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Kennedy: I'll support Hillary
29/01/2008 19:37 - (SA)
Washington - Senator Edward Kennedy says his endorsement of Barack Obama for president was not intended as a repudiation of Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign or of her husband, the former president.
"I have great respect for President Clinton and respect for Senator Clinton," Kennedy said Tuesday on NBC television's Today show as he made a round of appearances on network news programmes.
Kennedy said he will support the New York senator if she is the eventual Democratic presidential nominee. "It's enormously important that we elect a Democrat and change the direction of the nation.
Should Barack Obama not get the nomination, I'll support her," or John Edwards or whoever wins the nomination, Kennedy said on CBS television's The Early Show.
He described the Clintons as friends. "I've known them a long time. I've worked very closely with the Clintons."
But, he added, "We need new energy. We need someone who can bring people together. People are basically saying that they want to new day and a new generation."
Obama, an Illinois senator, appeared with Kennedy on NBC and said he was honoured by Kennedy's endorsement. "I have to make my case but obviously Ted Kennedy helps me get some people to listen who might not otherwise have listened."
Kennedy praised Obama's proposal to extend healthcare coverage and said universal healthcare coverage was "the passion of my life". Senator Clinton has been critical of Obama's healthcare plan, which her campaign estimates would leave 15 million people uninsured.
Kennedy, his niece Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, and son Rep. Patrick Kennedy appeared at a rally for Obama on Monday at American University in Washington, the first big campaign event in the capital area.
Clinton announced, meanwhile, that she had the backing of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, a daughter of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and former Maryland lieutenant governor. Townsend lost the gubernatorial election in Maryland five years ago.
- AP
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