Bill Richardson, who once hoped to be the nation’s first minority president himself, endorsed Barack Obama yesterday for the Democratic nomination, calling him a “once-in-a-lifetime leader” and suggesting that it’s time for Hillary Clinton to withdraw.

Richardson said he made his decision after Obama’s widely praised speech this week on race relations.

“Earlier this week an extraordinary American gave a historic speech,” the New Mexico governor said at a campaign event in Portland, Ore. He “didn’t evade the tough issues,” rather “he inspired us” and started a long overdue conversation on race, Richardson said.

“As an Hispanic-American, I was particularly touched by his words,” said Richardson, who took the stage with Obama to thunderous applause.

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