N.M. Governor Richardson Joins Presidential Race

[cal04]

Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., said Sunday he is taking the first step toward an expected White House run in 2008, offering extensive experience in Washington and the world stage as he seeks to become the first Hispanic president.

"I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been done to our country over the last six years," said Richardson, a former congressman, U.N. ambassador and Energy Department secretary.

"Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and civility and common decency in government has perished," he said in a statement.

http://cbs2.com/national/topstories_story_021091337.html


Richardson for President, website
http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/

[Le Taz Hot]

1. As none of the current candidates interest me

I'd be interested in hearing from his detractors and supporters and why you take you support/oppose him. I clicked on the richardsonfropresident link but I couldn't find anything on his positions. Anyone want to volunteer with legitimate (as in not propaganda) links, pro and con, I'm willing to listen.

[OKNancy]

2. Despite all the negative talk here...we are really lucky

as Democrats. We have so many outstanding people entering the race. It is going to be hard to decide.
Also, the Republics have nothing, nada, zilch, squat. They suck...we don't :-)

[bigdarryl]

3. Governor Richardson is a fantastic Governor i like him in this race...

[Seattleman]

32. Richardson is part of the Eastern Establishment

And was an early and powerful supporter of NAFTA. We were lied to, cheated, deceived, propagandized, by the bunch of career criminals that pushed NAFTA down our throats. I will never support any of them for any office.

[fuzzyball]

88. Clinton+Gore's Nafta has increased prosperity in all 3 countries

of US, Cananada & Mexico.

[benny05]

4. I think he is running for VP

But I'm glad he's exploring his options. He will bring much to the debate being a governor of a SW state.

[dsharp88]

5. I agree 100 percent

He can't win, but he can make some noise and influence some votes for the good guys.
Sort of like our version of what Brownback will do for the repubs.

[bigdarryl]

12. He's said he wouldn't take Vice if he isn't the nominee he thinks being governor is better

[TygrBright]

27. He's talking thru his hat on that one-- NM has term limits for Goobs. n/t

[TheDonkey]

31. He's a strong VP pick for Clinton or Edwards

even Obama as there is no such thing as too much progress.

[Pierre.Suave]

59. Sorry, but...

Only Edwards has a chance of actually being elected, and Richardson has exponentially more experience, enough to make Edwards look like a Johnny-Come-Lately, which, he is...

Hillary/Obama will only do one thing if nominated, and thats lose.

[Straight Shooter]

6. I have no favorite, but I'm getting a kick out of our choices.

Only the Democratic Party would create such a culturally diverse group of candidates for one major election. We already have a white woman, a black man, now a Hispanic man announcing intentions to run for president.

It's things like this that give me hope.

[cagoldensun5050]

7. While the Rethugs...

have only white men as their frontrunners. :P

[MGD]

53. Why do you have to make it a white male thing?

[cagoldensun5050]

78. I'm not. Just pointing out the facts!

[cagoldensun5050]

79. I'm not. Just pointing out the facts!

[NewJeffCT]

8. However, if you listened to RW talk radio

The Republic Party is the real place to be if you're a minority! I'm not joking - I was trapped in Freeperville about 2 1/2 years ago and like 7-8 Freeper types were all in agreement on that.

[ktlyon]

26. That's right, the more voices the better

I like the idea of our candidate coming for the ranks of governors.

[badgerpup]

46. Ya know, it's too bad...

...just this once, that we can't somehow get Gore, Edwards, Obama, Hillary, (using first name to differentiate from the first President Clinton, not out of disrespect) and Richardson all as co-Exec Administrators.
:patriot::patriot::patriot::patriot::patriot:

It's not Constitutional, but that sure hasn't stopped THIS administration...and at least this bunch seem to have their brains working properly and some 'curiosity' about little things such as...oh, the planetary environment, foreign relations that DON'T necessarily involve pre-emptive wars, how people who make MUCH less than 100 K a year manage to live, courtesy...that sort of thing.

[janx]

55. I appreciate your screen name, your location,

and most of all, your attitude! :hi:

[emmadoggy]

56. I was going to post the same thing...

Like them as candidates, or not, it is a great thing to have three candidates from one party all trying to become a "first" president - first woman, first black, first Hispanic president.

:)

[FrenchieCat]

75. Well actually, the minorities you have listed split the minority vote

and a certain southern white guy gets the nomination via default due to the math....unless we can get a couple more southern white guys in there to level out the playing field! :)
It's called "too much of a good thing!"
So in the end, nothing will change.

One minority candidate could have provided the opportunity to actually elect a minority candidate....as it turns out, it will only be considered a Democratic experiment that didn't quite pan out.

That's the shame of it all. Great notion on first glance, not so much once one analyzes the actual math. :(

[emmadoggy]

83. I understand what you mean, FrenchieCat...

I wasn't really commenting on any actual chances of one of them winning per se, just that it's great that we've finally gotten to a point where we have people of minorities in such high profile positions and actually running for the highest postion in the land. And I find it interesting that they are all from one party - the Dems. That fact makes me happy and proud.

:)

[fredrickdouglas]

9. Richardson Would Not Be A Change; Maybe Worse

Richardson is a conservative. As is Hillary and Obama. The package doesn't look like a Bush, Reagan or Nixon but still right-wing. It's difficult to really get honest opinions out because of the chorus of folks that make their presidential choice with the same basic decision-making framework of an American Idol viewer (she/he sounds good or looks good).

I applaud you lefties that have the stomach to stick it out here and other so-called leftists online communities like Alternet, DailyKos. There are so many center-right folks masquerading as the Left that it's difficult to get a sensible word in edgewise.

Richardson is conservative. If you are a conservative and feel he represents you, vote for him. But can we please be honest about who these people are and what they represent??? Same goes for Hillary and Barak Obama, conservatives as well. A little honesty would be nice.

Sometimes when I'm on these forums I feel like a 2007 Kafka battling legions of FoxNews and CNN posters masquerading as the general public.

A little honesty. Please!

This Denver Post article about Richardson does a good job of demonstrating how Richardson is really just a right-winger with a center marketing strategy--the most dangerous right-wingers of them all.
http://www.denverpost.com/nationworld/ci_3715416

Bill Richardson championed lowering the top state income tax bracket, something you'd expect a Republican to do. On the other hand, he eliminated the sales tax on food, which helps the poor

Just think about the difference in revenue involved in lowering the top state income bracket compared with grocery tax.
This is a bona fide right-winger.

His ability to move between worlds has given him a chameleon quality, observers say - one that has mostly played out as an asset in his political life.

But allies say what will make the difference is how Richardson does in front of voters...they say, is his strength.

The article quotes political operatives favorable of Richardson and Bill Richardson himself, all but admitting that he is a marketing creation. Fluff.

But in an era of an American Idol-minded political class he looks FABULOUS!!!

[BlueCaliDem]

20. "His ability to move between worlds has given him a chameleon quality,"...

...is the reason why I've never warmed up to him no matter how Mega-Mouth Matthews literally swoons over him every time he's a guest on Hardball.

I don't know...I don't seem to be able to warm up to Richardson...especially after having watched him side with the Bush Administration each and every time it was politically beneficial for him to (like when the Iraq debacle was still pretty popular with 80+ percent of the ignorant American people, for example, and Richardson was almost cheer-leading the illegal invasion on television--was only against it when the polls showed it was unpopular now).

[blondeatlast]

22. Been here since June and only pop up to criticize a candidate? Well, you are free

to your opinion.

I like seeing a very wide field in the primary--and I'll make my own choices, thank you.

[newyawker99]

29. Hi frederickdouglas!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[New Earth]

43. I don't know all that much about him

But if I remember correctly, he wouldn't let Cobb/Badnarik, etc. team recount New Mexico in the '04 election and stalled a lot of investigation processes. That's enough for me to NOT vote for him in the primaries :eyes:

[JanusAscending]

54. You are correct!!

For the same reason, he'll not get my vote either!!

[paulk]

74. yeah, right - Richardson would be "maybe worse"

:eyes:

thanks for your concern

hope you don't turn into a giant bug.

[VP505]

10. I like Richardson

he is a very popular Governor and could really add a lot to our Foreign Policy with his experience and strong diplomatic skills. However he has some ideas that I just can't agree with and there have also been some questionable things about his administration that could be a problem if the Reich wing smear machine goes after him. All of which makes me think that he would make a better VP or a Secretary of State

[generaldemocrat]

11. Finally, it's about time a governor entered the race.

Best of luck to Governor Richardson, he's a good man.

[skipos]

38. Tell me about it. We need more non-senators

preferably from flippable red states, who are good 08 candidates.

[blondeatlast]

13. The more the merrier, IMHO. A wide field in the primary is a very good thing. nt

[fredrickdouglas]

14. Does Anyone Have A Good Reason To Even Consider Richardson?

Reading Richardson's website, devoid of any and all political substance, tells one all he/she really needs to know.

But I'm disheartened by this thread which cites as reasons to vote for him,
1. He's very popular.
2. He's a governor.
3. He's not white (not ostensibly...)
4. He's a good man.

If this is the critique that comes from those actually interested in politics, it should be no wonder that we end up with people like Reagan, Bush and Clinton.
Where are the critical thinking skills?
Where is the analysis?

[In Truth We Trust]

17. Agreed! Critical thinking? What is that? Welcome to DU btw!

[Umbram]

18. Critical thinking, on DU?

Emotion is the rule here. Logic is the all too rare exception.

[tblue]

34. Excuse me? How are things in Freepsville?

[Umbram]

64. I've been a member since 2003

I believe accusing others of being Freepers is against the DU rules. Please see the detailed rule of "Civility" located here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html

Thanks for helping prove my point though.

[tblue]

66. You were rude. That is all.

[Umbram]

70. I understand.

Sometimes it's easier to attack someone personally rather than disagree with their assertion.

...

So, going back to my point - there's too much emotional posting and not enough logic.

[tblue]

85. Hey, no hard feelings. I get what you're saying now. I think people come here to vent

and I think that will always be the case. Not every political junkie has enough willing ears for our nonstop political ranting, so we use DU as a safe, reiable outlet. There is nothing else like this site anywhere. I know my family can only take so much of my bitching and moaning about *, so they're lucky I found DU.

[Umbram]

86. No hard feelings here either.

I very much value DU and its members.

[Ninja Jordan]

19. According to your criteria, who is worthy of your vote?

[Jackeen]

21. Yes: He's not going to alienate 45% of the country.

He's endorsed by the NRA and rated "A" by them. As has been noted by other posters, anyone with an anti-gun ticket loses a -lot- of votes. It's part of the reason McCain is considered 'questionable', he's not known as being a 2nd Ammendment supporter. Oftentimes people on the left complain that the NRA is using its massive weight against them: Well, guess what. If it's a race between Richardson and McCain, the NRA would throw its weight behind the Democrat.

He's pro-choice, so he's not going to alienate the large number of voters for whom abortion rights is an issue.

And he's got lot more experience at national and international level than most other candidates.

I think he'd have an excellent chance of winning the Presidential election. I also think he's got bugger-all chance of winning the Primary, which is highly unfortunate.

[Nevernose]

58. i think you're ALMOST correct

And before I go any further: welcome to DU :hi:

But the NRA will throw it's weight behind the Republican presidential candidate. The meme has already been set. In a few more years, maybe, they'll end up like the unions (Carpenter's, SEIU, and AFL-CIO), and begin seriously debating the issue, but for now they'll just find a way to support the Republican, if only to keep membership dues up.

Of course, I believe that the Democrat is 99.99% of the time better for union members, but many union members seem to disagree. I also perceive this more of a problem of the unions' efforts towards education and outreach, but I have to play in the world that is, not the world that I'd like to be...

Pro-choice voters only come out in large numbers when choice seems like it's on the line. Otherwise, sadly, fundamentalist voters outnumber them 2 to 1. It would seem like the world, and America, would be a better place if single-issue voters picked up more issues, but that's not within my power...

He does have good experience. Fortunately for him, it was under Clinton, a master of good foreign policy. Unfortunately for him, it was under Clinton, who caused all the problems we have today (sarcasm on that second part).

I still think he'd make a good president. How lucky we are to have so many good choices to choose between. If the Democrats' greatest issue is electibility, as opposed to qualification, then we're still in good shape.

[madville]

65. You're right about McCain and the NRA

If McCain is the (R) and RIchardson the (D), the NRA would endorse Bill Richardson. The NRA despises McCain and not really because he has endorsed anti-gun legislation in the past, they mainly hate him for the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform legislation whixh had a big impact on the NRA. Richardson is about as pro-gun as a politician can be these days. The NRA endorses and donates money to my U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd (D) every election. He is rated "A" by the NRA as well. The Republicans do get the majority of the NRA's attention and money, it's a shame really. If some Democrats would stop trying to restrict/ban firearms the NRA's power and influence would be greatly diminished and they could concentrate on safety, education, competition, and hunting like they used to. I used to be a member until several years ago, grew up hunting and shooting, two things I wish some Democrats would just drop their opposition to.

[Orangepeel]

25. I have good reasons to consider Richardson

1. I believe that he will take our International relations back to where they were when Clinton was president (which I think would be a good thing), because he was a major influence on Clinton's foreign policy. He just brokered a cease fire in Darfur which I find impressive

2. He holds mainstream Democratic party positions -- pro choice, pro public education, supports increasing access to health care, supports civil unions, supports redeployment of troops in Iraq -- he's not a liberal as I'd prefer but he's as liberal as I think is going to get elected

3. He gets shit from some people about not being supportive enough of a recount in 2004, but after talking to people I know who work in New Mexico government (and who say they watched votes being counted until Thanksgiving), I don't hold him responsible. You can't recount votes that were never recorded. And, I do give him some credit for working to fix the problems, which have now all been fixed.

4. He has an impressive resume that indicates he might be able to 1) get elected and 2) accomplish some things once he does. Being a popular governor doesn't mean that he'll be a good president, but it does take some skill to be a popular governor and some of those skills may translate.

I haven't committed to any candidate yet, but I'm certainly going to consider Richardson

[cagoldensun5050]

45. THANK YOU!!!

I have heard a lot of stuff similar to some posters that think Richardson is not so popular with the liberal base, but a lot of the stuff I've read shows otherwise.

For example, here are Richardson's approvals:

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=49d6be85-9f4c-4b3d-9c60-36075ed52d4c

Overall: 70% approve, 26% disapprove

Republicans: 55% approve, 42% disapprove
Democrats: 83% approve, 13% disapprove
Independents: 57% approve, 38% disapprove

Conservatives: 55% approve, 40% disapprove
Moderates: 75% approve, 24% disapprove
Liberals: 82% approve, 15% disapprove

[janx]

57. Good stats.

And it's important to remember that New Mexico is a very mixed state in terms of politics, religion, military, and race. There is a large military presence here. That's why Heather Wilson, the Republican rep. from my district, keeps getting elected (though she almost lost it this time). She got too close to Bush's policies. She started out as a strong, moderate Republican and garnered votes from people of all kinds of political inclinations. When she started marching with Chimpy, she started losing votes. From what I can gather since I've moved here, people in New Mexico are not against voting across party lines. This is probably typical of other western states.

[Seattleman]

33. All that matters to the Eastern Establishment

is that he is a member of the inner circle of the Council on Foreign Relations.

We keep saying we want change, and the good old boy network keeps sending us their footsoldiers.

[Catchawave]

15. He's definitely been on my short list

Very impressive resume, I'm glad he's running :patriot:

[poverlay]

16. He's got my vote. n/t

[lies and propaganda]

23. i thought he already had...

maybe it was punditry, but i thought he did already...

[peacetheonlyway]

24. Waiting for Darkhorse progressive

to take the ticket the way Dean did.

whoever wins us progressives in the grassroots trenches, will win the party ticket.

everyone else is a compromiser and has failed to defend america at every turning point.

Edwards did not fight the election fraud of his failed previous run.
Hillary does not currently support withdrawal to the level the America people demand and continues
to cowtow to her centrist consultants that sold out gays during her husband's administration..
a gay person voting for Clinton is like a jew voting for hitler...

Obama.. what can I say, the guy has a great smile... what else..?? hmmm, I cannot understand where he stands on anything
because has has no real platform.. he needs more time as a politician to take over it's helm, I mean
Scottie is a great Star Trek person but he can never run the enterprise...

Bill Richardson fails on a checklist of issues important to progressives, he'll be noise rather than substance to the race.

and finally, Russ Feingold. where are you? You were our choice. why did U cancel your run?

I'm waiting.. patiently and I know there must be someone out there that is honest.
has a track record of fighting for America...

where you are my lovely darkhorse candidate???

millions of people willing to fork over $60 in grassroots contributions are waiting for the right candidate
to come out of the woodwork...

DFA Dean For America, why not field a candidate? Moveon, why not??? where are you guys in terms of giving us options!!!

[tblue]

35. Unfortunately, if you want the perfect candidate, you'll have to run yourself. I just want someone

who is generally pointed in the right direction, which is 180 degrees from where the * Admin is pointed now.

[YDogg]

42. well put

[AnnieBW]

28. WOOHOO!!!

Another one enters the race!

I'm of the opinion that the more folks that get out there and run, the better. Besides, Bill R. has a lot of experience in foreign affairs. I'm sure that, if he doesn't get the nomination, he'll make a great SecState.

He's been all over the map - Congress, Department of Energy, US rep to the UN, and now Governor. He's one of the few Americans that the North Koreans will talk to. I don't know much about his economic policies, but I know that he's got great diplomatic cred.

[Quixote1818]

30. Richardson would be a great Sec. of State

He is absolutely brilliant and brokering deals and getting hostages released.

[illinoisprogressive]

41. I agree

[Placebo]

36. Oh GAWD.

F that.

[Maryland Liberal]

37. ABH

Anybody But Hillary (ABH) is fine with me. I could vote 4 Richardson.

[TankLV]

39. He's jumped to the top of my list of favorites. Great news!

President Bill Richardson.

Sounds very good to me...

[illinoisprogressive]

40. I really like Richardson and toyed with supporting him early in the summer

but, I just see him as making one of the great Sec of State.
But, I just really like this guy and hope he is a serious contender.

[janx]

51. He will be once people get to know him.

He's brainy, personable, and principled. He's also very driven.

[blasphemousinner]

44. Democrats - Leading the world forward!

You know, the fact that we have an immensely diverse number of candidates, each with their own individual ideas and solutions to problems, shows how dynamic and strong the Democratic Party is.

Like Howard Dean said in his address to the Canadian Liberal Party, "Our Diversity is both a great weakness when hyperbole goes for news, but also a great strength when it comes to finding the answers needed to help our nations."

Might I add that yesterday was my twentieth birthday (on the 20th!) and Hillary Clinton announced her running for President. I've been long-awaiting her announcement, and it was one hell of a birthday present!

Just keep things civil this time, fellow dems, because no matter who comes out on top I think we've got a great candidate for President!

[Zynx]

47. Regardless of the winner, this will be a groundbreaking field of candidates.

[johnph]

48. Bill Richardson

I have read a number of items concerning Richardson and his behavior toward women that he works with, and one site said he suffered from the Clinton(Bill) problem. He needs to clear this up if he can. We do not need a presidential or vice presidential candidate who has questions coming up like this, since women are the main Democrat voting block.

[janx]

49. "Democrat" voting block?

:rofl:

[snowbear]

72. Hopefully that was your ONE and only post johnph

Because it completely SUCKED.

And it's "DemoCRATIC" !!!

[Imalittleteapot]

80. Dare you to cite the "number of items" with links, if you can.

Only a troll would call it a "Democrat voting block."

[johnph]

84. Bill Richardson

My concerns about Bill Richardson were first raised by a post by Kos at Daily Kos and it was magnified by a post at thewashingtonnote.com. Perhaps if you read around a bit you would have known what I was talking about. I also have Democratic friends in New Mexico that are not that fond of Governor Richardson. I also believe his time as Secretary of Energy will lead to some hard questions about things that went on at Los Alamos. And I am a DEMOCRAT voter.

[jmowreader]

50. Richardson has made it "okay" for governors to come in

I've noticed that a lot of times, someone has to be the first to take the Big Step.

Until Richardson declared, both sides were running a roster of senators--and you guys know what I've been saying about senators. (Given that, I hope the GOP is stupid enough to run a senator. Especially a senator that's tied his political star to being a rubber stamp for Bush. That would be bad--so bad that Diebold may even program their machines to make him lose worse than he would have on paper ballots.)

Okay, so now we have a governor. At this point, it's okay for the governors who could win this thing, like Brian Schweitzer of Montana or Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, to enter the race.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

52. snore ... another friend of hannity posing as a dem

next!

[Pierre.Suave]

60. How about this from the NYTimes...

<snip>
Mr. Richardson has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen and political prisoners in North Korea, Iraq and Cuba, according to his statement.
<snip>

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/us/politics/21cnd-richardson.html?hp&ex=1169442000&en=7e45b2bbd7d4a4ba&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[janx]

61. Yep.

Mr. Richardson has served as a congressman, as well as United Nations ambassador and energy secretary under President Bill Clinton. Today, he emphasized his international experience in his announcement that he would seek the nomination, saying that as United Nations ambassador, he worked to build alliances and help prevent the development of nuclear weapons in North Korea.

Just this month, he went to Sudan on behalf of the Save Darfur Coalition of groups trying to stem the violence in Darfur, to try to break the deadlock over who would police the region. President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan and leaders of several rebel factions in Darfur agreed to a 60-day cease-fire in separate meetings with Mr. Richardson.

Mr. Richardson, who last year helped negotiate the release of an American journalist charged with espionage in Sudan, has international contacts made as ambassador in the Clinton administration.

Mr. Richardson has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen and political prisoners in North Korea, Iraq and Cuba, according to his statement.

“The next president of the United States must get our troops out of Iraq without delay,” Mr. Richardson said. “Before I became governor of New Mexico, I served as ambassador to the United Nations and as secretary of energy. I know the Middle East well and it’s clear that our presence in Iraq isn’t helping any longer.”

[TheDonkey]

62. Welcome to the party Gov. Democrats have a strong/diverse lineup

to choose from this primary season. Talk about actually having a big tent.

[McCamy Taylor]

63. Another excellent Dem candidate. One of the most stellar line ups in a long time!

:dem:

[melissinha]

67. Also he welcomed the Texas 11

That meant A LOT to me. One of them is a distant family member and it was very heartwarming to know she was there.

Also at this moment in time it is very important that Democrats focus on Diplomatic Relations abroad and Richardson is very strong and capable on that front.

Also I think that he has a nice non-ethnic sounding name people would accept...

I don't like his support of NAFTA, its so hard to get a perfect candidate.

[SteppingRazor]

68. I've long been in favor of the "To Heck With Whitey" Ticket:

Obama/Richardson or Richardson/Obama '08! :evilgrin:

[themaguffin]

69. he has perhaps the best resume

While there is a talented group running, I really like his professional background. But I haven't had a chance to hear specifics on too many issues.

He said he wasn't running for VP - and of couse he would not say that he is, but if it works out that the popular kids leave him in the background in the primaries, then maybe he would be an ideal VP candidate.

Either way, I look forward to hearing more from him.

And I certainly don't want a "given" primary winner.

The candidate needs to earn it.

[snowbear]

71. Governor Richardson did an AWESOME job on Hardball..

Rock on Governor!! ~~~

[generaldemocrat]

73. Sorry y'all, but Richardson has more experience than Edwards/Obama combined.

He has experience as a Governor, as a former Energy Secretary, and former US Ambassador to the UN. Right now, out of all the current candidates, he has the best creds in this race.

[fuzzyball]

89. More like 10 times the combined executive experience of Obama and Edwards

[paulk]

76. he's got the creds to be President

Some of the current front runners are going to start looking pretty thin next to him...

[Geek_Girl]

77. From a purely strategic stand point an Edwards/Richardson ticket can't loose

nt

[Imalittleteapot]

81. Impressed with Richardson!

Heard him speak at the local university. This man has brains, personality, charisma and credentials. His experience in govermental and diplomatic affairs cannot be challenged by any of the candidates - Dem or Rep.

[Disturbed]

82. Richardson has a year to convince voters of his platform.

It seems that he is a strong contender with more real experience than most of the others now running. The field is getting filled up. Will someone else show up that will excite?

[fuzzyball]

87. I prefer him over Obama & Edwards

So, it is Hillary, Dodd, Richardson, Clark...in that order for me.