MyDD :: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama

Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama

by Todd Beeton, Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:02:44 PM EST

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will endorse Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, giving the Illinois senator a much needed boost in New Hampshire and help blunt Hillary Clinton's courting of African-American leaders.

Senior administration officials confirmed that Patrick called Obama today to confirm his plans to endorse his presidential candidacy. The two talked briefly and aides began working out details for a large public rally in Boston next week.

Whether or not the endorsement will help him in any real electoral way is unclear. Patrick has kept a low national profile for the most part this year and while Massachusetts shares a media market with New Hampshire, is Patrick terribly influential there? But this is quite significant for Obama to the extent that Patrick's endorsement serves as a rebuke to Hillary Clinton.

Patrick, the nation's only black governor who is considered a rising star in a new generation of African-American leaders, also called Clinton today to inform her of his decision. He has strong ties to her and former President Bill Clinton, in whose administration he held a top justice department post. Both Clintons lobbied him for his endorsement.

Patrick chose Obama because he believes the country is hungry for his new style of leadership that cuts across both racial and party lines and stirs up strong voter enthusiasm, according to the officials.

This announcement also comes on a day when Obama's website boasts of having raised $1.25 million since their e-mail blast yesterday urging supporters to help him "close the gap" with Hillary by raising the $2.1 million difference between their fundraising totals. The convergence of these two things sends a loud and clear message that, regardless of what media coverage and polling would have us believe, this thing isn't over by a long shot.

Tags: Barack Obama, 2008 presidential election, democratic nomination, deval patrick (all tags)

Permalink :: 34 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: (2.00 / 1)

At least Obama supporters are getting some good news...

I'll admit it -- the polls (and the money...and endorsements) have had me really depressed lately...

by Namtrix on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:07:16 PM EST

meaningless (none / 0)

Well, at least his online supporters can get some comfort. Doubt it will play well in NH since I heard Deval Patrick is considered an incompetent governor by many MA residents.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:09:28 PM EST

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

So the endorsement of the only black governor in the country is meaningless because you heard people say he was incompetent? How quaint. I think we need to get over these archaic racial stereotypes or at least out people who are purveying them, yourself included.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:30:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Weird comments. Have you read what he's done in MA? The first few months, he spent lots of tax payers' money refurbishing his residency. He had to refund it later. PR disaster. His popularity is not high at all in MA.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:57:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Well, coming from you, the 'weird comments' opinion seems highly ironic. Thanks for the chuckle.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:11:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Shaun,

I'm sorry to say that it is true a lot of people are very unhappy with Deval Patrick's job performance here in Massachusetts. I was just visiting DailyKos. These are a few of the comments they made: here, here, here, here.

I myself am dissapointed with his job performance, but I wouldn't criticize him here in public, as I know Bill Clinton would want me to give him some time to learn on the job and improve.

by Hurdy Gurdy on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:42:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

I take your point and agree with your assessment.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:50:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (2.00 / 1)

Read the informative comments below before racial bomb throwing.

This endorsement will only point out the obvious comparison- both had the same political operative, Axelrod who framed them as "authentic" The same tragetory that Patrick, the neophyte followed, would be fatal for the US if Obama gets elected- From the Washington Post: "BOSTON -- Only a few months ago, Deval Patrick was being hailed by his party as a savior, becoming Massachusetts's first Democratic governor in 16 years and only the second African American to lead a state since Reconstruction.
But circumstances have changed quickly for Patrick, as they have often in a life that saw him plucked from the South Side of Chicago at 14 and awarded a scholarship to a prestigious prep school in the Boston suburbs. He was recently forced to plead, "Don't give up on me," to state residents, and at a news conference Friday he found himself repeatedly sidestepping questions about a staff shake-up that included the resignation of a controversial aide.
Missteps involving the use of state funds and a series of gaffes have transformed a budding star who was swept into office running as an outsider into something the rough-and-tumble arena of Massachusetts politics is more familiar with: an embattled pol.
"People felt that Deval was really going to come into office with a ball of fire and change things," said Mary Ann Marsh, a Democratic political strategist in the state. "Some of these things seem to be more about doing favors than fixing problems. They seem to be the antithesis of the campaign trail."

On day one the whole world will be watching- no time for learning on the job.

Do you think he will help Obama in a neighbouring state NH with such a dismal track record?

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:59:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

So now instead of citing anecdotal sources you are quoting another unreferenced comment in this diary? Go find a link and post that, at least it will provide some cover for you in spite of your tactics and intentions. I'm sure you will find one, somewhere.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:09:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (2.00 / 1)

Do a google search yourself and you'll find the controversy he stirred up after winning the election. 'Unreferenced'? It's from Washington Post, my friend.

You have zero credibility just as your candidate.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:19:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Close. I have zero credulity when it comes to your comments. You represent everything I find hateful and narrow in our political culture, with the exception of the ubiquitous exercise of your right to free speech. I kinda' enjoy having you around as a reminder of how petty and untruthful people can be in their own narrow self-interest, lest we forget.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:40:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Expensive drapes? (none / 0)

Oh my God! What will we tell the children?!?!?!

What's the Point?

by Vermonter on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 03:03:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Here's your link to the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con tent/article/2007/03/17/AR2007031701005. html

by Menemshasunset on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 08:19:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Cheers. I missed the reference in the body of your comment from not reading well. Apologies.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 05:10:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: meaningless (none / 0)

Honest, areyouready is hurting Sen. Clinton just a little itty-bitty bit by tearing down fellow Democrats with whom you disagree rather than building Hillary up. Sure, Hillary is the frontrunner and her first task will be to unify the party. To win, Sen. Clinton will need Obama & Edwards & Richardson & Dodd & Biden supporters and will need to fire them up. For example, a fired up Richardson base might make the difference in New Mexico, a small but swing state. Hillary Clinton is doing well -- because of her many strengths, not because of attacks on the likes of Gov. Patrick.

by howardpark on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:36:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

This endorsement will only point out the obvious comparison- both had the same political operative, Axelrod who framed them as "authentic" The same tragetory that Patrick, the neophyte followed, would be fatal for the US if Obama gets elected- From the Washington Post: "BOSTON -- Only a few months ago, Deval Patrick was being hailed by his party as a savior, becoming Massachusetts's first Democratic governor in 16 years and only the second African American to lead a state since Reconstruction.
But circumstances have changed quickly for Patrick, as they have often in a life that saw him plucked from the South Side of Chicago at 14 and awarded a scholarship to a prestigious prep school in the Boston suburbs. He was recently forced to plead, "Don't give up on me," to state residents, and at a news conference Friday he found himself repeatedly sidestepping questions about a staff shake-up that included the resignation of a controversial aide.
Missteps involving the use of state funds and a series of gaffes have transformed a budding star who was swept into office running as an outsider into something the rough-and-tumble arena of Massachusetts politics is more familiar with: an embattled pol.
"People felt that Deval was really going to come into office with a ball of fire and change things," said Mary Ann Marsh, a Democratic political strategist in the state. "Some of these things seem to be more about doing favors than fixing problems. They seem to be the antithesis of the campaign trail."

On day one the whole world will be watching- no time for learning on the job.

by Menemshasunset on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:26:23 PM EST

Endorsements Just Don't Matter Much... (none / 0)

If endorsements were what really mattered then we would be back in the days of brokered conventions. It's the voters that count and I don't think the very promising Governor of Massachusetts means a whole lot in New Hampshire. The only way these endorsements are important is in the very unlikely but possible (5%?) scenaro that it becomes a knock-down drag out fight for delegates.

by howardpark on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 08:29:57 PM EST

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

Hardly a surprise. Obama endorsed Patrick last June. Axelrod worked for Patrick too:

The man who has honed that message for both candidates is veteran Chicago political strategist David Axelrod, who guided Obama's Senate campaign and Patrick's gubernatorial bid and is now a top strategist on Obama's presidential effort.

Axelrod said Obama was the first person he called when Patrick's campaign approached him to work on the governor's race, and that Obama was "effusive" about Patrick.

by KimPossible on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:07:04 PM EST

Congrats to the Obama team (none / 0)

It was very thoughtful of Patrick to call Clinton before he made his announcement....

Perhaps this endorsement will help Obama in New Hampshire? I could see Patrick supporters in Massachusetts go to New Hampshire and volunteer for Obama right before the primary. That could be especially helpful in the event that the NH primary is moved up to December....

by ademption on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:10:45 PM EST

Re: Congrats to the Obama team (none / 0)

don't think so. Patrick is no longer very popular in MA. NH has lots of MA 'transplant'... I think it will hurt Obama's chance in NH.

Both of them were hyped as some sort of 'politics of hope' in the past. Patrick has proved to be a disappointment. NH voters are exposed to MA media market, I seriously doubt it's a plus for Obama.

Well, I have no grudge over whom Patrick would endorse for whatever reason, but I hardly believe it will help Obama's chance in NH.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:23:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Good News for Obama (2.00 / 1)

I agree that no endorsement is going to close the deal with voters, but high-profile ones like this make Obama more viable with Iowa and New Hampshire residents--which means they will be comfortable supporting him when election day comes.

by Will Graham on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:20:36 PM EST

OF COURSE because they have a common thread: (none / 0)

They have the same political consultant. The too feel-good themed David Axlerod. Deval's theme was "Together We Can." Gag me, will ya?

David sucks and running Obama's campaign just like Deval's is a losing strategy.

McCain is defining Obama, and Obama is neither defining himself, nor McCain. This is awful.

by jgarcia on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:38:07 PM EST

Re: OF COURSE because they have a common thread: (none / 0)

So Axelrod went from "together we win" to "the audacity of hope" interesting.

by changehorses08 on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 01:17:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

As a resident of Massachusetts- trust me-this endorsement either won't matter or will be a negative- I'm one of the so-called 40,000 strong Patrick supporters who will help Obama- NOT- I feel like I was hoodwinked by Patrick- I went to a very expensive fundraiser for him with Bill Clinton- Clinton had the audience of at least 1,000 -all paying $1,000 -spellbound- you could hear a pin drop and there were tears in the eyes- This is the thanks from Patrick?- I had thought since Clinton had given him a great position in the justice department and had supported him completely that he would have remained neutral- but now I just think it will hurt Obama since Patricks tragetory has been so dismal- Rookie mistakes-and Patrick has more experience than Obama-

by Menemshasunset on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:41:39 PM EST

Also a MA resident (none / 0)

Patrick's not so popular here--he's made some major mistakes, so I don't think this will help much in NH.

by Coral on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 10:55:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

The only thing I can think of is that Axelrod must have begged Patrick.

by changehorses08 on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 01:19:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

I fail to comprehend how Obama cuts across racial and partisan lines more than Clinton seeing as Clinton leads Obama among all racial groups and Clinton is the only candidate with a track record of winning over Republican voters.

by chadconfetti on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:53:35 PM EST

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

I have wondered for a long time who has given all this money to Obama -- cause its not coming from the American people. Obama was the keynote speaker for the far right Hamilton Group. Why does he diss Democrats and take every opportunity to praise Republicans? I believe in order to win the election Republicans have to split the Democrats and that these fat cats have bankrolled Obama to run as an Independent if Hillary should win the nomination.

by changehorses08 on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 01:28:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

... What?

Sorry, I can't seem to understand this post.

Obama's money isn't coming from the American people? So are you saying he's lying on his FEC reports? 'Cause I see a lot of money coming from a lot of Americans listed there, and that only lists those that gave $200 or more.

As far as I've seen, Obama hasn't been "dissing Democrats and praising Republicans," but maybe you're listening to different speeches than me. What I hear him saying is that the rhetoric of both parties has prevented us from actually getting stuff done in Washington, and that it's not all the Republican's fault. From where I sit, that's not quite the same thing as praising Republicans.

And your third point just seemed to come out of nowhere. Obama is part of a right-wing plot to split the Democrats and elect a Republican? Obama will run as an independent? I really want to know what your source is for that, because it's got to be the most under-reported political story of the decade.

Either that, or you're just making shit up.

There are legitimate reasons not to support Barack Obama. But Obama as a member of a right-wing conspiracy? Really? That's the best you can come up with?

Walberg Watch - Following Radical Conservative Rep. Tim Walberg in MI-07

by Fitzy on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 10:22:06 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

Obama supports Social Security privatization which is against everything Dems stand for. Obama co-sponsored a bill in April which would have given Bush the go-ahead to attack Iran. Obama's campaign charges people to attend his free appearances and then charges them for Obama trinkets and calls it donations to his campaign. Is this what you call a donor base? The real big money is coming from Wallstreet firms which is perfectly legal but to say that there is this huge groundswell for him by the general public is make believe. Why is it Obama takes great pains to make sure the campaign is about his charisma and not about the issues? In Iowa last week all the Democrats appeared together for a huge barbeque, Obama was in the same city but would not appear in the same venue with other Democratic candidates. Why did Obama refuse to speak at the AARP convention? They represent millions of seniors who are overwhelmingly for Hillary.

To me if you refuse to speak about issues which are important to Democratic primary voters and act as if you are above politics I have to wonder if you have an agenda which has nothing to do with the Democratic primaries.

by changehorses08 on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 01:46:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

dailykos (none / 0)

These are from dailykos, supposedly Patrick's core liberal constituency...

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2007/10 /17/18515/045/22#c22

as I've said many times -- a great choice for a Democratic President to nominate to the U.S. Supreme Court.

My uncle, a Newton resident, has told me that Patrick has been incompetent as Governor. I have a hard time believing that, personally.

I just moved to Boston two months ago (3+ / 0-)
Recommended by:Jon Meltzer, Heart of the Rockies, Subversive
and what I've seen of Patrick so far hasn't impressed me much. He spent most of that time in hiding, then emerged like the February groundhog to announce a plan to legalize casino gambling. Not what I'd call great state leadership.

He is not doing well at all. (2+ / 0-)
Recommended by:Heart of the Rockies, Subversive
His ten months as governor have been one political relations disaster after another, while nothing seems to actually get done and the press is full of reports of feuding among the state political leaders. His casino proposal is very controversial and is losing him support among what should be his base - this is how he is going to get good paying jobs into Massachusetts and increase desperately needed public revenue? I'm sorry to say this about a man that I voted for, but I am extremely disappointed, and I don't think the endorsement is going to help Obama much at all.

too (1+ / 0-)
Recommended by:Subversive
am a Newton resident and can attest to the fact that many Democrats are very disappointed in Deval's performance as governor. I don't expect that this endorsement will change minds among folks around here..

it's true - and I gladly voted for him (1+ / 0-)
Recommended by:Subversive
He has accomplished little after embarrassing himself several times early on. I really thought it was the dawn of a new era, too. While I'll try to attend the rally, Edwards has my vote.

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:56:32 PM EST

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

I'm not sure that Deval Patrick's endorsement helps Obama, simply because I think the demographic of Patrick's appeal is already in Obama's court. In the African American community for instance, I think Obama probably has a two to one lead over Hillary with the upper middle income households. On the working class side of the spectrum Hillary has the advantage, and with the middle class it's more of a split. I think in upper AA households, Deval Patrick, Cory Booker, and of course Obama are known entities, because they represent the up an coming AA leadership, outside of the Civil Rights icons like Jesse, Al and Lewis of Georgia. IMO, the problem for Obama is that I think the majority of the AA voters fall into the poor, working and middle class category and Deval Patrick may not be well known enough on a national level to hold much sway in with those voters. Which means that this endorsement doesn't hurt Hillary.

by Kingstongirl on Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 10:16:21 PM EST

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

Why not -- David Axelrod ran Deval Patrick's campaign too.

by changehorses08 on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 01:15:04 AM EST

Re: Governor Deval Patrick To Endorse Barack Obama (none / 0)

A Jeanne Shaheen or John Lynch endorsement if worth more than a Deval Patrick endorsement.

by nkpolitics on Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 12:38:22 PM EST

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