Hillary takes a big hit

By Thomas Lifson

Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley, a Democrat with a reputation for pragmatism, patriotism and making a big city work reasonably well, has broken tradition and endorsed a presidential candidate before the Democratic Party's nominating process is complete. And his choice is not Illinois native Hillary Rodham Clinton, it is Illinois Senator Obama. The Chicago Sun-Times reports he said:

"Here you have not only an Illinoisan, but a Chicagoan who is a major contender for the highest office in the land. . . . When in our history have we ever had a favorite son this close to [the White House]? Why not get on board early?" said a Daley confidant, who asked to remain unnamed. "Hillary Clinton has been a great senator, a wonderful civic leader. But logic dictates that a Chicago mayor would be behind the Chicagoan who has taken the world by storm. Beyond that, this man has tremendous potential. The world sees that. It stands to reason that the mayor sees it."

This has to be a terrible sign for Senator Rodham. She is running to the right of Obama, and yet loses support from of the most prominent sensible Democrats.

Hat tip: Bruce Thompson