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Beebe talks up Clinton, says some have fears about Obama Saturday, Jun 7, 2008 By John Lyon Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - On the eve of Hillary Clinton's expected withdrawal from the Democratic presidential race, Gov. Mike Beebe continued to talk up the New York senator Friday and said some people have "deep-seated fear" concerning presumptive nominee Barack Obama. A spokesman said later the governor remains committed to supporting Obama in the general election. On the Arkansas Radio Network's monthly "Ask the Governor" call-in program, Beebe took a call from a woman who expressed reservations about the Illinois senator Obama and asked Beebe if he really believed the Illinois senator was the best person for the country. The governor did not say yes. "Actually, I thought Hillary was the best, and Hillary was who I was supporting," Beebe said. He endorsed Clinton early in the primary season, but after Obama won enough delegates this week to clinch the nomination said he would support Obama in the general election. Beebe told listeners Friday he had spoken that morning to a friend who was "very upset" about the possibility of Obama becoming president. "What he was talking about was (Obama's) minister and some of his supporters," Beebe told the caller. "There is a deep-seated fear, I think, and I think you're probably aware of it or have expressed it, about some of the things that have been reported." Obama's former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., now retired, stirred controversy with comments critical of the United States, including claims the U.S. is responsible for the AIDS virus. Obama has repudiated Wright's remarks and recently left the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Obama has also been criticized for his friendship with Chicago fundraiser Antoin Rezko, who was convicted Wednesday of 16 federal criminal counts including fraud, money-laundering and bribery. Obama's campaign has said Rezko may have raised as much as $250,000 for him over the years. Beebe said he believes Obama loves his country. "I don't for a minute think he's unpatriotic," Beebe said. "I don't for a minute think he's any different from anybody else in terms of wanting what's best for America. Anybody that puts himself in that position wants what's best - should want what's best - for the country, and I think he will too." The caller claimed that each day Obama gives different answers to the same questions. Beebe said the person who becomes the next president needs to be truthful with the American people. "I hope whether it's (presumptive Republican nominee) John McCain or Barack Obama or whoever it is, that's the way they'll approach it," he said. "But do I think he (Obama) was the best candidate? I thought Hillary was the best candidate," Beebe said. Beebe spokesman Matt DeCample said later the governor refrained from giving a strong endorsement to Obama because, as of Friday, Clinton had not officially left the race. "He still plans to support Sen. Obama," DeCample said. "I think frankly part of it is he has said repeatedly he is fully behind Sen. Clinton until she makes her exit, which, although obviously that's scheduled, we're not going to jump the gun on that. He's still fully respecting her timetable." Clinton, who spent 12 years as Arkansas' first lady, received 70 percent of the vote in the state's Feb. 5 Democratic primary. Obama received 26 percent. Eleven of the state's 12 superdelegates, Beebe among them, endorsed Clinton. Lottie Shackelford has remained neutral because of her position as vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee. |
