CLEVELAND — Veteran Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut on Tuesday became the first former candidate in the Democratic presidential campaign to endorse a rival, urging unity behind Barack Obama’s candidacy and warning that harsh attacks could damage the party’s nominee in the fall election.
“It is now the time to come together as a Democratic Party,” Dodd said at news conference, adding a few moments later, “I don’t want a campaign that is only divisive here. And there is a danger of it becoming that.”
Dodd’s candidacy never achieved a significant popular following, so his endorsement might not have much impact with the public. In answer to reporters’ questions, Dodd said he did not intend to suggest that the time had come for Hillary Rodham Clinton to withdraw.
“No, I wouldn’t” suggest that, Dodd said. “Obviously, we have contests here next week that are important ones,” referring to primaries Tuesday in Ohio and Texas.
Chicago Tribune
