Why Can't Bill Richardson Catch Fire?
A conventional Democrat in a field of standout candidates, the New Mexico governor is struggling to raise his profile in Iowa.
Digg
Reddit
Twitter
Facebook
Buzz Up!
StumbleUpon
MySpace
LinkedIn
Delicious
Furl
Google
YahooDAVENPORT, Iowa - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 Iowans at Grinnell College on Monday, his appearance illustrating both how high the standards are for Democrats in this election, and why, despite his strong performances on the stump, he will continue to struggle to gather support.
"I want to talk to you about the issues. . .five issues," Richardson began. The first was the war and, within seconds, he got to the crux of his position on Iraq. "Get all the troops out," he said. "Get 'em all out." He explained that he differentiates himself from the frontrunners by supporting zero residual troops and by having the background in diplomacy to keep post-withdrawal Iraq from metastasizing.
Richardson went on to outline his position on education, where he emphasized the flaws of the current student loan system, the need to pay teachers more, and the failure of No Child Left Behind, which he would scrap. The third issue on Richardson's agenda was health care, where the candidate has followed the zeitgeist of the Democratic field and proposed a plan for universal coverage. Next up was energy and Richardson's plan to reduce greenhouse gases and transition the nation to renewable forms of energy. Here, as he often does on the campaign trail, Richardson highlighted his background as energy secretary, pointing out that his credentials make him uniquely qualified to meet the challenges of America's energy future. Last, Richardson addressed civil liberties, promising to outlaw warrantless eavesdropping and shut down Guantanamo on his first day in office.
On the whole, Richardson was articulate and passionate, presenting an orthodox but strong progressive message. Richardson also has an impressive resume working in his favor, which, in addition to his stint as a cabinet secretary and his current post as governor of a western state, includes over a decade in Congress, a period as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and a key role in negotiations with Saddam Hussein, North Korea, and between rival factions in Sudan.
And yet all of that doesn't seem to be enough. While Richardson's event at Grinnell was packed, his second appearance that day, in Marshalltown, had a number of empty seats. Nationally, Richardson is polling at just 2.5 percent, according to Pollster.com. And his fundraising totals are just a fraction of Clinton's and Obama's. Meanwhile, his closest competitor, John Edwards, has banked nearly twice as much.
So why can't Richardson catch fire? It's likely a combination of factors. First of all, Richardson articulates a platform, not a vision. After his event at Grinnell, an attendee named Norm told me that Richardson "had a good solid opinion on every question he was asked. There wasn't anything I disagreed with." A positive response, but not exactly the upswell of fervor a campaign wants to evoke in someone who has listened to its candidate for over an hour. John Edwards is touring Iowa railing against a system corrupted by the powerful, the rich, and their lobbyists. Barack Obama is decrying partisanship and preaching hope. Beneath their over-arching messages, they hold progressive positions on the issues that closely mirror Richardson's. But they package them within a narrative that makes the case for their candidacy.
Richardson's recitation of the party platform, with an added emphasis on his executive competency, isn't going to cut it. In this race, a conventional Democrat simply isn't good enough. Perhaps Richardson could have competed strongly in 2004, where John Kerry events were certainly no more inspiring than Richardson's are today. But in this election, the Democrats have a powerful lineup. There's the former First Lady who has been on the national scene for fifteen years and who has forged her persona in the fires of a million fierce political fights. There's the former senator and VP candidate who has campaigned more or less non-stop for four years, honing his populist image. Then there's the junior senator, a man who transcends identity politics and seems to have a personal charisma that can move mountains (and raise money by the millions). Each of them presents more to voters than the standard Democratic talking points. What was once good enough, no longer is.
But Richardson's campaign is not giving up hope. At the Marshalltown event, I cornered Richardson's national press secretary, Tom Reynolds, asking him about the governor's future in the race. "We don't have to win in Iowa to do well," Reynolds told me. "Iowa is about expectations. A top three finish is all we need." In Reynolds' scenario, the momentum from that surprising performance would be transferred to New Hampshire, where fiscally-minded independents who respect Richardson's record of balancing budgets and cutting taxes propel him to a positive finish.
Then comes the big coup, February 5. "New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Texas—all western states," Reynolds said. "All states that face issues that Governor Richardson deals with everyday—water, land uses, they simply have a different way of thinking in the western states. We think we're perfectly positioned to do well in those kind of places."
Perhaps, but Richardson's lack of resources will surely hurt him. Thus far, Richardson has shown some evidence that as people get to know him he gains their support. In Iowa, for instance, he was polling at basically zero in late 2006, but after months of tenacious campaigning he is now near nine percent, according to Pollster.com. Meanwhile, Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd haven't seen a similar rise. But Richardson can't do retail politics in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Texas. He'll need organization, infrastructure, and advertisements—not to mention the money to pay for them all.
Page 1 of 1 
| |
Bill Richardson is the only candidate to endorse and sign a medical marijuana bill. Sadly though, he has yet to do an outright challenge to the Feds on this issue and authorize state supply of regulated marijuana for the patients involved. The government should not be intervening between patients and competent doctors on terms of treatment. However, current regulations and policy establish the Feds as gatekeepers for medical care in this country - at the benefit of doctor incomes [can't get common medications without their approval], drug companies and insurance companies [all these people benefit from government regulation that "protect" consumers from free market competition].
You're right, money is the problem. Being qualified and experienced no longer is good enough for the public. You have to be a movie star, rock star, and manipulatively charismatic to win. I think it's ridiculous that people like Obama, Edwards, and Hillary are getting crowned by the media already even though they have a FRACTION of the experience Richardson has. We have the wrong system. If we were a parliamentary democracy like Britain, people like Obama, Edwards, and Clinton wouldn't even be mentioned as opposed to Richardson. It's sad quite frankly that he's not getting raved about by the media.
Unqualified as I am to comment on political zeitgeist, I think that Reporter Stein is right on the money; Bill Richardson just doesn't seem to have the vision thing. If he does, he's not articulating it. I like the guy a lot, even sent him money early on to help his nascent campaign get off the ground (only the third time in 70+ years that I've financially contributed to a political campaign), but, on the stump, he just doesn't come across as, well, presidential. I think that one observer had it right last week when Bill came to Hill's defense during a debate; he's running hard for vice president.
Is it my imagination or does it seem like presidential campaigns arescripted by a select committee of pundits and we just read and reread the same old lines over and over again. Not a single ballot has been cast, yet the race is either a foregone conclusion or an irresistable inevitability. If we want people to take the political process seriously then we need to focus less on flash and panache and more on boring things like records and resumes. Richardson's done some impressive things in his life. What have Clinton, Obama, or Edwards done except run, run, run? Kucinich has accomplished some incredibly brilliant things in political service, but will any pundit look at him seriously? And, why should anyone care if it's already a lock?
Good observations Jim A.
The presidential elections in essence are rigged. Bill Richardson, Dennis Kucinich, despite being more qualified and are desparately needed will not and cannot win the presidency. Our election system has been rigged for pretty much the whole history of the US. With some very minor exceptions. How else can a man who abused drugs, went AWOL, has achieved nothing without someone else doing it for him, commits acts of treason, who knows what else, gets elected twice. You're dreaming if you think we have a democracy. We've made great steps in making our nation closer to a democracy. But it's still owned by the American aristocracy.
Which is why a great candidate like Bill Richardson can never be president. It's not that he's not achieving a 'vision'. Whatever he lacks on his campaign doesn't help, but how can he be any worse than the current president? Bush can't achieve coherency never mind a vision. I wish the best of luck to Bill and Dennis. I'm supporting both. But they'll never get the backing of those that run our country. In our system, if you don't, you're defeated before you started.
I strongly feel that the national news media is dilibertly avoiding any coverage/exposure on Governor Richardson, whereas, his platform and credentials are superior to the other candidates. A Richardson win in the Democratic Primary would ensure a Democratic victory for the Presidentcy
Unhappily, charisma, not competence will determine the outcome of the race.
I like Bill and I think he would make a good drinkin'/shootin' pool buddy. But someone who thinks we can just pull out of Iraq without having any serious consequences cannot be depended on to run a country.
As a resident of the state of New Mexico, I can say unequivocally that Bill Richardson would not make a good president. He has ruined the economy of this state. He is a bully and practices pay to play politics. No thank you. I am looking at other candidates and will not vote for any presidential candidate who chooses Big Bill as a VP candidate.
Predictions of the next 911 by a Professional Geologist.
www.H2onE2.com Glacial Respiration, Conceptual Ring of Ice, The End of Linear Western Religion
A Geological Exploration of an E2 Earthen Planet And the H2 Human Species
Author: B Billy Marse, Professional Geologist
Brief Description:
www.H2onE2.com is an exploration of the universe, geology, climate, biology, humans, psychology, folklore and ancient structures to uncover the beginning and disclose the end of linear western religion. The true DaVinci Code behind the bible is not a supreme spiritual power but a scientific record of climate change described as Glacial Respiration. The Greek philosophers originated the practice of communicating a hidden idea or message in the short story format, as a metaphor. In the bible, metaphors conceal historic climate change within the fanciful stories. The theory of Glacial Respiration explains the myth behind the Holy Grail, structures such as the Great Pyramids, Stonehenge, Easter Island and is the knowledge that was collected in the Jewish Ark of the Covenant.
The environmental changes of Glacial Respiration determine all biological evolution and can explain why higher forms of intelligent humans developed. Further, Glacial Respiration releases the secret hidden by the Knights Templars, Masonic Order and all religions. Uncovers an advanced Blue-Blooded semi-industrial Atlantian Civilization that was built and destroyed many times over for the last million years. The book ends with an explanation of how linear western religion will be physically ended and describes the construction of the doomsday device capable of fulfilling its own self defining prophesy, “Revelations”. H2onE2 is a mind-expanding experience that stimulates the soul, instinct, intellect and is an almanac to the past, present and future of humanity. Rise, awaken and evolve into H3 human consciousness.
The discovery:
As a Professional Geologist, I attempted to link the Dust Bowl/Great Depression to a pre-glacial condition or mechanism and ended up writing the book H2onE2. I felt that there was a strong connection between the Dust Bowl and transition back into Glacial Winter. I did notice that my professors scientifically crumbled every time I mentioned the relationship. I could not go back in time or locate indisputable proof. The proof came from understanding all educational disciplines including history and theology. I soon discovered that all religious text both eastern and western continually described significant climate change conditions relating to Glacial Respiration. For years I fought off mixing science and religion until I discovered that the origins of all religions were founded or created to help humans psychologically survive the harsh earthen environment. Without reason I soon accepted that the world's complicated religions were the same. This came true and I continued to write and discover. Everything came into place as though I was unlocking a 10,000-year-old puzzle. I also realized this puzzle was opened before I discovered it, by someone else, some other group. If so, further understanding of this knowledge might be extracted from significant historical events. Lastly, this is the vital information needed to make future predictions.
gnhednZZETJn
I gave to Richardson's campaign. He has intelligence, courage, and relevant experience. I agree with his platforms which are specific. (I don't care about vision: that's vague, prosaic, wishful thinking usually.) And RIchardson has a 100% approval rating from the NRA which would make him even more attractive in the west where we're generally repulsed by east and west coast campaigns against firearms. I wish the dems would choose Bill.
Richardson is too qualified, he has experience. His pro-gun and pro-tax-cut historic could break the rejection against democrats in the South and the West. He also could provide something like a 30 or a 40 states victory.
Why have something like that when you can have an unexperienced senator with 50% of rejection that could *barely* win?
Richardson's C.V. is impressive, and his actions and leadership on alternative energy are brilliant. But listen to him speak--his tone is agressive/defensive, not conversational. His positions on Pakistan are short-sighted, i think. And his rumored history with women is abyssmal. That he is positioning himself to be a VP is rather obvious.
Despite his overwhelming qualification the fact is Americans today do not take in account the resume of there canidates rather there image and publicity factor which Richardson has lacked to distinguish, when a qualified, honest politician, with decent morals is up for office the fact is the U.S. in its current immigrant blaming state of conscious will not support a Hispanic canidate when sadly he's the only one with the ideas qualified to reform our shameful immigration policy, keep the gov out of its citizens personal life suspending illegal wire taps and eliminate our acts of war crimes which is putting our nation influence down globally in the shutting down of guantanamo. Sadly the most we can hope for is Bill Richardson running on the VP ballot hell it seems lately(the last 8 years)the VP's the one who does the real work and decision making newayz...
No 2008 presidential candidate has disappointed me more than Bill Richardson. From his opening salvo with immigration activists in LA, it seemed clear that he was running as "the Hispanic/Southwest candidate" such that after he'd inoffensively generated a little more name recognition, he would then be the ideal vice-presidential candidate. I suppose it's a safe (Clintonesque?) tack to take, but instead of being out on front on issues that really distinguish himself, it just feel as though he's rather unenthusiastically mouthing the same things everyone else is saying. (Yes, I know he's saying he wants US troops to be zero in Iraq as soon as possible. We also know that the likelihood of that happening -- absent a Kucinich-Paul Administration -- are about zero.) Where's the energy issue? Where's the brave stand on ethanol? Where's the drug war? More to the point, where's the passion...?
JKP -- You should take a look at Governor Richardson's energy policies. He is the only person talking 90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. He addresses green buildings, smart growth strategies, and freight transportation (which nobody else even mentions, strangely, as it is a huge consumer of oil and gas). There is absolutely some good stuff and he rates as tied for second with healthcare as the most important issue. That's pretty far out on the limb.
Don't rule Bill out yet until the convention is over. The one sad virtue of behind the scenes politics is defiance of early poles. His past high-profile experience -- where his expertise is still needed and may become a deciding factor. The Dems will need a important hispanic person and sunbelt person even at the VP slot.
Like Bob I also live in New Mexico but unlike I support Gov. Richardson. Bob is not representative of most New Mexicans. In case you don't know Richardson was re-elected to a second term with 70% of the vote. Bob is absolutely wrong about the economy in New Mexico. Gov. Richardson has helped to create tens of thousands of new jobs in high paying industries like aerospace, alternative energy, and film.
Why can't Richardson catch fire?
Every time he sits on the match, it goes out.
Q. Why can't Bill Richardson catch fire?
A. He is wearing asbestos underwear!
As a former Democrat and one who has worked and attended Iowa Democratic Caucuses since 1980, I have a couple of observations, some which may shed some light on why a smart and decent guy like Richardson isn’t dominating the Dem field.
Despite his Latino bona-fides Richardson doesn’t have the “celebrity appeal” of Hillary who, lets face it, wouldn’t be viable in this race if she wasn’t a woman and Bill’s wife. She hasn’t a smidgeon of the capabilities of the very bright but doomed Democrat, Joe Biden. If Obama stays in the Senate for another two terms he may just have enough experience and gravitas to be president. Edwards is a fraud of the first order, a “man of the people” ensconced in a 28000 sq ft mansion, and it speaks volumes that he has virtually lived in Iowa since 2004,is in third place and will be back to bankrupting companies in court by March 08.
The Iowa caucuses are dominated by the extremes in both parties. The socialist Left, bent on bringing the historically failed “workers paradise” back from the grave just one more time, (really, it WILL work THIS time!) will not back someone like Richardson, who is more Libertarian/liberal Republican than the Left will allow. It’s not all the socialists fault though; if more moderate and conservative Dems would get off their asses and take their party back, the Iowa caucuses might actually propel someone that can carry the nation. It’s just easier to move to Independent or Republican.
Time for a third, fourth or fifth party rather than the miserable choices offered by the two current versions of the same party.
Bill Richardson can't catch fire because he's inarticulate, uninspiring, and has ridiculous ideas.
Article could have been that short, really...
