Senator John Kerry visited American International College on Friday and spoke openly about his support of Barack Obama for President, overlooking former running mate John Edwards with his endorsement.

"It's a different time, there are different needs and demands of the nation," says Senator Kerry.

New demands Senator Kerry says need to be handled by a new leader.

"I think that he has the best opportunity to be able to unite Americans with a clean slate," says Kerry.

Many consider Obama's age and race a roadblock on his way to the White House, but Kerry says he has faith the voting public will look past those superficial statistics.

"We are a country where the majority of Americans care deeply about who we really are," says Kerry. "I'm confident that Americans will make their judgment on this persons ability to lead and that's what it is about."

An ability Kerry says Obama has shown throughout his campaign. In fact, Kerry says it was Obama who lead candidates on both sides to this year's campaign buzzword 'change.'

"The fact is that the first candidate in this race to center his candidacy on this issue was Barack Obama," says Kerry. "And it is everyone else who is following Barack Obama. That's why I believe he is a leader."

Senator Kerry says he has worked closely with all the candidates and is ready to put his full effort behind whoever wins the Democratic nomination.

Is there something more you would like us to know about this story? Do you have a news tip to share with CBS 3 Springfield News? Email us at news@cbs3springfield.com