Obama, McCain Get Daley’s Blessing

By Kevin Robinson in News on Aug 27, 2008 2:15PM

Among the many delegates at this year’s Democratic Convention in Denver, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has drawn the attention of the local media. Reflecting on his loss to Harold Washington in 1983, Daley gave Democrats permission to like John McCain, but not to vote for him. "One thing in politics—I think you can like all the candidates," Daley the state delegation Tuesday. "Sure we like, let's be realistic, Barack Obama's opponent. You like him. But you don't have to vote for him," Daley said. "We can like anyone, but when it comes to voting, you want to vote for the person that you truly believe in."

Daley said it was time for Clinton supporters to "come back and join the ranks in supporting the candidate that won fairly, honestly and openly in the primary. I firmly believe that all those delegates are going to support with enthusiasm, with enthusiasm, working for Barack Obama," Daley said, according to the Tribune. "When I lost the election, the next day I supported Harold Washington, the first African [sic] mayor of the city of Chicago," the current mayor said. "Life went on. Life did go on."

[Ed.'s Note: Daley speaks tonight at the DNC.]