Former L.A. Mayor crosses party lines, endorses Obama
By James B. Gerber, PolitickerCA.com Reporter
Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan: Getty Images PhotoFormer Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, a Republican, is backing Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and attended a high-profile Beverly Hills fundraiser for the candidate last night.
He explained to KCAL-TV why he had crossed party lines. "I think he's a much more open person," Riordan said as he arrived at the event, which featured a performance by Barbra Streisand. "He's young, he has more energy, more electricity."
Riordan, who served two terms in City Hall from 1993 to 2001, also had some choice words on his past dealings with Obama's opponent, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
"When I was mayor I had dealings with McCain where I didn't respect him," Riordan said.
Obama raised nearly $11 million at the event, according to The New York Times, setting a new one-night record for the campaign.
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Yawn.
No one is surprised by this move. Riordan endorsed Clinton for President, Bradley for Governor & Feinstein for Senator. It'd be more out of character for Riordan to endorse a Republican. The man has no party discipline, which is fine. But don't expect other Republicans to rally around Riordan's choice.
If the goal is to make the Republican Party more centrist & efficient, Riordan would be much better off using his clout to support such Republicans in Primaries. He rarely does so.
Anyone else remember how "principled" Gray Davis thinks Riordan is?
Damn right, I agree!! I
Damn right, I agree!! I wouldn't say R. Riordan was a great Mayor, but at least he seems to have a good sense of realizing the sheer magnitude of the problems our nation is facing, and the size & length of the big-long ditch his own party has dug us in. Having a foresight to see and call on a true leader is a good trait, wish so many other Ripubs were brave enough to see the light. The Rush Limbough, Lou Dobbs, the Billy-the -clown, the ego-maniac Hanity, and Fox-fix news have hijacked ordinary Republicans
Dealings with McCain?
I would love to know what dealings caused Riordan to lose respect for McCain. The youth and vitality line is just that, I think. After all, Palin has youth and vitality, she could energetically run us into a really exciting war with Russia!
Thanks for thinking
Richard Riordan has used his thinking process to determine the best candidate for President even if it goes against his party affiliate. Thank God there are Republicans who think. It is not to late for this country to come together.
Tiggerward- And yet you guys
Tiggerward- And yet you guys love cross dressing 9/11 Liberal NY City Rudy... and deify B-movie actor Reagan, who was Governor of the entire Liberal State of California. I love it. And yeah, better way to pick should be based on how well a candidate can field dress a moose and how many times your candidate can outright LIE to your face.
What a fascinating insight
What a fascinating insight tiggerward. Please tell us more.
Mayor of one of the most
Mayor of one of the most liberaly cities in the country...whoopie...also he supports Obama because of his age and vitality???? great reasons to pick a president
Riordan supports Obama
It doesn't surprise me because a real leader knows another real leader.
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