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| Governor Richardson Joins 2008 Race |
| 2007-05-22 |
| Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico formally announced his candidacy for president Monday, launching a bilingual campaign for the Democratic nomination that emphasized his Hispanic heritage, his extensive diplomatic and political experience and his knowledge of issues. Richardson chose to launch his bid in California, the state where he was born, in part to attract as much media attention as possible in a race that already includes numerous high-profile candidates. After an introduction by his wife of 35 years, Richardson delivered a simple, straightforward announcement speech, outlining his basic proposals for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, encouraging energy efficiency, providing health care insurance, boosting the middle class and addressing immigration. He presented himself as a pragmatist whose record in New Mexico proves his ability to pass legislation. Richardson, known as a boisterous character throughout his career as a member of Congress, an ambassador to the United Nations and U.S. energy secretary, also gave a frank assessment of his political strategy for the presidential campaign. He said that the accelerated Democratic nominating process -- with early primaries in large states such as New York, California and Florida that have significant Hispanic populations -- would give him an advantage. He spoke repeatedly in Spanish, without offering an English translation, proudly declaring: "I am the first Latino to run for president in the Democratic Party." Richardson has drawn strong support from prominent Hispanics, especially in New Mexico. |
| Posted by:Pappy |
| #6 Governor is the about his limit under the Peter Principle. He can only do harm there, not nationally. Wen Ho Lee affair demonstrated his integrity. He blasts the Bush Administration for lax border enforcement, but directs his own bureaucracy to ignore illegals in their effect upon the state's limited resources. That's called creating a inviting nuisance. He blasts big oil, but the state's massive investments in the market created a revenue bubble which he wastes on unsustainable programs and takes personal credit for minor tax cuts it permits. He makes his name in New Mexico, but goes back to California to announce his run. That's a big thanks mi amigos. It's all about positioning. Just another hack. And as for the 'hispanic' vote - note well, they voted Bush in '06 in New Mexico and are very family and church oriented. Wait till he gets pinned nationally on Roe vs Wade and the selection of SCOTUS justices. Hasta la vista baby. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2007-05-22 10:36 |
| #5 Bill. Guess what? The bilingual shit turns off most Americans. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2007-05-22 09:58 |
| #4 Béisbol been |
| Posted by: eLarson 2007-05-22 09:43 |
| #3 This peels off a huge chunk of the Wesley Clark vote. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2007-05-22 07:42 |
| #2 The best way to get the VP spot is to show strongly among a minority that the President will need to win. Richardson knows he'll never win the Presidency, but is hoping he'll get enough Hispanic votes that he will win the VP spot in the Democratic ticket. |
| Posted by: Charles 2007-05-22 04:27 |
| #1 And nobody cares except his buddies in NK and China. |
| Posted by: 3dc 2007-05-22 00:08 |