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From Deputy Campaign Manager Amanda Cooper
I hope you watched the debate last night.
Because New Hampshire voters sure did. And our post debate research shows that Bill Richardson changed a lot of minds just ahead of Tuesday's primary!
You could see it in the room. I stood at the back so I could watch people's reactions. And I saw a lot of head nodding whenever the Governor talked about his foreign policy credentials or his executive experience. You can watch highlights here.
And if you missed the debate, you can watch the whole thing again tonight at 7 p.m. EST on CNN. If you saw it, we hope you can see it again, and be sure to tell your friends across the country to tune in. Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post said the Governor was a "winner" last night, he "shone" and definitely "showed his sense of humor and deep resume" we hope you get to see it.
New Hampshire news station WMUR conducted a focus group and when the Governor started talking about his experience you should have seen the results -- they went off the charts!
New Hampshire voters saw a candidate who knew a lot more than the rest of the field on the stage with him -- a candidate who is ready to lead from day one!
This is a whole new race in New Hampshire!
The field is narrower. The numbers are in flux. And people in New Hampshire are taking a closer look at Bill Richardson. Our field staff are hearing it across the state people are coming over to our side every day.
A lot of people don't remember this but Bill Clinton actually lost Iowa. And he only managed to place second in New Hampshire!
But as people got to know him better, they liked what he had to say. And the rest, as you know, is history.
We have our entire campaign mobilized here in New Hampshire because we know Bill Richardson can do the same thing!
Amanda
He also pushes items into the agenda anyone else notice how far hillary has come on the war. From attacking a 6 month schedule in what was it the july debates to pushing a beginning of withdraw within 60 days of taking office.
Bill was the only one that talked up education and even clinton in her summarization gave lip service to multiple priorities Bill put on the table.
His we should all get along routine has smoothed into a vry blievable view of Bill as a peacemaker in my opinion. Previously it may have been construed as maneuvering into Iowa or perhaps lobbying for a Clinton VP slot.
And the honesty with which he admitted a past debate mistake was refreshing and very well done. I have to admit during that debate I ran to google the judge and shuddered when I saw his record.
He did a great Job of bringing his governorship more sharply into context. Moderators seemed slightly hostile getting him off track on energy policy with the fuel oil discussion forcing him from his big picture synapsis to a very narrow issue. Bill nailed it however.
SALLY:)
He often missed the point of the questions while simply listing his credentials or the same bullet points, no matter what the subject. Asked directly for his response to a nuclear hit, he answered 'diplomacy' and then went on a tangent about Pakistan. Really, diplomacy?
I feel that he is disengaged from the actual conversation taking place on stage and is simply thinking of the next point to make about his experience. And that experience is deep, but as I proposed many times earlier, do we really need to know that 'I met with Saddam, I went to Korea, I've been to that part of the world' for yet another time.
Is there no one on his campaign staff giving honest criticism out of respect for him? Is there no one attempting to make changes to a presentation that isn't working? The campaign staff needs to share responsibility for the lack of viability for such a dedicated and talented man.
The Governor came through with humor and a personal touch that serves him well, but failed to inspire or motivate, failed to articulate his very sound ideas. Obama and Clinton both performed well, Edwards simply expresses everything the same way. Sadness at no one trying to frame the message better or make improvements. With admiration, respect, and thanks to Mr Richardson for his concern and work for others.
for the record, I am here not as a "balls-out" supporter of the governor, rather I found my way here after being a bit dismayed by the lack of serious attention he is getting in the aftermath of what I found to be a refreshing representation of credentials and ideas; all absent of bashing.
The soviet union slip was unfortunate but I expect his talking point read former states of the soviet union. More than Russia retain nuclear capacity and materials. Still no one is pointing out no credible nuclear expert believes in the existance of suitcase nukes which clinton mentioned, nor the dificulty a terrorist organization would have maintaining such a device should the USSR actually have created one. Granted most american's don't know suitcase nukes are most likely fiction and that if they did exist only 2 maybe 3 nations could make one and they would be maintenance intensive. Hillary should know this from her time on armed services.
I can certainly agree I would have hit the port security hard, but also in terms of things that keep security experts worried nukes are behind biologicals and chemicals. Imagine what happens if al quaida loyalists in africa isolate an ebola outbreak before we do and get the contaminant to a major airport hub like denver. Thats far more possible than a suitcase nuke.
I do think all dems missed the opportunity to talk about restructuring FEMA to be an effective disaster response oranization in light of the Katrina failure. We spent billions after 9/11 and katrina revealed a less effective agency as a result of the unification with homeland security. If we can't handle a predicted flood our response to a nuke strike if it occurred would be even more challenging. I was expeting edwards to hit it.
I'll agree bill could have done better, all candidates were clearly tired.
Link
It is a very easy mistake to make. Many people still refer to Russia as the Societ Union out of habit.
Link
Oops, thanks for pointing it out.
The 8ft of water remaining in over 100 homes in Fernley Nevada is beginning to freeze, but the national media has yet to break through with the story.
I would really hope the Governor can comment soon, this is a big chance in Nevada.
Keep Kicking Ass,
Josh
I know that some saw a refreshing levity when it was needed most. The media have played this quip more than any other Richardson quote to date. Great, FINALLY some press coverage! America saw Bill Richardson's smile, his sense of humor, and his reaction to an uncomfortable situation, but did they also see the way his diplomatic finesse resolved the rather tactless decision of Edwards and Obama to gang up on Clinton in order to differentiate themselves? I saw Governor Richardson's leadership in action to bring people back together, but I wonder, did America see what I saw?
I know that others saw a comment about the Soviet Union that seemed out of context. Some have said it betrays a lack of understanding of today's world, others have spun it as a statement in the past tense, still others have just said that he must have been tired. But did America see Governor Richardson's seasoned commitment as an international leader to actually enhance America's security by working with the Russians to reduce our nuclear arsenals? Did America see what I saw?
I know others saw the Governor touting his resume once again, asking whether "experience" no longer mattered, or had become some sort of "leper" in this campaign. Some perhaps saw this as the Governor trying to get the debate back on his record, and his agenda. Others perhaps saw this as an attempt to derail the Obama express and it's promise of "hope." But I saw a man who honestly wants to serve America, rather than someone who looks to America to serve his or her visions, and I saw a man frustrated that those on stage with him could no longer see the wisdom of listening to the American people, rather than telling the American people what it is they need. I saw a man whose long and distinguished political experience has taught him how valuable listening can be, but did America see what I saw?
I know America saw a man who asserts that diplomacy is the first response to any difficult situation, and I know that in the post-9/11 context many Americans find such statements to be naive or dangerous. Yet despite these prevailing sentiments, I saw a man who was willing to say, once again, that principles and human rights, not brute force, should be the foundations of our foreign policy, and that these are the foundations that make us the leader in the "free" world, not the fact that we have the world's strongest military. I saw a man who remembers the "truths" Thomas Jefferson offered to us as "self-evident," and who is not afraid to stand by them, but did America see what I saw?
And then, after all of this, I saw a man who knows his campaign is on the line, and who knows that any mistake could be the last mistake, and yet this same man stepped forward to be the first (and really only Democratic candidate) to admit that, yes, he had made some mistakes in this campaign. Richardson admitted that he hadn't been quite right to enthuse about his favorite Supreme Court Justice, and then proceeded to explain how he made the mistake, and how he came to realize his error. That's really three admissions, and three strikes in the political arena, but I saw a man who remembered a fundamental assumption about the Presidency, embedded in Article I of our Constitution, and in the rhetoric of other great Americans like Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry. I saw a man who understands that the office of President of the United States is a very human office, and that only a very human being is deserving of it. I saw that man in Governor Bill Richardson last night, but I wonder, did America see what I saw?
Go Bill!!
I did notice his responses were a little flat. But several of the other candidates were flat and tired. However, when it came to playing the 'peacemaker' it was very evident. New Hampshire Voters - think about the next 4 years having a negotiator instead of one that is divisive. Bill has the experience in bridging the gaps and this great notion needs someone that is willing and experienced in bridging the gaps because of partisianship. Also, with the world's view of the U.S. as a bully it is time for someone with great negotiation skills to head our country.
New Hamphire Voters - look at what he has done as Governor. Also, note that he was re-elected with a large percentage of Republicans supporting him - doesn't that tell you that he has respect and admiration form both sides! Look at his records on Education and Economic Growth.
He is the one that can beat any of the Republican candidates that maybe elected.
Go for Richardson - New Hampshire!
Linda - Iowa
I don't know if any focus groups have been done, but I don't think people care that Gov Richardson has balanced budgets. All Governors do (well maybe except ex-Gov Whitman of NJ-she created deficits). I doubt many people believe thay balancing a state budget will be very useful esperience when up against the situation in DC. That will take a different set of skills. Bill Clinton was astute enough to bring honest bookkeeping to the budget and then had the good fortune to have enormous productivity gains allow us to grow our way out of the deficit. Will we be that fortunate again?
I am surprised that no one has pointed out that the country cannot afford another president with no experience who had (still has to) to learn international politics and diplomacy on the job. Comparing Sen Obama to "W" would need to be done gingerly as it is terribly insulting to someone who is actually thoughtful and does have worthwhile life experiences as an organizer for societal change.
I am also dismayed, but not surprised, that no one has taken Sen Obama on re his kumbaya approach to domestic politics. Again, he souonds like George, the uniter, Bush. It takes 2 to negotiate and work together & there has been no indication of the Republican willingness to do so. Many grass roots Dems are disgusted with the congressional Dems unwillingness to stand up to the Right. We don't need a president in the same vein. That is one area where Mrs Clinton is right. After Gore & Kerry, we need to be sure that we have a candidate who knows how to deal with Right-wing attack machine.Many Americans have a "both sides do it" attitude so the Republicans have not paid the price for their totalitarian (and I do not use that word casually) approach to government.
So get after 'em Governor. You are the best man for the job. Make the whole country believers!
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Bill has a terrific record on clean energy and, of all the candidates, he should own that issue. Any implication that the country's dismal record on global warming can be laid at Bill's doorstep because he was once energy secretary seems like a stretch. Bush has had 7 years to go in the opposite direction. While in the last 6 six years Bill has made much progress on turning NM into a clean energy state (in spite of the fact that NM is an oil and gas producer) --- as Bill says, leading by example. He knows the issue best and has done it while the other candidates just talk about what they will do. Bill is clearly the best man for the job.
I think you should consider unveiling that tapestry now as I doubt many will read "leading by Example."
Something along the lines of.
The tapestry I see when I look and project forward your policies would be describned something like this.
In a world increasingly impacted by globalization it is becoming more dificult to seperate our domestic policy needs from our international policy needs. Much like an ecosystem the solutions to each are interwoven together. My policy solutions which I have talked about in detail are designed to maintain america as a leader in the world.
The America I would create will be a leader of technological innovation in the 21st century. We will change our educational system to create the technical genius's we need as a nation to ensure we remain the country that owns the patents that make peoples lives better. We will create the technologies and solutions that allow the world to move forward to a better tomorrow.
Of course it is not enough to simply create the minds capable of developing the next technological breakthroughs we must ensure a strong manufacturing base that makes those solutions a reality. To that end my tax policies will incentivize technological innovation instead of offshoring. We can restructure our tax code to benefit patriotic companies that create good jobs at home.
The parents of today should not wonder if there will be good jobs for their children or if they will be able to send them to college. I as president will institute the educational and tax policies that ensure we can retain our economic position in the world and that our children will have a better life than we did. We will reward public service, innovation and business that supports a better stronger more vital america.
Similar statements would be needed on security policy etc but in the end alot of it weaves back to global energy independence as a tool to also create wealth in the third world by freeing nations from OPEC. Providing humanitarian aid and respecting the cultural values of foreign nations and perhaps putting aid to their people above aid to their militaries despite what it will do to boeing stock value.
The campaign does need to verbalize it's 25,000 foot overview of our nations future place in the world.
From: Supporters of Joe Biden.
For immediate release
Dated: January 6, 2008
Subject: “Dough4Joe: No Second Choice“–Joe Biden’s supporters mount a petition and pledge drive to bring Senator Biden back into the presidential race.
Background: It came as a shock to presidential candidate Joe Biden when on January 1’st, 2008 his campaign web-site was inundated with contributions, setting a record for a one-day period . . . and doing so on a national holiday of parades, bowl games and aspirin–an astounding achievement.
This phenomenon resulted from the efforts of an independent group of Joe Biden’s supporters in the on-line community and their determination to express a vote of confidence in Senator Biden’s campaign with an eleventh-hour pledge drive.
These supporters spread the word on the “web.” Putting the whole thing together over the Christmas holiday weekend and having less than a week to promote it, they still managed to raise enough awareness to have generated a one-day combined total of a whopping $80,000 in donations to the Biden campaign. Indeed, that same level of enthusiasm spilled over into the next day when the campaign web-site saw another $27,000 come in on January 2′nd, one day before the Iowa caucus.
Perspective: What brought this about was, in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Biden supporters “out-blogged” all other supporters of other candidates and even outperformed the renowned supporters of Ron Paul, with more substantive content being the relevant measure.
Currently: Following Senator Biden’s announcement of his decision to withdraw from the race, after finishing a distant fifth place in the Iowa caucus, the traffic to his campaign web-site exploded. Hundreds and hundreds of comments were left on his blog, urging him to reconsider.
Knowing Senator Biden’s only real obstacle to winning primaries and the general election would be a lack of awareness on the part of people who do not watch C-SPAN all day, or spend their Sunday mornings in church as opposed to being at home watching the Sunday morning political programs, on which he has been a regular guest for the past 35 years, Joe Biden’s supporters are now expressing their determination in a new way–one that, if even marginally successful, will write a new chapter in the history of American politics.
They aim to flood Senator Biden’s offices with e-mails and telephone calls, and have put on-line a new web-site (Dough4Joe.com) called “Dough4Joe: No Second Choice.”
A sure sign the group have struck a chord with the on-line community can be seen when running a Google search for “Dough4Joe.”&ndash ;resulting in literally hundreds of “hits.”
This web-based effort to both express and gather support and momentum for Joe Biden to re-enter the presidential race, reminds his supporters, “We still have ‘Promises to Keep’.”
The group of Biden supporters address their appeal for public support–in the interest of fairness, equal treatment, honest dialogue and open debate– to all supporters of any of the presidential candidates whom the Media has chosen to exclude or ignore. They ask that an on-line petition be signed and that supporters of Senator Biden specifically also pledge to contribute to his campaign upon his announcement of a decision to accede to popular demand by re-entering the race.
Goals and Objectives: This group of Biden supporters hopes to gather many thousands of signatures for the on-line petition and have set a pledge goal of Two million dollars, all actual donations not to be made until Senator Biden’s announces his intention to resume his presidential campaign.
For additional information: please visit “Dough4Joe.com” on-line and while there, sign the petition.
Biden's out, he's already bet his horse on Obama, and he's not coming back in. Those stupid people who threw their money at him after he already conceded were just effectively donating to Obama's campaign.
I'm increasingly pessimistic about Edwards prospects, which have been something of a long shot ever since the media portrayed this as a Obama/Clinton battle. The Iowa results were a mixed boost for him, but if he's going to make up the difference he's going to need a shot in the arm. The longer Richardson keeps futilely biting at his heels, the less likely it is to happen. And he is not going to be a Clinton or Obama running mate either. He'd be lucky if he got in their cabinets.
I wish Richardson would call it quits and endorse Edwards. But as I said before, I won't complain if Obama wins, and I won't complain if any of our Democrats are in office in 2009. We have a good slate.
This could be a race should edwards and richardson stick around that gets settled by platform horsetrading.
And in the first 10 democratic votes of NH hillary go 0% Obama 70% Edwards 20% and Richardson 10%.
Percents sound better. It's a long race stuff happens.
In edwards news the new National Gallup poll has him up 4 points to 20 with hillary and obama tied at 33%.
3 and 4 way races make for better conventions.
I am sorry you are forced to drop out of the Presidential Race. A long story..short version:
I was a Democrat almost my whole life (age 53) and changed to an Independant over the past 10 years. I had it with the democratic party being too liberal.
I have supported Mitt Romney since he was our Governor in Mass. and have supported him in this race.
Why email you? My husband (who is in the guard) and myself have been connected to you, why? IT seems you represent the Democrat I know. I know Romney is a Republican, but he stands for the common man and his rights. He has worked hard for what he has, but has made sure government is truthful and straight. You both are strong, compassionate men, stand up for regular citizens, and have a realistic goal for America.
I hope you are not angry that I have connected you to a republican, but you shine above all the democrats, Romney above the republicans.
We admire you, for what it is worth. I am hoping the Presidential Race will change in the future to support REAL candidates and not just let those who the lobbyists support financially for the candidate of their choice.
We keep you in our prayers, and someday hope to move to New Mexico!
Susan