Washington: In yet another blow to the campaign of New York Senator Hillary Clinton, a top leader in the Democratic Party seen as the icon of the liberal base is throwing his weight behind the candidature of Barack Obama for the US presidency.
This comes soon after the support from Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F Kennedy. She compared Obama to her father. She said Obama could inspire a new generation of American patriots like her charismatic father.
Massachussetts Senator Edward Kennedy broke his own practice of the past of not endorsing candidates in the primaries to back Obama, a big boost to the Illinois Democrat just days before the 'super duper Tuesday' primaries of February 5.
Kennedy's endorsement of the African-American Senator will formally take place in Washington on Monday and it comes after another Kennedy, Caroline, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, announced her decision to support Obama in an Op-Ed piece in The New York Times yesterday.
Senator Kennedy's leaning toward Obama has been noticeable in the last several weeks but he was apparently pressurised from within the party and outside to refrain from announcing his backing. Reports say that former President Bill Clinton personally appealed to Kennedy to endorse Hillary.
Political analysts have made the point that apart from being impressed with the abilities of Obama, Senator Kennedy was incensed at the manner in which former President Clinton had been campaigning for his wife and objected to some sharp comments and barbs directed at Obama.
The endorsement of Kennedy will bring Obama many advantages including support of Unions, the Hispanics and better identification with the party liberal wing.
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