Richardson Backs Obama, Rebuffs Clinton

March 21, 2008— -- At a lively rally at Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Ore., Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., officially endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, calling the presidential hopeful a "once-in-a-lifetime leader" who would be "a president who brings this nation together."

The coveted endorsement was a badly needed shot in the arm after days of unwanted headlines.

Richardson, a former Clinton Cabinet member, insisted, "My great affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver," but he added, "It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting among ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall."

Energy secretary and U.N. ambassador during the Clinton administration, Richardson is known to have maintained a close relationship with Bill Clinton.

The former president even flew to New Mexico to watch the Super Bowl with his former Cabinet member, a trip that was ultimately to no avail.

"I talked to Senator Clinton last night. Let me say I've had better conversations," Richardson joked at the time.

The New Mexico governor and one time United Nations ambassador expressed confidence in Obama's ability to navigate potential national security crises, an area in which Sen. Hillary Clinton has repeatedly attacked Obama.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama has the judgment and courage we need in a commander in chief when our nation's security is on the line. . . "You will be an outstanding commander-in-chief," Richardson said.

Obama responded that he was "deeply honored" by the governor's support.

"Whether it's fighting to end the Iraq War or stop the genocide in Darfur or prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, Gov. Richardson has been a powerful voice on issues of global security, peace and justice, earning five Nobel Peace Prize nominations," the Democratic front-runner said.

Richardson's endorsement could not have come at a better time for Obama.

After a political week dominated by controversy surrounding his pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Obama needed some positive news.

"We had a couple tough weeks and I assume when I am president, I assume there are periods where we are tested in these same ways," Obama said at a press conference following the endorsement rally.