John Lewis drops support for Clinton in favor of Obama

Jet, March 17, 2008

Rep John Lewis, who had previously endorsed Hillary Clinton (JET, Oct. 29, 2007), recently dropped his support for Clinton's presidential bid in favor of Barack Obama.

Lewis is the most prominent Black leader to defect from Clinton's campaign in the face of overwhelming Black support for Obama in recent voting. He also is a superdelegate who gets a vote at this summer's Democratic convention.

In a written statement, Lewis said the Illinois senator's campaign "represents the beginning of a new movement in American political history" and that he wants "to be on the side of the people."

Obama welcomed Lewis' vote. "John Lewis is an American hero and a giant of the Civil Rights Movement, and I am deeply honored to have his support," he said in a news release.

Clinton was questioned about Lewis during an interview in Houston.

"I understand he's been under tremendous pressure," the New York senator said. "He's been my friend. He will always be my friend. At the end of the day it's not about who is supporting us, it's about what we're presenting, what our positions are, what our experiences and qualifications are, and I think that voters are going to decide."

Last month, Lewis' office disputed reports that he said he would switch candidates, or was at least reconsidering. But until recently, he refused to answer questions clarifying his position.

--Associated Press