(CNN) – Former Sen. George McGovern urged Hillary Clinton Wednesday to drop out of the Democratic presidential race.
McGovern, who had endorsed Clinton, told CNN he was switching his support to endorse Barack Obama.
“It certainly was not out of any less respect for Senator Clinton,” McGovern told CNN in a telephone interview early Wednesday afternoon about his decision to switch his support to Barack Obama. “I think she has waged a really courageous and valiant campaign. She will have my affection and admiration for all of my days.
“But I think mathematically the race is all but won by Barack Obama and the time has come for all of us to unite and get ready for the general election in the fall.”
McGovern also told CNN he had just spoken to former President Bill Clinton about his decision to back Obama – a conversation he described as “very good.”
“I have had many conversations with him over the years, none better than today," McGovern said. "He did me the honor of talking to me about this. There will be no hard feelings with him or Senator Clinton.”
McGovern said he has not spoken to Sen. Clinton today, because he thought she would be too exhausted after Tuesday’s primary but plans to talk to her in the future.”
McGovern is not a Democratic superdelegate, though he is the first major Clinton supporter to publicly suggest the New York senator should abandon her presidential bid following Tuesday night's results.
Responding to the news, Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee said "Senator Clinton appreciates Senator McGovern's friendship, but believes the voters in the upcoming states should have their voices heard in this process."
McGovern formally endorsed Clinton last October, saying then, "I think that if we can elect her president, she'll be a greater president even than her brilliant husband."
McGovern is a longtime friend of both Clintons and his decision is a personal blow to the New York senator and her husband. The couple's long political career has its roots in McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign, during which both Clintons were dispatched to Texas to run the candidate's operation there.
McGovern also remains a popular figure in the Democratic Party and especially in the State of South Dakota, which holds its primary June 3.
From CNN Politics
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Someone said the beginning of the end for the Clinton;s era
Swan SONG!
Yes it is time to unify the party, the numbers say she cannot win. Its time to come to that conclusion and move on.
Hilary...
Do the "honorable" thing...and bow out gracefully, while you still can, with dignity.
It really IS time.
Why doesn't she listen? Has she lost her mind? Why would she keep begging for money, when she's already lost? Geez, what a good thing, because her judgment is way OFF..
Now I am sure will have another Bush at the white house,
GOD HELP AMERICA
Someone said the beginning of the end for the Clinton's era
Let's unite behind the nominee and quit wasting her followers 30 dollars in gas money.
way to george!!
McGovern was certainly affected by this type of situation. Although he has little stroke, I am glad to see him come out. Although I prefer Obama, I would have voted for her if she had won. Now she's just being a spoiler and poor loser! I have lost respect for her and her tactics.
Hillary should have dropped out before Ohio and not caused the reopening of racial wounds to attempt to win a contest that she had already lost back then. She and Bill are not that stupid, they could do the math. It's too late now. She and Bill have done great harm. She has now commited herself to going to the end of the primaries and she will continue. It's sad really. She has damaged the prospects of many causes that I am sure she is for.
By George, We love the Clintons and Hillary is a gem but I think you are Right on in this Race.
hi
This is a true disappointment that McGovern can stab a friend like this. Given that he is not a super delegate, there is no need for him to take such a public stand.
I really hope that the Clintons will come to their senses and show some party loyalty. All they are doing at this point is making it easier for John McCain to win.
It's really sad for Democrats on either side of this to continue to send in money to watch Obama and Clinton slug it out, when that money would be so much better spent in the general election.
na na na na, ey ey eh GOOD BYE... its over. Hillary needs to stop the circus act and stop the attempt to sabotage the DNC election..
Now or doom the DNC
Thank you, Sen. McGovern!
It's over. Start rolling the credits.
Senator McGovern your honest and this is what Hillary needs to do stepdown and bring peace and unity to the party .
Its time
Obama 08
OMG I wish George McGovern would have endorsed Obama first! Talk about landslide defeat for Obama in the fall.
What a traitor...
My vote gos to Hillary , if she is not the Democratic Candidate then McCain gets my vote. No way will I vote for Obama!
Earth to Senator Clinton: "You've lost."
I agree it is time for her to step down.
What a wuss...
anyone that tells Clinton she should drop out, while ignoring the upcoming primaries, are not true Americans. They are selfish and unpatriotic to our states who have not voted yet. Not to mention FL and MI.
You democrats really are the worse political party there is.
McCain '08