LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The powerful leftist Internet-based group MoveOn.org, which counts some 3.2 million members, on Friday endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.
"Our members' endorsement of Senator Obama is a clear call for a new America at this critical moment in history," said MoveOn director Eli Pariser after 70 percent of members backed Obama over 30 percent for Hillary Clinton.
"Seven years of the disastrous policies of the (President George W.) Bush administration have left the country desperate for change," Pariser said.
"The enormity of the challenges require someone who knows how to inspire millions to get involved to change the direction of our country, and someone who will be willing to change business as usual in Washington. Senator Barack Obama has proved he can and will be that president."
MoveOn, known for its pioneering ability to mobilize voters over the Internet particularly against the Iraq war, said it has 1.7 million members in the 22 states which vote on Super Tuesday, February 5, in primaries to choose the Democratic candidate.
The endorsement came as Obama Friday argued that he has a better chance than New York Senator Clinton of beating the Republican nominee, especially if it is Senator John McCain, in the November 5 presidential elections.
"In terms of electability I believe that I attract new voters and independent voters, and I think that will be particularly important if McCain is the Republican nominee," he said in Los Angeles.
The Illinois senator said that if he is chosen by the party, "I'm confident I'll get her (Clinton's) votes." However, if the former first lady is the nominee, "It's not clear she'd get my votes," he said.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
