"I believe he is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America's moral leadership in the world," Richardson said in a statement obtained by the AP. "As a presidential candidate, I know full well Sen. Obama's unique moral ability to inspire the American people to confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad in a spirit of bipartisanship and reconciliation." [Barry Massey, "Governor Richardson Endorsing Obama," 2008.03.21]
Richardson also emphasized his confidence in Obama on foreign policy and national security:
"There is no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama has the judgment and courage we need in a commander in chief when our nation's security is on the line," Richardson said. "He showed this judgment by opposing the Iraq war from the start, and he has shown it during this campaign by standing up for a new era in American leadership internationally" [Matt Apuzzo, "NM Gov. Bill Richardson Endorses Obama," AP, 2008.03.21].
Richardson knows whereof he speaks on foreign policy, and Obama made a significant acknowledgment of that fact:
Obama said Richardson "frankly has more concrete accomplishments on the international stage than my opponents, Democrat or Republican."
Richardson was a roving diplomatic troubleshooter when he was a congressman from New Mexico, negotiating the release of U.S. hostages in several countries and meeting a rogue's gallery of U.S. adversaries, including Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro [Apuzzo].
Richardson was also President Clinton's energy secretary, UN ambassador, and special envoy to North Korea. How's that for experience?
Speculation is rife that Richardson is angling for the VP slot. I've suggested Richardson would be an asset just for that tough-looking beard.
But seriously, consider the positioning: Obama himself says Richardson has a better record on foreign policy than anyone else in the race. Richardson helps win the Hispanic vote, a key constituency Clinton has been relying on. heck, even geographically, Richardson takes some of the Southwest vote that McCain might otherwise have the advantage with.
The conventional wisdom is that VP doesn't matter much... although the Cheney vice-presidency might suggest otherwise. And we would expect an endorser and endorsee to say nice things about each other. But hearing the words Obama and Richardson used today about each other today, I can't help thinking about the team that could be...
...but let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's still 71 days until the South Dakota primary....
Daschle's been mentioned quite a bit and supported Obama early in the campaign. He would bring a lot of Clinton supporters along if he becomes Obama's running mate and what a boon for SD.
ReplyDeleteI have my doubts about Daschle. When Daschle became the majority leader I had high hopes for Congress. But, it didn't take long to begin seeing the same old DEmocratic line. NO Compromise.
ReplyDeleteThat's why Daschle was replaced. Saying one thing in Washington and another in South Dakota didn't pass the test.
I would hardly think Daschle could offer Obama anything.
Daschle's apparently been offering Obama plenty as an effective campaign co-chair.
ReplyDeleteSD turned Daschle out in '04; could he turn around and deliver SD to Obama in '08? Could anybody? And would Daschle bring more advantages (i.e., electoral votes across the map) to the ticket than Richardson?
why would Daschle bring Clinton supporters to Obama? After all, he's still one of Obama's campaign staff, isn't he? And I don't think that would necessarily bring Clinton supporters along to an Obama ticket.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Lewinski issue, Daschle stood beside Bill Clinton and his wife, which cost him personally later on, but which drew respect from the Clinton loyals. His VP possibility may attract those loyalists from the Clinton camp if Hillary starts to falter. Just a thought to consider.
ReplyDeleteIf Obama receives the nomination, most Clinton supports will vote for him over John McCain regardless of who Obama's running mate is.
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