Bill Richardson: Secretary Of State?

The Wall Street Journal reports:

The battle for America's top diplomatic post spilled into view Tuesday, as some Hispanic leaders made a public push to have President-elect Barack Obama name Bill Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, as his secretary of state.

...

The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, an umbrella organization of 26 Hispanic groups, called on Mr. Obama to select Gov. Richardson, who endorsed Mr. Obama in March after dropping out of the Democratic race for president in January. Gov. Richardson, a Mexican-American, is a seasoned diplomat, having served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton.

"By all accounts, Latinos were a key part of President-elect Obama's historic victory," said John Trasviña, the NHLA chairman, who is also general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Now, "Latinos have the talent and expertise to play a major role in governing at the cabinet level and throughout the federal agencies."

Comments

[twistyhair]

Bill Richardson would make an outstanding Secretary of State. His early experience as a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, his service as U.S. Ambassador to the UN and his Master's degree in International Affairs all contribute to his preparation for and ability to serve in this capacity.
Further, his work on behalf of President-elect Obama, make him a uniquely suited candidate.
I am an African-American woman. I understand the importance of reaching out to the Latino/Hispanic community in a significant fashion, but most of all, I think Richardson has the skills, temperament and experience to be an excellent Secretary of State.

[SparkyDash]

I would really like to see Bill Richardson as Secretary of State. Next to Joe Biden, Bill Richardson probably worked the hardest for Obama. He offers loyalty and awesome diplomatic skills. As Tweet says, Richardson has a great nack for being able to work with the "bad" guys: getting things accomplished, maintaining grown-up relationships, not giving away the store away. I think Chris Matthews is right...Bill R would be an outstanding addition to Obama/Biden Administration.

[BorKomorowski]

Richardson has a perfect personality for a diplomat--his only problem is he gets confused over whose side he is on--still much better than choice than Hillary. Bor Komorowski

[ReasonableBill]

YES, Bill Richardson. He has the credentials, smarts and charisma.

[jonatty]

Hillary should stay in the Senate, maybe replace Harry Reid as Majority Leader. Bill Richardson would make a PERFECT Sec. of State. And, as for Sec. of Defense, why is no one talking about Gen. Wesley Clark? Just because of that stupid remark about McCain? Suddenly, he's entirely of the map. That's a shame, because Clark rocks.

[prog]

Yes, yes and yes. Agree completely. You are reading my mind.

[Vinca]

jonatty: I , also would like to see Wesley Clark, with a top spot in the Obama admin, Sec. of Defense, sounds like a good position for him

[MsDee]

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!

If it isn't obvious...Bill Richardson for Secretary of State...YES!!

[COEze]

I recently sent an email to Obama Campaign suggesting the Bill Richardson be considered for the defense department. If he accepts, I think he will make a good Deputy Secretary of Defense. Here is my reasoning...
First, I hear that John Kerry wants to be Secretary of State. Who can say "no" to John Kerry who gave Obama his national prominence? Therefore, if Gov. Richardson can take the Deputy Defense Secretary post, with the State Department going to Sen. Kerry.
Also, this would allow Obama to ratain Secretary Gates as Defense Secratary for the beginning of his first term. Gates will help in de-emphasizing Iraq and emphasizing Afghanistan... and credibly so.
After Iraq is settled, Gates will certainly like to move on. That will free up the position of DEFENCE SECRETARY for BILL RICHARDSON if he is the sitting deputy.
With experience in national defense and foreign policy, Richardson, to the pleasure of the emerging hispanic population, will be very much suited for a strong presidential run in 2012. Please take this seriously, and let me know what you think of my suggestion.

Yours,
Obi.

[lioness99]

Hagel for Defense. If Gates remains so will we remain in Iraq.

[lioness99]

Somehow Richardson in the Defense Dept. seems not suited to his demeanor. State Deparment, yes, but Defense is a stretch.

[slvn]

Yeah--he doesn't seem to have what they call "military bearing." If anything, Kerry, as a war hero, would be a better fit for Defense--and I don;t think political tribute is a good reason to pick a secretary of state in toay's geopolitical climate.

[RTIII]

I think Kerry would be good as Sec. Def., and I'm not happy to see Kerry in much else, frankly. Cronyism isn't any more beautiful when your side does it; he deserves nothing for his helping BO other than simply knowing he did the right thing. He needs to go where his skills are best put to use and he hasn't many - either say in the Sen., or Sec. Def... I don't see much else.

I think Bill wouldn't make as good a Sec of State as Hillary because Sec. of State is a chess game position; you have to be a chess-master. Hillary probably is, Bill clearly isn't. But he's a great man with a good heart. That's why he was our representative to the UN, and I think he'd be great there again. He'd also be great with Education, HUD, or a handful of other areas that have heavy interaction with people and need a hands-on leader. How about FEMA?
.

[VcKrc]

I dont agree that Kerry should get it because he wants it. Putting Obama on the national stage does not make him more deserving in any way.. If its a question of loyalty, which it shouldnt be, Richarson deserves it much more for putting his neck out on the line for Obama when he ran against Clinton. He was one of the first prominent figures to endorse him and he won my respect and admiration for doing so.

[lioness99]

KERRY....KERRY....KERRY!!

[dubster]

NO....NO....NO!!

RICHARDSON....RICHARDSON....RICHARDSON!!

[bill76]

I hope he picks B-Rich. I remember when he endorsed Obama, they looked like two good buddies on stage together. He was my second choice for VP after Biden.

[lovethesinner]

Richardson would make an excellent Secretary of State. I think he will be picked because I saw him on TV recently and he cut his beard off. That's something he doesn't seem willing to do when he doesn't have to. (He looks better with it, I think, but... that's my point. If he wasn't going anywhere, I don't think he'd have shaved it off.)

Viva la juelta!

[Kuroneko]

Richardson for Secretary of State. Absolutely.

[Shieldmaiden]

Please pick Richardson. I LOVE him.

[Barbara2423]

This would be a good choice. I am very hopeful Richardson will be our next Secretary of State.

[KarateKid]

He's qualified and experienced in international affairs, more than anyone else Obama can name that is not a retread. He is an effective negotiator and will further reassure our world neighbors as well as our enemies.

[NotMcCain]

Kerry?

I love Richardson and he certainly deserves a great post if he wants one. But he's seemed a bit absent-minded in all debates and interviews I've seen. I'm not sure he has the concentration for SOS.

[Salon]

He looks like he's ready to explode! Potential exploding Secretary of State? I don't think it wise.