Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Independant! — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:19:12 GMT

I think it's great that he delivered his first line in Spanish...I wonder if he'll make Spanish the official language of the U.S. if he gets elected President. So good that this bum doesn't stand a chance.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Stephen Cassidy, CA — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:06:59 GMT

Richardson undoubtedly used Spanish in his speech because a huge proportion of members of The Laborers' International Union of North America are Spanish speakers and/or of Latino ancestry. He has the most sensible approach to immigration reform of all the candidates, recognizing that gaining Mexico's cooperation is key to the process. The boarder enforcement only response hasn't been working for as long as anyone has been alive.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:27:54 GMT

At least he went to the right union meeting......
Imagine if he went to the teamsters meeting and it turned out to be dressmakers union.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Doug, San Diego — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:42:41 GMT

Independ(a)nt, Bill Richardson speaks two languages. You don't seem to have command of just the one. If you did maybe you would know how to spell independent.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

MK,MO — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:50:37 GMT

Stephen Cassidy, CA / there has never been any border enforcement, if the illegals had to trip over a few dead bodies when they were trying to sneak in they would most likely turn around

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

George — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:51:16 GMT

Richardson is the ONLY one who has the ideas and experience to be President.
I think that stupid union should change their name so as not to make him look foolish. So what if he gets things wrong, he has the best plan for health care, without a doubt, and no one can deny it. His resume is shinier than Edwards' hair, prettier than Mitt Romney's wife and he speaks Spanish! What more could you want? he's even a Governor of a state, and they make great Presidents, which is impossible to deny.
The MSM just doesn't tell you all the GREAT things he doesn't get wrong, which are many. When he stopped at that diner and BOUGHT HIS OWN COFFEE, where was the MSM? He had EXACT CHANGE! Wake up people and smell his coffee!
He has experience and exact change. He has the best health care plan and he said so himself, and if he wanted he could say it in Spanish.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Adam, Milwaukee, WI — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:51:54 GMT

If you're seriously wondering "if he'll make Spanish the official language of the U.S. if he gets elected President," you're probably an idiot.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Shadow, Hamden, CT — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:15:06 GMT

I've been hard on Richardson for his hideously bad gaffes, but he is absolutely right on immigration when it comes to the stupidity of a border fence. I think it's pretty clear that protecting the border will require high tech surveillance that is both efficient and appropriately constrained along with an increase in trained border agents and a serious crackdown on employers. But a border fence is just asinine; walls are the hallmark of a failed civilization.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Ricardo, Occupied America — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:19:29 GMT

Yes, Richardson has the best answer for immigration reform - make America part of Mexico again. Who needs any sticken borders. Ohla America!

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

NOG, L.A., CA — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:15:05 GMT

I'm with Richardson! The most experience, the best candidate - I can't tell enough people.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

HOT DAM — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:37:56 GMT

Spanish people if you missed it is our second language now.
Our government has allowed companies to flaunt our laws and they are the ones you should fault.
The people working and hiding out are really in plain sight. Blame the ass wipe in the WH he is your go to go on this outrage too!

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

nuanced — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:40:07 GMT

If anyone had paid attention to the Democratic debates you would have been educated to the fact that 2/3s of the illegals do not illegally cross the border. They enter legally and then overstay their visa. The solution is to enforce the employment rules against employers and not put up a fence. You would never know that from the Republican debates which only reinforced ignorance. They don't want to come down on criminal businesses, they want to put up an ineffective fence to make people feel better but that doesn't change the status quo for their big contributors.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Indigo Montoya, Trona, CA — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:52:11 GMT

I am from New Mexico and Gov. Richardson has done such a great job with education, immigration, and helath care for the state. He wont win the presidency but I hope he at least makes a good run in the end against Obama and clinton. Shout out to Mesilla Valley Hospital where I used to work at.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Kit — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:02:48 GMT

I agree Richardson could work on his charisma factor, and smooth out his speech-giving a bit more, but he's right in stating that he is the experienced one who understands diplomacy and how to do the job. I'm tired of the slick focused-group packaging of most candidates spewing packaged campaign rhetoric.
As to the buffoon above who said he'll make Spanish the official language, I would remind that person that George W. Bush is fluent in Spanish - probably more so than in English considering his gaffes.
To me, Bill Richardson is a grownup in a sea of blind ambition lacking humanity.
I'm good with John Edwards, too, he earned his place. Hillary watched her husband cheat on her for decades in order to get where she is now. That's a tough moral vacuum for me to disregard. Barack Obama is great, charisma to spare, but needs a bit more experience. As VP under Richardson, terrific, and in 8 years I'll quit my job and work for him, just not yet. Joe Biden and Chris Dodd are great public servants but aren't lighting any fires in this high-wattage race. Too many stars, not enough leaders.
Bill Richardson can do the job.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Born in the USA — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:32:17 GMT

Dzieki.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Stephen Cassidy, CA — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:37:21 GMT

Richardson will be a great President. He is goal-oriented, assertive and confident. He has the ability to quickly evaluate a situation but is not rigid in his thinking and will modify policy when necessary. He takes a practical approach to governing, focusing on solutions to problems rather than ideology.

Richardson has been called a "force of nature." When he served in Congress, he was regarded as one of the hardest working members, respected for his intelligence and detailed knowledge of the issues. In a profile earlier this year, Democratic state Senator Mary Jane Garcia stated, "It just never stops; it’s busy, busy, busy. He’s got an agenda like you can’t believe." New Mexican Republican Representative Dan Foley added, "People shouldn’t count him out. You won’t find a person who works harder."

On Iraq, Richardson has eloquently stated: "The War in Iraq is not the disease. Iraq is a symptom. The disease is arrogance. The next President must be able to repair the damage that’s been done to our country’s reputation over the last six years. It’s why experience in foreign affairs has never been more important."

Richardson has the best plan for ending the war in Iraq. He is only major candidate that has repeatedly and unequivocally called for the complete withdrawal of ALL American forces from Iraq.

The other candidates lack the confidence to stand up to the military and political establishment and follow the will of the American people. They accept the argument that a complete withdrawal of all American forces would be "irresponsible."

As Richardson wrote wrote in a recent Op Ed, "On the contrary, the facts suggest that a rapid, complete withdrawal -- not a drawn-out, Vietnam-like process -- would be the most responsible and effective course of action."

The fundamental difference between Obama, Edwards and HRC verse Richardson on Iraq is that Richardson understands that by the U.S. remaining in Iraq, we unwittingly perpetuate the war. Our troops have become the targets in a civil war. The Iraqi government has become dependent on the U.S. for security the Iraqis should provide. "The Iraqis won't take the necessary steps toward political reconciliation until the U.S. makes it clear that it will leave the country for good," Richardson correctly observes.

Likewise, without the direct and committed action by the President of the United States, Iraq will remain in chaos. Richardson is the only candidate with a track record of foreign policy success. Richardson will lead a diplomatic offensive to bring peace and stability to the region.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Trish, Houston, Tx. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:07:37 GMT

Sorry, but Richardson proved his inability to let go of the "Latino" thing when he wanted Alberto Gonzalez to stay as Attorney General simply because he was Hispanic. Richardson didn't deny there appeared to be just cause to fire him and that his policies didn't set well with him personally, but after all, he was Hispanic. Richardson's remarks were followed with, "At least I'm being honest". Yes, he was. It also showed he can't be trusted to select the best person for a job. It's playing the race card any way you cut the deck.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Mark, Dunkirk, NY — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:34:08 GMT

Richardson has the best slice of experience of any of the candidates.

For those who think Obama doesn't have enough, he has only served a few less years than Clinton in the Senate, plus he was a state legislator, so I don't see what the difference is. We have just witnessed what having the deepest cabinet and VP in terms of experience can do if handled wrong.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Chris Coffman, Shawnee, KS — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 03:00:18 GMT

GOV RICHARDSON IS THE MOST QUALIFIED TOP TO BOTTOM
US CONGRESS, ENERGY SEC, AMBASSADOR TO UN, NOW GOV of NEW MEXICO. HE has negot with foreign countries
balanced budgets- DONE IT ALL!!!!! HE is not FLASHY just EFFECTIVE- That is all I care about and all YOU
should care about.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Tom, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:00:39 GMT

Xenephobes please listen. Only in red-state America is it looked down upon to be bi-lingual. In any blue state and in any country worldwide being bi-lingual is admirable. In fact, in Europe most people speak at least 2 languages. Yet, these rightwingers view this as something negative that detracts from a candidate, how absurd.

Thank God some former red states (i.e. CO, FL, NM, AZ, NV) are becoming more blue.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

laura.mtn.view,ca — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:54:35 GMT

the only well experience dem canddiate are; hillary and richardson- hillary;experience; 35 years of children advoctae; first lady helping her husband in arkansa/and first lady in the white house. along with her husband bill adm.also 7-8 years now as a seantor.
she travel all over the world 82 xountried women activist also;human right as well. and so on/
well knowledgeable about good govt. and her husband run smoothly this country in the 9os- therefore shes the clear well experience and change in this country ;
second richardson. richardson is clinton energy secrretary i rmeber; hillarys husband give him a job. that time.
i like richardson.
so far the dem candiate well experience plus change is only hilalry clinton.next is richardson. no other candiate except richardson and hilalry clinton.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:16:15 GMT

Tom - I don't think its the bilingual that bothers people so much as those who do not speak English at all, and probably more accurately, those who don't attempt to speak English.

I believe that if you intend to reside in a country permanently, whatever country that may be, you should make every effort to learn that country's language. However, that being said, there are sometimes difficulties associated with learning a new language that can delay progress or even render it next to impossible to learn the language. But those are the exceptions and not the rule.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Tom - Kansas City, MO — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:10:24 GMT

Carrie,

I absolutely agree with you. An individual should learn the language of the country in which they reside. As such, Bill R. speaks English well.

Thus, I do not see how his saying one line in Spanish is offensive. Moreover, the reaminder of the speach was in English. I therefore do not understand how people are offended by this.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

J.D. in California — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:18:31 GMT

I like Richardson a lot--his experience, his stand on the issues. He has run a positive campaign. He is a great asset to New Mexico.

Now, it is time for him and the rest of the minor candidates to recognize the obvious and drop out of the campaign. At this point they are adding nothing to the debate. In Richardson's case, his frequent flubs and confusing statements make it clear he is not up to the enormous task of running a presidential campaign.

It would be far better for us all if he would change his focus and run for the N.M. senate seat up in 08. He is the one democrat who has the best chance to beat demented Pete Dominici. If he did that, he could add to the democratic majority in the senate and make the goal of a filibuster proof senate one vote closer.

Richardson: Smooth in Chicago?

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:53:36 GMT

laura.mtn.view,ca writes:

"the only well experience dem canddiate are; hillary and richardson- hillary;experience; 35 years of children advoctae; first lady helping her husband in arkansa/and first lady in the white house. along with her husband bill adm.also 7-8 years now as a seantor.
she travel all over the world 82 xountried women activist also;human right as well. and so on/
well knowledgeable about good govt. and her husband run smoothly this country in the 9os- therefore shes the clear well experience and change in this country ;
second richardson. richardson is clinton energy secrretary i rmeber; hillarys husband give him a job. that time.
i like richardson.
so far the dem candiate well experience plus change is only hilalry clinton.next is richardson. no other candiate except richardson and hilalry clinton."

I'll ignore the spelling errors, and address the substance, or lack of substance.

1. I agree Gov. Richardson has experience, which is what originally drew me to his campaign, both as a contributor and volunteer. His experience is diverse. But unfortunately his ability to campaign effectively was too much. (Watching him take French fries off a guy's plate, who was eating at a small restaurant in a small IA town Richardson was campaigning at, on the 10 PM news. Was too much! Especially given he continued to talk while chewing, and he didn't even ask the guy if he could have some fries. He might have thought it appeared refreshing and down home, and it could just be me, but I was mortified)
2. Hillary's experience. You claim she has been an advocate for children for 35 years. I know where you got that- Hillary's campaign, but what exactly was she doing that was an advocate for children? She wasn't an advocate for children at the Rose law firm in Little Rock. She was a private practice attorney working for a defense firm. Nothing wrong with defending corporations and insurance companies, but she wasn't working as a child advocate.
3. Helping her husband? Hillary helped her husband lose the US House of Representatives in 1994. She was so polarizing that even Democratic legislators were turned off during her attempt to force a health care plan down a Democratic House and Senate without even consulting Democratic legislators. After the 94 lose Hillary no longer was a visible policy maker in the WH, whether she worked much behind the scenes is up for debate. My guess if she had been more involved in the day to day business of the WH, there never would have been a Monica scandal (Bill wouldn't have risked it, if she was likely to drop in at a moments notice)
4. I have no clue whether Hillary went to 82 countries, but I do recall several trips Hillary and Chelsea took (traditional first lady trips- just like Laura Bush takes) to Africa. Do you think that Laura Bushes 6+ years in the WH as first lady qualifies her to be President. Sure she's more qualified than W, but that's a low bar.
5. I do know that Hillary has personally met fewer foreign leaders than Sen. Biden. And most of the foreign leaders she met have been in connection with her entertainment duties as first lady.
6. Your close regarding her years in the Senate, but it isn't 7-8 years, she was elected in November of 2000, she was sworn into office in January of 2001, in January of 2008 she will have then served 7 full years in the Senate, she currently is at 6 years 9 months.
7. Name one piece of legislation she was responsible for passing? With all her "experience" and her claim of bi-partisan support there should be one piece of legislation, right? Well you won't find anything. Because despite her campaign claims of experience, getting things done, etc, the actual record doesn't support it.

J.D. in California Richardson won't run against Dominici,. according to Richardson's book he gave him a promise in writing that he would never run against him in exchange for Dominici's support of some legislation (or referendum) Richardson wanted passed.