Easley introduces Obama

ryanteaguebeckwith — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:58:57 -0400

Gov. Mike Easley is introducing Barack Obama.

That came as something of a surprise to the crowd, since Easley notably endorsed Hillary Clinton in the May 6 primary.

"I know I'm late, but I am on the train," he said to rousing applause. "I'd rather be a bum on the boxcar of the Obama train than at the front of the bus with John McCain."

He argued that Washington politicians, including President Bush, were hampering the economy by not pushing education. He noted that he had brought a number of Democratic governors with him to the event.

Easley also made the case that federal free-trade agreements have been poorly negotiated, signaling that a theme from some state primaries that may carry over into the general election.

"Washington has to change," he said. "Barack Obama can do it."

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Easley introduces Obama