Richardson touts unique qualifications

[wyldwolf]

It‘s been said that Bill Richardson would negotiate with the devil. And by some definitions, he has — several times.

New Mexico‘s Democratic governor has bartered with some of the most notorious rulers of modern times: Iraq ‘s Saddam Hussein , Yugoslavia‘s Slobodan Milosevic , Cuba‘s Fidel Castro , Kenya‘s Daniel Arap Moi, Zaire‘s Mobutu Sese Seko, Nigeria‘s Sani Abacha and most recently, Sudan‘s Omar al-Bashir. Richardson has compared himself to Red Adair, renowned for his ability to put out erupting oil well fires.

Richardson has more international experience than just about anyone else in the 2008 field. The 59-year-old was ambassador to the United Nations in the Clinton administration, served on the intelligence committee during his 14 years in the House and has done international work from his perch as a small-state governor.

Richardson had gone to Baghdad in 1995 at the request of the Iraqis to negotiate with Saddam for the release of two U.S. oil mechanics who had wandered over the border with Kuwait. Richardson has an impressive track record in convincing dictators that they should free U.S. prisoners from countries as isolated as North Korea , Cuba and Sudan.

After Saddam agreed to return, Richardson decided not to apologize but to continue making his case with respect and his feet firmly planted on the floor. Saddam authorized the mechanics‘ release after an hour of discussion.

Richardson‘s first visit to Sudan was in 1996, when he went to free three Red Cross workers held by Marxist rebels.

Richardson learned the rebel leader had recently lost a daughter and a son was on his death bed in the rebels‘ disease-ridden camp. The rebel leader wanted $10 million. Richardson appealed to him by saying he could get him medicine, rice, vehicles and other aid so other children did not have to die.

http://www.onelocalnews.com/newhopecourier/ViewArticle.aspx?id=55158&source=2

[zeemike]

1. Here in New Mexico

On the local fox news channel the story about Richardson was "Did Bill Richardson use the state of New Mexico as a stepping stone to the presidency"
They say that in spite of te fact he spent 15 years as my Representative in the house...Unbelievable how obvious the MSM can be.

[Captain Hilts]

2. Yes. By that logic FDR should not have been governor of NY. Good grief!

They're reaching, really reaching.

[Deep13]

3. Only people with no experience should be president, by that logic.

[Captain Hilts]

4. I really like Richardson. nt

[Tellurian]

5. Yes, Richardson has an impressive resume..

and may be the dark horse in this race.

Just think a case of Head and Shoulders may bring peace with Cuba when the embargo is lifted.

Don't forget to K&R..

my vote is in..

[Apollo11]

6. Only Joe Biden

would describe Bill Richardson as a "dark horse" (but I'm sure no offense was intended) ;)

I had a look at the latest odds from sportsbook.com (Live odds - Exotics).

These are the odds you can get on a bet to win the Presidency in 2008.

2008 Presidential Race (All Bets Action)
11-04-08

Hillary Clinton 1-1
Al Gore 3-1
Barack Obama 6-1
John Edwards 8-1
Bill Richardson 12-1
Wesley Clark 20-1


Right now my top ticket would be Gore-Obama.

Let's all find ways to show our support for Al Gore! :)

Read Rolling Stone magazine: WHY GORE SHOULD RUN -- AND HOW HE CAN WIN
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/13248532/why_gore_should_run__and_how_he_can_win

Get ready for Al Gore's next book - The Assault on Reason - out in May!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/16/AR2006091600877.html

Visit the following pro-Gore websites:
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com - Sign the petition! :)
www.draftgore2008.org
www.patriotsforgore.com

:kick:

[wyldwolf]

7. I dunno.

Howard "open mouth insert foot" Dean might describe him as such, too.

[Tellurian]

8. The dh comment was meant to encourage discussion.. :)

which it did-

If I had said, O Bama was the dh, this thread would be ripping! :hi:

and for sure either way, no offense was intended.. :)

stock tip for day trading:

EBOF (BioWillie) $.50/share ;)

[Apollo11]

9. Tellurian - I love your signature line

I might have to steal that one from you ...

Let's call it "recycling" of great ideas! ;)

[Tellurian]

10. Actually, that is an AL Gore quote..

taken from his "Inconvenient Truth" site..

By all means.. your interpretation IS original.

:toast:

[Apollo11]

11. It's one of my favorite quotes

from the movie, the book, the website, the speeches ...

I guess most folks here on DU will know by now who said it.

In Gore We Trust
www.algore.com
www.climatecrisis.net

:kick:

[Deep13]

12. After suffering through Bush's screw-ups, ...

...the people will be looking for competence rather than inspiring personalities or positions any any particular issue.

[ktlyon]

13. I was very impressed with him

We need everyone of our great candidates to speak loud and often

[snowbear]

14. I think Governor Richardson will do a stellar job in the debates...

..and that we may see some movement in his numbers once we see him in action. You're right Wyldwolf, he does have an impressive background.

I still haven't stopped laughing at the one DU'er who thought he was too short and too fat..

Welp.. the once chubby Governor is now 'mean and lean' according to media reports..

And if 6'2" is short.. .. then poor Kucinich is a bit height challenged as far as candidates go..

Rock on Richardson! ~~

[Clarkie1]

15. K & R. Richardson deserves more attention and respect.

Certainly he would be a better nominee than some of the current media-stars.

Edit: And, he's not a senator!

[snowbear]

16. I think.. as far as campaigns go, he'll be a late bloomer!

I betcha at some point he winds up being very much a factor in the '08 race!!


Governor Bill Richardson at a "Wake up Walmart" rally

[Clarkie1]

17. Clark/Richardson or Richardson/Clark.

Now that would be the foreign policy/international expertise and experience ticket!

[snowbear]

18. Sounds good to me!

Weren't they just traveling together last week?

Maybe they were working out the details on their campaign ticket?

[skipos]

19. Richardson obviously has a genuine love of diplomacy

a complete 180 from Bush.

[SaveElmer]

20. He gave a nice speech at the DNC meeting...

If he can raise the money to get his name out there...he could do well...

He certainly has the resume!