Last Updated: Sept. 24
'Tis the season for politicos to put down their money, gamble their reputations and future ambitions and pick a horse in the wide field of 2008 presidential entries.
Over the past two months, some big names formally endorsed candidates. We'll start keeping track here. Check out the links for more blog-buzz on the pick-ups:
Democrats
Hillary Clinton: Tom Vilsack; Rep. James McGovern (Mass.); Gov. Jon S. Corzine; LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Ark. Gov. Mike Beebe; Former Gen. Wesley Clark; Sen. Evan Bayh (Ind.)
John Edwards: Sen. David Obey (Wisc.)
Barack Obama: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (Ill.); Gov Tim Kaine (Va.); Jesse Jackson
Republicans
Rudy Giuliani: Steve Forbes; Ex-FBI Director Louis Freeh
Mike Huckabee: Gov. Mike Rounds (S.D.)
John McCain: Gov. Mitch Daniels (Ind.); Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah); Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
Mitt Romney: Orrin Hatch, Bob Beauprez
Note: for the most part we are currently not listing all the endorsements of congressional members from a candidates' home state, since these are mostly shored up. Check out The Hill for more details.
Personally, I'm a bit skeptical that high-profile endorsements sway voters. If they do, what type of endorsement is the most influential: A politician? Newspaper? An interest group like NOW siding with Hillary? A celebrity, like Oprah backing Barack?
Weigh in with comments below on how much you think endorsements matter.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. Only endorsement that matters is the people and Obama is now in a dead-heat with Rudy Giuliani: http://www.solidpolitics.com
Bill at 2:20PM on Mar 30th 2007
2. As far as this horse race, (begging the horses pardon) I don't see one, in this mess, I would cast my vote for. I swear, I don't know what Newt Gingrich, or Hillary Clinton, think they will even be nominated. Especially old Newt. I'm not a fan of Bill Clinton's, but, he was the one shouting the loudest, to impeach Mr. Clinton. And, lokk here, guess who was an adulterer, himself. Yep, that's just what we need, sitting in the Oval Office, a Ginrich type. Not only an adulterer, but, liar, on top of it. I know all politicians lie, like hell, but, doesn't that Gingrich put in your mind, someone else? For instance, Judas Iscariot?? There have been a lot of politicians walking the streets of Washington, but, he, is by far, the worst of the lot. I will tell you, who an honest man is. I talked to him, myself, before, he left the Senate. That was former, Senator James Alboreszk, from one of the Dakota's. He said all he could take of the hill, was one term, and he isn't running again, when his time is up. I don't know if I spelled his name right, but, the "hill," lost one honest man. He said, a few more things, that I won't put down, now, because, why use a good, decent man's name, in conjunction with the bunch of crooks. Like Nixon said, "I'm no crook!" Ha!!
Patricia at 3:27PM on Mar 30th 2007
3. Jesse Jackson endorses Obama for president? Wow, what a surprise! Jesse would endorse Idi Amin if he was still alive. Only one color in that Rainbow Coalition of his...black, right Jesse?
John Deamos at 3:53PM on Mar 30th 2007
4. Dear AOL: Why do you or anyone else care who Jesse Jackson is going to vote for?
exreno at 4:02PM on Mar 30th 2007
5. WHO really gives a flying "F" who Jesse Jackson endorses??????
CB4VOLS at 4:16PM on Mar 30th 2007
6. Sounds more like the "Kiss of Death" to me.
Carl G. at 4:37PM on Mar 30th 2007
7. Forgetta about it. Endorsements for the Washington mafia? That's like endorsing me to put my hand down the garbage disposal. Nobody cares. Nobody.
Gary Hawkins at 4:42PM on Mar 30th 2007
8. Patricia you're an idiot - go back to grade school and learn how to form a proper sentence - no wonder you dont like anyone running for president, you probably cant read.
Brent at 4:55PM on Mar 30th 2007
9. Those of you who anger at the sound of the man's name, do so because of who and what he stands for. Black was never included in the rainbow, remember? Who he stands for, and votes for will always matter to people of color. Get over yourselves.
Aaron at 5:04PM on Mar 30th 2007
10. I am a white man in the south who likes Barrack. Jesse Jackson used his pitifully little political influence in 1968 and has shown only the ability to lead his so called coalition down the path of hatred and bigotry. The endorsement carries as much weight with me as Richard Nixon giving little bush the nod!
r j at 5:09PM on Mar 30th 2007
11. Of course it's significant who endorses whom. It, may or may not have any direct relationship to how people vote but it does factor into the overall picture. Heck, this is the run for the privilage to run. You haven't seen anything yet. I think this is an exciting election; more so then any in the recent past. As for the comments made by CB4VOLS ... could not thier sentiments been just as ligitimate without the "F" letter? We may not all be impressed with Mr. Jackson's contribution but we all have to admit he has learned to do more then hurl bad words into space.
Lynda Davis at 5:15PM on Mar 30th 2007
12. Just what the Democrats need. If they were unfortunate enough to nominate either Obama or Clinton, the Republicans will have a field day in November of 2008.
If you think the Swiftboat nonsense that Kerry had to endure was bad, what Clinton and Obama will have to endure will make that seem like a walk in the park.
Rove and his ilk are master crafters of the smear, falsehood and innuendo which all too many voters bought hook, line and sinker in the last two elections The 2008 election campaign will be a repeat of 2000 and 2004. And, the last thing we need in this country is another 4 years of a Republican in the White House. This is why the Democrats need someone, anyone but the present prospective bunch of losers running for President.
Hopefully, the Democrats can find someone who fits that bill.
George W. Bush at 5:19PM on Mar 30th 2007
13. I think Jessie should of endorsed old Broom Hillary to make sure we don't have another Clinton in the W/House. Can you see Bill as the first LADY!! I guess if the broom gets elected there will be some cigar parties in the W/House again!!!
MARCO PANCIARELLO at 5:23PM on Mar 30th 2007
14. Big surprise, "Jackson endorses Obama", it is a sad state of affairs when predictable endorsements like this matter. Who cares who Jackson endorses, and does anyone really pay attention to this guy anyway. If so, it is even a sadder state of affairs. People's decisions at the polls should depend on their own beliefs and political positions, not what agenda-minded candidates do or say.
Rob at 5:26PM on Mar 30th 2007
15. who do think a black man would endorse? if we're not careful we'll be turning to Mecca to pray. for the things they do isnt most of the Democrats actions traitorous? giving aid and comfort to the enemy?
Marie at 5:40PM on Mar 30th 2007