Obama Endorsed by Pennsylvania Sen. Casey
Barack Obama receives the endorsement of Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey in Pittsburgh, Pa., Friday. (AP Photo)
PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey endorsed Democrat Barack Obama on Friday, a move that could help the presidential candidate make inroads with white working-class voters dubbed “Casey Democrats” in the Keystone State.
Appearing on stage beside the Illinois senator, Casey told a boisterous rally, “I believe in my heart that there is one person who’s uniquely qualified to lead us in that new direction and that is Barack Obama.”
Pennsylvania’s April 22 primary will allocate 158 delegates, the biggest single prize left in the drawn-out nomination battle between Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York. Clinton is leading Obama in the state, by 12 points in one poll this month.
Casey is a first-term senator and the son of a popular former governor of the state. Casey is Catholic and, like his father, is known for his opposition to abortion and support of gun rights. His support could help Obama make inroads among Catholic voters, who have preferred Clinton to Obama in earlier primaries and strongly favor her in Pennsylvania polls.
“I really believe that in a time of danger around the world and in division here at home, Barack Obama can lead us, he can heal us, he can help rebuild America,” he said.
Obama told the crowd that he had not pushed Casey hard for an endorsement.
“Bob is such a gracious person and such a thoughtful person that I did not press him on this endorsement,” especially since Obama trails Clinton in Pennsylvania polls.
“It would have been easy for Bob just to stay out of it, just to stay neutral, I think everybody would have accepted that,” Obama said.
Casey said that he called Clinton Thursday night to tell her of his decision.
“She was very gracious. We know that she’s a great senator, she’s a great leader,” Casey said.
Asked by Casey’s endorsement, Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee said, “We’re proud of the support we have from across Pennsylvania, including Gov. (Ed) Rendell, several members of Congress and mayors from across the state. We look forward to having his support in the general election as Democrats unite to beat John McCain and to turn our country around.”
Clinton’s backers in the state include Rep. John Murtha, who was an early advocate of withdrawing from Iraq, and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who is black.
Meantime, a leading Obama backer, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., has said Clinton should abandon her White House run.
“There is no way that Sen. Clinton is going to win enough delegates to get the nomination,” Leahy told Vermont Public Radio in an interview Wednesday. “She ought to withdraw and she ought to be backing Sen. Obama. Now, obviously that’s a decision that only she can make. Frankly, I feel that she would have a tremendous career in the Senate.”
Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, endorsed Obama in January.
The Casey endorsement came as Obama began a six-day campaign swing through Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has an estimated 3.8 million Catholics, or just over 30 percent of the state’s population, and the percentage among Democrats is estimated to be slightly higher.
Obama’s team hopes that Casey will help narrow Clinton’s huge lead among white working-class voters — men in particular. Clinton routed Obama among that demographic in Ohio and Texas on March 4, raising questions about his electability in November. In recent weeks, Obama has stressed economic issues important to the middle class, and he is outspending Clinton on television advertising that features blue-collar imagery.
Clinton and her supporters have been making their own direct appeals: backers Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., last week wrote a letter to Pennsylvania Catholics emphasizing her plans on health care, mortgage foreclosures and fuel costs. Clinton has been endorsed by Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, giving her access to his potent political operation.
Obama has lacked a major endorsement by a statewide Pennsylvania politician, and Casey’s could help jump-start his Pennsylvania campaign. Casey has close ties to organized labor, which has been divided in Pennsylvania between the two candidates.
Casey had a 62 percent approval rating among Democrats in a recent Quinnipiac University poll.
Casey’s move could also be seen as a political jab at the Clintons. Bill Clinton was the Democrats’ presidential nominee in 1992 when Casey’s father was not given a prime-time speaking position at the party’s convention, which outraged many of the state’s conservative Democrats.
Casey was to campaign with Obama as he travels across Pennsylvania by bus.
The bus tour will feature “listening sessions,” a technique Clinton used in her 2000 Senate campaign to convince skeptical New Yorkers that she was not just a carpetbagger looking for a plum post after leaving the White House.
Obama hopes to prevent Clinton from racking up a large win in the state which could eat away at his delegate advantage and give her new life in the final primaries running to June.
It may be a tough sell for some in the state, which has a sizable elderly population. In the previous primaries, older Democrats have favored Clinton, while younger voters tend toward Obama.
Casey served two four-year terms as state auditor general. He lost a 2002 gubernatorial bid in the Democratic primary to Rendell.
Casey was elected to the Senate in 2006, defeating conservative GOP incumbent Rick Santorum. Obama campaigned for Casey, but so did Clinton and her husband.
What an amazing endorsement! It causes one to wonder how in the world a stanch anti-abortion advocate such as Sen. Casey could possible even considering endorsing anyone with such a profoundly anti-life voting record as Mr. Obama! Have you even SEEN Obama’s voting record on this issue? He has opposed every single legislative initiative concerning abortion thus far, including voting against making it a crime for a juvenile to cross state lines to abort without parental consent.
Politics make strange bedfellows, or so the saying goes. This is just one more weird twist in this bizarre election year.
Senator Casey’s endorsement just reaffirms Senator Obama’s support amonst all people of all races, religions and creeds. Thank you Senator Casey.
Oh please, wake up people. This is a joke now. Do we run out the carpet and put roses on it? He was in NC the other day, and here is the bottom deal-the water did not turn into wine. The media is so scared of this guy-he is the Teflon King-nothing sticks to him. Disgusting.
Excellent what a fine choice. Obama tells the truth whether you like it or not. He also addresses critical issues without inflating the story. Way to go Sen. Bob Casey
Way to go casey! How awesome!
Thank you Senator Casey.
It is time for ALL super delegates from states who already voted to select their candidate. This will tell all Americans which democrats to remove from office.
The Clinton’s have done enough damage to this process. The Clinton’s want change alright, change the rules for the primary to help them win.
Back in September Clinton was not touting the seating of delegates from Michigan and Florida. She was saying that after the primary we need to mend the fences with Michigan and Florida. Now, she is screaming about getting their votes and delegates to help her. It is a sad state of our democratic politics.
Clinton’s should remember: All the Kings horses and all the Kings men could not put Humpty Dumpty back together again…..Your (20) friends money will not trump the American people…..
I’m disappointed that a Catholic senator would support a known pro-abortion, anti-life candidate like Obama. Neither of the democrats is worthy of receiving Catholic votes, since they both suoort issues that are DEEPLY at variance with the Church’s teachings. Obama has no plan to alter his liberal views, and thus has disqualified himself from consideration. You can’t be Catholic and pro-abortion!
I’m glad to see there are some sane and perceptive people in Pennsylvania!
Yes we can! Si se puede! Viva Obama!!!
Casey’s endorsement and $1.50 will buy this Catholic a small coffee.
Remember Ted Kennedy endorsed Obama and Hillary won MA by a landslide
Bob Casey should review Mr. Obama’s Christian for convenience program. He should also consider his party’s position on abortion. Then I think he should wash his hands of Obama.
I think that this endorsement will only help Obama continue to receive support from Pennsylvanians who normally would not have voted for him. This and other endorsements sends a strong message that Americans are ready for change. I just hope that Hillary will soon recognize that many see her as another old school democrat that will continue to use the good ol’ boy method of thinking if she were elected President.
Some of these “Endorsements” are too odd to be real. Richardson almost seemed to be sending a “silent hostage” message as did some of the other earlier “endorsements.”
Wonder what they’ve been “promised”
Who really cares!!! You folks need to get a life, you really do. : ) : )
Thank you Gov. Casey!
Thank you Fox News for reporting this story - fair and balanced indeed!
I have been awake for some time now. This is NOT a joke now. The media is NOT scared of this guy. Is FOX News scared” I think not. APPEALING !
I am so glad to see the support around Mr. Obama. From listening to the media, I thought Clinton had captured the entire state and everyone in it! The Hill-Billys will undermine, manipulate and perform ‘defamation surgery’ on Mr. Obama. They are of the mindset “if I (we) can’t get it, we’ll make sure you don’t either”. We cannot let this happen! There is a 23rd Amendment for a reason… No third term for Bill!!! GObama ’08.
Hillary mispoke (lied) and it was said to be because she is tired. At 3:00 am, if the phone rings and she is tired, will she misspeak (lie) again??? How are we to know if she isn’t “always” tired and misspeaking (lying)?
Also I would say, to judge Mr. Obama on HIS WORDS & HIS ACTIONS, not someone else’s. Remember that you can’t even control what your own child will say in public. Right?
Sen. Casey,
What you are doing is endorsing the right for pro-choice. I am embarrassed as a Catholic
This is soooooo great. The way the democrats one bloodying each other is wonderful. Now, the entire world gets a needed lesson on what the left has in store and the hypocrisy they exude.
“ABC” - Anybody But Clinton
What are you thinking??? Well at least you are a true Democrat. Unlike Spector who claims to be Republican and acts like a Democrat. Did have me fooled though !
Americans wake-up! Obama spent 20 years with anti-American racists. He made one of them his mentor and advisor. Granted, he’s a great speaker, but any fool knows that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Once you hand the keys to the kingdom over to this guy … it will be too late.
How much did Obama give Casey for his endorsement? I doubt this will carry much weight with the voters in Pennsylvania. The Media hyped up Ted Kennedy’s endorsement and Obama had this super duper rally and Obama still loss in Massachusetts! Obama had a super duper rally in California as well and got the endorsement of Maria Shriver–he still loss!
I think the results will be the same in Pennsylvania!! Voters are smart and anyone can see that this endorsement is an attempt to attract Catholic Voters—People can see thru this!
@JR: “This is just one more weird twist in this bizarre election year.”
No, this is yet another example of how Obama can unite the country by bringing together people that normally won’t work together. It’s EXACTLY what we need.
As for the abortion issue, regardless of which side you’re on, we have lots of far greater problems (war, recession headed towards depression, healthcare, etc.) facing us right now thanks mostly to the idiot king george. None of the 3 candidates would do anything about abortion one way or the other so why base your choice on that anyways? Base it on issues that affect everyone and actually have a chance of changing.
Good call Senator Casey.
I agree with JR. I am Catholic and there is no way I would support/endorse Obama. He is for pro-choice and Catholics believe in pro-life. I definitely don’t understand politics.
Senator Casey and millions more recognize we need truth and without special interests
with their CLAWS on the Puppet Strings of our leaders.
Unfortunately both Hillary Clinton and John McCain are financially tied to these special interest and that hurts the Middle Class. We can NOT make health care affordable, strengthen our economy, and put the American dream within reach for every American if some Multi Billion Dollar Company is Financing the Campaigns of Hillary Clinton and John McCain and with
that are granted special access to Hillary Clinton and John McCain.
Joanie,
Why so negative? Don’t take it so personally. He doesn’t know you. You don’t know him.
Everyone needs to “just chill a bit”.
All the best.
don,t forget the little man we vote too,and we will need a representer in our area soon.
After this endorsement, it’s a rap.
Obama tells nothing but lies and misdirections. How about the ads running now in PA that say he has never taking lobbyist money when he has taken more than $110k in this election alone. Now an anti-abortion nut endorses him. People, this is not uniting, this is pandering. Now his platform will be I support a woman’s right not to chose abortion. Let’s see if any of you brainwashed supporters notice.
This speaks volumns for Barack Obama. Just because Obama is Pro-Choice doesn’t mean he is not going to consider how the people feel on this issue.
JR ~ Mr. Obama is not anti-life. He is pro-choice. If you think about it, why should a bunch of men on a hill tell me what I can or cannot do with my body? No one knows the situation or circumstances on is facing, but that person…
When the baby does get here, the men on the hill do everything possible to make sure the child has NO chance to survive… (lack of good preventative affordable health care, calling ketchup a vegetable in school lunches, tuition cost for college so high only the elite or those with years & years of student loan debt). There is a difference between anti-life and pro-choice.
I applaude Sen. Bob Casey for seeing through all the FOX NOISE and the UNfair and UNbalanced reporting regarding Mr. Obama.
Great play Senator Casey.
It is great to see u are not intimidated by the Clittons. Thanks for your support for change.
Has Mr. Casey lost his head?
Hot air is blowing across Pennsylvania. The Graf Zeppelin powered by its inexhaustible supply of Wind from the mighty tongue of Barack Obama is sailing across the state. I would hope that the State of Pennsylvania, the state of Benjamin Franklin and the home of the Liberty Bell and the birthplace of the Constitution, would know truth from deception, sense from disingenuous sentiment. Obama promises unity but surrounds himself with dividers. Obama preaches harmony but surrounds himself with hate-mongers. Obama says he practices Christian tolerance, but his adviser calls Bill Clinton a “McCarthyist” and accuses Jews and Evangelical Christians of manipulating U.S. policy to achieve the apocalyptic prophecies of St. John’s “Revelation.”
Let this be the revelation to Pennsylvania. Obama is a liar. He lies and then he swears to it. Yes, he was in the Church for twenty years listening to the poison of Rev. Wright, and I guarantee you he swallowed a lot of it. He swallowed it and it swallowed him.
“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on,” Winston Churchill said. A great orator, Churchill was also the realistic and tough leader of the free world who was the primary force for saving the free world from the bitter poison of his enemies Hitler and Stalin, who also fancied themselves great “orators.” Obama’s plans to throw in the towel in Iraq and placate the vipers Ahmadinejad and Castro would also not sit well with Churchill who warned: “An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.”
Obama is not fit to be a leader of the free world and I sincerely hope that the people of Pennsylvania see this crocodile coming.
Great news! Casy’s endorsment is another nail to the Hillary’s cofin! Hurra!!!!
Maybe we will get rid of her.
I agree….how could anyone who is against abortion, vote for Obama, or Clinton for that matter.
It’s discusting. It shows people will do anything if the price is right and the appropriate promises are made.
Neither Casey, nor anyone can make me vote for a anti American racist!
Peter, PA!
Endorsements doesn’t mean anything. Hillary will win PA!!! She has real solutions for America (not a copy cat) and that is what people in PA is looking for in a candidate. The people in PA have their minds made up and that is to vote for the candidate they believe in — Hillary!
Sorry this endorsement is too late!
Hillary will not give up, she will fight till the end and take the party down with her.
I just wonder what kind of a back room deal took place to bring this about??? Who is Casey kidding.. Right now on TV they are talking about Members of the Obama Campagin going into the Clinton Campaign pretending to me Clinton Supporters just to get information to use against her campaign…This is the NEW, CHANGE POLITCS, Change we can believe in??? HE is so crooked he has to screw his socks on…and what makes it bad is that he professes to be so pure…and throwing it all on the Clinton’s. His playbook is probably three times the size of theirs. The MAJORITY of PA does not want a Presidential Candidate that will sit in a church for 20 years and listen to a man say Goddam the United States, and Whites are the skunks of the earth? Yet Obama STILL sees him as family…how cozy. But back to Casey…he certainly is not ACTING on the will of the People that PUT him IN OFFICE…..Maybe they need to rethink that in PA
Well put Samantha, and if the people of Pennsylvania can’t see this ‘crocodile’ coming, there are darn sure a lot of us from other states that do. We can only hope that all these “sheep who are being led to slaughter” are not registered to vote.
This man is drawing a lot of support - I begun to believe that he is got an extra-ordinary talent bringing people together. The race issue is very complex and I hope if he is elected, we will have an open discussion. Moreover, the black will begin realized We Americans are not racist and stop the “victim” play, and Obama will be a living ledged for hard work and taking self-initiative for your owns life rather than blaming others. It is a new beginning and hope that things will turn around. Let’s give a chance in our 200 plus thistory at least this time right. God bless America!
WOW, now that Obama actually found Casey, If he can only now find Hoffa, he has my vote.
What an idiot!!!!
Senator WHO????? I also understand the Black Panther Party endorsed Obama too…..I see no difference with this race pimp either. He is nothing more than black version of John Kerry (and Deval Patrick for that matter too)
OH,BIG WHOOPTEEDOO!!! Another person who is believing Obama’s pretty talking. All will be in for a big SURPRISE.
I wonder who bought him off? The Bankers, The Islamist’s, or the Republican’s. I guess will we just have to wait and see as it is to close to tell who had more reasons to. But alas, Casey was bought off…maybe by the democrat’s themselves who are part of the game as well.
GO HILLARY !!!
NOW - Let’s go over each & every one of OBama’s “Group” I am certain we will find much, much more! Like : Wright, Rezko,…… better stop.
We would not want this campaign to go negative!