Casey on Obama: “I believe in this guy like I’ve never believed in a candidate in my life.” (NYT)

[jefferson_dem]

Surprise Backing From Senator Reflected Frustration and Desire for Healing


Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, left, toasted beers with Senator Barack Obama on Friday at Sharkey’s in Latrobe, Pa.

By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE and MICHAEL POWELL
Published: March 29, 2008

Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania left for his Easter vacation in Florida determined to remain neutral in the increasingly bitter battle for the Democratic presidential nomination. But rain there kept him inside, and he began ruminating about the election and what was at stake.

“He spent a lot of time thinking about it,” a person close to Mr. Casey said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for the senator. “He was asking himself, What’s more important than this? He was also just terribly frustrated with where Bush is going on Iraq and the economy, and he felt he had to jump into the fray.”

<SNIP>

“I really believe that in a time of danger around the world and in division here at home,” Mr. Casey said at a rally, “Barack Obama can lead us, he can heal us, he can help rebuild America.”

Mr. Casey later told reporters at a news conference in the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, “I believe in this guy like I’ve never believed in a candidate in my life.”

<SNIP>

Mr. Casey decided to back Mr. Obama, the person close to him said, because of his “ability to bring disparate groups together and transcend some of these racial and other kinds of divides.”

“Also, his kids were on his case, his four daughters,” the person said about Mr. Casey. “Not that they dictate to him, but he was paying attention. He was wondering, Why are these kids, who aren’t very political, so interested? He does have the ability to light up a younger generation.”

Mr. Casey also suggested at the news conference that he was moved by the speech on race Mr. Obama gave last week in Philadelphia.

“A campaign can test someone,” Mr. Casey said. “He’s been tested. He’s appealed to the better angels of our nature under very difficult circumstances.”

<SNIP>

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29penn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=politics&adxnnlx=1206810054-ovjbOAwFyBtLgOPQDr0N7g

[AlinPA]

1. He did add "with the exception of my father".

[stray cat]

2. Great picture!

[Catherina]

3. "He's appealed to the better angels of our nature under very difficult circumstances."

This is what I like the most about Obama. After 8 years of a President who appealed to the worst devils of our nature and destroyed Amreica, I can't wait for the kind of change 8 years with a President who's appealing to our better instincts will bring.

[JKaiser]

4. We have the best candidates! GO Hillary! Go Obama! GO DEMS!

[stray cat]

7. We do - they just need to start "shooting" at McCain instead of each other

and that include their supporters

[JKaiser]

9. Exactly!

[mzmolly]

5. Barack Obama - bringing true patriotism to future generations.

Lovely.

"He’s been tested." Yes he has, and he has passed that test with flying colors.

[undeterred]

6. Democrats fall in love.

But they usually don't fall this hard when they're old and cynical.

[JBoy]

8. Mmmm... Those are some good looking beers.

[roseBudd]

10. "Why are these kids, who aren’t very political, so interested? He does have the ability to light up

a generation"

[mopinko]

11. he lights up the older generation, too.

and those who wont admit to being older.

[blue neen]

12. What a fantastic picture!

I wish I would have been there!

:toast:

[sallyseven]

13. Casey is a very conservative democrat.

What abut Obama does he see that some others don't see. Check on what Obama is sayng to find out.