Bill Bradley has long been one of my favorite politicans. I suppose that’s partly the sports fan in me, but I’m also a bit partial to a Rhodes Scholar. Bradley has always shown a seriousness that’s beyond partisanship, though he’s always supported his party, certainly. From the AP wire:

“Barack Obama is building a broad new coalition that brings together Democrats, independents and Republicans by once again making idealism a central focus of our politics,” Bradley said in a statement released by Obama’s campaign. “Because of his enormous appeal to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, Obama is the candidate best positioned to win in November. … His movement for change could create a new era of American politics — truly a new American story.”

Bradley, a hall of fame professional basketball player, will campaign for Obama on Monday, Obama aides told The Associated Press.

I think it is interesting here to note that the retired Senator Bradley delayed his support to see how well John Edwardfs did at garnering support. Here’s this from Political Radar:

Bradley said he waited until after Iowa to make his official endorsement. A source close to the senator said that he has waited until now to endorse because he wanted to give former Sen. John Edwards a shot in Iowa first.

“I like John Edwards a lot, I have a lot of respect for him. And I wanted to give him a shot to make his case in Iowa.”

Bradley thought Obama had a strong performance in last night’s ABC News debate in Manchester, N.H.

“His point about words really hit home and his larger vision came through. That’s the difference between a leader and a manager,” Bradley said.

Bradley’s sense is that independent voters “want to make history” with their vote and they will vote in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, which he says is a good sign for Obama.

Bradley surely makes sense here, but I’m still thinking it is a bit too early. Indeed, if I’d had my way very few politicans would have endorsed, but rather praised candidates and let the candidates’ words work their magic on the electorate, waiting until at least half the primaries were over to start throwing their weight around. In this case, if it was Bradley’s intention to wait and allow Edwards to garner support, I don’t think he gave Edwards enough of a chance.

That said, is Bradley even a player nowadays, anyway. Perhaps for someone of my generation, but he’s not going to sway the young people already flocking to Obama. The pundits think he may sway McCain voters, the independents. That will help in the general election, but only if Obama gets that far, and it is a long road until that happens.