Interesting Analysis of Bill Richardson for President in 2008

[JPZenger]

The following analysis of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as a Dem candidate in 2008 is from the conservative National Review, but is not too biased.

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjEzZWIwMWE2M2NmZDY5OTYxMjAyM2M2NTA3NjFlZTM=
December 19, 2006

"If there were a presidential candidate available who had deep experience in both state and federal government, the executive and legislative branch, and foreign and domestic affairs, would he be rated among the top of the field? How about if the same candidate had the retail political skills to match his policy experience and came from a bellwether state in a battleground part of the country? And what if this person had the sort of national contacts that are a must to raise the significant sums necessary for a run for the White House. And did we mention he’s part of the nation’s fastest-growing ethnic group, is bilingual, and has a record of getting crossover votes?

...Tufts undergrad followed by a masters from his alma mater’s Fletcher School of Diplomacy; staff stints at the State Department and on Capitol Hill; elected at 35 to the House where he’d spend 15 years; successive appointments as ambassador to the U.N. and secretary of Energy; easy election and reelection as governor and a term as chair of the Democratic Governor’s Association (DGA). Beyond this litany is an engaging and likeable man who is a force of nature on the campaign trail...

And Richardson’s prospects in a New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado would certainly be helped by demographics. Each of these four states has a significant Hispanic population. The son of an American father and Mexican mother, Richardson grew up in Mexico City and speaks Spanish fluently. Richardson also embraces the politics of the west. He’s ... cut taxes, and most importantly has been supportive of business while also protecting the land. Such policies have brought ranchers and hunters into the fold ... and helped him garner 68 percent of the vote in his reelection bid this year. And despite his New England pedigree, Richardson successfully affects the style of the region. He can pull off a cowboy hat and bolo tie and appear in a spaghetti western-style campaign commercial without it looking too forced. He also talks in the direct and occasionally salty manner of the west."

[EST]

1. Richardson's ttreatment of the 2004 voting violations in his

state told me all I need to know. If I want a republican in the white house, I would vote for one, not one in dem clothing.

[paulk]

10. it's one thing to be upset over his handling of the 2004

voting violations.

It's another to call him a Republican.

But, I'm not surprised, really. Your post is pretty indicative of the level of discourse on this website.

[EST]

11. I am debating whether to handle your reply as snark or as a

high level compliment to DU.

It isn't about my upset over his cavalier treatment of the disenfranchisement of his state's voters or the offhanded treatment of obvious fraud.
What it's about is what this tells me about him and how he thinks.
Of course, even though this does much to inform me, I would not allow that to be the only base of my opinions of him and whether or not I consider him to be a candidate I would support. I have watched him, as his consideration of himself as a viable candidate is not new-it was common knowledge more than two years ago. I don't like what I see.

If it offends you that I maintain and am willing to state my opinion, perhaps your skin needs a bit of thickening.

YOur post count tells me you have been a member of this site for some time so I should think your opinion has some validity. It therefore puzzles me that you waste your time here instead of finding somewhere that is less offensive.
You must be a very patient and thoughtful person.

[paulk]

12. it wasn't meant as a compliment, either to you or

to Democratic Underground, where calling a Democrat a Republican, or something equally insulting, is practically de regueur to get any cred from the majority of posters here.

It seems quite a leap to me to go from Richardson's actions in the post 2004 election to being a "Republican". Maybe he didn't think it was worth the time and cost. Maybe he didn't think it was fraud. Maybe he was just pissed at Kerry for not picking him as VP. Maybe he's just an asshole. None of these things qualify, in my mind at least, to being a Republican.

It doesn't offend me that you "maintain and are willing to express your opinion". That's an obvious strawman on your part. I'm offended by your opinion. I'm offended when anyone calls a Democrat a Republican just because they disagree with something that person has done.

-----------------

[Morgana LaFey]

13. Too bad your detractor (and others) doesn't know more about him

You're definitely on the right track.

I used to like him very much myself. After all, he talks a good game, he's suave and sophisticated, bilingual and the North Koreans trust him. Hey, he's fairly good looking, too. What's not to like?

His record, that's what. Your basic DLCer. Good friends with the energy people (Big Oil, etc.) Far, far too corporate friendly in general for my taste.

The election fiasco may or may not be a deal breaker for some, but it sure ought to make them look a lot deeper. For one thing, while the details have escaped from my memory, I do remember at the time wondering about his position on the matter -- it was premature for him to close off any and all investigation, as if HE were afraid of what would be found. I'm not making an accusation, I'm just saying his behavior didn't set right with me at the time.

[skipos]

2. The more non-senators from flippable red states seeking the nomination, the better

I notice that DUers see his poor handling of election irregularities as "a deal breaker." However, I don't remember Gore, Kerry and Edwards doing much to help the cause.

[IndyOp]

8. Gore fought for that election win for over a month virtually alone. (n/t)

[applegrove]

3. I hope he runs. He brings intelligence to a foreign affairs discussing and

would raise the level of debate. He would really show us if Obama has the right stuff. He could win. He's true adult and very informed. If Gore isn't going to run..I hope Richardson does.

[snowbear]

4. I hope he runs too!

I think he'll do surprisingly well on the trail..

[applegrove]

5. Sorry for my spelling..forgot to reread my post top to bottom.

[UrbScotty]

6. I'll say about Richardson what I said about Edwards

I don't know at this early juncture if I'd support him, but I hope he runs. The more running, the better.

[PATRICK]

7. My sentiments exactly

The pre-winnowing of worthy candidates is not a good thing and will create a possible frontrunner(Hillary) that really is not the best. The best thing is almost always to let the voice of the voters winnow the field whatever criticisms one might have about primary voters or process. Not allowing candidates to put themselves forward benefits whom? Usually someone who wants to simply dominate the electorate without strong alternate choices.

Despite the often harsh critiques of almost ANY candidate here on DU, these are stellar and legitimate(principled and talented leaders) compared to the various GOP ham sandwiches available to act as regents for the Bush crown.

[andykef]

9. Interesting

Personally I cannot see Richardson as the top of a Democratic ticket but he could be a smart pick as VP or future Sec of State.