Dodd Gives Obama the Nod

Senator Christopher Dodd, one-time rival of Barack Obama, has given his endorsement to Obama’s drive for the presidency. Dodd now feels that Obama is ready to be the next President. He also indicated that he felt there should be party unity behind Obama, saying, "…this is the moment for Democrats and independents and others to come together, to get behind this candidacy". Dodd stated that it was time to concentrate on taking the fight to the Republicans and was worried of a divisive campaign evolving, taking into account the current presidential race. Dodd also went on to say that he was worried that Clinton’s supporters were overreaching themselves trying to halt Obama’s momentum.

Dodd abandoned his own presidential campaign last month. He is the first Democratic candidate to have dropped out who has endorsed another party member. Both democratic candidates, Obama and Clinton tried ardently to woo Dodd over.  Dodd is said to have received numerous calls from former President Bill Clinton. His support comes at a time when Obama is pulling ahead of Clinton in the presidential race. Obama has won 11 consecutive primaries since Super Tuesday and is considered by many to be the Democratic front-runner.

Dodd commented on the kind of scrutiny that Obama had been subjected to and how the Democratic candidate had yet managed to garner the support of so many. Both democratic candidates are campaigning hard before the next set of primaries in Texas and Ohio.  Initial polls seem to indicate that Obama is gaining ground in both of these states. In fact, this is the first time Obama is leading Clinton going into a primary. Initial polls seem to indicate that Obama is leading in Texas and is expected to secure 50% of the votes, while Clinton trailed at 46%, according to a CNN poll. Dodd’s support comes at a critical time when Clinton is floundering to make a comeback and desperately needs to win in the States of Texas and Ohio.