The news that my political mentor, Jim Hightower, is endorsing Obama hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. And in a really good way.
As many of you may remember, I worked for Hightower in the 1990s on his radio show. I was uninspired and bitter over the Newt Gingrich era, and Hightower helped give me that inspired hope for a better America we all need.
And now, he's actively on the Obama train. Hard for me to believe, because I wasn't sure he would endorse in the primary. It's proof positive to me that Obama is the right choice for progressives.
It's a telling sign. Hightower's cred as a populist progressive cannot be discounted. And he understands that Obama is bringing new voters to the fold, something he has always advocated is necessary to create a progressive majority.
I'm making this a short diary, mainly because I'm on my way out the door to go on a weekend vacation. But I'm speechless.
And I cried a few tears of joy when I read the news.
I'm going to make sure to thank him when I see him again in March.
People get ready...this truly is a movement.