight year regime of the Bush administration, but he's the only one that makes me think he might make an honest and valiant go of restoring our nation's credibility and healing some gaping wounds -- some that go back much, much farther than the past decade. Go Obama!

[GinaK]

When Bill Clinton was running in 1992, he, Hillary and Chelsea, were invited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Maurice Tempelsman's yacht in Martha's Vineyard. Ted was also invited and when the future president and his family arrived, Ted refused to go meet them. Jacqueline pushed him and he asked her why. She told him because he is the next president of the United States.

So, the new Obama ads will probably show footage of JFK, his speeches, and tie him to Obama and his speeches, as if to say, the torch is now passed to a new generation. New Frontier? Hardly. That decade's new generation saved the world from Hitler's clutches and weathered their share of storms, including, as children, The Great Depression. This new generation hasn't been tested in the manner the boomers, the children of Kennedy's new generation, were. An unfavorable war is what each generation shares, unfortunately, and have protested against, but that is it. The students of the 60's marched for civil rights, women's rights, against a war, for removal of a president and some lost their lives fighting for these issues.

If Obama's campaign is all about the future, why this link to the 60's? How does that spell "future?" Caroline Kennedy's children are teens and are swayed, understandably, by rhetoric drenched in hyperbole disguised as youthful enthusiasm. The under 30 vote has always been undervalued and sadly, for good reason. Their stake in the economy, except for those kids who got rich off the Internet, is not all that high. The older voter is fully immersed thanks to high end investments, mortgages and years - years in the working world. No matter how the kids who support Obama shout this down, those of us who fared better during the Clinton years turn a deaf ear and say, your time will come. 2008 is not your time.

So sorry Ted, Patrick and Caroline. Your collective endorsement of Obama makes for much media hype, but not much more than that. Obama is to 2008, what Jimmy Carter was to 1976 and we know what a dud as president he turned out to be.

[kent g anderson]

Kennedy , was a visionary , Nasa , Im also a visionary
and I also Have a Dream .To see the word FUTURE benefit all people all countries . To long has the rich and the powerful and the monopliles Countroled The poor and their ideas . Im fighting for the poor people global FUTURE Voice . By Kent G Anderson founder /president
solepriortor of www.futurevisionaries.com

[together people]

I know I am not the only one to figure out that the Kennedy's split endorsements are to unify & not divide. They swiftly moved to stop the division and falling apart of the democrats since many including their family have worked and sacraficed so much for.
Hillary understands this; which is why she has been gracious in taking the medicine...it was destructive (the racial divide) that the media and the powerful mean political machine was doing. But we are not an ignorant people - some can be divided but most understand that we cannot. I admire & appreciate what only they were able to do; restore our base, what we're all
about, as the TRUE meaning of our creed that we are one
people of ONE NATION of ONE WORLD. They had to reinforce & solidify JFK & RFK's work & sacrafice. We as the UNITED States of America have to be the moral compass of the world in truth & justice with principles that all people
are equal & deserve to live with dignity, prosperity & afforded all the basic human rights. We need to get back to our core principles to surge to 'unlimited
possibilities & potential'. Barack will always continue our legacy - we all should. But Hillary will enhance & catapult us to a new PIVOTAL
level - unified, strong 'OF the people, BY the people, FOR the
people'. She will embody all what we are about - as the working people of hope. The map is in front of us to guide & challenge us to our 'unlimited
possibilities and potential' - we all have this responsibility - the
responsibility for POSSIBILITIES to BECOME reality. .
Thank you Kennedys for all you have given, thank you Hillary for what you will give as President, thank you fellow Democrats, Republicans, Independents and Undecided - for safeguarding all our liberties and our freedom of speech.

[madeleine d.]

I lived through the JFK presidency but I don't believe many of the Obama supporters did. I remember fealing very scared during the Bay of Pigs and the missile crisis. I remember neighbors building bomb shelters in their basements. I cannot even consider anyone in the top position of this country would doesn't have the experience to deal with these kinds of uncertainies. I heartily do not believe many of the Obama supporters are considering seriously the kind of world we live in or they would want someone with lots of Experience, someone who has been tested, someone with global diplomatic experience. Carefully weight your vote, do you want an unknown rhetoric filled speaker of "change" or a workaholic "get things done," Experienced proven global leader in the White House. Hillary Clinton has my vote and those of my family. I don't agree with the recent Kennedy trio endorsements. The endorsements of other Kennedy Family members for Hillary Clinton speak for themselves. In the end, it is OUR VOTES not endorsements that count!!!