More Endorsements

I would be remiss if I did not post about two more high-level endorsements: Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO). Another two superdelegates from states with February nominating contests (Missouri has a Feb. 5 primary and Nebraska a Feb. 9 caucus) add to the momentum. As for message, this allows the campaign to stress the "working across the aisle" and "working for change" memes; Nelson is a noted conservative Democrat and McCaskill is the first woman elected to the Senate in Missouri, a 2006 freshman.

Once again, I believe endorsements are most important as a piece of the press narrative. However, it would be nice to have some push-back against Clinton surrogates like former Sen. Bob Kerrey, former NH Chair Billy Shaheen, and even Bill. Thankfully, Dick Durbin has called out the former President on his assertion that Obama wasn't really pro-war, but I don't see the campaign engaging Clinton's in such slash-and-burn tactics.

As a side note, I believe Richardson will stay neutral when it still matters. However, if/when Edwards loses in NV and SC (and runs out of money), I really hope he bows out and throws his support behind Obama before Florida and Feb. 5. Uniting the two change candidates against Clinton could really help, and I have a suspicion that Edwards may see his last chance to get to the White House on an Obama ticket.