Richardson Gets Backing For Secretary of State Post

[DeepModem Mom]

Source: Wall St. Journal

The battle for America's top diplomatic post spilled into view Tuesday, as some Hispanic leaders made a public push to have President-elect Barack Obama name Bill Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, as his secretary of state.

Sen. John Kerry, an early backer of Mr. Obama who failed in his own bid for the presidency four years ago, sought to deflect reports that he is lobbying for the job. "I haven't talked to anybody. I've had no conversations. It's all speculation, and I have nothing further to say," Sen. Kerry told the Associated Press Tuesday in Boston. A spokeswoman for the senator confirmed the statement....

In addition to Gov. Richardson and Sen. Kerry, there has been speculation about Richard Holbrooke, a former senior U.S. diplomat; Sen. Richard Lugar, a Republican foreign-policy guru from Indiana; Sen. Chuck Hagel, the Nebraska Republican who is retiring; and Sen. Hillary Clinton, among others....

The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, an umbrella organization of 26 Hispanic groups, called on Mr. Obama to select Gov. Richardson, who endorsed Mr. Obama in March after dropping out of the Democratic race for president in January. Gov. Richardson, a Mexican-American, is a seasoned diplomat, having served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton.

"By all accounts, Latinos were a key part of President-elect Obama's historic victory," said John Trasviña, the NHLA chairman, who is also general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Now, "Latinos have the talent and expertise to play a major role in governing at the cabinet level and throughout the federal agencies."...

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122645348800219543.html

[stray cat]

1. I really want the person perceived to be most qualified for the position in these times

rather than ethnicity or loyalty. That said I don't know who the correct person would be - maybe Richardson. I just don't think we can afford choices based on pandering to anyone.

[JI7]

2. Richardson is one of the top qualified for this position

John Kerry is also. so is Lugar but i don't want them to pick a republican for it. Susan Rice would be a good pick also .

[wisteria]

3. Richardson may be Latino and a diplomat, but he is clueless on foreign policy

matters and I have to wonder how close of a relationship he really has with Obama.He doesn't strike me as someone authoritative enough or knowledgeable enough to carry through in this positron. Also, this administration is filling up with former Clinton people- I for one do not want to see to many of these former Clinton people in Obama's cabinet.
Obviously, I want to see Kerry get this position if he wants it. He certainly can excel in this position and he actually is more qualified and informed than Richardson is. But, he isn't Latino and honestly, what right do they have to demand this placement?

[ryanmuegge]

4. And on energy policy, which is allegedly his main area of expertise.

[izquierdista]

6. Not paying attention?

Richardson was the one who was able to coax some diplomatic progress out of the North Koreans during the Clinton Administration. He is eminently qualified to conduct foreign policy and I have hoped that he would be on the very short list for Secretary of State.

As for his being Latino, he is as much Latino as Obama is 'African-American' -- 1/2.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

13. What bar are you using for foreign policy ? I would like to see him as Sec. of State.

He was nominated three times for The Nobel Peace Prize for his work abroad. I appreciate the work he has done on North Korea. Could you explain what you mean by "clueless" on foreign policy ? Are you speaking strictly from an idealogical policy perspective ? Since the key job requirement is the ability to negotiate with other countries, he seems very well experienced and well suited in this arena.

[MissMillie]

15. Do you really think he's clueless on foreign policy?

I thought he worked on the nuclear arms agreement with North Korea in the Clinton Administration (1994), and maybe even w/ the Dayton Accord.

He's got a marvelous reputation as a negotiator (among people who study negotiations, anyway).

[michreject]

5. Shit

I was pulling for Atty. Gen.

[iamjoy]

11. Kerry For Attorney General

didn't he used to be a prosecutor? Didn't he take on organized crime?

the impression I get of Kerry is that he may have a calm (ok, boring) demeanor, but underneath he's tough as nails.

[YvonneCa]

19. It's time for the boring myth...

...to DIE. :7

[Romulox]

7. Great. ANOTHER DLCer in a cabinet position. nt

[Pastiche423]

20. Yeah, what's up w/that?

Obama is sending an entirely different message now, than during his campaign.

It is starting to look like he is surrounded himself w/repuke lite.

[slackmaster]

8. Excellent choice

He was my first pick for President.

[Joey Liberal]

9. Richardson would be a good choice.

I think Kerry would be good too, but I think Richardson is the right man for the job. We need Kerry to stay in the Senate. Richardson is a Governor. He's Latino. He's qualified. It's a no brainer.

[Wabbajack_]

14. We need Kerry to stay in the Senate.

How come? He'd be tops for a key cabinet post.

[MissMillie]

16. I agree... Kerry and Clinton need to stay where they are

they're terrific and qualified, but their biggest value right now is right where they are.

[Joey Liberal]

17. Just my opinion

I'd rather have Kerry stay in the Senate. I don't see him as "inspirational" in a cabinet post. But I respect him.

[Hulk]

10. Governor Richardson has the proven experience...

This man would be FABULOUS as Secretary of State...regardless of his ethnic background. Such bullshit.

Pick the most qualified and move on. What a novel idea after the last eight years of crap this administration has gotten away with.

YES, he is of hispanic background, but forget it. He's certainly qualified and has a proven record to be proud of. I think this would be a perfect fit for Governor Bill Richardson. Again, it will be New Mexico's loss, but America's gain.

[classysassy]

18. Ditto

my choice too.

[davidinalameda]

12. Richardson is the most qualified

he was my first choice as well for president

What diplomatic experience does Kerry have?

[sutz12]

21. I'm on the Richardson bandwagon....I think he'd be a great SofS

I'm for keeping senators where they are for now. Clinton and Kerry need to be in place to further the agenda. Let's not give up too many senior senate seats in this term.

Incidentally, this would make Lugar a "good" choice, because it would take a senior Repub senator out. :)

[Endangered Specie]

22. it would be an excellent pick, I pulled for Richardson in the primary

originally.