Senator Barack Obama and John Kerry (PHOTO CREDIT: AP)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A "superb talent."
That's how Democratic Senator John Kerry described Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in his endorsement of him today.
It's a huge endorsement for Obama. Kerry narrowly lost to President Bush in 2004.
Today in Charleston, South Carolina, Kerry told a crowd that he believes Barack Obama can help the country turn the page and get America moving by uniting and ending divisions.
The endorsement has to come as a bit of a blow to John Edwards, who was Kerry's running mate in 2004. But Edwards has said that he respects Kerry's decision.
It's probably safe to say Hillary's not thrilled with the Kerry announcement.
But the Obama campaign is ecstatic. You see, the Kerry campaign in 2004 put together a database of voters, their addresses, contributors... and all of that is priceless to someone running for president.
Obama is also expected to pick up a key endorsement from Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota, and was recently endorsed by two major unions in Nevada, as well as Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Here’s my question to you: How important is John Kerry’s endorsement for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign?
To see the Cafferty File Video click here
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Patricia writes:
Not too important Jack. If I'm John Edwards or Hillary Clinton I wouldn't want John Kerry's endorsement wrapped around my neck. John Kerry lost an election he should have won in a landslide. If I am any Democratic candidate I don't want a loser's brand name stamped on my forehead.
Ryan writes:
This is almost as significant as Pat Robertson endorsing Rudy... in that it's completely meaningless in the eyes of most voters. They view Kerry as the horrible failure and product of the establishment that could not do what most people thought any idiot could do: beat Bush in '04.
Carol writes:
Kerry's endorsement gives balance to the Obama campaign. John Kerry lends his name to the long list of "established" politicians who support Obama's bid for the presidency.
Richard from Louisiana writes:
Jack
Could be the "kiss " of death. We all remember how Kerry failed in 2004. No one loves a loser. He never fought for his name. He caved in. Some warrior.
Cathy from West Fargo, North Dakota writes:
His endorsement isn't important to me, neither is Oprah's or Barbara's. I'm totally capable of choosing a candidate on my own. I do my research and go from there.
Brian from Chicago writes:
Barack Obama has made me an extremely proud American in recent weeks. Obviously, John Kerry is very proud of him as well. His endorsement is huge for the average American voter who sees it as another validation of Obama's candidacy.
Phil from Colorado Springs, Colorado writes:
Jack, Kerry will help Obama if he doesn't campaign for him! He endorsed Obama and made a nice speech. Now Kerry needs to get back to the Senate and don't let anyone take a picture of him "hand gliding.”