Here Come the Reinforcements!

On January 1st, Dennis Kucinich encouraged his supporters to cacucus for Barack Obama as a second choice.

Today, Iowa Independent reports that Bill Richardson's campaign is doing the same thing, and asking their field organizers to direct Richardson supporters to Obama's camp should they fail to reach the 15% viability threshold. Richardson's national campaign has denied this strategy, but it sounds unconvincing. It's well known that such strategies exist, and in this case it also makes sense for the Richardson campaign to support a strong Obama finish.

Why? A Clinton victory ends it for everyone, so he can't direct them to her. However, Richardson can't support 3rd place Edwards either, because strong numbers for Edwards will make him look like a distant fourth. Process of elimination, they've got to go Obama. If Obama wins and Richardson finishes a strong fourth just behind Edwards or Clinton, Richardson's camp will be happy.

On behalf of the Obama campaign we are thankful for the generous charity offered up by both Mr. Richardson and Mr. Kucinich.