Obama responds to Kucinich's Iowa endorsement; says Dennis should be allowed in ABC Debate

[TeamJordan23]

From NBC's Mark Murray and Lauren Appelbaum
...if he doesn't meet the 15% threshold in Thursday's Iowa caucuses. Kucinich made a similar endorsement of Edwards back in 2004, and that (among many other things) helped Edwards finish second in Iowa that year. "This is obviously an 'Iowa-only' recommendation, as Sen. Obama and I are competing in the New Hampshire primary next Tuesday where I want to be the first choice of New Hampshire voters," Kucinich said in a statement."

"I hope Iowans will caucus for me as their first choice this Thursday, because of my singular positions on the war, on health care, and trade. This is an opportunity for people to stand up for themselves. But in those caucus locations where my support doesn't reach the necessary threshold, I strongly encourage all of my supporters to make Barack Obama their second choice. Sen. Obama and I have one thing in common: Change."

*** UPDATE *** Just several minutes before we received this statement, NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan received this one from Obama's New Hampshire spokesman: “The voters of New Hampshire deserve to hear all the Democratic candidates’ views on who can best lead America in a fundamentally new direction, and that’s why I urge these networks to allow full participation in this week’s debate.” As it has been reported, Kucinich -- due to ABC's requirements of either finishing in the top four in Iowa or receiving 5% in NH and national polls -- will likely be excluded from this weekend's New Hampshire debate.

*** UPDATE II *** And now Obama has issued this statement: “I have a lot of respect for Congressman Kucinich, and I’m honored that he has done this because we both believe deeply in the need for fundamental change."

More: “He and I have been fighting for a number of the same priorities -- including an end to the war in Iraq that we both opposed from the start, reforming Washington and creating a better life for America's working families. I encourage all Iowans to take part in the caucuses this Thursday – not because it will be good for any one candidate, but because it will be good for our party and the future of our country.”

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/01/542614.aspx

[TwilightGardener]

1. Aw--genuinely nice of Dennis, and nice of Obama to try to get him included.

[Bullet1987]

3. More Obama momentum...

[sandnsea]

2. Getting things done without compromising principles

Tada. That's what he's talking about.

[LeftCoast]

4. Hmm...quid pro quo

[Radical Activist]

5. They are the two candidates with the strongest progressive records.

I supported Kucinich last time. I'm backing Obama this time. I always felt like Obama was the most logical alternative for those looking for someone with a better shot at winning.

[BringBigDogBack]

12. Me and you both.

[skipos]

6. Pretty pragmatic on the part of Kucinich. nt

[Diane R]

7. Two honorable men.

[msongs]

8. little dennis gets a pat on the head from daddy...after the fact. how cute nt

[Egnever]

9. This is my favorite part

"I encourage all Iowans to take part in the caucuses this Thursday – not because it will be good for any one candidate, but because it will be good for our party and the future of our country.”


Love it! Just get involved meet your neighbors speak to the candidates take part in your community and your country again.

[lvx35]

10. Looks like he's doing whatever it takes to keep Hilllary from winning.

If she cleans up there, these primaries could be all but over. An Obama win keeps an open race.

[mahina]

11. I love Dennis, and Edwards,

and appreciate this smart pragmatic step.

[dogishboy]

13. So Obama is buying support from Kucinich

I'm sure there's nothing wrong with that.

[madrchsod]

14. "buying support"....oh that`s clever...

[ripple]

15. How is he "buying" support from Kucinich?

If you know anything about Dennis Kucinich, you'll know that he's not the type of politican that can be bought or sold.

[madrchsod]

16. who the fuck knows

i was wondering when the the crowd would start attacking dennis...as a realistic dennis supporter i know i`ll have to decide who to vote for if he decides to quit before illinois. then i`ll have to decide between barrack and edwards.

[bluedog]

17. whens..... Kooch going to drop out?

will he do this in all the primaries..if hes losing...he'll tell his supporters to back Obama.........why does he want to be in the debates.......hes polling so badly..........he'd be forgotten in a 24hr cycle.........

[Flabbergasted]

18. kick

[Colobo]

19. Viva Kucinich! Viva Obama!