Press release
February 21, 2008
Dear Friend,
Last night, at an exciting early vote rally in Houston with President Bill Clinton, I endorsed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for President of the United States. The decision came after a great deal of thought and consideration.
As I told the enthusiastic crowd made up mostly of young people of every race, creed and color, Democrats have been blessed to have a number of great candidates in this year's election. Now that it's down to two, it's no longer just about being a great candidate. It's about who will be the best president on day one.
When the next president takes office, we will have suffered through eight years of failed leadership on the part of the Bush administration. Because of the many problems and challenges our new president will inherit - the war, the economy, healthcare, education, immigration - we must have a leader who will be ready to get started on her first day in the White House.
Because of her breadth of experience, that candidate is clearly Hillary Rodham Clinton. She has been a trailblazer throughout her adult life and has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a real ability to make change happen. Whether the issue concerns homeland security, the armed services, veterans, healthcare, a woman's right to choose or equality for all individuals, Hillary Clinton has been at the forefront of the debate both as First Lady and as a distinguished member of the United States Senate.
We have seen all too vividly the problems that can occur because of early missteps in a new administration. Because of her experience, Hillary Clinton will not have to engage in that same type of on the job training. That will be to every American's great advantage.
We also know that Hillary Clinton is the one candidate in this race who has faced the right-wing smear machine head on and has lived to tell the tale. Although it appears they might be trying, the Republicans are not going to hand us this election. We need a candidate who is battle tested and who we know can give as good as she can get. Hillary Clinton is that candidate.
I know this is a difficult decision for many of you and there will certainly be those who disagree with mine. That's to be expected in an incredibly important election such as this. All I ask is that we not allow this primary process to tear us apart going forward. We desperately need new Democratic leadership for America and while the sidelines are no place to be during this historic contest for the nomination, we will all have to come together and pull together as we head toward November. Let's not forget that.
But, for now, may the best woman win!
Sincerely,
Chris Bell