Richardson, Tanner, Feels Kinship with Obama

So the big election news today is that Guv’nah Richardson endorsed Obama today, but can I just note that he swings towards Obama as his skin grows darker? I’m sure Richardson’s advisers were trying to keep him out of the sun during his run (and okay, I guess Iowa wasn’t particularly balmy at the time), but now it looks like he’s been enjoying post-campaign life by playing frisbee on the beach for eight hours a day.

Still, I’m confused: Why didn’t Richardson give his endorsement to Obama before the Texas vote, where there would have at least been some possible sway on the electorate? Then again, this is a contest about superdelegates now anyways, so I guess he can start making those phone calls now.

Race was also on his mind. His comments on Obama’s race speech:

“[Obama] did not seek to evade tough issues or to soothe us with comforting half-truths. Rather, he inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility.”

Okay, so there’s the quasi-creepy invocation of personal “responsibility,” but he could have done the politically pragmatic thing and play coy (or endorse Clinton). At least Obama is inspiring other politicians.

~e.a.