Former Democratic opponent urges Obama to run for President

[pnwmom]

http://johnfritchey.blogspot.com/

By Ill. State Comptroller Dan Hynes, who ran against Obama in the 2004 Senate primary:

"As Barack's opponent in 2004, I had a unique perspective to observe Barack emerge from a State Senator from Chicago into what can best be described as a national phenomenon. Throughout our 2004 campaign, I was able to witness firsthand how people from all walks of life were drawn to Barack and his message. Like many other Americans, I witnessed the culmination of Barack's emergence at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, when his keynote address captured the sense of hope and optimism that people across the country have long been yearning for.

"Since he was elected to the Senate, Barack has proven himself as someone who tackles difficult issues, successfully works in a bipartisan fashion, and isn't afraid to articulate his true convictions. The real belief that Barack could serve our country well as President was never more evident than during his trip to Africa this past summer. The images of thousands of people flooding the streets in adoration of the Illinois Senator made me realize that not only can we count on Barack on the domestic front, but he can restore the United States' image around the globe.

"It was for these and other reasons why I decided to write Senator Obama in September and urge him to run for the President of the United States.

"On the eve of his first trip to the state of New Hampshire, I encourage you to join me and other Americans in demonstrating to Senator Obama how much support he enjoys in Illinois. Please go to www.runobama.com and sign the petition urging Senator Obama to run for President of the United States. You can help the folks at runobama.com achieve their goal of 10,000 signatures to present to Senator Obama this Sunday when he arrives in New Hampshire. Together, we can ensure that we have the best candidate in 2008 who will be able to bring positive change for all Americans."

[Ignacio Upton]

1. He's probably doing this because he wants Obama's Senate seat

Unfortunately I think that Blagojevich will appoint a crook to replace Obama.

[Renew Deal]

2. Cynical

Maybe he believes what he's saying.

[dogman]

3. I too am a cynic.

Having heard both men speak in person while running for the Senate, and having heard both men speak in person, again, my first thought was the same as post #1. These men are professional politicians, words and deeds often seem self-serving.

[beaconess]

8. Damned if they do, damned it they don't

If a politician hasn't been in the game long enough, he's too green, lacks experience. On the other hand, if he's been around for a while, he's a "professional politician" and can't be trusted.

:-)

[dogman]

11. I didn't say they can't be trusted.

But it will work out better for a person if their interests are the same as the politician's. My post wasn't meant as a criticism, just an observation. I don't expect either man to be solely motivated to do what's right simply because it's right, but they are both inclined to do the right thing because they are good men. If the Senate seat opened because Obama was elected President and Hynes gained the seat, it would be a good thing for both men and most Illinoisans.

[AndreaCG]

12. LOL maybe

[katsy]

4. Anyone who bows out gracefully after losing in a primary...

is okay by me.

At least he didn't run as an independent like "he who must not be named".

:puke: :puke: :puke:

[Radical Activist]

5. Dan Hynes was supposed to win that primary.

He was a statewide office holder with support in both Chicago and downstate Illinois. He had more money and name recognition.
The fact that Obama was able to win against the odds says a lot about Obama's skill as a candidate and his political team.

[jaxx]

7. It says a lot about Obama.

He's a guy people listen to when he talks. He knows the issues and isn't afraid to talk about the ones that aren't going well. I saw him at a state rally in 2004. Many state candidates, much milling around.....until Obama spoke. People stopped and listened.

[nickshepDEM]

6. I so hope he runs.

[beaconess]

9. Durbin supports him, too

[pnwmom]

10. There's another dumb thread today about how his name

is a problem.

And all I kept thinking was, tell that to all the Illinois voters (including many Republicans) who voted for him. Illinois voters didn't vote against him because of his name, and they aren't THAT much more brilliant than people in the rest of the country.

[ieoeja]

13. Yes we are.

:)