Wow, I didn't expect this, but it was just reported by MSNBC and CNN on television (no website link yet) that President Carter has openly endorsed Barack Obama.

While his endorsement isn't unexpected because of strong hints he's dropped over the last several weeks, the fact that he did endorse prior to the end of the primary contests is a huge surprise.

This is, in essence, a huge kick in the ass to Hillary Clinton. As one of the most respected members of the Democratic party, President Carter holds a lot of clout with both voters and DNC members. His open endorsement of one candidate over another is not just an invitation for further endorsements by party members, but a strong push for superdelegates to shit or get off the pot.