Another endorsement slap to Clinton - Leahy
(AP) "Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama on Thursday."
(I think it's important to say that part of this flood of endorsements for Obama is because these politicians didn't want to back Obama until they knew he had a chance, but at the same time, they're risking the bad side of a Clinton presidency.
Do they know something we don't? Are they "acting on principle"? (unlikely) Or maybe they don't see a big cost downside here?)
(I think it's important to say that part of this flood of endorsements for Obama is because these politicians didn't want to back Obama until they knew he had a chance, but at the same time, they're risking the bad side of a Clinton presidency.
Do they know something we don't? Are they "acting on principle"? (unlikely) Or maybe they don't see a big cost downside here?)
posted by mikevotes at
10:57 AM
6 Comments:
What affect does Bill Clinton have on these Obama endorsements? Is there some bad blood from the Clinton years?
I have no idea, but I think it's a something worth considering. Especially with Hillary's campaign seeming at times to be the Bill & Hillary campaign.
By
-epm, at 11:26 AM
I don't know. I would bet it's more "the Clinton machine" than Bill Clinton.
Also, just from a relative power standpoint, these senior senators would likely be better able to exert influence on a president Obama than the Clinton camp.
By
mikevotes, at 1:36 PM
Good point.
I expect the Clintons already have a self-contained and pre-configured Executive branch ready to go. Not literally, but on paper. They already have an inner circle of advisors and possibly even a cabinet pretty much set to plug in on "day one," as Hillary is so fond of saying these days.
In a sense, perhaps the only hope these high profile endorsers have of influencing a future administration is if it ISN'T a Clinton administration.
By
-epm, at 2:04 PM
I also think that the earmarks, favors, an influence on legislation are also likely up for grabs.
By
mikevotes, at 5:29 PM
It makes sense for Obama's big-name endorsements to come in this time window, not just because this is the first time it's clear he has a real chance, but also because if they wait much longer, he might wrap up the nomination without their endorsements. Then they'd just be part of a big crowd fighting to get on the bandwagon. By doing it now, they get some limelight and (presumably) some gratitude from Obama.
By
Anonymous, at 5:43 PM
Definitely. This is the window. If he wins SC and Nevada, they would appear to be too late.
But, I don't think Nevada is a done deal.
By
mikevotes, at 5:52 PM
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