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Bill Richardson endorses Barack Obama

March 21, 2008 1:48 PM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson made his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president official during a rally in Portland, Oregon Friday.

Appearing side-by-side with Obama, it took Richardson only thirteen words into his speech to mention Obama’s speech on race in Philadelphia this week, one he dubbed “historic.”

“Senator Obama could have given a safer speech. He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party’s nomination. He could have just waited for the controversy over the deplorable remarks of Reverend Wright to subside, as it surely would have. Instead, Senator Obama showed us once again what kind of leader he is.  He spoke to us as adults,” Richardson said.

Watch the VIDEO HERE.

As the nation’s only Hispanic governor, Richardson said he was moved by the speech knowing the struggle of Hispanics in America, “As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants, specifically Hispanics, by too many in this country.”

Richardson also cited Obama’s opposition to the Iraq war in 2002, and his intended plan for withdrawal as the foreign policy leadership that he believes America needs.

The governor, who worked in the Clinton administration and has long ties to both Clintons, explained his decision: “My great affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver,” but added that Obama is part of the new generation of leadership that can bring the country together, “It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the Fall.”

Calling Obama a friend, Richardson told the story of when, as a presidential candidate on stage with Obama during a democratic debate, he was not paying attention to a question that was asked of him by the moderator. Obama, sitting next to him, an opponent at the time, whispered “Katrina, Katrina” to him, Richardson recalled.

“He could have thrown me under the bus,” Richardson laughed, but said his then-rival backed him up.

Obama accepted Richardson’s endorsement, saying that he couldn’t be more honored to have “the support of one of the great public servants to the United States.”

March 21, 2008 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (190) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson to Endorse Obama

March 21, 2008 4:05 AM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Governor Bill Richardson, D-N.M., a former contender for the 2008 Democratic nomination, is set to endorse Senator Barack Obama, D-Ill., on Friday.

According to Obama campaign aides, Richardson will appear at Obama's rally at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon.

Noting he was "deeply honored" by Richardson's support Obama said in a released statement, "Whether it's fighting to end the Iraq war or stop the genocide in Darfur or prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, Gov. Richardson has been a powerful voice on issues of global security, peace and justice, earning five Nobel Peace Prize nominations."

Richardson's endorsement of Obama over Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., is seen as a blow to the Clinton campaign who have a long relationship with the governor. Richardson was Ambassador to the UN under the Clinton administration, and remained friendly with the former President afterward.

Both presidential candidates have courted Richardson's endorsement actively since the governor bowed out of the race on January 10th after a poor showing in the Iowa caucus. Obama's Communications Director Robert Gibbs said Obama regularly talked with Richardson on the phone, usually once a week.

In the days leading up to the March 4th primaries Richardson hinted that an endorsement may be coming soon.

Richardson told CBS on March 2nd that, "Whoever has the most delegates after Tuesday should be the nominee."

But after big wins from Clinton in Ohio and Texas leaving no definitive nominee, talk of an impending Richardson endorsement died down, as the race between the candidates heated up once again.

While visiting Richardson's state in early February, Obama told reporters that then he wasn't preparing for an endorsement then.

"We have no plans of receiving an endorsement, but I would love to be pleasantly surprised. I've had many conversations with Governor Richardson and I'm sure the Clinton campaign has. He is obviously a tremendously important leader in the country. He ran a terrific race this presidential season and I think would make an enormous contribution to any candidate who he chose to support," Obama said at the time.

Richardson's endorsement makes the third former presidential candidate to endorse Barack Obama, following an early endorsement by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, and a February 26th endorsement by Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

March 21, 2008 in Obama, Barack, Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (483) | TrackBack (0)

Obama Courts Richardson Endorsement

March 01, 2008 9:12 PM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: On Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama received the endorsement of former presidential candidate Chris Dodd, the Connecticut senator. On the same day, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico hinted on CNN that his endorsement could be coming soon, and possibly in the next few days.

Aboard his press plane, Obama was asked by members of the press where the status that endorsement was, as both Obama and his rival Sen. Hillary Clinton have heavily courted the former presidential candidate.

Obama confirmed that he had talked to Richardson about four days ago. He said the conversation was "great."

"I told him I really like his beard, he looks great," Obama said.

Beyond that, the candidate did not give any other indicators that he’s expecting an endorsement by the governor soon, if ever. He said that he did not think that Richardson would be in Texas on Monday and Tuesday as the March 4 primary draws near.

Richardson, a former member of the in the Clinton administration, dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucus in January. He was seen watching the Super Bowl with Bill Clinton in early February.

Robert Gibbs, communicators director for Obama, confirmed that Obama has asked formally for Richardson’s endorsement, and that he talks with the governor probably once a week.

Another outstanding endorsement Obama is looking for?

John Edwards, with whom Obama met on Feb. 17, has yet to make an endorsement. Clinton also met with Edwards, 10 days before Obama did.

Gibbs said he’s not sure when the last time Edwards and Obama have spoken, but said it’s on a regular basis.

March 1, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Edwards, John, Obama, Barack, Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (31) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Looks West

January 08, 2008 10:37 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: Long before the final count came in for the Democratic primary in New Hampshire, Governor Bill Richardson took to the stage at his rally in Manchester admitting defeat for a second time, but refusing to bring his campaign to an end.

"We head out west and the fight goes on,"  Richardson told the cheering crowd of about 150 supporters. 

Richardson's distant fourth place finish here in New Hampshire means he is leaving the state in a similar fashion to how he entered it less than a week ago.  In Iowa, Richardson managed to finish with two percent of the vote, enough to keep him in the running, but not enough to allow him to build any sort of momentum here in New Hampshire.   

Richardson had hoped to his grass-roots style of campaigning would boost his poll numbers in New Hampshire, a state known for their love of retail politics.  In fact tonight Richardson joked with supporters saying, "thank you to the hundreds of New Hampshire voters who invited us into your homes, sometimes forcibly." 

Many of the voters Richardson met over the past 5 days did compliment Richardson on a strong debate performance.  However, that was often followed by, the confession that Richardson was their second choice.  It is a problem that has plagued Richardson since his campaign has begun, and one he hopes he will finally be able to escape by heading to western states where his support base is much stronger. 

While the Governor would love to make it to Super Duper Tuesday, where his own state New Mexico will be in play.  To do so Richardson will first need a strong finish in the January 19th Nevada caucus.  And so after shaking a few hands and one last cheer from the crowd  Richardson headed for the airport to catch a flight back to the west.  He'll make a quick stop in New Mexico and is currently set to begin the final leg of his Nevada campaign s early as Thursday afternoon.   

January 8, 2008 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson: Handshakes and Chelsea

January 07, 2008 4:43 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: There isn't a hand in New Hampshire that Gov. Bill Richardson doesn’t want to shake, and that includes Republicans, out-of-town visitors, and a Clinton. 

As Richardson walked into a Portsmouth diner today, a murmur went through the crowd when people realized Chelsea Clinton was also there talking with New Hampshire voters.  The two greeted each other and spoke briefly about the past. 

The Governor, who worked in the Clinton White house over 10 years ago, reminisced about when he took Chelsea to a Navajo parade.  Both were all smiles, but clearly eager to move on, as he told Chelsea to take care of herself, moving on as the former first daughter went out the door.

While seeing the two together may have been the high point of the Richardson's visit for many members of the media, it was far from the end of Richardson's time in Portsmouth.  Richardson has based his campaign on a grass roots, shake-every-hand-in-the-state mentality. 

And while it didn't get him into the top three in Iowa, he is still determined to make it work for him in New Hampshire.  His goal for the day: shake 2000 hands, and by his own count he was half-way there when he pulled out of Portsmouth. 

To reach his goal, the Governor climbed over caution tape to talk to construction workers in their truck, reached over the counters to shake hands of cooks in kitchens, and at one point chased down a woman saying, "wait, let me shake your hand."

Richardson will have to wait until tomorrow to see if his strategy works, but he did win over quite a few out-of-towners who told the Governor if they did live in New Hampshire they would have voted for him. 

Not quite the answer the Governor was looking for, but trying to looking on the bright side, Richardson did reply to one couple, "I'm happy to have everyone's vote."

January 7, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson lays off staffers and shifts resources to stay competitive

January 05, 2008 10:52 AM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: Gov. Bill Richardson is doing is best to stay relevant as the fourth candidate in the race for the democratic nomination for President, but it certainly isn't easy when his competitions' resources are ten times what he can spend.  So in order to continue his tightly run campaign, Richardson has laid off campaign staffers as he continues his campaigning in New Hampshire.

Campaign spokesman Tom Reynolds would not confirm exactly how many staffers were laid off or where they were located, saying the campaign did not want to reveal any of their political strategy to the other campaigns.  Reynolds did say that because they had an extremely large staff in Iowa when they were focused on the caucus, making cuts and moves to campaign staffers was bound to happen now that the focus of their campaign moves on to New Hampshire. 

Richardson has always run a fiscally tight campaign, in fact campaign manager Dave Conatrino hasn't taken a salary for the duration of the campaign.  Reynolds says they have the resources they need to stay competitive in New Hampshire and the future races. 

Of course staying competitive doesn't necessarily mean they will be able to match their competition in ad buys or ground staff.  AS Richardson campaigned across New Hampshire yesterday he told many of the crowds that one of the reasons for his fourth place finish in Iowa was the fact that he was "out-spent in Iowa 10 to 1."

January 5, 2008 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson: 'We Made the Final Four'

January 03, 2008 10:51 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports:  Though he might not have delivered on his promise to "shock the world," Governor Bill Richardson greeted his Iowa supporters after that state's caucuses as the only second-tier candidate headed to New Hampshire next week.

The New Mexico governor had said he hoped for a third place finish in the Iowa showdown, but said he is happy with his outcome in the race.

"We made the final four and we are on to New Hampshire," Richardson shouted to the cheering crowd. 

The governor told supporters that from here on out, his entire campaign would be about ending the war in Iraq.  He was also the first to admit that he came into the White House race at a disadvantage to some of his rivals, who have more money and greater name recognition. 

"Now when you are outspent 20 to 1 it shows, but we are in the final four,” said Richardson.

As supporters trickled into the ballroom of the Quality Inn hotel in Des Moines, many compared notes on who they selected with their final vote.

Some turned to Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, others former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, and a few switched to New York Sen. Hillary Clinton when it became apparent that the New Mexico governor would not be a viable option. 

One man said he simply walked out when it became clear Richardson was no longer in the running.   

Stephen Christensen was one of the lucky caucus goers.  "I was able to pull away a couple of Obama supporters and was able to get Richardson a delegate in the 25th precinct," he happily told people in the crowd. 

Early in the day, rumors swirled that Richardson had struck an agreement with the Obama's campaign to have Richard’s supporters switch to Obama, should the governor not be viable.

While the campaign continues to deny any agreement, Polk County precinct chair Betty Lambert says Richardson organizers told her she should support Obama should Richardson prove unviable.   The Richardson supporters in her precinct did just that, and in return, she was made a delegate, securing some level of overall support for Richardson in the future.

Dal and Michael Groms also switched their vote to Obama when Richardson was no longer an option.  They say that no one from the Richardson campaign hinted to do so, and that their main goal was simply to keep votes from going to Sen. Clinton.

But while these voters might have had to switch their votes, most still hoped Richardson could continue on to victory in future states, namely New Hampshire and Nevada.  The Richardson campaign is hoping for the same outcome. 

"There are four tickets out of Iowa and we were looking to get one of those tickets.  We are going to be on the stage at the debate in New Hampshire on Saturday to make our case that we are the most experienced candidate," said press secretary Tom Reynolds as press and supporters waited for the Governor to speak. 

January 3, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Edwards, John, Obama, Barack, Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson 'Optimistic' on Iowa Caucus Night

January 03, 2008 8:03 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports:  Governor Bill Richardson walked into the Des Moines, Iowa convention center Thursday with a feeling of optimism and relief. 

"I'm very excited, it's finally here," said Richardson as he walked up to the media center with staffers and his wife Barbara. 

The New Mexico Democrat took the day off from campaigning, saying that many Iowa voters have made up their minds and was instead focused on getting voters out to the caucus. 

"I feel good, I feel optimistic that lots of undecideds are going to go our way," Richardson told various media outlets as he jumped from platform to platform for interviews.  Richardson visited with many of the major networks, including CNN and Fox News, as well as the local Iowa stations. 

Richardson admitted that his hectic campaign schedule this past week has taken its toll, saying, "I am tired, but I am exhilarated, I think we are going to have a good night."  He went on to mention his hope to finish in the top three or the top four Thursday night, before moving onto the New Hampshire and Nevada primaries, where he hopes to gain more support. 

A main focus for many reporters was a story that appeared in the Iowa Independent Thursday morning and floated among various blogs throughout the day.  The article said that Richardson had struck a deal with Obama's campaign to have his supporters support Obama in caucuses where Richardson does not reach the 15 percent viability. 

Richardson dismissed the story as a rumor and said no deal has been made.  "No, that is absurd, my supporters, are going for Bill Richardson.  Iowa voters are very independent.  Iowa voters are some of the most sophisticated voters I have seen.  There are no deals, these rumors come up at the last minute," Richardson told journalists. 

The governor attracted quite a crowd as he walked around the media center.  Journalists from different TV stations and papers attempted to grab the him for a question or two.  When asked if he was happy to be so popular with the media, Richardson replied, "Well, I hope I'm popular with Iowa caucus voters."

January 3, 2008 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Gets the Last Laugh

January 03, 2008 1:28 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports:  It is finally caucus day here in Iowa, and with more than 2,000 journalists roaming the state, one would think getting a bit of national media coverage shouldn't be hard. 

If your name ends in Clinton or begins with Barack then it really isn't.  But for some of the lesser-known, low-polling candidates, getting a New York Times reporter or a network camera crew to an event is a bit of a struggle. 

Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., decided to make the best of his lackluster press coverage, by compelling Iowans to prove the national media wrong.

"The people of Iowa are going to decide whose going to win and who is going to President, not the national media," Richardson told a crowd Wednesday night -- and almost every crowd this week.

And it could have ended there, an impassioned plea from Richardson to voters.  But Richardson is a man who appreciates a good joke.  Ask many Iowans who the funniest Democratic candidate is and many will probably answer "Bill Richardson."

His ads are humorous, his speeches are peppered with jokes, and chances are when he shakes a voter's hand he'll have some wisecrack remark to make them smile.

And so earlier in the week, Richardson began taking his plea to ignore the national media one step farther:  he included his only consistent member of the national media -- me-- in the speech. 

By the end of this ABC reporter's first full day on the campaign trail, Richardson delivered the line while pointing me out to the crowd. 

"We can't let the national media decide this election," said Richardson, speaking directly to my DV camera.  The first crowd laughed, the second applauded, so the third time round Richardson gave me a full introduction and waved to my camera. 

Three days later it hadn't let up and his staff has assured me that once you are in his sights, or in this case his speech, there is no escape. 

The week went on, the introductions continued and the crowd loved it every time.  And so as his campaign in Iowa wound down last night, it was time for one last introduction. 

As Richardson spoke of the national media and introduced me as the "young lady from ABC who I love," the crowd of 300 all turned to stare. 

In a new twist to what had become an old standard, Richardson ended with the line "and I want to see this on the national media." 

The crowd went crazy, and with this posting, Richardson is finally getting his wish.  Maybe this will stop the cycle from continuing on in New Hampshire, but something tells me that won't be the case.

January 3, 2008 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Criss-Crosses Iowa in Last Pre-Caucus Pitch

January 03, 2008 7:07 AM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: Looking tired, but excited, Governor Bill Richardson was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd in Iowa City, capping off one more busy day in a busy year of campaigning.  "This is the last stop of my campaign,"  Richardson told the crowd, slyly adding "until the GENERAL election."  Richardson spoke to the crowd of over 300 for about 20 minutes, assuring them he felt his campaign has the momentum it needs for a surprise upset tomorrow night and that he already had the support of 2,100 Iowans in the caucus.

Richardson took to the skies yesterday, a rarity for his grass-roots campaign.  His goal was to crisscross-cross the state, fitting in as many last day campaign stops as possible.   After starting the day with his wife Barbara in Muscatine, the campaign made stops in Decorah, Dubuque, Mason City, Storm Lake ad Centerville.  Journalists in town from Richardson's New Mexico home state had to pick and choose their stops, since no one driving could keep up with the distance and quickness of the Governor's schedule.   

"I come to you, on this last day, to ask for your support, to ask for you to caucus, to ask for you to bring all of your friends to the caucus.  To get on the phone tomorrow and send a message that this race is going to go throughout the spring and the summer.  That the heart and the soul of the democratic party needs to be debated" implored Richardson.

Of course Richardson isn't holding himself to impossible standards here in Iowa.  He told this crowd, and nearly every crowd in the past two days that he doesn't need to be first or even second.  He simply wants to end up in the top three, or the final four.   While current polls show a fourth place finish as highly probable for the Richardson campaign, breaking into the top three could prove trickier, with the main contenders all polling at 20 percent or higher.  Most polls show Richardson anywhere from 6 to 12 percent. 

Tonight's event at a popular restaurant in Iowa City, not only wrapped up Richardson's day, but his entire Iowa campaign, with no campaign events scheduled for tomorrow.  Richardson plans on making several television and radio appearance before attending a rally with supporters at a Des Moines area hotel. 

January 3, 2008 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Looks to Rally Last-Minute Support

December 30, 2007 9:06 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos reports: "Are we ready to take our country back?  Are we going to elect a Democratic president?  And what is that president's name?" shouted Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., at a packed rally in Des Moines this afternoon.

“Now, is this momentum, is this a real surge,” Richardson continued, to a surprisingly large crowd of over 500 people.

While the presidential front-runners of both political parties have been speaking to crowds of this size – and much larger - for the past 9 months, a crowd of 500 is something many of the lesser-supported candidates could only dream of. 

And today could have continued on that path, especially after actor Martin Sheen had to cancel his trip to join Richardson on the campaign trail. 

Instead, Richardson emerged this morning as a candidate determined to convince voters he deserves to finish in the top three, come caucus day.  And the crowd in Des Moines is clearly something that the Richardson campaign is hoping can push them through these last fours days of stumping before Thursday’s caucus.

"You know, if you listen to national media, the pundits in New York, there are only two or three candidates, but we are going to show them, we are going to shock the world, right?"  Richardson asked the crowd, adding that a new NBC poll today put his campaign “in striking distance of the top three," he said.

That NBC/McClatchy poll puts Richardson at 12 percent, and while that is a climb for his campaign, it is still a distant fourth to Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and John Edwards, all of whom have the support of over 22 percent of Iowans. 

Still, the Richardson campaign is staying on message and sticking to their grass roots, house party campaign strategy. 

“I believe that the grass roots is where we are building support. Look at the polls, we’re moving, we’ve got momentum, we’ve got strength,” Richardson told ABC News at a house party before today’s rally.   “There is a 40 percent undecided that is going to surprise a number of people, and I believe it is going to candidates like me, that has the experience, the background, and the qualifications.”

The crowd at the Des Moines rally seemed to lend support to Richardson’s point, chanting through the governor’s resume while they waited for the speech to begin. 

Of course, one good-sized rally does not make a top three finish.  And while Richardson used the large crowd as a chance to push his views on the war in Iraq and energy conservation, his biggest push came as a plea for caucus votes. 

“And so, I ask you here today, I want your support, I humbly ask you to go to the caucus and support this campaign.  This insurgent campaign of an underdog,”  Richardson told the crowd at the conclusion of the rally - proving that if music, posters and chanting don’t work, a politician always knows how to just ask for votes.

December 30, 2007 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

No West Wing Luster for Richardson

December 30, 2007 1:08 AM

ABC's Sarah Amos reports: Sure he wasn't Oprah, or a rock star for that matter, but the two-day campaign trip actor Martin Sheen planned to make to Iowa Sunday sure had Governor Bill Richardson excited. 

Sheen, who played President Jeb Bartlett on the popular "West Wing" television series, is a long-time activist and supporter of the democratic party, and one of the most popular fictional Presidents to date.  The actor had planned to fly out Sunday morning with his grandson to endorse Richardson and give the campaign a last minute boost before Thursday's caucus.

Unfortunately for Richardson, and all those Iowans who bought the "West Wing" DVD for the 'former President' to sign, Sheen came down with a severe and contagious cold, according to a statement put out by the Richardson campaign.  The statement went on to say that Sheen's doctor had forbidden him from flying, therefore grounding any campaigning plans Sheen might have had.

"I am deeply sorry for not being able to join Governor Richardson in Iowa - I believe with all of my heart that he is the candidate we must elect as the next President of the United States," said Sheen in the released statement.  Sheen also apologized to the people of Iowa and urged that they still go out and caucus for Richardson on January 3rd.   

Richardson's excitement for Sheen's visit was evident Saturday as he giddily told the Iowa crowds about his upcoming campaign visitor.

"We are moving up in the campaign, we are surging, and guess who is coming tomorrow to campaign for your candidate Bill Richardson?  Who is coming tomorrow, is the real "president" of West Wing, Martin Sheen.  He will be here tomorrow and we will be in Ames, we will be in Des Moines,"  Richardson told one crowd Saturday morning.

Of course, Richardson is still planning to attend all scheduled events Sunday and is probably hoping that Iowans with their hearts set on Sheen, will still attend as well. 

Sheen is not the only star of the West Wing TV series with plans to hit the trail in Iowa this week. Actor Richard Schiff, who played the long suffering presidential aide Toby Ziegler on the program, is campaigning for Senator Joe Biden.

December 30, 2007 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Sprints to the Finish Line

December 29, 2007 3:57 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: With the Iowa caucuses just a few days away New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is continuing his town to town strategy of winning over voters. 

Richardson started the day with a high energy coffee and doughnut session in west liberty, Iowa.  In the predominately Hispanic community Richardson took questions in both Spanish and English, focusing heavily on issues that affect the immigrant community in the US.  Richardson, who usually stays away from junk food since beginning his campaign, even indulged in a homemade doughnut while sitting with locals

Richardson’s optimism about his chances on caucus night remain high, despite having less than ten percent in nearly every current Iowa poll.

"Something is surging, we've got momentum, I can feel it," said Richardson adding "what I need now is you to caucus for me."

While not every voter Richardson spoke to seemed sold on supporting him on caucus night, Richardson got perhaps the most creative introduction of the day at a house party in Iowa City

His host, Dr. Joseph Zabner, quoted a David Brooks column from March of 2007 that called Richardson the candidate you'd most want to get a beer with.  When Zabner was done with his introduction, he presented the Governor with a Heineken. A laughing Richardson accepted the drink and took a few sips of the beer before beginning to talk. When it came time for questions Richardson paused for one more sip.  After a tough first question on the death penalty members of the audience joked, "you want one more sip?"

It wasn't all meet and greet events today, with Richardson delivering a speech in Coralville, IA on Iraq and the Middle East.

Voters packed well beyond capacity into the local town hall, with some braving the cold weather to listen on the front steps and in the doorway.  The speech was one more chance for Richardson to hammer home his differing opinions on Iraq and the Middle East.

"The differences I have with my opponents in this race are not personal. I refuse to engage in negative character attacks. But there is a profound difference on the war in Iraq," began Richardson, adding "my opponents believe in changing the mission. They wish to task our troops with new combat roles, new training roles, and new policing roles. I see it differently. Changing the mission is not ending the war."

Richardson also took a small, but as always, polite jab at some of his opponents lack of experience. "My colleagues in this race have my respect, but it's a simple fact that the next international deal negotiated by any one of the frontrunners ... will be their first," Richardson pointed out at the conclusion of his speech

Of course the always humorous Richardson couldn't stay completely serious in his speech.

After a boisterous reaction from the audience to the line "cowboy diplomacy will always fail," Richardson paused and replied to the crowd "you like that one?  I'm not wearing my cowboy boots today."

December 29, 2007 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Stands Apart Calling for Musharraf Ouster

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) | TrackBack (0)

In Ad, Richardson Focuses on His Plan to Get Troops Out of Iraq

December 27, 2007 8:30 AM

ABC News' Sarah Amos reports: Gov Bill Richardson, D-N.M., who continues to make the war in Iraq the number one issue in his presidential campaign, is set to release a new ad in Iowa today that will make sure voters understand his commitment to pulling all troops out of the war. 

Click HERE to see the ad.

The ad reminds Iowans that "Bill Richardson is the only major candidate who will get all of our troops out of Iraq. He is the only candidate who has negotiated successfully with leaders in the Middle East," said campaign manager Dave Contarnio in a press release.

The ad, which will run statewide starting today, gets right to the point, outlining Richardson plan for Iraq, including a full troop withdrawal and a diplomatic surge.

The Richardson campaign has pledged to stay positive against other candidates, but the campaign has become more vocal about pointing out how the front-runners plans for Iraq stop short of what Richardson is ready to do.

Richardson has been telling crowds in Iowa that pointing out the differences between his plan and the plans of  Senator Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama is not negative campaigning, but a discussion of the issues.

December 27, 2007 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Ad Gets Tough on Rivals' Iraq Plans

December 19, 2007 10:42 AM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports:  As Gov. Bill Richardson continues to struggle in the polls of early primary states, his campaign released a new ad Wednesday that is taking a tough look at his rivals position on the war in Iraq. 

The advertisement, which will begin airing in Iowa and New Hampshire, comes out swinging at the New Mexico governor's rivals for the Democratic presidential bid.  The announcer opens with the line, "Is there a difference between the Democrats in Iraq? There's a big difference."

Richardson has been seen as the most outspoken Democratic candidate when it comes to a plan for Iraq.  From debates to town hall meetings, Richardson has pledged that if elected, he would call for an immediate and full withdrawal of all troops from Iraq. 

However, in the past Richardson has been hesitant to get negative about his opponents' plans for Iraq.    

That no longer appears to be the case, as this new ad singles out the what the Richardson campaign labels as flaws in the three front-runners plans:  "Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama have repeatedly said they will leave thousands of troops in Iraq indefinitely, even beyond 2013."
 
"Iraq is the most important issue facing our country, but the national media and too many of my fellow candidates seem to have put it on the backburner," Richardson said in a statement released by the campaign. 

Richardson has staked much of his campaign on appealing to voters with his plan for Iraq, yet it has not translated into the poll results he might have been hoping for.  The latest ABC News/Washington Post poll puts Richardson at 8 percent, a far cry from the three double-digit front-runners. 

The Richardson campaign will no doubt be watching to see if the new, tougher ad will push up poll numbers with the Iowa Caucus just around the corner.

December 19, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary, Edwards, John, Obama, Barack, Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Touts Record During DNC Meeting

November 30, 2007 12:16 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos reports:  As the first candidate to deliver morning remarks at the fall DNC meeting in Virginia, Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M, used the time to reinforce his gubernatorial record talking about the New Mexico's job growth, clean energy policies and economy. 

"I believe it comes down to experience and judgment and a track record of getting things done, and I will put my record up against anyone's,"  Richardson told the crowd.  Richardson used each issue as an opportunity to give hard examples of what he has done as Governor. 

"I'm proud to be the only Democrat in this race with a record of creating jobs and turning an economy around. I know how to do this. I know how to do this because I've already done it. What I've done in my state would be my blueprint for the country. And proving we know how to create jobs is how we win this country," said Richardson when talking about tax-cuts and job growth.

Richardson also focused on his plan for a full-withdrawal of troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

"As long as we have troops in Iraq, it's going to be impossible to achieve a diplomatic solution that leads to peace and reconciliation.  This is the hard reality. You can't say you will end the war in Iraq if you're leaving thousands of troops behind or if you won't even commit to removing them by 2013. The Iraqis sure won't think the war is over," Richardson added, alluding to some of the other candidate's plans.   

Known for his one-liners, Richardson warmed up the crowd by playing off the lack of time he has gotten at some of the previous debates.   

"You know, when we were invited to speak here at the last winter meeting, we were told, Governor Dean, we had seven minutes. Seven minutes to tell you everything we do as president. This time, I was told I'd have 10 minutes. Of course, Wolf Blitzer tells me that before every debate," joked Richardson. 

November 30, 2007 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Courts Hispanic Voters in New York

November 29, 2007 7:21 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: Between fundraisers in New York Thursday, Democratic presidential candidate Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., attended a meet-and-greet with his hispanic supporters -- the New York chapters of "Mi Familia con Richardson." 

"I humbly come here, asking for your support, not just because I am Latino, but because I am the most qualified candidate,"  Richardson told the crowd of mainly immigration activists and foreign journalists.

Richardson spoke to the crowd about America's need to embrace their immigrants, while also building better relationships with foreign countries.  "I want an America that cares about Africa, Asia and Latin America," said Richardson to the cheering crowd. 

But perhaps the loudest applause of the night came during a question on giving illegal immigrants drivers licenses, an idea recently abandoned by New York Governor Elliot Spitzer. 

"You're looking at a Governor that did drivers licenses for immigrants four years ago," said Richardson when asked where he stood on the issue.  "By giving licenses to undocumented workers, traffic fatalities went down, un-insured motorists went down, it is an issue of safety, it is an issue of bringing individuals out of the shadows and it works," he added. 

Because the Hispanic community has become a prominent voting block in many states, securing their vote has become more important than in past elections. Richardson, whose mother was Mexican and father was Nicaraguan-born, seems like the obvious choice for this voting bloc.  Yet his campaign has struggled with being embraced or even identified as a Hispanic by the Latino community.

In August Richardson began "Mi Familia con Richardson" an out-reach program to combat the recognition problem.  "This is how we are going to carry the word that Bill Richardson IS Hispanic,"  Richardson jokingly explained to the crowd.

But while the program has grown in recent months, Richardson has yet to reach a wide base of Hispanic voters.  Tonight's event in midtown Manhattan, filled with a mainly non-Hispanic crowd, was an example of the uphill battle he is still facing. 

November 29, 2007 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)