Kennedy backs Carter

Press, 15 August 1980, Page 6

Kennedy backs Carter

NZPA' New York President Jimmy Carter swept to un<contested renomination at the Democratic national convention yesterday and immediately won the endorsement of his vanquished rival, Senator Edward Kennedy. Mr Kennedy promised that he would “support and work for the re-election" of the President he challenged for nine months. Even as the convention staged a sign-waving celebration of the presidents victory, Senator Kennedy issued a five-sentence statement bestowing the endorsement , President Carter ardently sought in the cause of Democratic unity; “I congratulate , President Carter on his renomination, the Massachusetts senator said. “I endorse the platform of the Democratic Party. I will support and work for the re-election of President Carter. . , x “It is imperative that we defeat Ronald Reagan in 1980,” he said. “I urge all Democrats to join in that effort.” From the convention platform, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Mr Thomas “Tip” O’Neill) read the Kennedy statement and ignited a redoubled celebration. Mr Kennedy’s pledge to work for the ticket drew a burst of cheers. “And so, united we stand,” said Mr O’Neill. In the hours before victory, Mr Carter apparently achieved the party unity he sought, smoothing an economic policy controversy by promising action “to create hundreds of thousands of

i jobs in the next year.” Texas put President Carter over the top in a post-mid-night roll call punctuated by rival cheers for Mr Carter and his defeated opponent, Senator Kennedy.

The outcome was guaranteed in advance by Mr Carter’s nominating majority and the withdrawal of Senator Kennedy as his challenges. A roll call of the states certified his victory over the remnants of Senator Kennedy’s challenge, withdrawn when the convention began with the note that guaranteed Mr Carter his majority. 1 Senator Ronald Dellums of California had his name entered as a candidate, but only to gain time at the con-i vention microphone for black and liberal allies to I speak .their concerns aboutCarter social policies. The convention'sent President Carter into an uphill campaign against Ronald Reagan and Representative John Anderson, the Independent candidate. The President said he was confident his ticket would emerge victorious. As soon as the votes of

Texas put Mr Carter past? the majority count that nominated him, Mr Kennedy telephoned the President his personal congratulations. The job-creation proposal that Mr Carter has put forward as a concession to the Kennedy forces was not as specific as the $12,000 million programme the Democratic platform endorsed at Mr Kennedy’s urging, but it apparently satisfied the Massachusetts senator . anyway.