Owner Of Pittsburgh Steelers Endorses Obama
Obama picks up the support of Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the campaign announces.
Rooney releases an open letter detailing his reasons, and the letter is mostly boilerplate, but in it, he does assert that this is an unusual move for him. It's something that could conceivably reassure blue collar voters put off by the "small town" comments.
Rooney's full letter after the jump.
Late Update: It needs to be said that this endorsement could be a big deal in western Pennsylvania, among the sort of voters that comprise Hillary's base. Obama spokesperson Sean Smith emails over the following:
Dan Rooney is an institution in Western Pennsylvania and understands the people and the region better than almost anyone. When he says that Barack Obama is one of us, it sends a very powerful and meaningful message to a lot of people.
Dear Fellow Pennsylvanian,
Based on the experiences that I have had in my seventy-five years and my assessment of what I think our nation needs to make real the change that is so needed, I am proud and now feel compelled to endorse Senator Barack Obama.
This is not something that I do regularly but as I listen to the candidates in this race, I am struck that we continue to hear about the problems and the same challenges that we have been talking about for decades. Protecting jobs here in Pennsylvania, breaking our dangerous and costly addiction to foreign oil, making health care accessible and affordable - these are neither new issues nor new ideas. And yet we have failed to make real progress.
As a grandfather and a citizen of this community I think Barack Obama's, thoughtful, strategic approach is important for America. When I hear how excited young people seem to be when they talk about this man, I believe he will do what is best for them which is to inspire them to be great Americans.
This time, we can't afford to wait. Our country needs a new direction and a new kind of leadership - the kind of leadership, judgment and experience that Senator Obama has demonstrated in more than 20 years of public service, and in a particularly impressive way in this campaign. Senator Obama has rejected the say-and-do anything tactics that puts winning elections ahead of governing the country. And he has rejected the back-room politics in favor of opening government up to the people. Barack Obama is the one candidate in this race who can finally put an end to business as usual in Washington and bring about real change for Pittsburgh and the country as a whole. He has inspired me and so many other people around our country with new ideas and fresh perspectives.
True sports fans know that you support your team even when they are the underdogs. Barack Obama is the underdog here but it is with great pride that I join his team.
When I think of Barack Obama's America I have great hope. I support his candidacy and look forward to his Presidency
Sincerely,
Daniel M. Rooney, Owner and Chairman, Pittsburgh Steelers
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