Midday Read

Bill Richardson endorsed Obama in Portland, calling for Democrats to unite behind him as their nominee. He said that a major factor in doing so now was Obama's speech on race in Philadelphia Tuesday.

And as should always be expected, the Clinton campaign immediately dissed Richardson, whose endorsement they long sought. But: One important Clinton adviser estimated to Politico privately that she has no more than a 10 percent chance of winning her race against Barack Obama, an appraisal that was echoed by other operatives. The race is being kept alive by the media, desperate for ratings and political advertising dollars in a sinking economy.

And Richardson's endorsement may just be the first of a series. Dan Balz in the Washington Post is among those who suggest why the Richardson endorsement is important.

The New York Times printed a photo of Bill Clinton with the Rev. Wright at a prayer breakfast in the White House. Hillary's schedule says she was there, too.

News about the passport security breaches continued to be sketchy, but apparently Hillary and John McCain were among many other victims. Obama called for thorough investigation, including by congressional committees.

Three new Obama ads begin airing in PA. A story on campaign contribution filings for February suggest that the Clinton campaign was virtually broke by the beginning of this month. They have $30 million but it's for the general, which likely means that it represents donations by people who've maxed out their primary limit, and suggests the amount they said they raised for the primaries last month was exaggerated.