Bill Richardson: Obama's Secretary Of State?

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Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and former Democratic presidential candidate is among the top names for a position in President-Elect Obama's cabinet. Richardson has already served as Ambassador to the UN, another possible position for him and ran largely on his resume. Richardson's endorsement of Obama, though he is close with the Clintons, came at a time when Hillary was trying to court the Latino vote. Richardson, who is himself Latino, went on to campaign for Obama and Obama subsequently won New Mexico last night.

Richardson's campaigning led to early rumors that he might be gunning for a cabinet position.

There are rumors that Richardson may be picked for the Secretary Of State, though he kept mum today regarding the possibility.

via MSNBC, from a conference call today:

Finally, Mulkern [a reporter] went in for the kill: "Okay, I just want to ask Governor Richardson if he's been contacted because his name as definitely been out there." Four seconds of silence, followed by some laughter.

"I don't think it's appropriate," Senator Reid started to say, then quickly changed gears. "There's no one more qualified to be part of the president's cabinet than Bill Richardson and I would hope that he's under consideration."

Comments

[ttj1776]

Are you sure you want Bill Richardson in government? Remember this??

Bill Richardson and Madeline Albright on Clinton's Iraq sanctions that prevented medicine and food from being imported resulting in the deaths of 500,000 children from starvation and preventable illness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S1YkQs5nXQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbIX1CP9qr4

[carol ccr]

Hillary as secretary of state would mean having a widely well-known figure with star power on the job, but I don't think O needs any more of that. When there is Bill Richardson who would bring so much more of hands-on qualities to the job! Nothing against Hillary, but she'd surely be better in another cab post.

As Secretary of State, Hillary could talk to Israeli leaders or French leaders all right. But Bill Richardson could talk to people who'd be the really DIFFICULT ones, of the Hamas, the Taliban and a variety of troublesome folks that wouldn't even remotely consider talking to Hillary!

Please, Barack, don't already give in to ideas of paying the Clinton's back or of who'd look better on the world stage. Richardson is the more progressive guy!!!

As some folks in certain blogs have suggested, Hillary may well have "earned" the job, BUT I don't think it should be about that.
Bill (Richardson) could get things done, because he could talk to and actually earn the respect of EVERYBODY in the conflict zones, not just some.

Best wishes and hopes,
Carol

[Ninox]

Richardson based on qualifications and strategic political reason would be a fine choice.

[espressobeans]

My first choice.

[Chaucea]

Richardson for Secretary of State?

Yes. This would be referred to as a "Blinding Flash of the Obvious"! :-)

[okwassup]

Bill Richardson is the best choice at Sec. of State.

-His latino heritage would help secure Latin American support to the Dems for years to come.
-His strong ties to the Mexican government would help in the illegal immigration/border issues.
-He would be instrumental in our approach to Hugo Chavez and Cuban leadership.
-He's already well known and respected by N. Korea's Kim Jong
-The rest of the world knows and respects him from his days as UN Ambassador and for his fair thinking and negotiating skills.
-Pres. Elect Obama can return the favor from when Richardson gave his controversial endorsement much to the dislike of the Clintons.

It's a no brainer for Bill Richardson. He's the best statesman we have available right now.

[SpringDoc]

In a round table attended by campaign staffers in NV, earlier this year after he ended his presidential campaign, BR said he would accept VP or Sec. of State, if offered. Anything else, he would decline. As mentioned by BR many times in interviews, he loves his current role as Gov. of NM. He likes his early morning horse riding and loves being the Governor of NM.
One thing not seen here on earlier posts, is his accomplishments as Governor of a border state with Mexican immigrants. He also has a realistic plan on working with the Mexico President to deal with this huge issue and not allow the fence to be built. As SoS, he could still implement this plan along with the Homeland Security Secretary.

[cassiopex]

Yes, Bill Richardson is it. The most impressive resume, savoir-faire, intelligence, proactive, independent view of the world that is really comprehensive and compassionate. And like so many others mentioned before, his endorsement was priceless.

I think latino-americans deserve better representation than what they have right now and we should strengthen their ties to the Dems. As I said before: if we open doors for them, they will open doors for us. The magic of cooperative instead of divisive politic in a nutshell!!

[roshni]

Bill Richardson would be a great choice for Sec. of State. He is experienced, bilingual and is on board with the policies Obama would want to implement.
Also, it would be great to have hispanic representation because so many hispanic constituents voted for Obama and make up a large percentage of this population.

[kerryokie]

I hope Obama is watching these comments. Bill Richardson would be an awesome choice.

[fluidstillness]

Bill Richardson would be an excellent choice for SOS - he is so well-experienced in legislative, executive, and ambassadorial roles. I have so much respect for him as a politician and a person.

[ALSinNYC]

Bill Richardson is the single most qualified choice, given his background and expereince and his suport to the Obama campaign, delivering the vote in New Mexico and on a broad base of voters from Latinos to independants. Richardson delivers, as he has in hostage negotiations and peace-talks, as well as in his previous service at the UN where he brought a positive change to the world body.
We need someone like Bill Richardson in the position of Secretary of State to lead a much needed change in our nation's foreign policy, and to re-build the shattered image of the US abroad. Pragmatic, well respected and decisive leadership such as that displayed by Bill Richardson, and his ability to surround himself with dedicated and like-minded staff, will put our great nation back in the forefront of world affairs - not as a war-mongering, defense focused nation - but as a nation that truely displays the best intentions to solving the crtiical issues that affect our security and economic stability.
Kerry, Powell and others could also assume the Secretary of State post, but none brings the true scope of competecy to the position like Ricahrdson!

[FirstShirt]

See, tossing Hillary under the bus pays off.

[BrownInk]

Don't know about that. Hillary just might be a nominee to the Supreme Court.

[mercuryguy]

He would be fine for SOS. I approve this message, LOL

[DenveRockwell]

Love the idea of Richardson as SoS. Hate the idea of Kerry.

As Mike Tyson would say, I think Kerry should just "fade into Bolivian."