By David Nitkin
Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin and Rep. Chris Van Hollen announced their support for Barack Obama today. The Maryland Democrats joined the wave of uncommitted superdelegates who are striving to patch over rifts exposed during the primaries and move ahead quickly with a general election campaign.
Cardin said the superdelegates "have done exactly what I had hoped they would do" by getting behind the candidacy of the clear winner. Speaking at a news conference at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, he said his focus now is "bringing as much unity as we can" to the Democratic party.
Obama can win over voters who supported Clinton is key states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio, Cardin said, "just by sticking to the issues."
"I think it's clear whether you are a voter who voted for Sen. Obama or Sen. Clinton, that you want change in America," he said. "You don't want four more years of President Bush's policies."
Addressing the merits of Clinton joining Obama as a running mate, Cardin said "I think it would be a great ticket." "She's clearly qualified," he said, and would bring "balance" to the Democratic slate.
Van Hollen, of Montgomery County, said in an interview it was "time for the Democratic Party to unite behind Barack Obama" so that Democrats "maintain the energy and momentum."
Obama could win over Clinton voters in mid-America states, Van Hollen said, if the Illinois senator "goes back to those places" and reaches out to voters, making clear "he shares their interests and values."
He also said Clinton "needs to make it clear she is fully behind Sen. Obama."
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Comments
Hillary Clinton is STUNNING!!!
You have just witnessed the greatest political campaign fight in American history. One for the textbooks, and the history books. Hillary Clinton fought her heart out against all odds to win for all of the American people . While at the same time doing her best to prepare Sen. Barack Obama to win in November if he was the nominee. STUNNING!!! WELL DONE HILLARY CLINTON. WELL DONE! Your AMAZING! :-)
Sen. Obama could not have had a better opponent than Hillary Clinton. Nor could he have had a better opponent to prepare him for the battle royal to come against John McCain and the Republicans ahead of the November elections. Hillary Clinton was like a big Mama cat determined to teach her kitten how to hunt, and hang with the big dogs for the fights ahead.
And how about Bill Clinton, Chelsea, and th whole Clinton team. They were magnificent. They really showed their metal. BRAVO! TEAM CLINTON... BRAVO!
And how about YOU! my fellow Americans. I'm so proud of you. And proud to be one of you. You showed what you are made of. And what makes America so great. You never gave up on your Champion Hillary Clinton. Time, and time again you eagerly waited your turn to vote for Hillary Clinton. To pick her up and pass her along down the line to the rest of your fellow Americans.
You never gave up on her. Just as Hillary Clinton never gave up on you. No matter how many times they counted her out. No matter how many times they brutally knocked her down. You knew she would get back up. And you were ready to support her when she did. AMERICA LOVES A FIGHTER. AMERICA UNDERSTANDS A FIGHTER. AMERICA IS A FIGHTER. I'M PROUD OF YOU AMERICA!
Hillary said she would accept the VP spot on the ticket if ask. And I am thrilled to hear that. I think it would be crazy not to take her up on that offer. You could not have a better VP than Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton is Sen. Obama's best chance of winning the Whitehouse in November. And it is essential that the democrats take back the Whitehouse.
The American people are in a very desperate condition now. George Bush has wrecked America, and much of the world.
YOU MADE US VERY PROUD HILLARY CLINTON! :-)
WE LOVE YOU...
jacksmith... Working Class :-)
p.s. I really liked Sen. Barack Obama's speech in Minnesota. I think he just maybe ready now for the Bush Republican attack machine, dirty tricks, and vote fraud machine. :-)
Posted by: jacksmith | June 4, 2008 4:49 PM
Since the Swamp has already declared Obama the winner, who cares if the justly unknown Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen jump on the bandwagon? If Obama has already clinched the nomination, why is this news?
Posted by: Bruce | June 4, 2008 4:58 PM
What I am waiting to hear is Sen Clinton say I support Sen Obama and act like it. I do not know that she has it in her.
Posted by: Ron M | June 4, 2008 5:45 PM
Oh she is going to do it and do it well on Friday! Rangle and company had a nice conf. call with her and took her to the shed. TRUE Democrats were offended and for ONCE saw what Obama Supporters have seen this whole campaign. Now she has to tuck her tail and go back and tell all of those women she LIED and will be getting out to the race. She what she did last night was to hurt Barack. Bad silly emotional decision. Bad for the Presidency and certainly bad for a vice Presidency which takes even more humility.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Chicagoan and Southsider | June 4, 2008 7:51 PM
Yeah, well who is Van Halen going to back?
Posted by: C.Morris | June 4, 2008 9:10 PM
better late than never.
we have to now begin to focus on the issues that affect us all. -democrats, independents, republicans.
that means taking back our government from special interest.
Posted by: hanah abraham | June 5, 2008 1:43 AM