James Carville's 'Judas' analogy continues to resonate

How out there was James Carville's "Judas" reference to Bill Richardson in reacting to the New Mexico governor's decision to endorse Barack Obama?

So out there that even Howard Wolfson -- the pugnacious, rarely-known-to-pull-a-punch communications director for Hillary Clinton -- distanced himself from it.

During an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show, Wolfson had this to say about Carville's comment: "It's not something I would have said."

After adding that he considers Carville "the most brilliant political mind of the last 20 years," Wolfson reiterated: "It's not something that I would have said."

The man in the middle of the flap ...

... wasn't backing down one iota.

Carville, who usually appears on CNN as an analyst, today was an interviewee, telling Wolf Blizter that his quote "had its desired intent" -- i.e., depicting Richardson as disloyal to the Clinton brand that he once had been so firmly affixed to.

The furor, of course, also had the effect of keeping Richardson front and center -- we doubt that his turn on "Fox News Sunday" and the invites he received today from various cable new shows (culminating tonight with a chat with CNN's Larry King) -- were based solely on the desire to hear more about why he now backs Obama.

Carville, while unrepentant about dissing Richardson, displayed his distinctive flair in assuring Blitzer that he would have no problem in helping Obama if the Illinois senator triumphed in the prolonged fight for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Referring to his own dome and one of Obama's top aides, Carville said that "Corporal Cueball" would enlist in "Captain [David] Axelrod's army" from "Day One."

For our money, the best sound bite -- among the hundreds -- being offered on Carville's "Judas" remark came from political strategist Matthew Dowd on "Good Morning America." Dowd (who, as long as religiously tinged terminology is in vogue, underwent a much-publicized conversion from George Bush loyalist to critic), had this to say:

"Probably fortunate for Bill Richardson it wasn't Fourth of July because he'd probably be Benedict Arnold today."

-- Don Frederick

 

Comments

[ssml]

I guess I'm confused. Richardson wasn't considered a "Judas" when he was seeking the nomination for himself, but now this endorsement of Obama makes a difference?

[WWHD]

The real question we should be asking here is who made Hillary Jesus?

[Ralph Hurtado]

Demonizing the opposition certainly comes easy for the Clinton mob.

[Tom Binder]

Is Carville saying Democrats must stay with an associative decision they made 15 years ago, without considering new candidates and new information??
Sounds very closed minded. I sure made the change when there was a really great alternative to the Clintons!!

[Brian Hatt]

James Carville claims that Bill Richardson is 'Judas' ... so who is he proposing is 'Jesus'?

[Charles Crawford]

Well, Obama will just shrug it off and view James Carville's comments as something the 'typical white person' would say... how can anyone seriosly consider voting for either Hillary or Obama...

[Otto]

This is too funny...I watched this guy on CNN many times and does he have a sharp mouth. Getting over worked over one candidate is going way too far and for someone who sits there every night and makes comment; he should have know better.

With guys like these, Washington will have politics as usual!

[Mary Santa Barbara]

Oh come on James & Mary....old school politics sooo over!

[Jeff]

I agree with Carville. What Bill Richardson did was stab his former boss in the back. After all, Richardson received 2 positions in the Clinton Administration - as Energy Secretary and UN Secretary.

I supported this creep, but I am glad his true colors are now out. I do not understand why he would support Obama particularly when there is so much disturbing news on the ObamaUnveiled.com web site.

Dirty Obama Secrets

Shame on Richardson!

[Mickey]

Shame on Richardson for turning his back on his friend BIll Clinton.

[dean]

ssim:

I agree.

Clinton's did not make Richardson. I was a grad student in New Mexico when Richardson was my congressman. I respected his honesty and integrity. This was long before the Clinton's arrived in Washington.

An anology that somehow he should be a "follower" of the Clinton's is absurd.

I have been amazed at how many Clinton supporters I know react with almost religous zealotry whenever I even question Bill Clinton's presidency or his heir apparent - Hillary.

Maybe Richardson does have a political agenda. I hope so. He is too talented a leader to not utilize.

[Fred]

It sure is fun to see Carville and other Clintonestas complaining about being treated the EXACT same way they have treated Republican candidates for 17 YEARS. Hilarious!!

Keep it up! I am enjoying it. I "feeeel yuuuuuur pain, "Clintons....hahahahahaha

[Michael]

This gutter ball needs to end. Has counting escaped the media and superdelegates?

It's time to realize a simple truth; the numbers show that Hillary can't win - Obama has the majority of delegates, states won, and popular vote -- and the 10 contests left can't change that.

Isn't that what is called "democracy"? It's time for superdelegates to validate that before this becomes the Titantic hitting the iceberg.

I used to have a high opinion of the Clinton's -- no more. They are playing lower than dirt -I'll vote for McCain first even if he didn't embellish his war feats as much as hers. In Clinton's political Alice in Wonderland and what's down is up and what's up is down...global dramas are now made up.

The Clinton's have turned Camelot into 30 pieces of silver. End this now before they reveal how much lower you can go.

[tiddle]

ssml: If Judas has come out to compete as the top dog on his own right, he would not have been branded the traitor; instead, he sold his soul. The same goes with Richardson. All these guys (eg. Richardson, Edwards) are just positioning themselves to be the veep candidate, so I'd say, they bet on the wrong horse.

As much as Obama tries to paint himself as something different, the only "difference" I saw in him is a man of all-fancy-words, laughable naivety, no backbone, and he can STILL get away from tough questions (if mainstream media is asking any at all). This guy won't stand a chance against GOP attack machine.

[Tyrone Palmer]

James Carville prides himself on being able to speak smartass to whomever he happens to dislike and then gleefully watches the victim feel pain.

He also is someone who has managed to get away with that kind of poor behavior his entire life without anyone deciding to make him eat his words. Literally. Its time for the smartass to feel some pain himself. He needs to be "educated" about mouthing off. He's an arrogant SOB who hides behind the cameras and the party bigshots.

Anyone want to bet he'd be pretty meek if he were to meet his opponents in a dark alley? I'd say he'd be the biggest apologetic wimp you ever saw. He'd claim his was "misunderstood."

Again, the smartass needs to be "educated" in better behaviors. Without an "education," he'll never change. He'll just keep on mouthing off. He'll continue to say anything he can to keep himself in front of the media and in the money regardless of the hurt he creates.

[Tom Baldwin]

Carville was dead on in his comments about Richardson betraying those who got him going in politics. Nevertheless I must say that I was not surprised. Richardson has been signaling what he was going to do for some time. Maybe Carvile should say something about rats and sinking ships to the next defector.

[Rosanne Cochrane]

Why is the media indulging in this conversation? It is meaningless. It is Richardson's personal business and I for one greatly respect him for it. He at least is taking a stand. James Carville only seems to like a good fight. I've had enough of fighting, of Bush and Karl Rove tactics, of Hillary and her mud slingling loose lipped group. The news should get on with helping Americans to understand the issues and the positions the candidates are taking. I am getting fed up with the media and their continuous stirring up of controversy and dissent.

[mike k]

This is typical of the Clinton machine - Carville is no different than the principals. They understand the mechanics of the 'shelf life' of their wild statements:

Bill on the patriotism of Obama
Hillary's 3 in the morning call
Hillary's NAFTA misleading statements

And now the 'Judas' thing.

They are great politicians - they do the damage and then don't worry about being discovered after it is too late for their opponent to recover - like attorneys who do the damage knowing that an objection won't be able to undo it.

I hope the American people don't fall prey to this kind of ugliness.

[Hugh Jorgan]

Carville is the epitome of disgusting politics (aka Clinton politics). He turns my stomach. I would never vote for any candidate that has Carville on staff.

[Matthew]

I'm an Obama guy, and have campaigned vigorously for him, but I feel that it's getting to the point where a person has no freedom of speech. Everyone decries another's statement they disagree with, so that any honest opinions are throw out the window in favor of Hallmark phrases.

I may disagree with what a man has to say, but will defend 'till the death his right to say it. And for the record, calling someone a "Judas" is synonymous with "betrayer". In no way does the betrayed have to be Jesus, or Jesus-like. Allow Carville his opinions. And let it be at that.

[steel head]

Stabbing in the back of your friend is bad and bad......
The man has no character for sure. Who want to be a friend of this guy....should watch their backs.

[wolf]

Richardson is a well-respected and honest man. He has the right to support whichever candidate he feels is best.

For Carville to engage in such smears is reprehensible. Let's focus on the real issues and ignore such vendors of trash.

Besides, Hillary Clinton is not The Christ.

[John Aldridge]

If Bill Richardson is Judas, does that make Hillary Clinton Jesus Christ?

[Bizz]

Carville is famous speaking honestly, bluntly and from the heart. He again has done this. So what.
There are a lot of people that observe Richardson now and the only reason is owed to President Clinton. . Even though he is a fat millionaire from the inheritance from his Dad(former ceo of Citi Bank), he was a nobody.
We would have never ever heard of him had it not been for Former President Clinton. Now that we know what kind of person Richardson turns out to be, beware.
Of course he would never gone to Obama/s side if he was not promised something. 30 pieces of silver? The problem ....
Axel has already promisesd the VP spot to Daschle, and to Kerry and to Kennedyand to Dodd. Now Richardson thinks he is a really in man.. lol. Good Grief Billy Boy, you made a fatal error.
Keep talking to us our good ole Louisanna friend. Carville you are spot on!

[MJM]

Thank you James Carville, I never realized that Clinton was Jesus Christ!