Major LAT Bill Richardson article: "New New Dem Looks West and Forward"

[DeepModem Mom]

A New New Democrat Looks West and Forward
By Mark Z. Barabak, Times Staff Writer

....Richardson has long been the proverbial man in a hurry, starting with his first audacious run for office 25 years ago, when, transplanted from Washington, the Democrat nearly unseated the state's veteran GOP congressman. (Richardson won his own House seat in 1982.) Lately, Richardson's exertions have been aimed at resuscitating New Mexico, the sick man of the Southwest. His ultimate design, apparently, is a White House bid in 2008.

Sometimes it is hard to tell where the governor's ministrations end and self-promotion begins....No matter. Richardson enjoys healthy voter approval ratings, with significant support even among rank-and-file Republicans.

In the last 2 1/2 years, he has slashed taxes and won the hearts of New Mexico's business leaders, shaken up the education establishment and steamrolled his critics on the left and right, all while fashioning the philosophy of what he calls "a new progressive Democrat."

"It's basically not center, not left, not right, but basically forward," Richardson explained one morning over coffee at the governor's mansion. "What works? What helps people? What solves problems?"...

***

...With Latino clout growing from Los Angeles to New Hampshire to Washington is America ready to elect a Latino president?....

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-richardson14aug14,0,7216299,full.story?coll=la-home-headlines

[phiddle]

1. Richardson reminds me of Bill Clinton in some ways:

1. Something of a policy wonk who is
2. Great at stealing/neutralizing Republican issues, and
3. Is a terrific retail politician---pressing the flesh, interviews, speeches, negotiating deals

That said, I would favor him as VP for Wes Clark, rather than as #1 on the ticket. Security issues are going to be top concern of the electorate, and I think Clark has more credibility than any other Dem on these issues. Also, Clark speaks with a clarity and directness which I don't see in any other politician. As #2 Richardson could protect Clark's back and provide him with saavy political advice.

[Clark2008]

4. I doubt Clark would choose Richardson.

I have my reasons I won't go into on a public blog... but, that's OK.

[Armstead]

2. He's part of the problem, IMO

He mistakes conservatism for "the center."

It offers no choices in a world where our economy is under the dominance of corporate power, freedom is jeprodized by the oligarchy and our chest-thumping around the world is putting us in danger.

[msongs]

3. total failure with the 2004 election in New Mexico - not fit to be

elected to higher office if he cannot even deal with possible fraud and deliver his OWN state, latino or not.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm