But when it came time to decide, Richardson said Obama "will be a historic and great president, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad."

While Richardson called Hillary Clinton "a distinguished leader with vast experience," he said it is "now time for a new generation of leadership."

In a reference to the Clintons's argument that Obama is too inexperienced to be commander in chief, Richardson referred to his own role as a globe-trotting troubleshooter who has met with rogue state leaders. He said Obama possesses "the judgment and courage we need in a commander-in-chief when our nation's security is on the line."

Obama  sincerely returned the praise and said he was "deeply honored" to have Richardson's support. "

Richardson's endorsement makes him the 62nd superdelegate to choose Obama since the Super Tuesday contests on Feb. 5th and sends three strong signals to the Democratic party as well as the other superdelegates ~ 1. Obama represents a new generation of leadership and is the only candidate that can truly unite the party.  2. An Obama / Richardson ticket would combine experience and youth, a Senator and Governor, dual strong anti-war credentials with broad appeal for blacks, whites and latinos. 3. It's time for the Clintons to fold up their tent and realize that their day has come and gone and that the future of the Democratic party is Barack Obama.