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Richardson Stands Apart Calling for Musharraf Ouster

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December 28, 2007 1:18 PM

ABC's Sarah Amos reports: Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., continued his call for Pakistani President Prevez Musharraf to step down from power, a day after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.   Richardson's speech in Des Moines this morning continued to separate him from other democratic candidates, who have not called for Musharraf's resignation.  Richardson also called on the Bush Administration to stand-up against Musharraf's government.

"Bush's foreign policy has failed…but not for lack of opportunity to make it better.  When Musharraf declared marital law we could have stood up.  But we did not.  When he suspended the Constitution, we could have stood up.  But we did not.  Now after yesterday's terrible murder…the United States must stand up,"  Richardson told the cheering crowd.
 
Over 200 Iowans braved a snowy morning in Des Moines to come and listen as Richardson called out the other democratic candidates for not taking a stand against Musharraf. 

"Some of my Democratic opponents have misplaced faith in Musharraf.  Like the Bush Administration, they cling to the misguided notion that Musharraf can be trusted as an ally to fight terrorism,"  Richardson told the crowd.  The Governor went on to question how many times the "Washington conventional wisdom" needs to be proven wrong before the nation is ready to take a new direction in the fight on terrorism.

Richardson began his speech by praising the work of Bhutto, reminding the audience that her ideals of democracy and dignity are the same ideals shared by all Americans.

"Benazir Bhutto devoted her life to bringing democracy to the people of Pakistan,"  said Richardson, also pointing out "She could have chosen to live a life of comfort in exile.  But instead, she risked her life for the things that she believe in." 

While Richardson's speech mainly focused on his goals for the global war on terror and how he would lead the country as President, the press was quick to focus on how Richardson's position greatly differs from his opponent's statements on Pakistan. 

"All the candidates statements on Pakistan, and what we have to do, have been very bland," Richardson told members of the press after the speech.   "I want to see the other candidates speak out and say America stands for democracy and human rights and we are on the side of the Pakistani people," Richardson added.

When pressed about Sen. Hillary Clinton's statement and stance on Pakistan, Richardson was hesitant, as always, to say anything too negative about his opponent personally.  "Well I haven't heard Senators Clinton's position I understand she hasn't taken the position I have which is I believe the responsible position," said Richardson somewhat skirting the question.

Richardson has fought hard in this campaign to distinguish himself as the democratic candidate with the best international relations experience to be President.  And this is not the first time Richardson has taken a stance on a foreign policy issue few of his opponents agree on.  Richardson is vocal on the campaign trail about his plan to withdraw all troops from Iraq, a position no other candidate has taken so fully.  The campaign is hoping that his far-left positions on such issues, combined with his resume on international diplomacy can turn into votes on caucus night.

"I ask you to stand for me at the caucuses.  I ask you to stand for a new foreign policy and for someone with the experience to make it happen," said Richardson at the conclusion of his speech.   

December 28, 2007 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (8)

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"Richardson has fought hard in this campaign to distinguish himself as the democratic candidate with the best international relations experience to be President. And this is not the first time Richardson has taken a stance on a foreign policy issue few of his opponents agree on."

Both Ron Paul & Richardson have integrity and tell it like it is instead of being lapdogs to the establishment.

Ron Paul/Richardson would be a great ticket.

Posted by: greg | Dec 28, 2007 1:39:06 PM

Richardson is right, Musharraff is a dictator. Richardson '08!

Posted by: Mitch | Dec 28, 2007 1:57:51 PM

Why didn't Richardson stand up and call for Musharraf's ouster when Musharraf declared martial law? I'll tell you why, Bhutto wanted to share power with Musharraf, that's why. Richardson was making political calculations then just as he is now. If Richardson really believed in bringing democracy to Pakistan, he would back a candidate to replace Musharraf. He can't do it. Bhutto was the only candidate in her party. She was a cult of personality. Not even Musharraf could claim that kind of ego. Why doesn't Richardson call for Osama Bin Laden's ouster? Oh, because real dictators don't resign. They die or get killed. Richardson doesn't really think Musharraf is a dictator. He just wants to make news. I am really disappointed with Richardson.

Posted by: Sean O'Brien | Dec 28, 2007 3:10:36 PM

What did Richardson accomplish when he was the at UN? Not much.. He will have the same type of advisers as Bill Clinton,George Bush. It will simply be the same status quo and our foreign policy will be dictated by a few people because it will benefit them. Our foreign policy has been a disaster for the past 20+ years. I don't believe any Democratic candidate when they say they are going to change our future. case in point Barak,Hillary. The only candidate who is speaking out the truth is Ron Paul.He is the only choice we people have at this moment. He means what he says and I believe that he will do what he says. Time to bring some honesty to our Govt.

Posted by: kanan K | Dec 28, 2007 4:17:16 PM

WHO CARES what this idiot thinks – He is just another blowhard issuing a statement that he DOESNT have to answer OR take responsibility for - - this is nothing more than HOT air - - All these idiots running for pres should keep their mouths shut about this situation, this isn’t a game - - - there are nukes in that country - - - - Will Richardson take responsibility for what happens if his idiotic statement helps destabilize the country and a terrorist gets one of those nukes - - - -

Posted by: FidoNY | Dec 28, 2007 4:44:12 PM

Richardson is right again, Musharraf must step down now or in due time. This is the end of the road for Musharraf based on Bhutto's emails before her death. The United States must show courage and moral resolve and not fear of instability and terrorism. Richardson knows the game well, while others avoid the issue all together with political spin. The Bush administration will come to same the conclusion as Richardson in the weeks ahead; Musharraf must go in 2008.

Posted by: threeriverscrossing | Dec 28, 2007 5:53:19 PM

Is it the USA's role to control governments and countries that are thousands of miles away from us?

Posted by: Brent | Dec 28, 2007 11:32:52 PM

I am sick and tired of watching the current administration handle world events like some Texas Holdem' smack down. The Democrats seem to think that they need to sit at that table as well. Instead, they should dispense with the Obama-Clinton hissy fit candidacy and focus instead on putting Richardson and Biden in the spotlight. These guys are world-class smart and could marshall our resources to the benefit of the country and the world.

Posted by: Sherlock | Dec 29, 2007 9:46:34 AM

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