By Xinhua
Washington : Former Democratic presidential John Kerry, who lost the general election to President George W. Bush in November 2004, endorsed Barack Obama as the party’s 2008 presidential nominee on Thursday, a slap against Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign.
“Martin Luther King Jr. (activist for black Americans’ right) said the time is always right to do what is right. And I’m here in South Carolina because this is the right time to share with you, to make sure that we know that I have the confidence … and that Barack Obama can be, will be and should be the next president of the United States,” Kerry said at a rally in Charlestone for Obama’s campaign.
He said that he believes “more than anyone else, Barack Obama can help our country turn the page and get America moving by uniting and ending the division we have faced.”
The state is set to hold its Democratic primary on Jan. 26 as the next bid test on Obama and Clinton, who has won Iowa and New Hampshire, respectively. Another rival John Edwards is also expecting a boost of support in the neighbor state of his hometown.
“Who better than Barack Obama to turn a new page in American politics so that Democrat, independent and Republican alike can look to leadership that unites to find the common ground?” Kerry said. “That’s what this is about.”
On criticism that Obama lacks experience, Kerry said “some have suggested in this campaign that Barack is guilty of raising ‘falsehopes.’ … My friends, the only charge that rings false is the one that tells you not to hope for a better tomorrow.”
Obama praised his Vietnam War service, calling him a patriot and a man of conviction.
In a response, Former Sen. John Edwards said in statement “our country and our party are stronger because of John’s service, and I respect his decision.”
Edwards was Kerry’s alliance in the 2004 presidential elections as the Democratic vice presidential candidate.
Observers said Kerry’s endorsement would boost Obama in fundraising and campaign organization for he having kept a solid network of supporters and donators since last election.