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Post from SantaFeHQ:
Thoughts on MTP
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Here's a blog post from our communication's director, Pahl Shipley, -sent via Blackberry- about the Governor on MTP this morning.

This morning on MTP America got a great look at why Bill Richardson should be the next President of the US.

Governor Richardson discussed in clear terms his plans for getting US troops out of Iraq, energy independence, restoring America's image around the world, and bringing people together here at home.

It was clear through Tim Russert's broad range of questions that of all the candidates, Bill Richardson has by far the most experience and broadest knowledge of the issues of all the candidates.

Governor Richardson was candid and direct and handled the tough questions well.

He looked very Presidential.

I have always thought the Governor's best qualities, aside from his knowledge and skills, include his sense of humor and the fact that he can be serious without taking himself too seriously. He's genuine, and we saw that today.

And to top it off, the coffee in the green room at NBC is great and the pastries are sinful- I had too many while watching the Governor's appearance.

Tim is a tough, but fair interviewer. He and his staff could not have been nicer.

I also wish everyone kept their studios as cool as MTP- very refreshing and you don't have to worry about perspiring.


Reader Comments
  
NRA Support
By User from Vista, CA May 27th 2007 at 1:10 pm MDT
I've always been immensely impressed by Bill and his lenghtly contribution to is sundry jobs on behalf of this nation - a truly excellent American. But 45 minutes into his Meet the Press interview he totally lost my support in his run for president. His passionate and unwavering position on his lock-step support of the NRA on such issues as the NRA's belif in the right to own virtually rifle/ assult weapon had me stunned to the point of incredulity. For him to further attest that this should "not be a litmus test" insulted my personal liberal values.

Bill will not only get my vote (now headed for Obama or Edwards) but has energized me to attempt to convince my liberal friends to also weigh other candidate alternatives. Meet the Press was an eye-opening interview.

Jeff Marks
Re: NRA Support
By John Rice May 27th 2007 at 2:01 pm MDT
Jeff,

I cannot recall any candidate that got my vote, who shared ALL of my opinions and positions. I make my decision based on the overall qualifications and positions of the candidate, and who I think will be best for my community, my state and my country.

Last year, we elected a Democratic Senator here in Pennsylvania, Bob Casey. He is devotely Pro-Life - a position I cannot support. But the option was Rick Santorum, so my choice was easy.

I despise the NRA and what they stand for. My wife and I are, in fact, gun owners - not for protection or hunting, but a shotgun for sport. That said, I find nothing to defend in any NRA actions and activities.

But my support for Richardson is unwaivering.

In the grand overview of what he believes, what he is proposing, and his experiences that have helped him shape those beliefs and proposals, I do not see another candidate on either side who I feel can best lead this country for the next 4 to 8 years.

John Rice
Re: NRA Support
By Lila Caffery May 28th 2007 at 2:54 pm MDT
Richardson's support for the NRA is the price he pays for being a Western governor. It is a price I will pay for the rest of his incredible talents and liberal positions. Think again about his stand. There is no candidate that doesn't have some compromise position that is a bitter pill to swallow. Be realistic. We may need those independent voters to win. Would you rather have an untried first term Senator who is a little naive, or a populist who won't carry independents? Neither is in Richardson's league.
Re: NRA Support
By DNew Mex May 27th 2007 at 2:02 pm MDT
I too found the interview with Russert very tough and difficult to watch. On the issue of guns,where have YOU been Jeff? I have a lot of friends in outstate Minnesota, especially, who are avid sportsmen and they are very wary of our party and it is all about this thing with guns. Face it, if we get gun owners and outdoor sportsmen on our side we just plain will run this country for the foreseeable future. If we can find some way to address firearms and not turn off the hunters of our country we win! I live in the city of Minneapolis and gun violence is a problem especially for parts of town that are infested with gangs and guns. The rural people of America are a different ballgame altogether in relation to guns. This is not the 70's so how about we figure out how too win, how about we all become Democrats that can COUNT! Read "Foxes in the Hen house" by Steve Jarding and Dave Saunders to get a great discussion of this important part of our culture,good and bad.
My feeling about MTP was why does anyone put themselves through an hour with Tim Russert? I am sure that Gov. Richardson was well aware that the onslaught from Russert would be relentless. Richardson has been in public life for a long time and there is much material to throw at him. I admire him for putting himself to the test. Vamos con Richardson!
Re: NRA Support
By Holly D May 27th 2007 at 10:57 pm MDT
Hey Jeff-- I love Richardson and New Mexico and everything about the two, or at least I thought so. I saw the gun statements start to surface and in horror I retreated some, believing my being enamored may have caused me to do too little research. Recently I met the wonderful man and heard his views on assisting Darfur and other traumatized countries and protecting women's rights, etc, and I decided to endorse him whole-heartedly again. I have to watch the rerun of MTP here in 5 minutes on Oregon time...and I am scared. Like you, this hefty gun platform may ultimately drive me away: it is too big of an issue to turn a blind eye to...
Focus on the Forest, Not the Trees
By Stephen Cassidy May 27th 2007 at 11:18 pm MDT
Richardson said he didn't believe the assault ban has worked. I would be interested in learning of his views further on this issue - is he refering to the level of violence in America and the number killed by guns? If yes, then he may be correct.

At the end of the day, you're not going to find a candidate that you agree with on every issue, and that becomes a deal breaker.

But then I say you risk losing focus of the big picture. The question should be what are the qualities you want in a President.

We have no idea what may unfold in the next four years. Whom do you want addressing the pressing problems, known and unknown, that will confront America?

I don't agree with the Governor on all issues. Yet I know that he has the best combination of experience, knowledge, leadership skills and vision of the candidates.

The Governor has the potential of being a great President - he can heal our nation and restore our place in the world. Can you say that - with confidence - of anyone else in the race?
Re: Focus on the Forest, Not the Trees
By Tim Kubik May 28th 2007 at 7:56 am MDT
Stephen's got it right! If you're looking for a President with a different, "Western" perspective, that's going to mean a different perspective. In the West, guns symbolize a recreational weekend in the wilderness, not a street thug in a hold-up. BR was right to argue that we address the latter problem by improving law enforcement where it's needed, and/or aid to our economically depressed communities or psychologically depressed individuals. He's also right that we'll change the Party, and its reception in the West and South, if we adopt a less zero-sum approach to the gun control issue. BR is a Democrat from the West, but he would be a GREAT President for the WHOLE country, not just the coasts.
  
Governor Richardson, you rocked !!
By Richardson4Prez May 28th 2007 at 1:49 am MDT
I loved when you said "Tim. I've been in public servicr for over 25 years, and you didn't forget a thing!"

And then he smiled and finished the questions.

The last one about the Red Sox Fan vs Yankees was too FUNNY!

~~~~~~~Richatdon/Clark 2008~~~~~~~
  
Governor Richardson, you rocked !!
By Richardson4Prez May 28th 2007 at 1:50 am MDT
I loved when you said "Tim. I've been in public service for over 25 years, and you didn't forget a thing - you brought every mistaken quote I've ever made in here."

And then he smiled, laughed. and finished the questions.

The last one about the Red Sox Fan vs Yankees was too FUNNY!!

~~~~~~~Richatdon/Clark 2008~~~~~~~
Re: Governor Richardson, you rocked !!
By User from Santa Fe, NM May 29th 2007 at 6:48 am MDT
Those are gargantuan errors - flip flops, speaking out in error, ignorance on facts, preferential treatment by race... a good journalist exposes the truth about a politician and Tim Russert pulled the veil off BR in the interview.
  
Presidential Punditry
By Tim Kubik May 28th 2007 at 7:43 am MDT
Take out any of the "litmus" issues that may have irked you individually, and you have to admit that BR did a great job with the "presidential punditry" on MTP this weekend, and what a GREAT weekend to get him on! BR displayed a presidential commitment to his positions while doing so with his trademark sense of humor, a "disarming" style that presents a nice contrast to the defensive gaffes typical of the current POTUS. Russert's questions gave BR a platform for all the relevant issues, and BR's willlingness to admit a few mistakes, and the learning that comes from them, was refreshing. That said, can someone get him to say "we" rather than "I" when talking about his accomplishments? The POTUS is the leader of a team, and BR needs to start showing that he's built his fantastic resume through cooperative efforts with others. He also needs to start naming names--including those whose ideas he likes/shares, so as to broaden his appeal. Addressing the Supremes situation was a good example of where we need to go.
Re: Presidential Punditry
By User from Montclair, NJ May 28th 2007 at 2:48 pm MDT
I felt very close to Richardson's corner until seeing him on Meet the Press. He was defensive throughout, unclear, his positions seemed jury-rigged to pick up pockets of voters. His Iraq position seems to be based on polyanna hopes. Biden a few weeks ago was far better. He too has plenty of contradictions, but was all too happy to explain them, and put them into context, and he seeme intelligent when he did. Not that I think Biden has a prayer...

As far as the assault weapons business, I think these weapons are insane. But I'm convinced that any democrat who comes out for controls loses hunting states and energizes the NRA. So I'd just as soon they shut up about it.
  
Something for Bill to consider
By Blake May 28th 2007 at 8:42 pm MDT
I would encourage Bill Richardson to move beyond the resume stuff. I want to hear more about why he represents CHANGE and what his vision is for the country.

I support Bill Richardson for President, but I think he needs to expand his message beyond resume. Something to light a fire and distinguish him from the others.

I think he would make a great president. He just needs to show people why he would be a DIFFERENT kind of president.

This article sums up my thoughts quite well.

Link
  
Leadership? Stability? Honesty?
By User from Santa Fe, NM May 29th 2007 at 6:44 am MDT
Man, where do I start? Bill Richardson stammered and dodged every issue that he’s appeared to flip flop on, and is guilty at the very least of opening his mouth too soon and speaking out of ignorance. And this is a chronic problem, not an isolated incident. His lack of ability as a governor to pull New Mexico from the bottom of the heap in poverty, dropouts, violent crime, etc is an example of a mediocre manager without vision and leadership. His inability to separate race from position in the case of Gonzalez is deplorable - and revealing. This man is not qualified to be President of the United States of America. He’s not even compentent enough to be governor of New Mexico. My prediction? He will quickly fall to the side and be forgotten, just like he forgets facts, events, and occurrences with veteran’s families.
Re: Leadership? Stability? Honesty?
By Peacemaker May 29th 2007 at 11:57 pm MDT
<<His lack of ability as a governor to pull New Mexico from the bottom of the heap in poverty, dropouts, violent crime, etc is an example of a mediocre manager without vision and leadership.>>

I guess that's why he was re-elected with 69% of the vote as a Democrat in a Red state.

<<His inability to separate race from position in the case of Gonzalez is deplorable...>>

He made a choice to consider Alberto Gonzalez' race in his position about Gonzalez...a choice isn't an "inability."

<< - and revealing.>>

I agree...revealing of Bill's empathy.

<<He’s not even compentent enough to be governor of New Mexico.>>

According to the last election, an overwhelming 31% of New Mexicans agree with you.

<<My prediction? He will quickly fall to the side and be forgotten, just like he forgets facts, events, and occurrences with veteran’s families.>>

Yeah, he's scum...just ask any of the hostages whose lives he's saved over the years...
  
MTP Interview
By Marti Kennedy May 30th 2007 at 8:33 am MDT
I just finished watching the MTP interview on their website, and I think Gov. Richardson did all right. Russert clearly went digging deep for anything he could find to take some shine off Richardson.

War in Iraq "flip-flop": 18 months ago, Richardson's book said we should stay in Iraq. Now he's ready to pull troops out. Well, 18 months ago, a lot of people thought we should stay, and have since changed their minds. Why should Gov. Richardson be any different?

Gun control: While I was unaware of Richardson's vote to appeal the ban on assault rifles, and I personally see no reason for anyone to have one in their home, what caught my attention more on this issue was that Richardson was quoted as "voting as his constituents wanted", even though it might not be "the right vote". This is a no-brainer, folks. Isn't this why we (try to) elect representatives??? To represent _us_??? Richardson tried to slip in the explanation that he voted for the larger Crime Bill to get some other items passed (more enforcement on the street, etc.), which is what happens on Capital Hill all the time, but Russert quickly jumped in with something else.

"Running on his resume": A comment by Russert, as if this is a _bad_ thing!! It's about freaking time somebody ran for President who could actually present us with some cred. We all have to use our resumes to find employment, why shouldn't Presidential candidates?

Gov. Richardson has got the goods. We need him in the White House. Now.
Re: MTP Interview
By User from Shell Rock, IA Jun 12th 2007 at 1:15 pm MDT
Mr. Kennedy, I'm a Republican who is fed up with my party and would be voting for Mr. Richardson if not for his views on immigration. Regarding your comments about Mr.Richardson and the MTP Interview, I completely agree. Though I will not be voting for him (out of conscience on the above stated issue) I encourage everyone else to vote Richardson...He is the obvious choice for the betterment of our country.
  
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