Richardson to be officially announced

Posted: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:28 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Chuck Todd and Domenico Montanaro

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) will be officially named Obama's choice for Commerce Secretary at a news conference tomorrow morning. NBC News reported earlier that he was expected to be named to the position at some point.

Richardson served as energy secretary in the Clinton administration and was thought to be up for positions Secretary of State, Energy and others.

There are not likely going to be any other cabinet appointments tomorrow.

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Comments

So Bill will not have to share the limelight with anyone. I know many wanted him to be selected as Sec. of State...but he was beaten by a better candidate. It's not about ethnicity or gender, its about who would do a better job. Actually, Hillary can be "tougher" than Bill, and we are living in tough times.

Barack is picking a stellar cabinet. Well done.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:47 PM)

Yes, indeed, a stellar job by Obama, "Ron Indiana"!
Can you believe it? America is all grown up!

Flint MI (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:50 PM)

Ron Indiana:

Ditto your comments.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 2:56 PM)

Here! Here! Ron Indiana.

I couldn't agree with you more. I think that President-elect Obama in the past few weeks since the election has completely resored my confidence that this great and beautiful country of ours CAN rebound.

It's completely refreshing and uplifting to finally... again... with all my being... have a profound respect for my leaders in Washington.

WELL DONE MR PRESIDENT-ELECT!!!

Paul O, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:02 PM)

I do not believe that Gov. Richardson should take this position. I can not remember a secretary of commerce ever having a prominent role in the Federal Goverment. What does a secretary of commerce even do? What executive powers do they have?

Ricardo LaFleur, Seattle Washington (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:03 PM)

One more political payoff completed.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:04 PM)

I guess selling out the Clintons didn't quite turn out the way Gov. Richardson expected.

Awwwwwwww!

Brian (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:04 PM)

Still waiting for the Change . . . . . .

TYL - Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:04 PM)

Slowy but surely President Elect Obama has forged what could be a team for the ages. Regardless of your party, there seems to be little resistance so far to the qualifications of these individuals.

Ken Philadelphia Pa. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:05 PM)

Congradulations to Gov. Richardson.
Now about David Gregory, whats this you say about him being moderator on MTP. I sure hope not, I couldnt
stand Road to the Whitehouse and 1600 Penn Ave. is just as bad. Whats wrong with NBC, Tom Brokaw is awful. I guess I will just read the paper on Sunday morning. I miss Tim Russert so bad, isnt there anyone
able to be unbiased. Just so you will know, I cant think of anyone either, maybe Richard Engle, I know hes still on overseas duty. The reporters ???? pundits??? I like are defintley bias, Keith Olberman, Rachael Maddow, David Shuster, Chris Matthews. NBC you can do better than David Gregory.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:05 PM)

I like what Richardson did with Energy in the '90s. We weren't completely dependent on foreign energy then, but we are now.

Drill Here (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:07 PM)

I adore Richardson. He would have made an outstanding SoS. But far better minds than my own picked Clinton. I also would have loved to see him back as Secy of Energy - he's progressive but not wildly so on energy policy.

I am just thrilled to see him with a part to play. He's too sharp of a mind to let him sit on the sidelines.

PB, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:09 PM)

yes, but the better candidate or Bami himself doesn't have the credentials that Richardson brings to the table. And remember, his endorsement of Obama came at a crucial time. It showed courage and more importantly, It mattered! Yet we're pleased that governor Richardson will be @ Commerce. He's a great utility player. can handle a diversity of responsiblities. He deserves it.

mel james (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:09 PM)

No more playing cowboys. It feels great to listen to Obama speak because you can understand and when he speaks he makes sense. Jan 20 can not come fast enough!

CJ Colorado (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:12 PM)

I really wanted Richardson for S of State. I have to have trust Obama knows what he's doing. But I have doubts. I'm very happy about his getting S of Commerce. Congrats!

Penny, Ca (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:14 PM)

ha ha I think it is funny that Bill Richardson was after the secretary of state position and that is why he endorsed Obama instead of Hillary Clinton and now he was dissed for that position. Oh well what goes around Bill comes around ha ha ha

martha, albuquerque nm (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:15 PM)

Why do folks seem to think Hillary is competent to be S.O.S.? She was a first lady & Senator from the "Bobby Kennedy wants to be President" district of NY.

Richardson has only sat down and actually made successful deals with some of the most dangerous & psychotic leaders in the world, but hey what do I know?

After Condi Rice, I guess the bar is so low that anyone can do it?

I can't figure why King Bill would want either job right now, considering how well NM is doing relative to the rest of the country, and he doesn't need either job for his already full resume. Commerce is a big step down if you ask me.

Mark McKee, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:19 PM)

It was important to "water down" the Clinton announcement as to not have it look like she forced herself on the position and the new administration. It was a star-studded affair that made a point of saying Hillary isn't running anything, she's ONE part of a large team that's LARGER than her outsized public persona. It's Barack's show that only his Invited Guests get to attend, of which she is but one. Gov. Richardson's announcement on the other hand reflects the autonomy with which he can be trusted, and has proven himself. Richardson would have beeen a great Sec.State, but after 2012 in the normal cabinet re-shuffle, I would guess the Gov. will be first in line for Sec.State.

Chris, NH (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:19 PM)

I am happy for Richardson but I am really disappointed that Kerry and Claire Makaskill have no place in Obama's cabinet. They were very early supporters. Anyone knows what will happen to them?

Monica, San Jose, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:23 PM)

I am happy for Richardson but I am really disappointed that Kerry and Claire Makaskill have no place in Obama's cabinet. They were very early supporters. Anyone knows what will happen to them?

Monica, San Jose, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:23 PM)

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:05 PM)

Hey Marty, what about Dan Abrams? I used to really enjoy his show The View. He really didn't show favorites, at least I didn't think so. Anyway, where has he been?

I like Rachel Maddow, but sometimes the show gets just a little bit to silly for me.

New Independent (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:24 PM)

I'd love to have David Gregory moderate MTP. He's subbed before, and was good. Nobody will ever match Tim Russert, but with the election over with it's time to name a permanent moderator. Thanks to Tom Brokaw for so graciously taking the helm after Tim's death. You got all of us through a tough time, and made a space for whoever ends up being named.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:24 PM)

This is GREAT news! For the people of New Mexico.

H. House, NM (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:25 PM)

Dan Abrams was also one of the few reporters who actually went after Karl Rove for ignoring Congress' subpoena. Something we don't hear about anymore since Abrams' show is off the air.

So it proves that he's not afraid to go after someone in power. I think he would be great on Meet the Press.

New Independent (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:26 PM)

Martha, it is not about what goes around comes around, it is about who is best suited for a particular position. This is not about pay back. President-Obama picked people that he felt was qualified for the positions.

Jerri Robinson (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:27 PM)

Putting together a great Cabinet. America HAS grown up. To those questioning "where's the change?" it's coming. But I remind my friends on the left, as I did my friends on the right: Ideology is only short term. To run America, centrist and pragmatic reaches the most voters long-haul, which is how you STAY in power, and is best for the country over time.

Max, San Antonio (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:31 PM)

One more political payoff completed.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:04 PM)
==============================================
Stupid etc.,

How right you are. The political does payoff as well as it enhances the will of intelligent, ingenious, nifty, everyday, Americans; including you!

=====================================================

I'm so glad for Gov Richardson and the Latino representation. This choice is another ingredient in our tasty melting pot...even more reason to be proud of America’s deliciousness and contributions.

Where's the statesman, Kerry. There has to be a profile position for a leader of great sobriety, wisdom, intelligence, articulation, public service concern, and his love for America. After all, it was he, Kerry, out of love for this nation his temperance did not allow America to go through the same fiasco and hurt it did with Gore v Bush.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:32 PM)

Obama Is Smart. Here's a preview...

"I'd like to introduce my Sec.State in waiting, Uh, I mean Sec.Commerce. Gov. Richardson is a great public servant who has agreed to assume the position of Sec. Commerce while waiting for his rightful spot as Sec.State in order to assist me in keeping Hillary from running against me in 2012 and undercutting me every step of the way until then. Gov. Richardson is both patient and patriotic in this endeavor, he did not want to see Hillary undercut the gains Dems have made in the last election cycles. For this he should recieve yet another nomination for Nobel Peace Prize, because there would have been no peace in the Democratic party w/ a sitting Senator and active former President undercutting the new president."

Chris, NH (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:34 PM)

Ron, Indiana: You seem to have an insider's knowledge. I enjoy your comments.

Congratulations to Gov. Bill Richardson!! I'm looking forward to watching him shine in his new position. He broke ranks with the Clintons to follow his heart with Obama. A difficult choice, for sure, but it paid off in the end for everyone - Hillary Clinton, Obama and Richardson - and that's as it should be.

Gail, TN (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:40 PM)

Richardson is a master negotiator as indicative of his work as a Congressman to bring Americans home from harms way, a master deal maker which has resulted bringing innovation and high-tech jobs to the State of New Mexico (ask the many New Yorkers that have moved to New Mexico in the last eight years).

The Cato Institute, has consistently rated Richardson as one of the most fiscally responsible Democratic governors in the nation. Vetted by two administrations and already has a security clearance. If Richardson accepts the Commerce position, One can expect to see Richardson deliver results.

Threeriverscrossing (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:44 PM)

I wanted Richardson for State or UN also, so I had to do some research when I first heard he was going to Commerce. I think this is at least part of the reason:

http://www.governor.state.nm.us/Invest%20New%20Mexico.pdf

Obama has been talking about re-invigorating this country through upgrading infrastructure. And he's showing serious respect for governors by being at the National Governors meeting today. So wanting to have someone with hands-on experience for the kind of projects he wants nationwide makes sense.

Natalie, Baltimore, MD (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:44 PM)

I would rather have seen Richardson at State but Commerce will do.

eagle1776 (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:46 PM)

A third Clinton administration?? Same old faces... same people who said Obama was not qualified to be President.

Marty (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:49 PM)

Brian - u took the words out of my mouth

Angela (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:52 PM)

Why do people keep saying "where's the change"? The change is that competent people are being picked and it is not just "politics as usual." This is the change I expected Obama to bring. If he overlooked everyone who had ever been in Washington or politics, he would have some of the individuals (like me) who are commenting on the blog, without any knowledge of how to run the government!

Carl Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:52 PM)

New Independant, Excellant choice Dan Abrams. Loved his show. I would be very happy with Dan. I see that a lot of people think David G. would do a good job , I dont think so. I was fine with old Tom till the conventions where he was awful, never saw such bias in all my life, he was rude and sullen during the Dem Convention and just jubulient at the Republican Convention. Again no David Gregory, hes awful.
marty

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:53 PM)

To Marty in S.C.: I agree, Tom Brokaw is a poor moderator.

I lean left but I think a great choice for MTP would be Bill O'Riley if NBC could get him to leave FOX.

He is well prepaired for interviews, presses hard for real answers and can be very objective.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:54 PM)

I agree that Dan Abrams would be the better choice. I enjoyed his show. Plus, he is a lawyer which I believe was on Tim's resume, as well.

Ali, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:58 PM)

Note to New Independent -- yeah, I'd like to see Dan Abrams get another show, too. I hadn't thought about him on MTP... I emailed both Hardball and Countdown about picking up the mantle on the Karl Rove thing, but they were apparently too busy with the election to notice. I'm still waiting to see Karl Rove do the perp walk. The former Alabama gov is still pursuing the issue, so maybe...

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:58 PM)

The entire process of assembling a great cabinet has been a pleasure to watch. Obama has been careful and thoughtful and as many others have said January 20 can't come soon enough!

Mike Milford, CT (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 3:59 PM)

Threepenisescrossing: "Richardson is a master negotiator"

Master? Wasn't it Richardson that negotiated the nuclear reactor deal with the North Koreans? Didn't the N. Koreans tell him they wouldn't use the reactors to make weapons? Those Koreans sure pulled a fast one over on Bill.

Not So Fast (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4:04 PM)

So the change so far is all about shifting from one party to another? Where is the "no more political insiders?" Didn't think that made sense when he said it. I'm not comfortable and getting more antsy everyday. I'm am not seeing what I expected right from the get go. Just more of the same group. I am more than a little disappointed and maybe a little naive?? Thought he was absolutely starting over, new ideas, new thoughts, no accounts owed. But so far, just more of the same, now just a different road to get to the same place.

dem dat don't matter (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4:05 PM)

Who better to help our econonic crisis through this department with his foreign experience and his strong negoiation skills. His experience is what we need in the Dept of Commerce.

Their mission:
creation of national policy...
-Promoting and assisting international trade.
-Strengthening the international economic position of the United States.
-Promoting progressive domestic business policies and growth.
-Improving comprehension and uses of the physical environment and its oceanic life.
-Ensuring effective use and growth of the Nation's scientific and technical resources.
-Acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding the Nation and the economy to help achieve increased social and economic benefit.
-Assisting states, communities, and individuals with economic progress.

Brad, Knoxville, TN (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4:09 PM)

What a well rounded fellow Bill Richardson is. I love how the United States has rewarded him with many important posts.

I hope Barak and Bill will open Cuba back up to trade. We'd stand to gain and give (trade!) a lot. And I've never had a Cuban cigar, although there's more to a USA-Cuba thaw than that. But that ain't a bad start!

Dermot Conley, New York, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4:14 PM)

Gov. Richardson was my choice for Sec State also folks, but he has good negotiating and management skills and will do a fine job at commerce. Coming from a border state with the MX truck and other immigration related issues should help give the administration some perspective.

Horay, the grown-up are coming. the grown-ups are coming!

Ed, FW, TX (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4:27 PM)

"This is not about pay back. President-Obama picked people that he felt was qualified for the positions."

Jerri, what world do you live in? Everything in politics is about pay back.

Parah Salin (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4:30 PM)

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