Kennedys endorse Obama in Prez race

Edward Kennedy has endorsed democratic dark horse Barack Obama for the US presidency saying the country can turn "a new page" under his inspiring leadership.

Evoking the legacy of charismatic former US President John F Kennedy, the slain leader's influential brother Edward has endorsed democratic dark horse Barack Obama for the US presidency saying the country can turn "a new page" under his inspiring leadership.

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"I feel change in the air... I've found my candidate. nad looks to me you have too, the Massachussetts Senator said breaking his own past practice of not endorsing candidates in the primaries to back Obama, a big boost to the African- American leader who is pitted in a bitter electoral battle against Hillary Clinton.

Describing the Illinois Democrat as a "man with extraordinary "grit and grace," Kennedy said "With Barack Obama we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay."

Kennedy was flanked by his son Patrick and Caroline, the daughter of former President John F Kennedy, who announced her decision to support Obama in an Op-Ed piece in The New York Times this weekend.

After the defeat in South Carolina, the latest development will definitely dampen the spirits in the Clintn campaign. Senator Kennedy's leaning toward Obama has been noticeable in the last several weeks but he was apparently pressurised from within the party and outside to refrain from announcing his backing.