From Richardson's speech:
My friends,
Earlier this week, an extraordinary American gave a historic speech.
Senator Barack Obama addressed the issue of race with the eloquence and sincerity and decency and optimism we have come to expect of him.
He did not seek to evade tough issues or to soothe us with comforting half-truths.
Rather, he inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility.
Senator Obama could have given a safer speech.
He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party's nomination.
He could have just waited for the controversy over the deplorable remarks of Reverend Wright to subside, as it surely would have.
Instead, Senator Obama showed us once again what kind of leader he is.
He spoke to us as adults.
He asked us to ponder the weight of our racially-divided past, to rise above it, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.
Senator Obama reminded us that cynicism is not realism, and that hope is not folly.
He called upon us not just to dream about a less racially-divided America, but also to do the hard work needed to build such an America.
He asked every American to see the reality and the pain of other Americans, so that together we can rise above that which has divided us.
He appealed to the best in us.
As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words.
I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country.
Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences-and place blame on others not like them.
We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!
Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race.
He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans....
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