Senator Christopher Dodd Endorses Obama "It goes beyond just the issues," Dodd said, citing Obama's "ability to reach and touch the hearts and souls"

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd today became the first 2008 presidential race dropout to endorse Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primary.

At a press conference with Obama this morning at Cleveland's Intercontinental Hotel, Dodd cited increased strife between the campaigns of Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as a factor that precipitated his endorsement.

"This is a moment for Democrats and Independents and others to come together, to get behind this candidacy," said Dodd, who argued a divisive campaign between Democrats would be "devastating in the longer term when it comes to ... uniting people and making a difference."

Dodd compared Obama's capacity to attract GOP voters with former Republican President Ronald Reagan's appeal to Democrats.

"It goes beyond just the issues," Dodd said, citing Obama's "ability to reach and touch the hearts and souls of Americans."