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Bradley endorses Dean'An idealist who's willing to be tough'CNN.com from the Web, January 6, 2004 MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) --Saying Howard Dean is more an idealist than an angry candidate, former Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey gave his endorsement Tuesday to the Democratic presidential candidate at a boisterous rally in New Hampshire. "The pundits say Howard Dean is an angry guy," Bradley said, "but I say that he's an idealist who's willing to be tough in pursuit of his vision. You can't use nuance with someone as radical as George Bush. You have to be blunt and relentless in telling the truth about what he has done." "In 2000 many Americans in Iowa and New Hampshire gave me their support and across the country gave me their support and I continue to consider their support a sacred trust," Bradley said. "This year many of them have asked me who among this very capable group of candidates I would recommend. My answer is Howard Dean." "In 2000, the Supreme Court declared that George Bush had defeated Al Gore, but his Code Orange warnings continue to remind us Bush has not defeated al Qaeda. As a Democrat, I wanted him to lose against Gore, but as an American I desperately wanted him to win against al Qaeda," Bradley said. "Sadly, he still has not." Dean followed Bradley at the podium to thank the former senator "not because it's the endorsement of another big name -- that is always a welcome thing -- but because it is the endorsement of a thoughtful, careful person who sought to lead this country with honor and integrity and who stood up against the same forces that we're standing up against in Washington." Dean stunned the Democratic establishment last month when he won the backing of former Vice President Al Gore. Bradley, who challenged Gore for the 2000 presidential nomination and came close to winning the New Hampshire primary, has been talking with Dean for several months. (Poll: Dean starts 2004 leading Dems) Several top Bradley campaign aides are now working for Dean, including national spokesman Jay Carson and political director Gina Glantz. Dean has invited Democrats in New Hampshire to attend a previously unscheduled event Tuesday in Manchester for what aides are describing as "a very special breakfast'' at which "a surprise endorsement is in store.'' (The Iowa debate: Dean lumps rivals with Bush) Previously, Dean had been scheduled to attend a breakfast in Iowa on Tuesday morning, before attending an afternoon candidate forum in Des Moines. The endorsement is said to have been in the works for several weeks, although sources say Bradley signed off on the move only last weekend. Other New Jersey Democrats last month backed Dean, including Gov. Jim McGreevey, House Democratic Conference Chairman Robert Menendez and Rep. Rush Holt. Dean is currently working on securing the endorsement of early-primary governors, including Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.
Bill Bradley and Howard Dean shared a stage in Manchester, New Hampshire, Tuesday, as Bradley gave Dean his endorsement.
CNN's John Mercurio contributed to this report. (Abridged, Emphasis Added)
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