Richardson: Obama Saved Me During Debate

Esquire:

After the campaign, I grew a beard as a rebellion against those consultants who told me I had to comb my hair, shave, lose weight. I said, You know, I'm gonna do what I want now. That was a good feeling.

I named my horse after Toby Keith because I really like the guy. Genuine--that's Toby Keith. One of the great things about him is that during dinner he'll start singing a song. Right there. Not to perform, but to tell you what he was feeling the particular day that he wrote it.

As I'm chatting with Obama, the moderator says, "Governor Richardson, what do you think of that?" And I look at him like a deer in the headlights. I was about to say that I hadn't heard, when Obama puts his hand over his mouth and says, "Katrina." So I gave my four-point plan on Katrina. When I was done and the debate moved on, I looked over and said, "Thanks, you're okay." He said, "Nothing to it, brother."

Read the whole story: Esquire

Comments

[karmical]

Does anyone know which debate specifically Richardson refers to? I heard this story ages ago and would like to figure out exactly which debate it was and re-watch it on the old interwebs/utube... To find that precise moment, with Obama's hand covering his mouth would be pure gold...

[leeman79]

Now this is what a leader looks like! It would be a great autograph photo. Good luck Bill, I know you'll take care of business.

[PalmG]

I have to admit, this is a cool story (and pic, lol). I like stories like this.

[madeofsteel]

his was a great article, but I gotta say that the picture is pretty gangster... I can see him and Rahm(bo) whooping some rethuglican butts in a dark alley ;-)

[madeofsteel]

This was a great article, but I gotta say that the picture is pretty gangster... I can see him and Rahm(bo) whooping some rethuglican butts in a dark alley ;-)

[fem56]

I fell for Richardson the first time I heard him over the radio. He is so funny but also really smart but he needs that beard!

[NextYearLions]

Until I read that interview I thought the picture was the coolest part of this story.

[jind]

Barack and Bill are two class acts. Our new President strikes me as a person who would help someone in need, no matter who. Also, I'm glad that Bill Richardson took Commerce Secty. Maybe he was dissapointed about SOS, but he sure didn't demonstrate that.

[Z2221344]

I am SO excited for January 20th. This quote... man, Obama is so cool:

"As I'm chatting with Obama, the moderator says, "Governor Richardson, what do you think of that?" And I look at him like a deer in the headlights. I was about to say that I hadn't heard, when Obama puts his hand over his mouth and says, "Katrina." So I gave my four-point plan on Katrina. When I was done and the debate moved on, I looked over and said, "Thanks, you're okay." He said, "Nothing to it, brother."

[Ramirez]

That's a great picture of Richardson with the beard and the bat.

Reminds me a little of that guy in that Tom Clancy movie.

[GeorgeP922]

Bill, PLEASE grow your beard back, and please more photos with the bat.

Oh man, if only he got the SOS position this picture would be 10x cooler!

[Cinnamonape]

Commerce is going to be a MAJOR Cabinet position...Richardson is going to have to tie together the economic policies of the Administration with trade, balancing economic development abroad while creating viable environmental and non-exploitative labor protections with other governments. His diplomatic background and knowledge of nuclear proliferation issues will serve him in good stead...improving security in transport (shipping). The guy should be a winner in Latin America...if not elsewhere.

As well, he's no slouch on Energy issues...and this is an area where the pressure will be on to create non-coal/petroleum-based energy resources abroad. That means nuclear, wind and solar...and many nations will need to deal with proliferation and security issues with the first. The US will need to be leaders in developing and marketing the others.

When all is said and done Richardson is likely to be a home-run hitter...and work in tandem with Hillary and Obama.

[amakda]

After reading the whole article...detailing his meetings with Saddam Hussein and the president of Sudan, he is very comfortable and relaxed with world leaders. Even those as evil as Hussein and Bashir. This man should have been Sec. of State. I feel like he got shafted. He would have been perfect. Hell, he made Hussein and Bashir laugh!

[TomTheAlmostUgly]

Bush would have lied with a straight face (except for his everpresent smirk).

[Larkinvos]

This story says an awful lot about Obama.
What a class act. He could have told Richardson
the question was about the inner cities, or something.
Obama could have sandbagged Richardson, but didn't.

[Ramirez]

Richardson was never a threat to the O.

[LHoney]

I don't think that's the point

[rzzza]

lol, that pic makes him look like a mob enforcer