Sen. Kennedy Throws Support Behind Obama
Obama
New Bedford Standard Times
Matthew Huisman
Boston University Washington News Service
1/28/08
WASHINGTON – Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., threw his support behind Democratic residential candidate Barack Obama during a rally at American University in Washington on Monday.
“I feel change in the air,” Kennedy told a crowd of about 4,600 enthusiastic students and supporters.
“Every time I’ve been asked over the past year, who I would support in the Democratic primary, my answer has always been the same,” Kennedy said. “I’ll support the candidate who inspires me, who inspires all of us, who can lift our vision and summon our hopes and renew our belief that our country’s best days are still to come. I’ve found that candidate and I think you have too.”
As Kennedy spoke, Obama sat looking pensively at the thousands of supporters packed in Bender Arena.
Kennedy was joined by his niece, Caroline Kennedy, and his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.).
”I am proud to stand with him here today and offer my help, offer my voice, offer my energy, my commitment to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States,” the elder Kennedy said.
Following the senator’s 20-minute speech, Obama approached the microphone and thanked American University, the Kennedys and all the presidential candidates.
“Ted Kennedy stands apart from the prevailing wisdom in Washington that has reduced politics to a game of tactics and transactions in which no principle is beyond sacrifice, and his public life is a testimony to what can be achieved where he focused on lifting the country up rather than tearing political opponents down,” Obama said.
Former Indiana Rep. Tim Roemer, who was also in attendance but did not speak at the rally, voiced his support for Barack Obama to members of the press after the rally. Roemer is the president of the Center for National Policy and also served on the 9/11 commission.
“He brings in people that are young and old and across the spectrum,” Roemer said. “I come from a red state. He can get independent voters and crossover voters, not just to win elections, but to win coalitions to govern. I think Sen. Clinton could be a very good president, I think Sen. Obama could be a great president.”
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