Bill Richardson stops short of endorsing her or him

He came close. Oh, so close. But Bill Richardson stopped just short early this afternoon of endorsing one of his former competitors for the Democratic presidential nomination -- a coy game he's played before.

Speaking at a conference on rogue states and diplomacy at the UCLA Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations, Richardson was asked by moderator Maggie Farley, who covers the United Nations for The Times, who he thought was best able to handle both the domestic and international challenges facing America.

Richardson, as New Mexico governor, is a Democratic Party superdelegate, and he demurred on the question. But his answer still served as tea leaves to be read. "I'm truly conflicted," Richardson said. "I'm torn. I see ... a lot of loyalty I owe President Clinton. He made me U.N. ambassador. He made me secretary of Energy. He's treated me extremely well. But you know what? I paid him back. Because I served well." Richardson described Hillary Clinton as "enormously capable ... but I did run against her."

Then he focused on Barack Obama, someone he said "I don't know as well. But I think there's ...

something that is very special about this guy, that is good." Richardson related an anecdote from one of the debates: He fielded a question and then, as the next point went to another candidate, leaned toward Obama next to him on the stage and whispered, "'Boy some of these debates really boring, aren't they?' Or something like that. And he said, 'Oh god, yeah, you're right.' " 

As the two were whispering, a question suddenly veered back to Richardson -- who hadn't been paying attention. "I looked at Obama and he says [whispering] 'Katrina. Katrina.' And I go back and say, 'Well, my three-point plan on Katrina is ...' Obama could have thrown me under the bus. But he didn't. So I said, 'Thanks, Obama,' and he said, 'Just listen next time.'"

So is that enough to draw Richardson's endorsement? "There is something about him that has inspired a lot of people. I'm kind of torn there.... I will endorse someone."

Richardson criticized the role the superdelegates will play in the decision, saying that the nomination should be decided by voters. But he also teased, saying the media -- which  he believes gave him scant attention during his campaign for the nomination -- now are interested in his endorsement. "You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to ride my horse in New Mexico. I'm going to spend time with my family. I'm going to grow my ugly beard. And I'm going to make you wait."

So what does Richardson, an experienced diplomat, gain by waiting?  He hasn't burned any bridges when one or the other likely presidential nominees starts looking for vice presidential candidates and Cabinet secretaries.

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[hottrannymessANDnotinagoodway]

Yea the guy's a stand-up human being. He wants to change America, not eviscerate fellow citizens. & THIS is what is so scary and revolutionary? puhlease.

To establishment-candidate apologists, who can't see past being a good politician to what it means to be a good American and a good citizen, this anecdote will mean nothing.

To people like me, it highlights what future of the American pilitics might be like, once all the entitled, racists, sexists and war-mongering baby boomers are dead.

(& to the humorless boomers, that was a joke)

[Michail Papatzimas]

What is the most important qualification to have as a President?
Life Experience or Washington Experience

A President with a varied life experience brings in all facets of knowledge to the stage. When one personally relates to people and recognizes their needs. Their concerns are personal to his/her present situation, one must stand on many of the issues that affect Americans today?

One with Washington experience reflects the status quo e.g. mass paperwork, lobbyists and politicians that are far removed from the Nation's needs. People pay lip service but never deliver on their promises, but instead pander to the desires of the few.

Leadership requires a positive attitude and a vision for change. Obama symbolizes positive change a very savvy politician that is served better by being a new face in Washington that can inspire everyone to pull together and do the right thing.

[Jeremy]

Allow me to translate: "I really like Obama but as a career politician I know that the wrath of the powerful Clinton machine will be directed my way. I'm going to wait until its safe to come out for Obama." And then Edwards will slither out and endorse Obama shortly after.

[Mr. Unite Us]

Great story. Thank you for sharing.

Character counts.

[Katy7540]

I recommend that Richardson and Edwards both stay under their rocks! they both know that Obama is better qualified. Thier endorsements might've ended this race long ago, but they're in it for themselves, not the Democratic Party! They dont deserve a high place in the next administration.

[Julie in VT]

I would urge superdelegates who support Obama to come out NOW, collectively, and endorse him ala a major news conference, in order to end the madness that the Clinton machine is propagating. The Clintons would rather destroy the party's chances in November than lose to Obama. They've not only thrown the kitchen sink, but the crud in the food disposal. They're stoking the old racism fires and I, for one, am just disgusted. PLEASE Super D's - end this thing NOW.

[kelly]

In a recent article covering Richardson's comments about the race he stated that who ever was ahead in delegate and popular votes after March 4th should be the nominee. He said that knowing that it would be nearly impossible for Hillary to take that lead. Implicitely it was an even stronger endorsement of Obama than the comments cited here. Please, Govenor Richardson, show the courage of your convictions and endorse Barack Obama formally we need to stop the divisive strategies of the Clinton campaign before they destroy the party.

[Bill]

Bill Richardson said he would support who ever had the pledged delatgate lead after the March 4th primaries. So where is the pledge?