(CNN) –Longtime West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller endorsed Barack Obama’s White House bid Friday, praising the Illinois senator for his initial opposition to the Iraq war.
"I am all too aware that the threats we face are unconventional," Rockefeller, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said in a statement. "They are sophisticated. They are constantly changing and adapting. And they are very serious. What matters most in the Oval Office is sound judgment and decisive action. It’s about getting it right on crucial national security questions the first time – and every time.”
News of the endorsement comes the same day both Democratic presidential campaigns are engaged in a heated back and forth over which candidate is best equipped to handle national security issues.
In the statement, Rockefeller also said he is supporting Obama because of his "commitment to rebuild America."
"I know Barack Obama will fight and win the battle for health care, good paying jobs, and energy security," Rockefeller wrote.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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Wow, chairman of the senate Intelligence Committee. Had no idea he too was confused, dazed and voting emotionally.
Hmmm...he must know about the threats we face and trusts Obama. Chris Dodd from the Foreign Relations Committee knows Foreign relations and trusts Obama, General McPeak trusts Obama...It seems that despite his lack of experience, those with experience do have confidence in him...
I am not saying he is a better choice than Hillary but I am saying that clearly others see something in him beyond experience that gives them confidence in his abiltiy to lead this country.
It's amazing how one event – not voting for the war in Iraq – justifies Obama's credibility to be President. It doesn't really matter because as McCain said – we are already there and you have to deal with the reality now. I think Obama has problems with reality. Go Hillary!!!!!!!!
Another Washington insider beholden to special interests and part of the DC establishment endorses Obama. What a way to push change!
chairman of the senate intelligence committee endorses Obama.
Give up Hillary
Fantastic!
Welcome aboard!
""I know Barack Obama will fight and win the battle for health care, good paying jobs, and energy security," Rockefeller wrote."
Look, the Democrats are 95% similar on the issues. So no matter who wins, we should support them 100%.
McBush wants 100 years of war, zero health care, zero SCHIP, and unlimited wiretaps on Americans' phones and email.
Well I have to say this endorsement means about as much to me as if GWB had indorsed him.
Yes Sir, as I predicted. Post-Tuesday's debate performance, Obama has gotten at least one endorsement per day including at least one endorsement by a superdelegate per day. Keep'em coming Obama. Today should be the day in which Obama releases his February fundraising so that the weekend news cycle will be dominated by Obamania! HA HA HA!
Obama in 08!
Bad choice! Has he asked what Barack Hussein Obama will do to change America? No one knows.
If BHO gets the nomination, my vote goes to Nader or McCain.
If CNN blocks my comment, they will lose 1 viewer.
Is he a superdelegate?
Well I have to say this endorsement means about as much to me as if GWB had endorsed him
Another notch for Obama. Obama 08'
nice backing. i just hope that our collective hope is not misplaced. people are weary and want their faith in voting for Barack to manifest itself in the fulfillment of Barack's promises. if Barack fails to act upon the collective faith invested in him-this country, i fear, will become lost, soulless and unrecoverable. I know that i feel sanity has returned to the political arena when i listen to Barack and Michelle speak about the necessary changes that need to be made. I do not want to lose that feeling. good luck.
... the list increases... but the real statement is in the quality of the people who are coming forward .. Bregensky.. Daschle.. Kennedy..Dods..Sheay..Lewis .. etc. etc... Look at the quality and character of the people who are standing up...for Obama 08
Whaoooo!!! Obama, good guy!!!!
Thanks God for one additional endorsement from Sen. Rockefeller.
In your face Clinton!!!
I guess Obama is the one we want picking up that phone.
Rockefeller's endorsement of Barack Obama should be no surprise. Rockefeller is a smart and intelligent politician just like Barack Obama. Wouldn't you want the best, I do and that's why Barack Obama gets my vote.
It's time to Unite; Obama will respond much faster and more effecttively to the Republican attacks; he's demonstrated his quick- response ability time and time again in response to the Clinton's, Bush's, and McCain's. Unite Behind Obama.
Welcome to the future Sen. Rockefeller. Thanks for choosing:
1) hope >fear
2) future>past
3) judgment>experience
4) diplomacy> isolationism
5) people>lobbyists
Hillary,
Take a hint. Concede, already. All the Democrats have turned on you, because they know that you are really a Republican. You are nothing more than Karl Rove in a dress, or a pants suit.
Way to go Obama. Mark up another for the good guys.
Message to Carlos – you're just another naive person who doesn't get the big picture of what's going on in politics. Rockefeller backing Obama that should make everyone think the political game that's going on here. How many favors will Obama have to pay back if he gets the nomination. God I hope not. Wake up America. Elect Hillary.
Everybody thought Geroge McGovern and Mike Dukakus were great candidates too. The dem establishment has been very BAD at picking winners over the last 4 decades. I'm just surprised how deep the dislike of the Clinton's goes among the dem elite. I guess an uncontrollable winner is more of a threat to the dem establishment than an easily led loser. Is Kennedy and Kerry going to vote for Hillary because their state went overwhelmingly for her. Or are they going to thwart the will of the voters. I'll stay home rather than vote for Obama because of the hateful things said by his camp about the entire Clinton family. Another comment doomed to the moderation graveyard.
Hillary is really finished.
She can't catch up mathematically.
For the good of the party, let's end this amicably and gracefully.
Please Hillary, DO THE RIGHT THING!!!!
Of course...if Obama fails Mr. Rocky will have nothing to lose will he?
Attention ladies and gentlemen–judgement, logic, and reason have now left the building. You may all form a single line and go home now.