Carville Stands By "Judas" Remark, Says He Wanted To Brand Richardson

WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton adviser James Carville is refusing to apologize for comparing New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to Judas.

Carville made the comparison to The New York Times after Richardson, once a member of President Clinton's Cabinet, endorsed Hillary Clinton rival Barack Obama last week for the Democratic presidential nomination. Carville called it an "act of betrayal," and pointed out that it came during Holy Week.

"Mr. Richardson's endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out (Jesus) for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic," he said.

Richardson told "Fox News Sunday" that he wouldn't respond by getting "in the gutter like that."

"That's typical of many of the people around Senator Clinton," Richardson said. "They think they have a sense of entitlement to the presidency."

Carville told CNN on Monday that Richardson had committed an "egregious act" and he intended to make a sharp response to it.

"I wanted to use a very strong metaphor to make my point," Carville said. "I doubt if Governor Richardson and I will be particularly close in the future."

Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson told reporters Monday that he didn't agree with Carville's comment.

"If I had said it, I would apologize," Wolfson said. "I did not say it, and if I had I would, but that's up to him."

Richardson served as ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary during the Clinton administration.

___

On the Net:

http://www.hillaryclinton.com

Comments

[patianneb]

Carville has always been in love with himself and is the first to laugh at his own barbs, which he no doubt thinks of as clever, but are really just basic politcal hacksterism. He is so yesterday. But as long as he has a mirror and can get Larry King to fawn over him and snicker at his resnarks, he'll keep slinking along. This is a guy, who like Ferraro, has been out of the limelight just way too long, and is dying to get back in, and like the rest of the Clinton Gang, including Bill's Wife, will SAY/DO anything.

[winterline]

Yes because doing what one believes is truly the right thing for the country (and his right to make that decision) is less important than perceived loyalty to Clinton.

[nellie]

Brand? BRAND????? Carville is revealing himself to be a Rove wannabe.

[SuiginTou7]

I guess we can brand Carville as a tool. Richardson, it must have been difficult but you did and the people of New Mexico proud.

[hopefulintexas]

you MUST read the blog about this on huff po. i wondered what this was about -- carville is trying to intimidate other superd's.

[virginiabaked]

No doubt; that is excactly what he's doing. Ergo, no apology.

[JDWPS]

Actually what Carville did was brand himself.

[grrrfren]

I think every Obama supporter should make a point of contacting Governor Richardson to thank him for his gutsy decision and to remind him of the millions of Americans who appreciate and applaud that decision.

Carville needed to brand Richardson a Judas because the Clintonistas are so afraid that many other superdelegates would love to follow Richardson's lead. Carville is hoping the name-calling paralysizes the uncommitted ones (Which it might since they seem as spineless as jellyfish)

And to those uncommitted superdelegates: Loyalty for loyalty's sake is what brought us the Bush administration and the thousands dead in Iraq. I guess Carville with his suggestion of a need a for "loyalty oath" mindset is describing a Clinton presidential style modeled on her Republican predecessor. The country can't survive another such administration

[txshldm0007]

James Carville is the biggest Judas of the truth. He will say anything for his paid clients (notice no names or parties as for him it does not matter, he will support who ever pays him). That is why he and his wife can get along while supporting and strategizing for the the supposedly opposites end of the political spectrum.

I understand that James is also "consulting" political campaigns in South America even right wind campaigns. Hmmmmm why am I not surprised!!!

You are the Judas on this James Carville!!! Those with no sins can cast the first stone!!!!

[pollster08]

And You Mr. Carville need to be branded as UGLY......inside and OUT! Richardson is not glued to the Clintons hip. They are NOT his relatives either. He doesn't owe them a damned thing! He is a MAN and free to side with whomever he wishes to! This is a FREE country. The first rule in politics is THERE ARE NO FRIENDS IN POLITICS....especially when it comes to befriending the Clintons....given a chance they'd sell YOU down the river if you cross them. You are an idiot for defending them! Keep your trap shut! This is not about the Clintons..this is about THIS COUNTRY and Richardson made the right choice!

Obama/Richardson 08!! Or at least Richardson for Secretary of State! Great team!

[harriscrl3]

And Jesus said in the bible he who is without sin let him cast the first stone. Can't throw that stone can ya Jim. Cause you know that glass house will come crashing down.

Carol

[soljifire]

lol look at him wich one look more like Judas

[magen]

Judas betrayed a man coming from outside the established power structure, who was a great speaker, and had a popular movement behind him.

Sounds more like Obama.

Betraying Hillary is more like Richardson has become a disciple.

Carville is one of the corrupt temple high preists.

[mission91]

Richardson is a FREE man. The Clinton are disgraceful. Absolutely without dignity.

[fourex]

Carville needs to be branded 'ugly irrelevant'.

[beerguy]

Way to go James. Finally someone with enough gonads to stand by what they said.

[enoughalready13]

I agree. Since when did our country forget that we have FREE SPEECH here?! If he wants to call Richardson a Judas, he is free to do so. Isn't that what this country is all about?! Geez...

[DavieB36]

I agree 100 percent which is why the comments made by Rev Wright should not be used against Obama. Perhaps we should all look at what made him say that type of thing...what made him so bitter and why instead we (for lack of a better term) crucify him as unpatriotic and bigoted. What a shame the standard is only good when if favors the Clintons. Why did she not say hey lets take a look at what he said lets find out why this prominent former Marine feels this way? Not once have I heard anyone use the term FREE SPEECH and the name Rev Wright in the same sentence.

[indie17]

Uhh, yeah, we're commenting on what he said, not his right to say it. Do you agree with him that the superdelegates owe loyalty to Clinton, even if they believe that Obama is the better candidate?