Kerry's backing gives Obama fundraising power

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- As Democrat Barack Obama accepted the endorsement Thursday of John Kerry, their party's 2004 presidential nominee, the Illinois senator insisted his candidacy still represents a break from the past and hope for the future.

"The real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result," Obama said as he stood by Kerry at the College of Charleston.

Political observers say Kerry's endorsement may not translate into votes for Obama in early nominating states such as South Carolina, where Kerry lost the Democratic primary to John Edwards in 2004 before eventually picking him as his running mate. Kerry's involvement, however, gives Obama added organizational and fundraising strength.

"Democrats are not going to march in lock step with whatever John Kerry tells them," said Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a political scientist at the University of Southern California. "But what he brings is a Rolodex and a big list of contributors."

Democratic consultant Donna Brazile, who managed Al Gore's presidential campaign in 2000, said it is a "huge symbolic endorsement" because of Kerry's military service, status as the party's former standard-bearer and "huge fan base."

She noted that it could "help Obama write his experience narrative," a reference to criticism from rival Hillary Rodham Clinton that he doesn't have the seasoning to be president.

Obama narrowly lost the New Hampshire primary this week to the New York senator.

Kerry, a Massachusetts senator, also referred to Clinton's criticism as he explained his support for the young politician he tapped to deliver the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention — a speech that pushed Obama into the national spotlight.

"We are electing judgment and character, not years on this Earth," Kerry said, adding that Obama is the candidate most capable of helping "our country turn the page and get America moving by uniting and ending the division we have faced."

Obama called Kerry a hero for his service in Vietnam and for being "a man of conviction" in challenging that war. "This is a man who knows how much people who love their country can change it," Obama said.

Edwards took the Kerry endorsement in stride. "I respect his decision," Edwards said in a statement as he campaigned in South Carolina, which holds a Democratic primary on Jan. 26.

Terry Ann Rickson, a Charleston lawyer who attended the Obama rally, said Kerry's backing "definitely lends gravitas and weight" to Obama. Rickson, 56, said she was undecided. She is leaning toward Clinton, drawn by her years of experience as a senator and former first lady.

Arsenio McCormick, an 18-year-old freshman at the College of Charleston, said Obama's lack of experience matters less than his "change" message. "It's a new era, and if you always go with the status quo there is no change in life," he said.

Clinton headed to Nevada, where Democrats caucus on Jan. 19. Labor unions are strong in the state, and Clinton has support from several national unions. Obama won the support of the 60,000-member Culinary Workers Union, Nevada's largest, earlier in the week.

Also Thursday, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew from the race after finishing fourth in Iowa and New Hampshire. He said many of his leading rivals had moved closer to his positions on the war in Iraq and other issues.

Contributing: Ken Dilanian in Washington and the Associated Press