March 28, 2008
Posted: 12:33 PM ET
CNN

Watch Casey endorse Obama Friday.

(CNN) — Sen. Barack Obama kicked off a multi-day bus tour in Pennsylvania Friday with a key endorsement and lingering controversy over his former pastor's racially sensitive comments.

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey announced his support of Obama's White House bid on Friday at an event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's an endorsement that could give the Illinois senator a boost in the crucial primary state that votes April 22.

"He started this campaign as an underdog, but he knows what it's like to be a fighter," Casey said. "I've been impressed by so much watching this campaign … impressed by his compassion, his strength, his ideas and I think especially … under fire."

Casey told the crowd that he called Sen. Hillary Clinton on Thursday night to inform her of the decision. "She was gracious … and we know that she's a great senator, she's a great leader," Casey added.

Obama accepted Casey's endorsement, saying "Bob is such gracious person. I did not press him on this endorsement. There are others I press," he said.

He said Casey's endorsement "meant more to me as any endorsement I've received on the trail because I knew it was coming from the heart."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Bob Casey


Sly   March 28th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

There is no more controversey over his old pastor.. that should be done and finished with.

Great endorsement today, Casey. Thanks! We still might not take PA, but this gives us a boost.

Dont forget, "impressed by his knowledge and understanding of the issues"..

OBAMA 08!

Stacy Clarks, Texas   March 28th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

WHHOOO HOOOO!!! WELCOME ABOARD SENATOR!!!!!

STOP THE HATE, VOTE OBAMA 08!!!!!!!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   March 28th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Obama can not win because of Wright. Anybody believing otherwise is a fool.

Manuel TX   March 28th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

This endorsement carries even less weight than the endorsement from Bill Richardson.

And as much as the Obama supporters would like to fantasize that Richardson's endorsement carries weight among Hispanic voters, the truth is that it does not.

Bill Richardson achieved zero traction among Hispanic voters during his presidential campaign…zip…nada. Que lastima Richardson. :)

Rick in Florida   March 28th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

GREAT!!! NOW PLEASE ACCOMPANY OBAMA ALL ALONG THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL IN PA, SO HE CAN GET AS MUCH SUPPORT AS POSSIBLE. THE TRAIN HAS LEFT THE STATION, HILLARY!!!

Nando, Florida   March 28th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

AMEN FOR THAT!!!!!!!

Scott C   March 28th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Obama isn't going to WIN Pennsylvania… but he doesn't HAVE to.

The ball is in Clinton's court, it is her job now to win by as much possible to overtake Obama's lead. He doesn't have to WIN Pennsylvania, he just has to take every vote he can away from Clinton.

This endorsement is going to help Obama take a few points back in his favor.

Again though, he doesn't need to WIN, he is already ahead by enough.

Obama 2008

Illinois   March 28th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

This is hardly a "key" endorsement. This guy is a first term senator. Richardson, Kennedy, etc…those are "key" endorsements. Nice try, CNN….

Fabienne   March 28th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Definitely, the math is getting clearer everyday for Sen Clinton. If she doesn't drop out now it proves that she doens't care about the will of the american people and is ready to steal the presidency from them.

Just bow to the audience girl, the show is over.

MD   March 28th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Good for you Casey. Of Course because of Casey's contentious rivarly with the governor, I was sure he would back Obama. That may explain why Obama didnt press Casey initially for the endorsement. But at this point we accept endorsements from the superdelegates for any reason or motivating factor! The sooner the Obama supperters announce their backing, the sooner we can invite the Clintons to go on vacation, and get on with the real fight between Obama and McBush.

gerard morei   March 28th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Casey is a looser and the people of PA. Know that. Now is the perfec time for Al Gore and Edwards to endorse Hillary Clinton for the best of our GREAT NATION.
CLINTON-EDWARDS 2008 !!!!!!!!

sozzi   March 28th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

More to come.

08 for Obama   March 28th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Yet another great Amrican who understand what we need and who should we truly put in charge of this great country. God bless you Casey, you are the man! and for the rest of you superdelegates, what moves you? the fear of the rich and not getting favors? or the fear of the people and doing what is right for our great country and future generations?

carrie   March 28th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

thank you casey.
alot of decent democrats still are in the party.
because of billary,carville,geraldine,ed wendell and the other losersi was thinking of leaving the democratic party.
but knowing people like you still remain there has made me chnge my mind.
and if clinton steals the nomination thru back room politics,rather than vote republican,i'll just sit at home.
obama,mr president

Rose Patterson   March 28th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

Has everyone gone nuts

J   March 28th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

does that pic make him look excited or what??

obama '08

Robu desu   March 28th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Welcome aboard Senator Casey, your support will aid us in our bid for the presidency. Obama '08

kathleen   March 28th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Thank you Mr. Casey. Thank you Mr. Richardson. (And you knew the
Clinton's like a book!!!!) I hope that Obama does "better than expected"
in Pennsylvania. He is a good man that tells the truth. Americans have
been lied to for so long, we crave the truth. We deserve the truth. We need to have a nominee ASAP.

Retired Professional White Woman of 63 for Obama/edwards 2008
FROM DAY 1. My vote has never faltered.

Jake   March 28th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Bob Casey is one of the few leaders in PA who "get it". It is easy to see why he beat Rick Santorum handily (I personally was VERY glad to see Santorum go.) Bob clearly has the judgement. Who cares what Nut Job Nutter and Fat boy Rendell have to say?

The pressure on Clinton is mounting. She will have to quit soon.

DWC   March 28th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

Not a flattering picture….these 2 look like 2 gossiping, giggling school girls. Bet I know who they are talking about.

Voice that matters.   March 28th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Thank you Casey for you excellent endorsement.

Lots of people say there aren't good endorser in pennslvania left for Obama, but those who choose wisely always chooses right.

The poll will change as the Democratic fron runner starts his campaign.

He is in town, the champ in pennsylvania!!!!!

Liz, Pittsburgh PA   March 28th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Obama never started his campaign as the underdog bc the media loved him and was always going to insure that he got positive press even if he didnt win.

Austrian   March 28th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

May God bless America. It needs him

Deli   March 28th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Bob, this guy stayed in his church fro 20 years and today he is saying, he would have left… The truth is you have been had!!!

Sam   March 28th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Go McCain, me andmy family will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee.

GO Hillary

Slap Stick, Florida   March 28th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Way to Go Casey for not following in the steps of Rendell and Nutter Butter (what a joke!).

It is good to see those who are still making up their minds and not allowing the Clinton Machine to reek havoc!!

Lynn   March 28th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Now its begun. I believe that I saw the next president of the United States in Portland, Oregon when Bill Richardson endorsed him. I'm sure we'll see more, he's obviously the person we need running this country, restoring our constitution and providing us a safe place to live.

Linda   March 28th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Way to Go !
Let's get our country united under a leader who has shown poise , grace and courage under fire. Pennsylvania pls close it out for us.

merle 7   March 28th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Thanks senator for your much needed support especially prior to you states primary, every journey starts with a single step thank you for taking that step.

Obama 08!
Democratic Victory to the white house !

polanco from NJ   March 28th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Congratulations to senator Obama , I think this is a good one for him , this one should help him in PA.

DemocracyNow   March 28th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

This a big endorsement but you can expect the Hilary supporters to say it means nothing just wait and see.
If Hillary had his endorsement it means something thats the way the Clinton Camapaign and Supporters operate .

I believe this not only helps Obama but will narror Clintons lead in PA .

He is an extremely popular US Congressman.

Also since Hillary lied about Nafta and Bosnia this will work in Senator Obama's favor.

Yes We Can 08

honkey white boy from cali   March 28th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

good job sen Casey help wake those poor people up in your state so they can see through the wool the Clinton's are trying to pull over the eyes of all Americans I hope she loses this state by double digits maybe then she might pull back and reconsider the fact she can not win unless she somehow lies, cheats, or steals her way in sounds like republican policy to me. Get out HRC your hurting the party and you are not bigger than the DNC. And she is not electable in the fall! too many people and press hate her! I am not one of them but i have no respect for her after her in your face lies.

Obama '08 !!!!! Yes we can

Lee Chang   March 28th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Hello Democracy Now- get your facts right! - Nafta is Obama's goof.
GO HILLARY GO.

troy of Mississippi   March 28th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Thank God that the world is watching as Sen. Obama has said. when some are ready to count you out because you seem to be down, others are watch how you handle yourself while you are down, Obama has done a great job of showning the world that he is indeed a leader. Thanks to leaders like Sen. Casey, Richardson, and Dodds that can see thru the smoke. Bringing the party together one by one.

Veterans Love Obama   March 28th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Keep up the good fight Obama!

The WORLD needs you!
You are a GODSEND!!

Brian   March 28th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Thank you for putting the full weight of your endorsement behind the best candidate for president, Sen. Casey!

Hopefully your's and the endorsement of another 25 Indiana lawmakers this week will be one more step towards clinching this for Sen. Obama so we can refocus our energy on November!

OBAMA '08!!!

Mike   March 28th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Join the sinking Obama campaign, absolutely brilliant.

steve   March 28th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

That's great news!Clinton supporters say it doesn't matter with the endorsement.It sure does more people say they like obama the better.
Obama' 08

Gary - Pa   March 28th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Oh really??

Hillary has been the underdog ever since the press got behind her opponent in January, but she knows what it's like to be a fighter. I've watched her campaign under fire from all sides…youth, white men, black men and press pundits (to name a few) but I've seen her courage and strength remain constant and solid.

She will help us put our country back together again. She will rebuild our country financially and also create an atmosphere where we can, once again, regain the respect of countries abroad.

Debi   March 28th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Obama does "better than expected"
in Pennsylvania. He is a good man that tells the truth. Americans.

fs

Candi South Carolina   March 28th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I am glad another silent person feel the need to help stop the Clinton attacks on the Democratic campaign. I hope Pennsylvania will be smart and help make Obama the nominee for the White House. I have been tracking the speeches and see that every punch and nasty attack from the Clinton campaign has made Obama stronger, wiser, and his need to ensure the American people they are Number One in this campaign. I applaud Obama for that because I feel he is making sure the negative stuff is being buried and put to rest. Although we have a lot of obstatcles in the way but Obama can make it because he is leading by e examples of John F. Kennedy and Marting Luther King. Obama the light is at the end of the tunnel and it is shinning bright and I hope you are watching for it everyday till you see the nomination. God Bless You

TK   March 28th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

It will be a great disappointement for this great nation if he does not get elected. He would be one of those leaders people talk about for years to come. If we don't elect him and utilize his energy, it would be a disappointement of historic proportions.

Let's get it right   March 28th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

This is the 10th day in a row that CNN has chosen a "BANNER HEADLINE" on cnn.com/politics with the word REV or WRIGHT in it.

Give us all a break and move on! I think it is funny when "reporters" state "what is Obama going to do get past this controversy?"…given the MSM are the only ones discussing it, I guess we will have to wait until another "tabloid" story comes along…WHere is Britney Spears when you need her?

Jeanie   March 28th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Sen . Casay!! I know you are Catholic. Me too. I will now vote for Obama happily.

Levae   March 28th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Wake up America. Hillary doesn't care about the DNC, she only cares about the HRC.

Babu   March 28th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Hillary supporters can always vote for McCain

Disgusted at Ignorance   March 28th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

Yay!! OBAMA '08!!!

and all you people who say you'll vote for McCain are just sore losers!
Get over it!

Have you heard McCain talk about foreign policy and the economy?? SCARY STUFF! If you vote for McCain out of spite, then we will all know who to blame while the insanity of the Bush admin goes on…

Go Obama!!

Eric-PA   March 28th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I voted for Casey in the last election. Knowing that he has endorsed Obama, I will vote Republican when Casey is up for re-election. lol

ds   March 28th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Obama does not hate America or white people. Any allegations of this sort are straw-man arguments that informed people can see through. If any contempt for America is being revealed, it's not by Obama.

Shawna   March 28th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I agree with Casey, every time I hear Obama speak I know that he will make an amazing president. Even the clinton campaign must feel the energy that he gives off, and draws people into being apart of this process, finally voters feel enthusiastic about positive changes in washington, not negative tactics and campaigning. Positivity surrounds Obama's campaign.

BillieJean   March 28th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

For every door closed the Lord opens up a new one. Thank you Senator Casey, Obama is the man we need for President and real change!!

Micheal   March 28th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

I applaud Senator Casey's fortitude, fine wisdom and good judgement. He is a person who also believes in the politics of opportunity for the many and not just for the few…

ben   March 28th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

I honestly think I would have been a better politician than any of the three left! I am going to vote for Obama, but to me, he put his foot in his mouth when he said Bob's endorsement meant more to him than all the rest, because it
came from the heart. Where did the rest come from?
One thing though, every one of the other candidates have also put their
feet in their mouths.
I think I will run for president in 2012. By then, I will only be 84 years old

DemocracyNow   March 28th, 2008 3:27 pm ET

Way to go Senator Casey.
Those in the Clinton campaign who believe his endorement means nothing you would not be saying that if Clinton had picked up his endorsement so lets get real honest.
Obama 08

Sharon   March 28th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Isn't that pretty much the ONLY key endorsement he got in PENN??? HILLARY GOT THE REST…..

Bobby   March 28th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Good call Bob Casey for you excellent endorsement.But why?is the news meadia and CNN stop with Hillary lied about Nafta and Bosnia and still on Obama about rev.Right.REV.RIGHT is not runing for the presidentcy,Unjust want prosper.Run OBAMA RUN, YOU ARE THE ONE FOR REAL CHANGE.

Ryan   March 28th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Go Obama!

Kathy   March 28th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

His endorsement is the only one from the heart? What do the others want in return then? I wonder how the others feel about being left out?
At least Senator Clinton was talking about the economy today. Someone is….

Robert in Toronto,ON   March 28th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

That picture makes it look like Bob Casey is tickling Obama or somethin…funny, but kinda disturbing!

Could we get that picture changed?

On a side note though, great endorsement for Barack. It's very cool to see the rising momentum swinging in his favor. The general American population who already voted has shown it, and now some key Superdelegates and other Senators around the States are letting it known that come that June - they'll be voting for Barack Obama.

HP Boston   March 28th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Well Obama will get 90% of the black vote in Pa! Thats all wright!
He can get delegates with that!

Rob   March 28th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Yes, Sharon, Hillary got John Murtha. Murtha is excited because the Clintons are the only members of the party more corrupt than he is.

Penn State Student for Obama   March 28th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

CONGRATULATIONS OBAMA. Thank you senator Casey for seeing the light and making the right decisions. I am a devout catholic and with or without the endorsment I would vote for OBAMA and never Hillary. OBAMA IS THE MAN. WE ARE…FOR BARACK OBAMA.

SENATOR OBAMA, PLEASE COME TO THE LEHIGH VALLEY AREA SO I CAN SEE YOU. UNIVERISTY PARK IS 3 HOURS FROM WHERE I LIVE

gary   March 28th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Another sucker wrapped up in O.B.'S fantasy world.I wonder how much O.B. is paying all of these deligates,or promising them. It still dont give you qualifications and know how ,to become a Leader of our country. CNN only puts good issues on O.B. to comment on. HRC they put dirty issues ,so you haters can trash her more. This is the worst Presidential race I have ever seen. Its one sided and bias against HRC. What comes around goes around. Dont put your cart before the horse O.B. supporters.Only the strong survive.That is HRC.She fights for what she believes in. O.B. is in this race to make history. There is a difference with O.B. than HRC. O.B. is a con and HRC is a problem solver. Time will tell .

fred   March 28th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

YES WE WILL!!!

GO HILLARY!!!

Jane   March 28th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

HILLARY- DO NOT DROP OUT! THE DEMOCRATIVE WAY IS FOR ALL VOTES TO COUNT. GO HILLARY! (200 8)

I Made Up My Mind   March 28th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Independent voter will vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee.
Renzco, Nafta, Wright…..who knows whats next is this guys closet.
Just say NO to sheisty politicians!

Felly   March 28th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Obama is the real deal, period.

Chela   March 28th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

No big deal, just another senator. California will vote for McCain if Obama becomes the D/nominee. That's the talk of the town around the Latino communities.

GO HILLARY!

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