Another Close to Clintons Endorses Obama

Add one more from Bill Clinton's former crew to Obama's list of endorsements: former Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich (left). Bill Clinton's former Secretary of Energy (and former 2008 presidential candidate), Bill Richardson (below right), offered his endorsement of Obama about a month ago. Tony Lake (below left), the former National Security Adviser for Bill Clinton, has been a long supporter of Obama's, and serves as a senior policy adviser on his campaign; this is particularly significant, as National Security Advisers serve as the chief adviser to the president on national security issues. The movement of those who served closest with Bill Clinton to Obama's camp speaks volumes; I don't think it demonizes the Clintons, as people are generally not that black and white, but I do think the endorsements reveal thoughtful decisions by some who worked closely alongside Bill and Hillary. It should similarly allow the fears of O's inexperience to fall away all the more. Reich's endorsement yesterday, posted on his blog here, reveals a surprisingly logical decision, that notably is based on Obama's positions and demeanor, not, in large part, on Hillary's negative qualities (though there are certainly some that deserve consideration). Here's Reich's thoughts:

"The formal act of endorsing a candidate is generally (and properly) limited to editorial pages and elected officials whose constituents might be influenced by their choice. The rest of us shouldn't assume anyone cares. My avoidance of offering a formal endorsement until now has also been affected by the pull of old friendships and my reluctance as a teacher and commentator to be openly partisan. But my conscience won't let me be silent any longer.

I believe that Barack Obama should be elected President of the United States.

Although Hillary Clinton has offered solid and sensible policy proposals, Obama's strike me as even more so. His plans for reforming Social Security and health care have a better chance of succeeding. His approaches to the housing crisis and the failures of our financial markets are sounder than hers. His ideas for improving our public schools and confronting the problems of poverty and inequality are more coherent and compelling. He has put forward the more enlightened foreign policy and the more thoughtful plan for controlling global warming.

He also presents the best chance of creating a new politics in which citizens become active participants rather than cynical spectators. He has energized many who had given up on politics. He has engaged young people to an extent not seen in decades. He has spoken about the most difficult problems our society faces, such as race, without spinning or simplifying. He has rightly identified the armies of lawyers and lobbyists that have commandeered our democracy, and pointed the way toward taking it back.

Finally, he offers the best hope of transcending the boundaries of class, race, and nationality that have divided us. His life history exemplifies this, as do his writings and his record of public service. For these same reasons, he offers the best possibility of restoring America's moral authority in the world."