Question: Is it REALLY good that Ted Kennedy endorsed Obama?

Kennedy's ideas are good and he has long been a man of the people. However, he has a lot of baggage and controversy.

Is it really good that he endorsed Obama?

but thats not saying much

http://thepage.time.com/halperins-take-five-reasons-why-the-kennedy-endorsement-is-a-big-deal/

1. He has a huge following with Hispanics, a big deal in California and other Super Tuesday states, and one of Obama’s weaknesses.

2. The symbolic Kennedy family thing — the ultimate message of change, viability, Democratic legitimacy, and youthful excitement.

3. The national press will be obsessed with the story for days and days to come, with no downside for Obama; the local press coverage when Kennedy travels for Obama will be ginormous.

4. It sends a message to other senators and superdelegates that it is OK to be for Obama — they don’t have to be afraid of the Clintons.

5. He has a huge following among working-class, traditional Democrats, one of Obama’s weaknesses.

6. He has a huge following among union households, another of Obama’s weaknesses.

7. He has a huge following among older Democrats, yet another of Obama’s weaknesses.

Apparently it wasn't THAT big a help with Hispanics.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2008/01/28/tejano_democrats_endorse_sen_c.html

... 220 delegates.

Older D's who like/love the Kennedys, labor unions, Latinos...what's not to love?

Despite his baggage and past controversy, he is one of the most respected Dem Senators ever. He's long been known as "the hardest-working man in the Senate", and "the lion of the Senate".

Not really, but that seems to be what the sour grapes from the Hillary supporters boils down to when they start talking about Kennedy's "negatives".

Ted Kennedy has made it clear that the Democratic Party and the voters of America are no longer going to tolerate and ignore the Clintons sordid personal politics.

He would never say or do anything to risk losing the WH to the republicans. He knows nothing will turn out the repubs like Hillary and nothing will increase the the Dems voting base like Obama.

In the GE it is winner takes all and Obama increases the Dems, period.

I think this can only help him. Anyone who wouldn't have voted for him due to Ted Kennedy's endorsement, ie Bruce Tinsley, probably would never have voted for him anyway.

But if Clinton wins the General, it IS good for her that she didn't get his endorsement.

Endorsement----Obama brings Kennedy Administration, Kennedy
administration. for the Midwest Plains and Wesr smf South

I suppose every Endorser can be controversial.

And you would assume that Teddy would eventually support whoever is the Dem candidate in the GE, so it's a moot point.

That's why it was played out as a national event. I don't ever remember an endorsement done that theatrically.

Pooh-poohing it is NOT going to make it less of a blow. It's aimed straight at the boomers who tend to vote for Hillary. Who enthusiastically voted for Bill Clinton and were always sorry they weren't old enough to vote for JFK. This is official Kennedy consent to abandon Bill, shun Hill, and vote for the new guy.

It's just as bad as it felt yesterday when it happened.

Most favorably in the NE, least favorably in the South.

He's taken a hit on his support among woman over the years, and going against Hillary won't help that.

I'd give it an overall positive, just more positive in the NE.

*edit for spelling*

its teddy kennedy.

IMO I don't think their is a stronger endorsment at least for me. Still rooting for edwards.

watch this endorsement speech again and Obama's that follows:

http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2008/01/teddys_endorsement.html

Can't have a myopic view of things.