(CNN) - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson Tuesday suggested he may endorse a former rival in the Democratic White House race sometime this week.
In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer set to air at 6 p.m. hour of The Situation Room, Richardson praised both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and suggested now might be the right time he publicly backs one of them.
"I may make a decision and do an endorsement," Richardson said.
Asked if the endorsement could come within the next couple of days, the New Mexico governor replied, "Possibly, yes."
Richardson, a former member of the Clinton administration, wouldn't hint at which candidate he was leaning towards, and said it's still possible he may make no endorsement.
"I'm just not trying to be cute. I just have felt that an endorsement by me, I don't think it is that significant," he said. "But I still might do it."
Both Clinton and Obama have heavily sought Richardson's backing since he dropped out of the race in January. Richardson, one of the highest ranking Hispanics in the Democratic Party, could give either candidate a boost in the Latino community ahead of Texas' primary on March 4. Latinos are expected to play a big role in that contest.
In the interview Tuesday, Richardson praised both candidates, and said the two are running a "classic race."
"Change versus experience," Richardson said of the race. "And obviously I ran on the experience mantle. It didn't work out too well. But I think they are both exceptional candidates, represent fundamental change. I think it is going to be very, very close. I don't think this race is over."
Watch the full interview with Richardson tonight on The Situation Room, 6 p.m. ET.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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Bill knows Latinos dislike Obama. He also must position himself
for a possible VP slot on the ticket. Then he must coddle Latinos
for another possible run in 2012. All things considered...look for
Bill's arrival in Texas to join Hillary – - and I don't mean that other
Bill.
If he doesn't vote for experience he'll be voting against everything he has been saying when he was running.
HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE only choice!!!!!!!
LET'S GO PEOPLE!!
GO TEXAS!!!
GO OHIO!!!
GO RHODE ISLAND!!!
GO VERMONT!!!
GO BILL RICHARDSON!!!
Bill Richardson whoever you choose may you pick the best one to serve our country.
I find it very disturbing that people who say they are either Clinton or Obama supporters will vote republican if their candidate does not win the democratic nomination. What is wrong with you? Is that supposed to be a threat? Do you want another Goerge Bush clone in the white house(John McCain) and suffer through another 4 years of what we've been going through? Please think before you say things like this... the republicans are laughing all the way to the election as we tear ourselves apart. This isn't a popularity contest, grow up. With that said, I am an Obama supporter but if he doesn't get the nomination, I will support whomever does against the republicants.
my motto this week is ......."Don't come back a cryin if Barack Can't produce"....I think experience is a most.....looking at some serious research there must be an American Indian to run for the presidency, we took away there land and livelihood and lets us immigrants come in this country and accomplish our dream......
If he is going endorse, it should be Clinton. However, I wouldn't be surprised if he endorsed Obama if he's interested in political appointments.
Hillary should congratulate Obama after Tuesday's election, and step aside to work on uniting the democratic party (and I am a Clinton supporter, but reality needs to be the basis of decision, and the reality is Obama is going to win).
he's gonna endorse Clinton. That last part tells it all
Hillary's experience has led to one of the most mis-managed campaigns in history. According to spending records, in JANUARY ALONE the Clinton camp spent $11,000 on pizza, $1,200 on Dunkin Donuts, and $95,384 at a Des Moines Hy-Vee grocery store for get-out-the-vote sandwich platters. If I donated money to this campaign and saw this ridiculous spending I would be irrate!
Good thing she's experienced though....
blah, blah, blah, blah....this is all harble-garble-swarfel at its finest.......i peronally think everyone except the candidates should keep their mouths closed til this is over............including the bloggers......the insults have gotten ridiculous
I love this! When Gov. Richardson was a candidate, no-one voted for him or supported him. Why should, magically, we now pay attention to who he says we should all vote for? The same could be said to apply to Dodd.
Richardson has always come to Hill's defense. If he endorses Obama its just for political gain. He thought (like everyone else), that HRC had the race in the bag. What experience does she have? Her health care plan failed before she voted for the war, she approved of NAFTA. If she is the nominee the war will be off the table for the election. The country is ready for something totally different. Although she is a woman she still represents the same politics as usual. Her behavior lately proves that.
Guillermo Ricardo is just trying to keep his name before the public. No way he's gonna endorse one candidate and risk choosing the wrong one–he desperately wants to be VP.
Obama will not win many Demo supporters who may never voted for Republican in their life but may be this time if it's Obama
Did Michelle Obama actually say "there is a hole in our soul" and Barack can fix it? This is scary!
Bil,L PLEASE ENDORSE HILLARY, SHE IS THE EXPERIENCE AND CHANGE.
Why do Clinton supporters think they're going to sway anyone by threatening to vote for McCain? Vote for who you think would be the best president. The general election polls show that you are in the minority. Obama does far better than Clinton against McCain. You're not fooling anybody and nobody cares. Vote for who you think would be the president. If more people think that's Obama, then so be it.
I hope Richardson endorses Obama even if the Clintons feel he owes them. Obama will be the next President of the United States! Si se puede!!
It is obvious that Richardson will be endorsing Hillary. There is no other reason for him to endorse now–Obama has all the momemtum and it will take a Richardson jolt to rescue Hillary.
I think Richardson will not go with the CNN & MSNBC propaganda that Obama is the "Son Of God"
richardson was a big loser in bubbas cabinet so he'll probably endorse another loser in Hillary for the hope of hitting the trifecta to be a bigger loser in the hillbilly cabinet
His endorsement wont' mean anything to the voters who should make their judgment on who is the most qualified nominee.
If you read what he's said you'll know that he is endorsing Obama.
Obama 08!
Richardson will endorse Hillary. And she may run with him as vice.
Obama always speaks of HRC's vote on the Iraqi war- he says you cannot afford that chance again. How about is dealing with Rezko-Bad Judgement? We cannot afford to have that in the White House