California first lady Maria Shriver endorsed Barack Obama for president on Sunday, calling him inspirational and a natural leader.
"I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he'd be California," Shriver said, addressing thousands of people at a rally headlined by talk show host Oprah Winfrey. "Diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition. Innovative. Inspirational. Dreamer. Leader." [..]
Author and public radio host Garrison Keillor also endorsed Obama on Sunday, Obama's campaign announced, and provided excerpts of a letter in which Keillor declared his support.
"I'm happy to support your candidacy, which is so full of promise for our country," the best-selling author and humorist wrote in the letter. "Seven years of a failed presidency is a depressing thing, and the country is pressing for a change and looking for someone with clear vision who is determined to break through the rhetorical logjam and find sensible ways to move our country forward. That's you, friend."
I have to wonder what dinners at the Schwarzeneggers must be like with the Governator supporting McCain and the First Lady supporting Obama. But in a state where Clinton and Obama are in a statistical dead heat, these are some ringing endorsements. But even still, that's not the endorsement that impressed Hale "Bonddad" Stewart the most:
(T)his is huge news, especially with economic wonks. In addition, the following endorsement comes from my favorite Federal Reserve Chairman.
"After 30 years in government, serving under five presidents of both parties and chairing two non-partisan commissions on the Public Service, I have been reluctant to engage in political campaigns. The time has come to overcome that reluctance," Mr. Volcker said in a statement today. "However, it is not the current turmoil in markets or the economic uncertainties that have impelled my decision. Rather, it is the breadth and depth of challenges that face our nation at home and abroad. Those challenges demand a new leadership and a fresh approach."
He concluded: "It is only Barack Obama, in his person, in his ideas, in his ability to understand and to articulate both our needs and our hopes that provide the potential for strong and fresh leadership. That leadership must begin here in America but it can also restore needed confidence in our vision, our strength, and our purposes right around the world."That was from from Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve.
