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[Turn toward Obama and smile]

March 21, 2008 1:13 PM

Note the following stage direction in Gov. Bill Richardson's prepared remarks in his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, accidentally included in the version disseminated to the press.

"In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation’s special responsibilities in the world.

"[Turn toward Obama and smile]

"Barack Obama, you are an extraordinary leader who has shown courage, sound judgment and wisdom throughout your career."

Richardson did turn to Obama, though he didn't smile so much.

(He'd actually just gotten done with an anecdote about Obama helping him during a debate, and it was more time to get serious.)

Richardson called for Sen. Hillary Clinton to get out of the race, though not in so many words, saying it was time for Democrats to unite and fight Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

"It is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead," he said.

-- jpt

March 21, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (106)

User Comments

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"Sound judgement" is something Obama has NOT shown (Rezko real estate deal, Uncle/Pastor Wright for 20 years, Afghani sub-committee failure, NAFTA-gate, REZKO IN GENERAL, racist remarks, etc, etc, etc....)

Posted by: Anne | Mar 22, 2008 1:16:24 PM

When I turn toward Obama and smile why does it feel like I am turned away and bending over?

Posted by: J. Russell | Mar 22, 2008 11:40:45 AM

CNN reportsd "Among Pennsylvania Democratic primary voters, Clinton's lead over Obama more than doubled from last month, according to polls.Obama's association with Wright appeared to be hurting him as of last weekend."

I think Gov. Richardson made a mistrake by endorsing Mr. Obama. These are old players who lost election after another in the past. If democrats chose Sen. Obama as their nominee, it would a mistake. Republicans are going to make Rev. Wright Sen. Obama's running-mate. It appears Hillary Clinton has the best chance to wind the White House in 08!

Posted by: charleschaplin | Mar 22, 2008 11:24:58 AM

"I made a bone-headed mistake..." Sen. Obama about his dealings with Rizko.

Posted by: charleschaplin | Mar 22, 2008 10:49:30 AM

It is interesting to see the depth of preparation involved with people of extremely high caliber such as Bill Richardson. He wanted to remember that he planned to turn towards Obama and smile at the point in the speech, but as we saw when he didn't smile much during the actual speech, at that moment, he reserved the right to feel the mood of the moment so that he could decide whether it was desirable to actually follow his planned choreography, or not. I think Bill Richardson would be an excellent choice for Obama's VP running mate, especially since Bill Richardson is the most qualified candidate out of all of the democrats who were running during this cycle.

Posted by: OpposingViewpoints | Mar 22, 2008 2:36:41 AM

I hate all men. I love only women. Anyone free? Vote Hillary 08!

Posted by: so saddened | Mar 22, 2008 2:12:53 AM

obamaites keep telling us hillary supporters that we are old or stupid or racist or all of the above, and that we should get out of their way. we will - ever hear of the repubs? or nader? or no vote at all? we will be more than willing to NOT vote for obama. btw, i doubt he would appreciate your encouraging us to NOT vote for him. not that it we care, of course.

want jam with that toast?

Posted by: so saddened | Mar 22, 2008 1:50:15 AM

irma, not to worry. i didn't see the one in question (or was to sleepy to notice), but i know how the posts all get out of order and it gets very confusing. also, sometimes i've been responding to someone's post and theirs gets deleted so mine makes no sense or vice versa. stuff happens.

i have had times when someone who was NOT me posted using my "so saddened" screen name. i reported it to abc, but never got a reply. anyway, having had that happen made me realize that if i see someone's post that doesn't fit their other posts, i should check it out before reacting.

i so enjoy reading your posts.

Posted by: so saddened | Mar 22, 2008 1:37:42 AM

CLINTONS BRIBED, THREATENED, BEGGED, FELL AT RICHARDSON FEET, CRIED AND LICKED HIS BOOTS. Bill Richardson had the guts to say, enough, "I endorse Obama". This is just a beginning. Hillary got all that she can get. She should leave the race and keep Dems party united. She is continuing to divide the party.

Posted by: Pat | Mar 22, 2008 12:48:36 AM

How appropriate that Richardson would choose to betray Clinton on Good Friday.

Posted by: Mac | Mar 21, 2008 10:43:27 PM

Obama needs to go! Even the Judas Govenor needs to be reminded to smile for the devil! Go Hillary!

Posted by: Jeep395 | Mar 21, 2008 8:19:00 PM

Hey at least they were only managing and directing a smile.

Hillary managing and directing racial attacks by Geraldine was much worse. She did repeat the same comments three different times in three different venues.

And she directed Bill to try to make Obama the black candidate in South Carolina.

So, yeah, a reminder to [smile] is a big deal. What a farce of an article.

Posted by: Mike | Mar 21, 2008 4:52:09 PM

LEARN THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.

the establishment is striking back. see the true pictures of the lies of ommission agAINST BARACK OBAMA.
............THE NETWORKS ARE THE BIG LIARS .SEE THE FULL VIDEO OF PASTOR WRIGHT SERMONS AND MAKE YOUR JUDGEMENT.

Posted by: FEM | Mar 21, 2008 4:51:38 PM

You just can't miss an opportunity to slam Obama, can you? At least come up with something substantive. If you think the stage directions you write about are unique to Obama, think again. It's the way the world works. Get over it.

Posted by: Michael | Mar 21, 2008 4:16:02 PM

American has to face now the opportunity to elect a black man. And if Obama doesn't win American will look bad..

Posted by: betty | Mar 21, 2008 4:08:39 PM

Betty, Are you sure you are not working for Clinton? With this White man, black man stuff, you are really making Obama look bad.

Posted by: Haha | Mar 21, 2008 4:06:26 PM

CNN was on in the gym about an hour ago. The sound was off but the video was of an Obama speech. The speech was covered live for about 45 minutes. During the entire video there was a red banner on the bottom of the screen that read: "Breaking News: Richardson Endorses Obama."

Breaking news? Hardly. Just CNN driving home the message that the stragglers need to jump on to the Obama train before it leaves the station.

Posted by: shellray | Mar 21, 2008 3:56:25 PM

Posted by: SadStateOfAffairs | Mar 21, 2008 1:37:43 PM
Is it just me or does there seem to be something very sinister going on here?

Heh,SadStateOfAffairs: I agree with you - these are strange days we are witnessing. Nothing is what it appears on the surface - I just can't quite figure it out yet.

Posted by: PNolan | Mar 21, 2008 3:52:53 PM

I LOVE FOX NEWS! I LOVE BILL O'REILY! I LOVE SHAWN HANNITY! Hey, Betty, want to join me tonight. I'm gonna tune into Fox and see what they have on a fellow name Wright? Ever hear of this guy? Hey. You Don't want to miss this, Betty. Good stuff! I promise!

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 21, 2008 3:51:02 PM

My new Obama Campaign slogan, " LIES YOU CAN BELIEVE IN"

Posted by: MONA | Mar 21, 2008 3:50:48 PM

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