Governor Richardson issued a demand for real answers from all candidates on how many troops they will leave behind, and for how long. The governor's position on ending the war is clear. He has been calling for complete and immediate withdrawal of all our troops from Iraq since the beginning of the campaign. In the most recent debate, he asked the other major candidates a simple question: how many troops would you leave behind and for how long? Neither at the debate nor since then have we heard an answer.

It's time for straignt answers. Sign the petition now and demand clear answers from all candidates on how many troops they would leave in Iraq and for how long.

Discussion sparked by Governor Richardson over his fellow candidates' straightforwardness on Iraq has been going on in earnest. Blogger Matthew Yglesias joined in last night:

I think Bill Richardson is asking good questions:

In the most recent debate, he asked the other major candidates a clear question: how many troops would you leave behind and for how long? We have yet to hear an answer.

All the major Democratic candidates say they are eager to end this war, and they all say they don't believe there is a military solution in Iraq. Why, then, do they maintain that we must leave an indefinite number of troops behind for an indeterminate amount of time to work hopelessly towards a military solution everyone says doesn't exist?

Richardson, as he points out, stands for a complete withdrawal from Iraq -- the only policy that can reasonably follow from the premises that Clinton, Obama, and Edwards have all joined him in endorsing and the only one that lives up to the promises all three have made to end the war. I'm not sure many liberals have really grasped how absurd it is that we seem destined to witness a 2008 campaign in which both major party nominees support continuing the war. Nor do the Clinton/Obama/Edwards camps seem to have given serious consideration to the fact that their general election adversary will probably find it relatively easy to ridicule this "end the war, but keep fighting it" stance the Democrats have all adopted.

Kos (of Daily Kos) expressed frustration over the issue as well:

Richardson asks the question that none of the front-runner candidates want to answer:

...It is time to get a straight answer from all the other candidates: how many troops would you leave behind? For how long?

... Why would they dodge? It's not from fear of alienating the Democratic primary electorate. The clearer the stance on getting the hell out of Iraq, the more applause they'll get. It can't be from fear of alienating the general electorate. Independents want out of Iraq just as badly as Democrats. And it can't be from fear of alienating the war mongers. Those 25% dead-enders aren't abandoning their GOP heroes.

So what can it be?

The only thing that makes sense is fear of alienating David Broder, Joe Klein, and Tim Russert. You know, the Very Serious People...

"How many troops will you leave behind in Iraq."

Anything above the security detail for the US embassy in Baghdad (all U.S. embassies in the world have Marine guards) is one troop too many...

But if nothing else, can we please just get a clear answer to that damn question?

Sign the petition now and demand straight answers from all candidates on how many troops they would leave in Iraq and for how long. To read Governor Richardson's most recent statement calling on Congress to de-authorize the war immediately and bring our troops home, click here. And for more complete information on Governor Richardson's plan to end the war in Iraq, click here.   Read More »

President Bush's request for an additional $50 billion to keep our troops in harms way has brought a renewed sense of urgency about ending our ongoing, tragically mismanaged military involvement in Iraq. Governor Richardson released the following statement in response to the President's request:

The only appropriation Congress should pass for this war is funding for a safe and quick withdrawal. This Congress was elected to end the war in Iraq. They need to stand up to President Bush and do the job. This is an issue where leadership means no compromises. It took us too many years and far too many lives to end the war in Vietnam, and we cannot repeat that mistake.

Congress should use every power at its disposal to end this war, including de-authorization and refusing to fund the war beyond what is necessary for the safe redeployment of our troops.

George Bush should show less concern about his legacy and pay more attention to the lives of our men and women in harm's way. The best way to support our troops is to get them all out of Iraq as soon as it can safely be accomplished.

This administration miscalculated the intelligence before the war, mismanaged the war itself, bungled the surge, and now has the audacity to ask Congress for more funding to continue this tragic misadventure. The answer should be a resounding no.

Governor Richardson's position on ending the war has been clear throughout his entire campaign. Way back in December of 2006, he was insisting that we must redeploy our troops out of Iraq and begin the necessary diplomatic work. Again, at the DNC Winter Meeting back in February, Governor Richardson emphasized the need for an immediate end to our military involvement in Iraq:

The Congress passed a resolution authorizing war. They need to pass another one that overturns that authorization and brings our troops home by the end of this calendar year.

That was February 3, 2007. In March, on the fourth anniversary of our military involvement in Iraq, he reiterated his call:

Whatever you may think of the way we went to war in Iraq, the fact is we've done all we can there militarily and it's time to bring our troops home with honor. I believe we can do it within a year, and we should start immediately...

In the face of the President's refusal to withdraw our troops, I call on the Congress-Democrats and Republicans - to stand for what is right, overturn the authorization for the war, and bring our troops home as soon as possible.

Just over a month later, at the first Democratic Presidential Debate in April, Governor Richardson articulated once again his support for immediate and complete troop redeployment out of Iraq:

This is what I would do if I were President today. I would withdraw all of our troops, including residual troops, by the end of this calendar year.

On May 1, 2007, in response to the President's veto of democrat sponsored legislation that would have set a timeline for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, Governor Richardson repeated his call for Congress to de-authorize the war immediately and bring our troops home:

The President is defying the will of the American people so it is time for Congress to take action that cannot be vetoed...

To continue with more of the same is not a strategy, it is a tragedy. The only solution is strong diplomacy and real political progress led by the Iraqis. Our troops have performed bravely, with honor and sacrifice, but it is time to get them out of the crossfire of a civil war.

We need to redeploy all of our forces out of Iraq leaving no residual forces.

In the official release accompanying this statement was Governor Richardson's 7 Point New Realism Plan for Iraq.  One week later, Governor Richardson began reaching out to Americans, explaining the de-authorization option, restating his call for complete withdrawal by the end of 2007, and urging them to sign a petition calling on Congress to de-authorize the war and bring our troops home by the end of the year. Just two weeks later, Governor Richardson issued another statement reiterating the urgency of de-authorizing the war in Iraq and immediately beginning the withdrawal of all our troops from Iraq:

President Bush has abused the 2002 war authorization by turning a war to remove WMD into an open-ended occupation. Congress should pass a resolution that explicitly de-authorizes the war in which we are now engaged, establishes a six-month deadline for the removal of ALL our troops, and instructs the President to remove them.

Later in May, (can you guess what's coming??) the governor released another statement calling on Congress to de-authorize the war and require the President to redeploy all our troops out of Iraq by the end of 2007. At the Take Back America Conference, Governor Richardson detailed his position on ending the Iraq War with depth and clarity - again. In his speech, he introduced NoTroopsLeftBehind.com.

And between all those speeches and statements, and all summer long, he has repeated his position in living rooms, back yards, town halls, auditoriums, and everywhere else the campaign trail has taken him all across the country.

Today, Chris Bowers discussed at Open Left the demand Governor Richardson made today for clarity from the other Democratic candidates on ending the Iraq War:

Bill Richardson just put out an interesting action alert:

All the major Democratic candidates say they are eager to end this war, and they all say they don't believe there is a military solution in Iraq. Why, then, do they maintain that we must leave an indefinite number of troops behind for an indeterminate amount of time to work hopelessly towards a military solution everyone says doesn't exist?

It is time to get a straight answer from all the other candidates: how many troops would you leave behind? For how long?

We can help make sure we get the clear answers we deserve. Sign our petition asking Univision, the sponsors of the next Democratic candidates' debate on September 9th, to get an answer from each candidate: how many troops would you leave behind? For how long?

I applaud Richardson's efforts on this front... However, if my experience on this front is any indication, even if this question is asked at the Univision debate, in all likelihood no one except Richardson and Biden will answer the question (Kucinich and Gravel might, since it is hard to predict what they do). The question will be labeled hypothetical, and the response will be that they will listen to the commanders on the ground. And then, the debate will move on to the next question.

The more I think about this dodge from Clinton, Obama, and Edwards on how many troops they intend to leave in Iraq, the angrier I become... The refusal to provide an estimate for how many troops Clinton, Edwards and Obama has nothing to do with a refusal to engage in hypotheticals. Presidential campaigns are clearly willing to dish out hypothetical numbers all the time on issues like health care and energy costs, or issues like reducing poverty and pollution, as long as their internal hypothetical numbers make them look good. As such, the only conclusions I can draw from repeated unwillingness of these campaigns to estimate how many troops they would leave in Iraq is that they either have no idea how many troops they would leave in Iraq, or the actual estimated figure would make these campaigns look very, very bad to the base. Either conclusion is disturbing should serve as the operating assumptions for every Democratic voter until these leading campaigns provide an actual estimate.

Right now, Bill Richardson is the only Democrat providing clarity on Iraq. I am not endorsing him, but I certainly hope he keeps rising in Iowa and New Hampshire using he transparent, progressive, "no residual force" position on Iraq.

Demand straight answers from every candidate by signing the petition now. And for more on Governor Richardson's policy platform on Iraq, click here.   Read More »

Hands down, Governor Richardson's plan for Iraq is the most intelligent, responsible, practical, moral, and detailed plan on the subject. In Part I of his summary and analysis of all Democratic candidates' policy platforms on the war in Iraq, Chris Weigant appreciates Governor Richardson's consistency, thoroughness, and clarity on this important issue:

With the most important debate of the whole year (and possibly the whole war) teed up and ready to begin in Congress in the next few weeks, I thought it would be a good time to do a summary and analysis of what all the Democratic candidates have to say on the subject of Iraq...

Bill Richardson is one of the most consistent voices in the Democratic campaign on Iraq. He not only wants to begin withdrawing troops, he wants them all out in six months. All of them. This is significant because many of the other candidates refuse to give an honest answer to the question: How many troops would you leave behind, and for how long? Richardson does so admirably.

He lays out his 7 point plan on his website, in an attempt to answer every question about how exactly we should get out of Iraq. This is also significant, because many of the candidates' websites are severely lacking in details, instead merely hitting broad generalities. Richardson tells you exactly what he wants to do on Iraq, in enough detail to answer your questions but not with so much minutiæ that your eyes glaze over. He seems to have struck a perfect balance on how to address the issue.

Governor Richardson spoke with Wolf Blitzer this past Sunday on CNN's "Late Edition" about the current situation in Iraq and the governor's strategy on how we should move forward:

You can learn more about Governor Richardson's plan for the future of Iraq here. And if you have any questions about the governor's policy platform on Iraq or any other issue, don't forget you can Ask Bill yourself right here.   Read More »

What makes a good leader? What qualities should we look for when choosing our next President? Most of us know what we don't want -- anything like the current administration. But as responsible citizens, it's important for us to learn from the past and choose someone with the capacity to lead our country to a brighter future. In his latest book, Where Have All the Leaders Gone?, Lee Iacocca discussed leadership -- how our current President lacks it, and how to know who has it. At Huffington Post, Mike Lyon determined what we already knew -- Governor Richardson has it:

I found [Iacocca's] "nine C's of leadership" to be, particularly interesting as a useful template for conducting due diligence. I tested Mr. Iacocca's formula by scoring each candidate on a scale from one to five in the categories listed below.

I was surprised with my results. Out of a possible 50 points, Bill Richardson scored 40, 10 points ahead of his closest opponent. I have always thought of the governor as well-qualified but was pretty amazed to see him out pace the others in such a way...

[the "nine C's of leadership"]

1) Curiosity
Listen to people outside the "Yes, Sir" crowd. Read voraciously.

2) Creative
Go out on a limb. Leadership is all about managing change.

3) Communicate
A simple one. You should be talking to everybody, even your enemies.

4) Character
Having the guts to do the right thing. If you don't make it on character, the rest won't amount to much.

5) Courage
Courage in the 21st century doesn't mean posturing and bravado. Courage is a commitment to sit down at the negotiation table and talk.

6) Conviction
Fire in your belly. You've got to really want to get something done.

7) Charisma
The ability to inspire. People follow a leader because they trust him/her.

8) Competent
Surround yourself with people who know what they are doing. Be a problem solver.

9) Common Sense
Your ability to reason.

Bonus:
The biggest C is "crisis." Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory or send someone else's kids off to war when you have never seen a battlefield yourself.

Commenting on Lyon's post, swampygirl67 agreed with the score Lyon gave Governor Richardson based on the "nine c's":

I'm not surprised that Bill Richardson rated high on Lee Iacocca's leadership test. He is by far the best qualified candidate in the race, which is why I become infuriated when I hear people saying that he can't win. I believe that Bill Richardson CAN win if enough people recognize his experience, intelligence, and guts. This man is right on Iraq, he's right on foreign policy, he's right on human rights, he's right on education, he's right on choice. He knows how to make things happen. He is the most capable, real, practical and experienced candidate we've seen in years. How sad it is that his honesty, forthrightness and passion are perceived as lack of "charisma." Abraham Lincoln was considered a long-shot for the Presidency because he was viewed as uncommonly ugly, had a high, piercing tenor voice, often forgot things, and was a poor extemporaneous speaker. Luckily, the voters of 1860 were smart enough to understand that America needed a President with leadership, not charisma...

What do you think about the "nine C's of leadership" as outlined here? What "c's" are most important to you, and where do you think Governor Richardson's strengths lie? Feel free to discuss this with your comments.   Read More »

After spending the weekend in New Hampshire, Governor Richardson is in Iowa today starting a two-day trip around the state. This afternoon, the governor participated in the Livestrong forum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lance Armstrong and Chris Matthews moderated the event. At MyDD, Nate Willems commented on Governor Richardson's contribution to the discussion of cancer and related issues at the forum:

Governor Bill Richardson brought up a number of different issues that nobody else spoke to this morning. Of course, he said many of the same things, "I support a `surge' on the war on cancer;" "we need to more than double the NIH budget." Richardson, though, brought up the issue of mental health, of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of diabetes. He brought the perspective of a Governor and made allusions to his work New Mexico trying to provide insurance to a larger and larger number of its residents instead of waiting for the federal government to take action. Richardson was the only candidate to speak about requiring Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices on behalf of seniors. He stated is support of a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget, and of tying the salary increases to members of Congress to progress made on reducing the size of the federal deficit. Lastly, he explained his support for a law legalizing the medical use of marijuana that was enacted during his tenure as Governor of New Mexico.

Find more information on Governor Richardson's health care policy platform here.   Read More »

At Huffington Post this morning, James Boyce wrote about how good it is to see at least some of our political leaders taking action to stop global warming:

Go West Young Man: And See People Walking The Walk On Global Warming.

Raising awareness on the issue of Global Warming is great, but I, and others, have grown increasingly anxious to see some action.

Kudos to the elected officials in the Western States (and to Governor Bill Richardson especially) for getting their act together and working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

I had the chance to listen in on the conference call announcing this initiative and what struck me was that these leaders are seeing the impact of global warming firsthand. They see the snow melt, the forest fires, they are living through the changes and they are doing something about it... what the Western Climate Initiative proves is that misleading the public is not so easy when the public can see proof you're lying with their own eyes.

A couple more things struck me about the call. Not only was it Western States, but it's two provinces of Canada and, if I understood a comment correctly, soon a province from Mexico was going to join the program.

The other thing that impressed me was the solid work of Bill Richardson here. Now that green is rapidly becoming a favorite color of many politicians, seeing how much work Richardson has actually done on the issue was refreshing. I applaud our leaders in DC for having committee meetings and so forth and setting meetings to have a meeting, but time is running short.

To learn more about the Western Climate Initiative and Governor Richardson's plan for a new energy revolution, click here.   Read More »

A little while ago, the first ever presidential candidates forum held on Indian land began. According to USA Today's On Politics blog, the Prez on the Rez forum is taking place at 3:30 PM PDT (6:30 PM EDT) on the Morongo Band of Mission Indians' reservation in Southern California. At the forum are Native American elected tribal leaders from all around the country. All Democratic candidates were invited to participate in this historic forum, but only three will be showing up to talk about the issues most important to Native American communities everywhere. New Mexico political blogger Heath Haussamen wondered why the rest of the Democratic field "couldn't make time for the first Americans, those who have been stepped on by their government for so long?" He isn't the only one asking this question. Robert J. Miller, author of Native America, Discovered and Conquered (Praeger Publishers), wrote about the disappointing turnout for Prez on the Rez:

Only three Democrats will participate in the "Prez on the Rez" forum today on the Morongo Reservation in California. All the candidates were invited, but only New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, former Sen. Mike Gravel and Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Illinois said they could attend. The front runners -- Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York, Barack Obama of Illinois and former senator John Edwards of North Carolina -- said they had scheduling conflicts. Clinton also had concerns that tribes in California are opposing labor unions. "If they won't come talk to us now, they certainly won't be responsive to us if they get in the White House," Kalyn Free, the organizer of the forum, told Gannett News Service.

At American Chronicle, June Caldwell wrote about the significance of Prez on the Rez, and the insultingly transparent manner in which the rest of the Democratic field excused themselves from participating in the historic event:

What do you get when you put 150 Native American leaders in a room to have at it with the three Dem Presidential candidates that are too radical for prime time, and throw in Chairman of the Democratic Party, the rebel yeller himself, Howard Dean? The most head banging peyote trip ever? Maybe not, but on August 23 you can catch it streaming live on www.prezontherez.org at 3:30 pm PST (5:30 pm Central). If you see one Presidential debate all year, catch this puppy!

Guaranteed, these three candidates, Governor Bill Richardson (NM), Congressman Dennis Kucinich (OH), and former Senator Mike Gravel (AK) are the ones that seem to have left their spin doctors at the door, and shock and awe nearly every time they open their mouths. They are usually brushed off by the mainstream media for the more big buck candidates and the retread sound bites of the purported duking it out by Hillary and Obama at the other debates, so this is a rare opportunity to hear some genuinely fresh and fearless voices hash it out. And the other 'silent' America, the Native Americans, get some long overdue quality time too. I don't recommend missing it...

All the Democratic candidates were invited. Rumors were floating that Union conflicts with the casino hosting the event was the reason the big 3 candidates declined, but that panned out to be just a convenient excuse.

When I asked Dave Parker, INDN [Indigenous Democratic Network] List Political Director, about those rumors, he explained

"In the early stages of planning this event, we were made aware of the concerns of one union, UNITE/HERE, and the subsequent reticence of some of the candidates to participate in the event given those concerns. We worked diligently to eliminate those concerns, including offering to move the forum to a neutral site and using union labor in the production of the event, so the candidates no longer have any 'labor' excuse to boycott Prez on the Rez. The bottom line is, some candidates have made a political calculation that they do not need to participate in a forum which brings together tribal leaders from Indian Nations across America -- that they can take Indians for granted once again -- and not have to pay a price for their neglect. Our organization was founded to ensure candidates in the future no longer see that as a viable calculation."

Find out more about INDN's List, click here.

It's no surprise that Governor Richardson was the first candidate to confirm he would be participating in the Prez on the Rez forum, given his strong record on issues most important to the Native American community, and his history of reaching out to tribal leaders sincerely and often to build positive relationships and engage in serious discussions about issues. At Daily Kos, Ken Camp wrote about the Prez on the Rez forum and Governor Richardson's record on Native American issues:

While the focus in these candidate diaries tends to be on Iraq, health care, energy, education or the environment, tomorrow three of the Democratic candidates will take their campaigns to Indian Country for a first-ever debate.

No, it isn't the so-called frontrunners who are headed to Prez on the Rez in Cabazon, California. Only Bill Richardson, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich care enough about Native American issues to attend this debate. You will likely hear about scheduling conflicts or too many debates from those who can't attend, but the fact is that this event has been planned for months and only Richardson, Gravel and Kucinich have shown the respect necessary to win the Indian vote. And of the three, Bill Richardson has the strongest record on issues that matter most to Native Americans...

In my limited experience working in government with Native Americans, I've learned that respect on a government to government level can get you a long way. Bill Richardson understands this and views Native American leaders in his state as partners.

As Energy Secretary in 2000, Bill Richardson required the department to consult with tribes with regard to actions that would affect them, respecting their sovereignty.

After he was elected in 2002, Governor Richardson moved quickly to include Native Americans in New Mexican government.

...In 2004, Governor Richardson demonstrated leadership by establishing the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs, the first cabinet level state agency on Native American affairs in the nation. Bill Richardson has said he will do the same on the federal level as President.

... When it comes to the Native American vote, Bill Richardson doesn't need to pander or make promises or grand gestures to gain support. Richardson has support because he has shown his respect for tribal government and made a good faith effort, that is too often lacking, by American governments to work with tribal governments.

Commenting on Ken's diary, CupofTea wrote:

I wish more people were aware of just how lucky we are to have an honest and candid person like Richardson running for our country's highest office. He just strikes me as a really solid person.

I wish more people were aware of that too! As I mentioned yesterday, there are loads of ways you can support Governor Richardson and spread the word about his candidacy. Join the campaign as a supporter, sign up to volunteer, join a grassroots group of supporters and volunteers in your area, reach out to others to encourage them to join the campaign, write a letter to your newspaper about an issue that matters to you -- like, say, what a crime it is for politicians to ignore Native American issues, or how important it is for us to withdraw completely from Iraq in order to begin the necessary diplomatic work --, make a contribution, attend a campaign event in your area... There are so many ways you can help out, so get involved today!

The Bush Administration is trying once again to convince the American public that the "surge" strategy has put us on a direct path to "victory." The President even compared the War in Iraq to the Vietnam Conflict. Democracy for New Mexico blogged about Governor Richardson's response to the President's latest efforts to construe facts to create his own special -- and false -- reality:

And today Bush compared the Iraq occupation with Viet Nam, drawing exactly the wrong lessons. It wasn't long ago that Bush was demeaning Iraq War critics for bringing up Viet Nam, remember? And the main lesson we learned from Nam? That the last four years of the war brought huge numbers of deaths without affecting the outcome one iota -- while Richard Nixon diddled for political gain. Sound familiar?

Governor Bill Richardson was one of the first out of the box today to call Bush on his distortions, while on the campaign trail in Nevada. He reiterated that he has the most effective plan to end the war and that the surge has failed. He again called for a withdrawal of all our troops leaving no residual forces. Here's his statement:

RENO, NV -- Governor Bill Richardson, campaigning in Nevada, today released a statement in response to a speech by President Bush comparing a withdrawing of U.S. forces from Iraq to America's withdrawal at the end of the Vietnam War.

"The correct conclusion to draw from our experience in Vietnam," said Governor Richardson, "is that dragging out the process of withdrawal will be tragically worse in terms of U.S. lives lost and worse for the Iraqi's themselves in terms of the ultimate instability we will create by staying longer."

In 1968 Nixon ran on a platform of ending the war with honor. It took 7 years to get the last American soldier out of Vietnam. In the meantime, tens of thousands more Americans died. The costs in terms of tragedy in Southeast Asia itself are a matter of historical record. Millions of civilians ultimately died in Vietnam, in Cambodia and the killing fields and millions more ultimately had to flee their homes.

"We have now been in Iraq longer than it took to win World War II," Governor Richardson continued. "My plan for Iraq is designed to end this war with the least possible number of U.S. casualties and with the least damaging effects of Iraqi's reconciliation process. This means getting all of our troops out as quickly and safely as possible. Leaving residual troops in Iraq as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have suggested will only drag out the process to the detriment of all involved. Reconciliation can only occur when the U.S. has completely withdrawn. Everyday, more and more experts are coming to the same conclusion I drew seven months ago. My position has been consistent and unwavering. A fast, safe withdrawal with no residual troops."

In addition, Governor Richardson reiterated his belief that the so-called "surge" in U.S. forces in Iraq has been a failure, and responded to Senator Clinton's change of heart regarding the lack of progress in the war.

"I am pleased that Senator Clinton, today, recognizes that the surge has produced no progress of any long term significance to the Iraq debacle. That is different from what she said yesterday to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. But, it is that audience, who has sacrificed more than any of us, who deserves to hear a clear statement that our sons and daughters and mothers and fathers are not going to be sacrificed because of an irrational commitment to a failed strategy.

"The President is asking the country to wait for next month's progress report from General Petraeus. The chances are that report will be just another White House spin job and attempt to justify this war. This has been the bloodiest summer yet -- our troops have done an admirable job at trying to make a bad idea work, but the surge has failed, the war has failed, Bush has failed. It is time to end this war and bring all of our troops home as soon as possible. I'm glad Hillary Clinton has retracted her comments yesterday and has declared the surge a failure today -- but I still haven't gotten an answer to my question -- a peace in Iraq will fail as long as we leave troops behind -- how many would you leave behind? Every other major candidate would leave thousands of US troops in Iraq for an indefinite. I will leave no U.S. forces there. Zero.

"The only way out of the Iraq mess is to remove all U.S. troops, and to use that leverage to get the warring parties to resolve their differences, and surrounding Muslim nations to help stabilize the country. Any residual U.S. force reduces the chances for success, and exposes our troops as targets. Our brave troops, and the American people, deserve better."

To learn more, go to No Troops Left Behind.

Strategic Vision released a new poll today that shows Governor Richardson is closing in on the so-called frontrunner candidates. Ron Chusid of Liberal Values Blog covered the poll results, remarking that in Iowa, it's a solidly four-way race:

The latest Strategic Vision poll shows that there's still a four way race in Iowa. John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama are virtually tied. Bill Richardson trails in fourth place, which happens to be the spot where John Kerry was before he came from behind to win in the final days before the 2004 caucus. The results:

John Edwards 23%
Barack Obama 22%
Hillary Clinton 21%
Bill Richardson 14%
Joseph Biden 5%

Heath Haussamen also commented on this latest Iowa poll:

A new Iowa poll places Gov. Bill Richardson only seven points behind the leader in a narrowing race in the first state to hold a presidential nominating contest...

Another question asked in the new poll might indicate why support for Richardson is increasing. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed said they favor a withdrawal of "all United States military" from Iraq within the next six months. Only Richardson proposes such a plan; in fact, the others say it's logistically undoable.

That difference was highlighted as Richardson asserted himself and challenged the others during Sunday's debate, which might have helped him on the last day the poll was conducted... He has said he has to beat one of the three frontrunners in Iowa; this poll places him within striking distance of all three.

Finally today, I encourage everyone to check out liberaltruthsayer's diary, in which she highlighted several YouTube videos of supporters of Governor Richardson:

I think we can all agree that You Tube has revolutionized political campaigns. Instant clips of debates and fora, previews of snazzy new campaign ads, and for those not suffering from short attention spans, even full length speeches. I have to say though, that by far the most interesting and revolutionary part of this whole new media is the personal testimonials. I have pulled a few of my favorites to share with you.

I hope you'll watch all the videos in liberaltruthsayer's diary. In "honor" of the new Iowa poll and today's unveiling of Mi Familia con Richardson, I'm going to share one testimonial from a supporter in Iowa, and one from a Latino supporter. Enjoy!

That's all for today. Be sure you check out these blogs and others, and do your part to spread the message of Richardson for President. Set the record straight when others out in the blogosphere get the facts wrong. Write your own diaries. Pass these links and others like them along to your friends and family. This is your opportunity to participate in politics and help the campaign!

Until then,
Alison

Governor Richardson spent last night in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was the first presidential candidate of this campaign season to visit the Cowboy State. New West's Jackson Hole editor Gil Brady covered Governor Richardson's trip. Brady reported that the governor was asked why Wyoming voters should consider "him and his clean, alternative energy proposals" given the economic importance of fossil fuels in the state. Governor Richardson replied that he believes Wyoming, like New Mexico, has great potential to transition to wind power as a significant energy source:

The candidate added he was worried about greenhouse gas emissions "threatening Yellowstone's eco-system," encouraging Wyoming to convert its gangbusters coal production to cleaner methods. He also said the United States and Wyoming had to strike a balance between fossil fuels and clean energy to remain competitive with Japan.

The governor is having a lot of success with his efforts to reach out to voters and caucus-goers all over the West. Amanda Peacher of Boise weekly writes that even in the decidedly "red state" of Idaho, Democrats are becoming energized about his candidacy and what it could mean for their state and other western states:

What's the use of organizing for a Democratic presidential candidate in one of the reddest states in the nation? In the general election, not much, Idaho Democrats will admit. But Democrats are getting excited about the 2008 nomination because this time around, Idaho could actually make ripples in the outcome...

Gem State Dems agree that strong support for any one candidate will send the message that even in red-dominated Idaho, Democrats can get behind a blue candidate...

Some active Democrats say that if Clinton were to be the nominee, it could drive more steadfast Republicans to the polls and hurt local races. "People don't tend to like her as much around here," says [T.J.] Thomson [District 20 chairperson for Ada County Democrats]... "I think it would tend to pull out more of the Republican base."

Others say a Western nominee like Gov. Bill Richardson from New Mexico could help with Democratic races throughout the West. W. Lane Startin, from Twin Falls, is the volunteer grassroots director for Richardson's campaign. "We would have states in the West that will come into play if he is the candidate," says Startin. "Idaho I don't see going blue ... but I do think Richardson could run with a Western strategy out here." Startin is one of a handful of dedicated volunteers who are drawn to Richardson because they say he is in tune with the West...

"I think it's obvious from his platform strategies, from just being out here--he knows what's going on," he says. "A Richardson nomination would bring Western issues to the forefront. "What it would mean for Idaho is that a lot of the issues that aren't normally on the table at a national state will finally be highlighted," Startin says.

Speaking of Governor Richardson's efforts in the Western U.S., he is back in Nevada today and tomorrow. He spoke at the Nevada AFL-CIO Convention this morning, and this afternoon he is speaking at the Brookings Institute/ABC News/UNR Candidates Forum at University of Nevada, Reno. Later tonight, Governor Richardson is visiting Fernley, Nevada. The Leader-Courier of Lyon County reported on the upcoming event:

Fernley residents and citizens in neighboring communities are invited to meet Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson today (Aug. 22) at 7 p.m. at Fernley High School at 7 p.m.

This is the first visit by a presidential candidate to the City of Fernley. The New Mexico Governor will give a quick speech and then a meet and greet session with members of the public will follow. "I'm real excited for Fernley. Having a presidential candidate coming to Fernley, it means something. I think everyone should participate and not worry about party loyalties," said Maria Duran of the Fernley Democratic Club.

For more information on how you can attend this event and meet Governor Richardson, click here.

Democracy for New Mexico reported this morning that a study released yesterday by independent researchers from the Caltech/MIT Voting Technology Project, the University of Utah, and the University of New Mexico gave good marks to New Mexico's new statewide paper ballot voting system:

Over eight in 10 voters rated their voting experience excellent or good and the report concluded that "New Mexico is on the cutting edge of election administration and has executive and local leadership forging aggressively ahead with the intent of building a better, strong, efficacious and more voter confident voting system." ...

According to researchers, New Mexico is the first state to move from a predominantly electronic voting system to a single durable paper ballot system statewide, using optical scanners. Governor Richardson, working closely with New Mexico election reform groups and key state legislators passed legislation in 2005 requiring all state elections to be conducted with a voter verifiable paper trail, but could allow for continued use of Direct Recording Electronic voting systems (DREs). Recognizing state and national concerns over continued use of DREs, during the 2006 legislative session Governor Richardson pushed for a single state-wide voting system using durable paper ballots, which represent the official record of the vote. The paper ballot system allows for recounts of New Mexico elections, which the DRE systems did not, and it also allows elections to be audited for accuracy and provide an environment that promotes greater voter confidence, which the previous electronic systems could not accommodate.

For more information on this issue, click here, and to read the entire independent report, click here.

Blogger and Lakewood, Colorado resident Jamie Ann usually blogs about her adventures exploring the Great Outdoors, using photography, poetry, and prose to relate her experiences. But today, Jamie Ann had a different message:

I did not start this blog to use it for any type of a social or political platform. I have never been what I would call a politically motivated person. My interests and loves in life have always been nature and environment based. Regretfully, under the Bush administration, this country has only degraded. Although the endangered environment is now a global issue, this country has long been in the forefront of its demise. It is past time that we stop. With the presidential election on the horizon, I ask that you please consider the candidacy of New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson. Please click the link below to visit his campaign site.

Bill Richardson

Click here for more information on Governor Richardson's policy platform on environmental issues.

A blogger at The Clarion Issue Blog agreed that Governor Richardson is the best candidate for stopping global warming, protecting the environment, and revolutionizing how we create and utilize energy:

While the whole world now seems to have accepted the idea of going green, Bill Richardson has been fighting on the frontlines of protecting our resources for years. In 1998 Richardson became Secretary of the Energy Department. In this role he was known as a tireless advocate of renewable resources as he strove to break our dependence on foreign oil. He also was instrumental in pressing for cleaner burning gasoline.

In the rest of this blog post, the author, "R," argues that out of all the candidates, Governor Richardson would be the best presidential candidate for the Democratic Party:

There is a Democratic candidate that has every trait necessary to win the White House. The democrats have a candidate with a wealth of experience both at the national and international levels. He is a candidate that has dealt with rouge leaders and regimes. He has been dispatched to secure the release of hostages and on international fact-finding missions. Additionally, he has successfully managed the budget of a large state while striving for equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, sex, or orientation.

The best candidate, the only candidate for the Democratic Party is Bill Richardson...

While only 35 years old he successfully ran for the US Congress. This began a fourteen-year congressional career that saw Richardson hold a number of important and influential posts. Richardson was on the Interior Committee, the House Select Committee on Intelligence. Additionally, Richardson was eventually picked as Chief Deputy Whip.

Bill Richardson is also an accomplished and skilled diplomat. As both a member of Congress and then later as the United States Ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson has worked with world leaders and governments to build consensus towards common objectives. Richardson has productively and successfully engaged rouge leaders, pulling them into compliance with the world...

In recent years Bill Richardson has been the very successful Governor of New Mexico. During Richardson's tenure, the New Mexico economy has improved so significantly that the turnaround is know as the "New Mexico Turnaround." His common sense and fiscally responsible policies deserve much of the credit.

Bill Richardson is the only Democrat in the field with the combination of skills, abilities and experiences to make a successful run at the White House. Now if only the Democrats knew it.

Indeed, if only more people knew it. Do your part to support Governor Richardson and spread the word about his candidacy. Join the campaign as a supporter, sign up to volunteer, write an endorsement, join a grassroots group of supporters and volunteers in your area, reach out to others to encourage them to join the campaign, write a letter to your newspaper about an issue that matters to you, make a contribution or a recurring contribution, attend a campaign event in your area... There are so many ways you can help out! Get involved today.

Governor Richardson clearly stands out in the Democratic field on many issues, and perhaps most notably, with his plan for the future of Iraq. Blogger jobsanger posted about the governor's distinctive position on this issue:

There are four major candidates in the Democratic Party vying for that party's nomination to run for president, but only one of those candidates has a coherent position on the Iraq war. This candidate was against the war from the beginning, and he wants to pull all of our troops out of Iraq. This candidate is Gov. Bill Richardson. Here is his position on Iraq in his own words:

Some say that all of the Democratic Presidential candidates have basically the same position on Iraq. I disagree.
I'd pull all of our troops out in 6-8 months. The other major candidates would leave some troops behind indefinitely. That's a major difference -- any way you look at it.
On Sunday, at the ABC debate in Iowa, I asked the other candidates point blank: how many troops would you leave behind? 25,000? 50,000? 75,000? For how long? I didn't get an answer.
The big campaigns, with their huge media budgets, think they can drown out our differences and control the conversation on Iraq.
The Iraqis must rebuild their own country, and they won't make the tough political compromises until they know we're serious about turning the country over to them. It is becoming increasingly clear you can't end the war AND leave troops behind. Pulling our troops out won't cause a civil war; our troops are targets in a civil war right now. We must redeploy them out of Iraq and then secure the region...
Saying that all Democrats have the same position because "any" Democrat would end the war eventually is a cop out. Saying there is no military solution in Iraq and then advocating leaving US troops behind to find the military solution you just said doesn't exist is nuts.
There are options. There are solutions. We don't have to choose between change and experience. We don't have to leave troops behind. There is another way.

To learn more about how Governor Richardson's plan for Iraq is different from other candidates' proposals, click here, and for more details on Governor Richardson's plan for Iraq, click here.

Late last week, Governor Richardson stood up to the Bush Administration's callous, misguided efforts to block the state of New Mexico's recently passed legislation which would provide critically ill patients access to medical marijuana. Scott Morgan blogged about Governor Richardson's efforts to offer relief to eligible patients in New Mexico:

This exchange between Bill Richardson and Stuart Cooper of Granite Staters for Medical Marijuana shows the political wisdom of supporting compassionate policies. Richardson discusses his efforts to protect patients in New Mexico, and describes the broader drug war as a failure, then appeals to Cooper for support:

Richardson: By the way, I hope you can get me some votes. I haven't won too many votes with that one. You should see the letter I got from the Sheriff's Association, but sometimes you gotta do the right thing. It's the right thing.
Cooper: Sir, 80% of New Hampshire voters agree with you.
Richardson: Do they?
Cooper: Yes sir.
Richardson: Will you tell them?

Already on the presidential campaign trail, Richardson was nonetheless surprised to learn that his support for medical marijuana would resonate with a huge majority of voters. That was July 16. By August 17, Richardson had sent a letter to President Bush demanding that ONDCP stop threatening his state's new medical marijuana program. He also ordered the NM Dept. of Health to move forward despite federal intimidation... The point here isn't that Richardson is trying to win the favor of voters. He already supported medical marijuana, but stepped up his efforts after learning that it was safe and, in fact, smart to do so.

For more on Governor Richardson's recent efforts to fight for more compassionate, more intelligent federal drug control policies and priorities, click here.

Finally today, Teddy Davis at ABC News wrote a major story on how Governor Richardson is "quickly emerging in the race for the White House" as the most liberal, and also, most fiscally responsible Democratic candidate for president:

"There are two ways to be a centrist. One way is to cut the baby in half on every issue. The other is to be quite liberal on some issues and quite conservative on others," said Garry South, a California-based Democratic strategist who sees Richardson falling into the second category. "He's being what you would expect a Western governor of a Rocky Mountain state would be. I don't think it's political posturing."

On Iraq, Richardson has stood apart from his top rivals in calling for a swift and complete withdrawal of U.S. troops. "We have different positions here," Richardson said Sunday at a Democratic debate moderated by ABC News' George Stephanopoulos. "I believe that if you leave any residual forces, then none of the peace that we are trying to bring can happen."

Asked to evaluate the significance of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., agreeing with Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., on the need for an ongoing U.S. troop presence in Iraq, Richardson told ABCNEWS.com, "The significance is that they all disagree with me. I've been trying to differentiate myself and I finally succeeded, and I believe the public is with me and sound strategy is with me."

Withdraw Troops From Iraq

Going forward, Richardson plans to use the Clinton and Obama statements from the debate to paint the Top 2 Democrats as standing against "real change" in Iraq. "I'm going to point out our differences, yeah," said Richardson. "I think to really end this war, you've got to adopt my plan of removing all U.S. troops." ...

"You can't have stability" with "any American troops there," Richardson said at the debate. Rather than maintaining a U.S. troop presence in Iraq, Richardson is hoping to persuade the United Nations to send an all-Muslim peacekeeping force to the war-torn country. He also hopes that Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Iran and Syria can be brought into the reconciliation process once U.S. troops leave Iraq. The only U.S. troops he would leave in Iraq would protect the U.S. Embassy. "What is needed here," Richardson said at the debate, "is stability, and I think that all of these countries can be invested in a plan for stability." ...

Scrap 'No Child Left Behind'

Richardson also stands to the left of top Democrats on education. While his rivals would like to see minor adjustments and more funding to "No Child Left Behind," Richardson would junk the education measure signed into law by President Bush in 2001. "I also have a one-point plan, like I do on Iraq, on 'No Child Left Behind,'" said Richardson at Sunday's debate. "Scrap it. It's a mess. It's a disaster." ... While Obama has expressed interest in using the collective bargaining process to develop "merit pay" structures for teachers, Richardson has flatly rejected merit pay and promised to lift teachers' salaries across the board from the current national average of $29,564. "You asked the question, 'Are we for merit pay for teachers?'" Richardson said at Sunday's debate. "No, I'm not for it. But what we need to do is pay our teachers better. They are disrespected. I have proposed a minimum wage for our teachers: $40,000 per year."

Click here to learn more about Governor Richardson's policy platforms on these issues and more.

That's all for today. Be sure you check out these blogs and others, and do your part to spread the message of Richardson for President. Set the record straight when others out in the blogosphere get the facts wrong. Write your own diaries. Pass these links and others like them along to your friends and family. This is your opportunity to participate in politics and help the campaign!

Until next time,
Alison

Last week, Governor Richardson made a six-day trip to meet with caucus-goers all around Iowa before his winning performance at the ABC News Democratic Candidates' Debate on Sunday morning. He visited communities all over the state, holding Job Interviews, unveiling his policy platform for jobs and the economy, and spending a day at the Iowa State Fair. On Friday, the governor talked about his plans for his first six days as President in Oskaloosa, Iowa, home of William Penn University. For The Oskaloosa Herald, Duane Nollen covered the event:

If Democrat Bill Richardson is elected president, he will have a busy first six days in office.

Richardson told a crowd of about 80 people in Smokey Row Friday afternoon his plans for the top six priorities of his first days in office. Richardson stopped in Oskaloosa as part of a campaign swing through the state before the Democratic debate in Des Moines Sunday.

"I represent change and I have the most experience," Richardson said. He said the country needs a candidate with a proven record on foreign policy and who has managerial experience as a governor of a state...

Audience members had a favorable reaction to Richardson's speech. "I agree with a lot of the things Bill says," said Bruce Bobrtje, of Pella. He said this is the second time that he has seen Richardson speak. The big thing for Bobrtje is that Richardson is the only Democrat to advocate a complete troop withdrawal from Iraq.

The Century of the Common Iowan blog is holding its first online poll since March, writes noneed4thneed:

The poll question is who do you support for the Democratic Nominee for President in 2008? The poll is located at the top of the left hand column and will run for 4 weeks. Here is a look at the results back in March...

1. John Edwards 40%
2. Barack Obama 31%
3. Bill Richardson 10%
4. Hillary Clinton 8%
5. Joe Biden 5%
6. Dennis Kucinich 3%
7. Chris Dodd 3%
8. Mike Gravel 1%

Make sure you go show your support for Governor Richardson in this online poll!

The governor is continuing to gain momentum in New Hampshire as well. At New Hampshire Presidential Watch, Cosmo noted Governor Richardson's gaining strength in the Granite State with the announcement of several key endorsements from Democratic Activists in the Seacoast Region:

Today, Bill Richardson's New Hampshire campaign announced the support of various Seacoast activists. The list includes Portsmouth Town Democratic Committee Chairman Peter Somssich, Portsmouth Democratic activist Thomas Slater, former Dover Mayor Wil Boc and State Representative Susan Kepner of Hampton.

Both Wil Boc and Peter Somssich have a son serving in Iraq. Somssich said that "In Iraq, our troops have become targets. Governor Richardson is the one Presidential candidate who understands that the removal of all US troops from Iraq with no residual forces left behind is the critical first step toward providing a real chance for peace and stability in the region. Our troops have done everything we've asked of them and it's time to bring them home."

Adam D. Krauss has more on former Dover Mayor Wil Boc and Portsmouth Town Democratic Committee Chair Peter Somssich at Fosters.com:

Bill Richardson's presidential campaign has the support of two politically active fathers who have sons serving in Iraq.

Wil Boc, the former Dover mayor, and Peter Somssich, the Portsmouth Democratic Committee chairman, cited the candidate's Iraq position -- an immediate troop withdrawal with no residual forces -- as key to their support, the campaign said. But Boc, who recently hosted the Democratic New Mexico governor at his home, said there's more to his endorsement.

"I think he's electable. I think he's a fresh face in politics. He doesn't give a measured answer measuring every word to make sure it's politically correct," he said, adding "I like his honesty and integrity." Boc, who was in the Army, has a son, Sam, 25, serving with a medical unit in support of Marines in Iraq. Boc said he thinks the war will drive the election. "I've been saying to everybody that to me it's about the war, stupid," he said... The former mayor said he agrees with Richardson that America's presence in Iraq inflames tensions...

In a campaign news release, Somssich said Richardson "is the one presidential candidate who understands that the removal of all US troops from Iraq with no residual forces left behind is the critical first step toward providing a real chance for peace and stability in the region."

For more on these endorsements, click here, and for more on Governor Richardson's Iraq policy platform, click here.

The governor is spending this evening in Wyoming, and then tomorrow and Thursday morning he'll be in Nevada. He's speaking at the Nevada AFL-CIO Convention tomorrow morning, and holding a Meet and Greet at Fernley High School in Fernley, Nevada tomorrow evening. Tomorrow afternoon Governor Richardson is speaking at the Opportunity '08/UNR Candidates Forum at University of Nevada, Reno. KRNV News Channel 4 (an NBC affiliate) reporter Greg Knight covered the details of the upcoming forum:

Two democratic presidential candidates will be in Reno Wednesday to take part in the second half of UNR's presidential forums. Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware will take part in the event sponsored by UNR and the Brookings Institute...

Tickets are available at the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN) office. There is a two-ticket per person limit. Nevada Democratic Party chair Jill Derby will moderate the event.

Knight also wrote that you can see exclusive interviews with Governor Richardson Wednesday morning on News 4 Today. ABC News is partnering with Opportunity '08 to host this forum. To find out where you can watch a live webcast of the Candidates Forum, check the Opportunity '08 website on Wednesday.

As previously mentioned, Governor Richardson has drawn praise from all over the Internet for his performance in Sunday morning's debate. Days later, people are still talking. At About.com's Liberal Politics site, Deborah White analyzed Sunday's debate and praised Governor Richardson's performance:

Gov. Bill Richardson, who is polling about 11% of Iowa Democrats' support, delivered a Master Lesson in political debating, as he effectively and efficiently delivered his message in the mere 8 minutes he was allotted.

Richardson quipped the quotable line of the ABC-Iowa debate when he cleverly responded to a no-win question about whether Obama is too inexperienced for the White House, or Hillary is too experienced to "bring the country together":

"I think that Obama does represent change. Senator Clinton has experience. Change and experience: with me, you get both!"
... You know, it's interesting. You talk about the dispute between the two senators over dictators that.. should we, should we not meet?
"I've met them already, most of them. All my life, I've been a diplomat, trying to bring people together."

Bill Richardson connected well with the Iowa audience, both on the Iraq War and on No Child Left Behind, in large part because he communicated his ideas simply, understandably, and with passion, and because he strongly differentiated his views with the other candidates. To the cheering crowd, he said:

"My plan is that, to end this war, we have to get all the troops out, all of them. Our kids are dying. Our troops have become targets."

On No Child Left Behind, he again orated to loud cheers:

"I also have a one-point plan, like I do on Iraq, on No Child Left Behind: Scrap it! It's a mess; it's a disaster."

Barack Obama, who stumbled over wordiness and awkward, nondescript phrasing, could learn a valuable lesson from Bill Richardson about succinctly conveying his message.

At Huffington Post, debate coach Paul Johnson agreed that Governor Richardson did very well at the debate, especially when he led the discussion of the War in Iraq:

Once the debate finally did get to Iraq we got what the Iowa questioners, and most of the country, wanted. Surprisingly the Democrats finally differentiated themselves and their strategies, engaging pertinent questions with in depth answers. Richardson showed dramatic differences from the others when it came to the issue of pulling out all of the troops...

Richardson was sound on all policy issues... and was especially persuasive when it came to laying out policy support for his policy of Iraq withdrawal.

MyDD founder and front-page writer Jerome Armstrong compared the Democratic candidates' plans for Iraq and discussed the political implications of the different plans:

There are a couple of reasons why I post this... First, I think it's problematic if Biden's position of staying in Iraq for a longer period becomes the de facto position that Obama supports explicitly, and neither Clinton nor Edwards confronts in disagreement. If the Democrats go into '08 fuzzy on getting out of Iraq, we will lose again. The lesson of '06 would be ignored in favor of repeating the mistake of '04. And secondly, getting out of Iraq asap is the lynchpin for Democratic wins beyond '08...

I have also thought about what would occur if a Democratic candidate won the Presidency in 2008, but then did not follow through on pulling out of Iraq completely as soon as feasible. The base would be revolting, the Republicans would be screaming about the number of soldiers dead on a Democrats watch, their approval rating would plummet, and it would be a nightmare scenario for us trying to hold onto control of Congress in the 2010 mid-term election.

I was struck by this strongly after viewing the back and forth between Richardson and Biden, and the follow-up from the frontrunners (and their acquiescence with Biden). I actually agree somewhat with Biden's position about helping to divide up Iraq, similar to how, with the UN, we did with Yugoslavia. But I don't think the time for beginning that process is the middle of 2009; by then, we should be out of Iraq. Read The War as We Saw It for a fundamental rejection of the Biden Doctrine of Occupation. Bill Richardson seems to be the only Democratic candidate that understands the importance of that happening as soon as possible, and drawing that out in as black and white terms as possible.

Commenting on Jerome's diary, anevarez agreed that Governor Richardson had the best plan for the future of Iraq:

Richardson is right on the money on this issue. So long as our military is present there will be no progress... The only solution is for the UN to fund a Muslim coalition to stabilize Iraq while diplomatic solutions are worked. Whether that include a unified Iraq or a balkanized Iraq won't be apparent until there is some stability, but so long as we continue to have a military presence there we will never even get to that phase...

It takes strength and courage to challenge the military industrial complex, which is what our country desperately needs. It is obvious that only one candidate is capable of doing that.

Finally today, blogger GDCRITTER praised Governor Richardson as the best choice for our next president:

His three most recent positions -- U.N. Ambassador, Secretary of Energy, and Governor -- make him the ONLY Democrat in the race with real executive and international experience

...Richardson is a man one can rely on. You may not always like the answers you get from him, but the answers he gives won't change from one audience to another -- as we have seen in the last two presidential candidate debates. He has honor, and standards. And he's one heck of a negotiator. Last fall, for example, he went to Sudan on behalf of the U.S. and secured the release of Chicago Tribune reporter Paul Salopek, whose family lives in New Mexico near Las Cruces. He also still gets calls to speak with foreign government representatives...

Obviously, you'll have to make your own decision as to whether this politician is worthy of your support. But I will say he is definitely worth looking at. I will also say that he is, in my view, the only current presidential candidate of my party that might be worth voting for.

That's all for today. Be sure you check out these blogs and others, and do your part to spread the message of Richardson for President. Set the record straight when others out in the blogosphere get the facts wrong. Write your own diaries. Pass these links and others like them along to your friends and family. This is your opportunity to participate in politics and help the campaign!

Until next time,
Alison

Governor Richardson truly shined at yesterday's ABC News debate at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. The governor's debate performance has drawn praise from all over the Internet. He "led the debate" on Iraq, he "adroitly handled the issues" and "rose to the occasion and to the presidential level." He was "strong on education," "assertive," "endearing," and "fiestier" than ever before. At Liberal Values blog, Ron Chusid wrote "if anyone can be declared the winner it would be Richardson." I'll cover the rest of the chatter about the governor's debate performance in just a minute, but first, let's take a quick look at some non-debate discussions going on.

Jobsanger detailed and praised Governor Richardson's economic policy platform, which he unveiled last week:

I think he's definitely got the right idea with his economic plan...

Unlike his opponents, Bill Richardson has experience both in Congress and as the chief executive of a state. He fully understands what it will take to put our economy on the right track, and how to get it accomplished. Here are some of the highpoints of his economic proposal:

• Get our troops out of Iraq and leave NO residual forces behind.
• Repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
• Slash Congressional earmarks and corporate welfare.
• Eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax that squeezes the middle class.
• Establish a Rural Jobs Tax Credit for employers in less-populated areas.
• Give a tax credit to employers paying above the prevailing wage.
• Promote "green jobs" in renewable energy.
• Double and make permanent the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit.
• Establish an Angel Investor Tax Credit to promote investment in hi-tech industries.
• Hire 100,000 new math and science teacher's to increase our children's competitiveness.
...
• Create incentives for "green building".
• Protect the rights of workers by defending collective bargaining.
• Index the minimum wage to the rate of inflation.

This sounds like a very good start to putting the American economy back on the right track. It not only helps workers, but it does so without penalizing small businesses...

If you're still not sure who you will support for president in 2008, I urge you to go to Richardson for President and see what this truly qualified and innovative candidate has to offer.

To watch Governor Richardson announce his economic policy plan in the address he delivered last week at the IBEW Local 405 Hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, click here, and to read the transcript of that speech, click here. And, you can find out more about Governor Richardson's policy platform on jobs and the economy here.

Also late last week, Governor Richardson made a stand against the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, which has taken to intimidation tactics against states trying to provide relief for those in severe pain due to illness or injury. Many blogs and other media outlets have applauded Governor Richardson's actions on this issue, including TalkLeft, John Deeth Blog, and Pete Guither at Salon.com. Guither wrote:

Governor of New Mexico (and Presidential candidate) Bill Richardson is not allowing his state to simply be scared by the DEA's bullying (or to use that as an excuse to not implement its medical marijuana law).

He's directed state officials to continue to work toward finding a way to implement the law, and has written a letter to the President urging him to end the "White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's misguided priority and wasted resources spent to intimidate states trying to implement medical marijuana programs."

At both Iowa Independent and his own blog, John Deeth had this to say:

Bill Richardson is taking on the federal government and backing his state's medical marijuana law, in perhaps the strongest stance yet by a major presidential candidate on the issue.

In his letter to the White House, Governor Richardson said:

At a time when the scourge of meth is coming across the border, and cocaine and heroin use continues to ravage our communities, the federal government should be cracking down on real criminals---not people who are trying to help those in pain.

Click here to find out more about this, and to read all of Governor Richardson's letter to President Bush.

The governor is maing a trip to Nevada this week, and he'll be in Northern Nevada on Wednesday, according to the Carson City Democrats:

This past Sunday, Governor Richardson made his case for being the one candidate that will bring both experience and change to Washington DC. The ABC Debate allowed Richardson to make the case for his 2 for 1 candidacy. This Wednesday (August 22), the candidate of experience and change will be in Northern Nevada...

The issues most likely to be highlighted by the Governor's visit this week? Value of unions, the economy, education, and western issues.

Governor Richardson is making a speech to the Nevada AFL-CIO just after 11:00 AM, and participating in the Brookings Institute/UNR Candidates' Forum at University of Nevada, Reno, at about 2:00 PM, and then he'll wrap up the day with a Meet & Greet at Fernley High in Fernley, Nevada at 6:30 PM. See the Carson City Democrats' post for more details about these events.

The Reno Gazette-Journal has more on this Wednesday's Candidates Forum at UNR:

As students and citizens of Reno seek more information about the pressing issues facing our next President, The Brookings Institution and the University of Nevada, Reno are hosting two Opportunity '08-Nevada forums this week: a Republican issue forum today, and a Democratic issue forum on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Presidential candidates U.S. Sen. Joe Biden and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson are scheduled to participate in the forum on Wednesday, August 22.

The Candidates Forum will begin with Senator Biden at 2PM, and then Governor Richardson will speak at about 3:00. Check the Opportunity '08 website on Wednesday for links to watch the forum live online.

On to the debate. Heath Haussamen said one of Governor Richardson's first great moments was near the beginning of the debate when moderator George Stephanopoulos asked if Senator Obama was too inexperienced to be a good president, or if Senator Clinton was too divisive to be an effective president:

While others squabbled about whether Obama represented change or inexperience, Richardson stayed above the fray. "You know, I think that Sen. Obama does represent change. Sen. Clinton has experience," he said, while making a balancing gesture with his hands. "Change and experience. With me, you get both."

This response prompted much applause and laughter from the audience. At the Des Moines Register, coloumnist David Yepsen echoed Governor Richardson's statement:

He represents both change -- because he¹d be the first Latino president -- and experience, because he¹s a governor, former congressman, diplomat and Energy Secretary.

Later, the candidates were asked about the role faith and religion played in their lives, and in their decision-making as elected officials. On the Daily Kos Live Blog for the debate, several commenters praised Governor Richardson's response to this important question:

KimHynes:
Richardson had a great response about prayer being a private thing and Presidents should not wear religion on his or her sleeve.

DKinUT:
I want a clear cut answer like Richardson gave...religion should not be worn on a sleeve and it will not affect my decision-making. Next question.

On the issue of education, Governor Richardson was right on the mark yet again, and as Katharine Q. Seelye noted on The New York Times' political blog, The Caucus, the audience knew it:

Bill Richardson gets the biggest applause on his education answers, particularly raising teacher pay and his "one-point plan" to "fix" No Child Left Behind by scrapping it...

Governor Richardson truly took over the debate when the War in Iraq was brought up. Heath Haussamen wrote:

Richardson then took charge of the debate by directly challenging Clinton and Biden. Both said they would leave residual troops behind but withdraw all combat troops. He asked how they would protect the non-combat troops left in the country without the presence of combat troops.

Another New Mexico politics blogger, Joe Monahan, agreed:

[The governor] took over the debate by defending his call for an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq and demanded to know what his rivals meant by keeping "residual troops" in the war-torn nation.

At The Corner on National Review Online, Rich Lowry took note of Governor "Richardson's excellent question about how he would protect the residual forces in Iraq in the absence of combat forces." Steve Terrell wrote in the Santa Fe New Mexican that Governor Richardson clearly brought "his 'A' game" to the debate:

At one point, Richardson directly challenged Clinton and Biden. "With all due respect, I'd like to ask Sen. Clinton, Sen. Biden, you're saying you're going to leave residual troops behind. I don't know, is it 25,000, 50,000, 75,000?" Richardson said. "You're also saying, I think, Sen. Clinton, that all combat troops should come out. Now, for the noncombat troops, how are they going to protect themselves? My point is that by taking them all out, all our troops are no longer targets. And then al-Qaida and the insurgents, both that see American troops as their prey, will now turn on each other."

Commenting on Chris Cilliza's Debate Roundup on his WashingtonPost.com political blog, The Fix, wirro expressed confidence in Governor Richardson's Iraq plans:

He did put pressure on the Biden and Clinton to explain why keeping forces in Iraq is a good idea and I don't think they could justify it. As far as the issue about how fast you withdraw, that's just a logistical problem and I think Richardson has shown too much competence in his career to do anything reckless. He just feels you need to keep the timetable as short as practically possible and leaving it open ended is just a way to kick the problem down the road without committing to any particular action.

Viewers everywhere commented on all the post-debate analyses about how impressed they were with the governor's performance:

wirro:
With this performance and his double-digit polling in both Iowa and NH, I think it's time to start including him in the top-tier.

Jeremy:
I think Richardson is thoughtful and statesmanlike... I say that as a concerned voter yearning for a thoughtful president who can bring an intelligent approach to foreign policy... On all counts, Richardson has a strong record - much stronger than Clinton, Obama or Edwards. He is also an extremely accomplished negotiator and very respected worldwide...

Chet Swanson:
Richardson with by far the most experience and with detailed, clear plans for for change gives us what Clinton and Obama lack. I recently heard him speak in our small Iowa town. Most people who heard his in depth plans for America decided to support him.

Miss the debate? Click here to watch the highlights and click here to read the debate transcript, courtesy of ABC News.

And that's a wrap for today. Be sure you check out these blogs and others, and do your part to spread the message of Richardson for President. Set the record straight when others out in the blogosphere get the facts wrong. Write your own diaries. Pass these links and others like them along to your friends and family. This is your opportunity to participate in politics and help the campaign!

Until next time,
Alison

Following up on Fredreka Schouten's front page story in USA Today this morning, Mark Memmott wrote about where and whom canidates are receiving contributions from:

OpenSecrets.org... has a new online tools for judging just how open the candidates are being about who is giving them money.

Memmott wrote that Governor Richardson scored the highest on OpenSecrets.org's "disclosure meters" out of all presidential candidates from both major parties. You can look at his score (95.8%) and more details about his "disclosure meter" rating here.

In Cedar Rapids today, Governor Richardson delivered a major policy address about the economy and jobs. At MSNBC's First Read, Mark Murray commented on the appropriate timing of the speech, considering the country's current economic climate:

When does the economy start getting more traction in the presidential race? Yesterday, per CNBC, the Dow was down for a fifth-straight day; over that five-day period, it's been down 5.8% -- the market's biggest percentage drop since January 2003. Moreover, the S&P was down 91 points over this five-day stretch, the biggest point decline since July 2002. Timed to these stock market woes, Richardson today unveils his jobs and economic plan, which includes measures promoting fiscal responsibility (calling for a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget, slashing corporate welfare, rolling back Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest), spurring investment in technology and innovation, and investing in the American workforce (tax credits for employers who create good jobs).

Mark Memmott wrote about Governor Richardson's economic policy platform at USA Today's On Politics blog:

Saying that "the job market is thin"...Democratic presidential candidate Gov. Bill Richardson is today laying out his formula for job creation and economic growth. His campaign has released an "executive summary" that we've posted here, and early this afternoon he's due to deliver a speech on the topic in Iowa. Some details in Richardson's plan:

• A "return to balanced budgets."
• A federal "Angel Investor Tax Cut" that offers incentives for "Angel Investors" to invest in the high-tech jobs of the future.
• Creation of "250 Math, Science, and Innovation Academies by 2012. These academies will train the next wave of American engineers, mathematicians, scientists, and teachers."
• A "Manufacturing Jobs Tax Credit for employers who create good jobs in the manufacturing sector."

Make sure you don't miss the governor's two new ads that cover these issues as well. You can view one of them, the latest in the ever-popular "Job Interview" series, right here:

Governor Richardson also released his health care reform plan recently, and Alan Katz wrote about the governor's plan on his Health Care Reform Blog:

As is proclaimed on his web site, Richardson believes "we need to make health care more affordable for all Americans, including those who are already covered. And any real solution to making health care more affordable for everybody must start with the commitment that all Americans should have health care coverage.

As is proclaimed on his web site, Richardson believes "we need to make health care more affordable for all Americans, including those who are already covered. And any real solution to making health care more affordable for everybody must start with the commitment that all Americans should have health care coverage.

Any of the Democratic candidates would be comfortable framing the goal of health care reform this way. What makes Governor Richardson's position unique is how he goes about achieving trying to achieve this goal.

He wants to preserve consumer choice, so he proposes giving Americans to buy the same plan as do members of Congr