Decision ‘08

Bill Richardson Drops Out - Now, Let Us Never Speak Of Him Again

To the surprise of no one, Bill Richardson has left the race for the 2008 Democratic nomination.

Now, I’m no spring chicken, and for the last several election cycles, Bill Richardson’s name has been thrown in the hat for the Democratic nomination. May it never be so again.

The guy’s got credentials. Okay, we all know that. But - and I can’t stress this enough - he is an absolutely horrible campaigner. Every time he spoke at any debate, his response was laughably heavy-handed. He may do well in the world of diplomacy (though I suspect his credentials there are vastly inflated), but he will never - NEVER, I say - be a credible presidential candidate.

So listen up, Bill, and you, too, Joe Biden - enough, already. Put your ego to bed and go make a fortune somewhere in the private sector. You’ll be happier, and God knows, so will I…

10 Responses to “Bill Richardson Drops Out - Now, Let Us Never Speak Of Him Again”

1 evan Says:
January 9th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I don’t think this politicians would like what it will do to their ego if they had to go to the private sector. Giuliani is a great example of someone who does great in the private sector but just hangs on to poilitics. I think he is a great guy but I am getting tired of hearing 9/11 from him all the time.
2 Andy Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Guys like BR lived so long on the public teat… going out and blazing a trail in the private sector is flat out scary. Nope, he’ll wind up as some campus chancellor or institute chair where ego strokers stand at the ready — at least it pays more than govt work.
3 Ryan Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Hey, I actually like having Biden in the public spotlight. He has been nothing but entertaining throughout this entire primary cycle, and the way he absolutely tears Giuliani apart every chance he gets is downright hilarious. I think he should be the first Secretary of Deflating Other People’s Egos.

As for Richardson, I’ll be just as happy as anyone to see him never run for president again. But it’s at least worth acknowledging that he’s a guy who has dedicated his entire life to public service. I honestly don’t think his decision to run for president has anything to do with ego, but even if it does, he’s earned our respect. I certainly couldn’t spend my life doing what he has done.
4 Bob from Ohio Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Public service? Professional politicians do not serve the public. They serve themselves first, any benefit to the public is just accidential.

Richardson was always on the VP shortlist because he is Hispanic. Not any more, his performance was so bad that Clinton or Obama would be crazy to pick him.
5 Mike Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I like BR. I also like Biden, not necessarily for his politics, but his ability to pput it out there. I also like that he skeward (sic) Obama and Hilary for not having any legilsation with their names on it, and Edwards for having 4 bills, all relating to naming of Post Office branches.
6 too many steves Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
If experience really mattered then BR would still be in the race, maybe even leading. The depth of experience gap between the Dems and Repubs is remarkably vast. Yet most pundits expect a nice, solid Democrat win in November. Thus, I predict the least experienced candidate, Barack Obama, will be our President on January 20, 2009.
7 Sean P Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
On the plus leger, Richardson dropped out once it was absolutely clear he had no chance of seriously competing. I could have told him he was in that situation a while ago, but at least he has shown himself to not be flat-out delusional like Kucinich, Gavel, Keys and Hunter.
8 too many steves Says:
January 10th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Which speaks to his motivation, no? Were it just about his ego he would stay in. He had to get his message out and see if people supported it and him. They don’t, so he’s out. How shockingly mature. I share your respect for the guy.
9 Ryan Says:
January 13th, 2008 at 1:11 am
TMS, the problem is experience doesn’t matter as much when you’re flat-out insane. Giuliani’s foreign policy is essentially “how soon before we can test the Death Star on Iran?”, McCain wants a 100-year occupation of Iraq, Huckabee wants a 30 percent sales tax, and Romney is so phony he actually has “Folex” stamped on his forehead. Sure they have experience, but sane people won’t vote for them.
10 too many steves Says:
January 13th, 2008 at 8:15 am
You fling the word “insane” around a bit too casually for my taste - to the detriment of your argument, I would say - but I do think the simple fact that a person desires to be POTUS indicates an above normal level of insanity (in the sense of being power hungrily insane).

The experience I’m referring to is executive in nature, that is, the demonstrated ability to lead. Governors have it, Senators do not. BUT (big but)… But those who have the ability to establish and articulate a positive vision for the country (see: Barack Obama) can overcome said lack of executive experience. Say what you will about Mr. Obama, people are willing to follow him, they buy in to his vision for the country. While he doesn’t have any experience as a chief executive, of anything, his ability to lead can overcome that gap, especially in our system.

imho.