Richardson is the Innovator We Need in Commerce

Here we go again! All the media pundits seem to be missing the boat on the brilliance of the selection of Governor Bill Richardson as the next Secretary of Commerce. Many have been just too eager to pigeon-hole him in the role of foreign affairs and stir the controversy missing the real beef of this Governor's legacy in the State of New Mexico.

This man is innovative. We need someone willing to think out the box and attract the best talent to implement and manage. That is Big Bill from the far off land of New Mexico.

Here are the facts: over $2B in revenues and jobs are now coming into New Mexico from Hollywood; the chip giant Intel in a partnership with the State built one of the world's fastest super computers right outside of Albuquerque; venture capital firms have been created to invest in start-up ventures; and partnerships have been formed with titans of private industry. He's got a team of the best and brightest, and even raided Princeton for his young energy advisor who is spearheading innovations for the Western states on climate crisis.

If that was not enough, last spring Richardson sealed one of the largest private and public partnerships with Sir Richard Branson and the State of New Mexico to build the next generation space station. The net is that there are more jobs, and more money and more programs for advanced education - all benefiting the people and the economy of New Mexico for the long term as we all weather the blight of this financial roller coaster.

If he could do a fraction of this on a national level, we would be lucky ducks.

So next time you wonder what Obama was thinking, muse over the facts and applaud him for his shrewd insight in appointing Richardson to help reinvent commerce for the US.

What do you think?

Comments

[shel3364]

I was one of those who wanted to see him fill some sort of diplomatic role. I had no idea about the things you pointed out.

Obama & co really seem to be picking the right people for the right jobs.


Thanks for the insight.

[MBryant]

Although I support President elect Obama, in a more effective system of elections, Bill Richardson should probably have been selected as President. He was the most qualified candidate in either party without being overly wonkish or bearaucratic and presented America's more diverse "face" as well. If he is interested in returning to Washington, Obama should jump at the chance to have him participate in any way that makes sense to the two of them.

Any smart president always wants someone they can implicity trust at Atty Gen. Obama is smart and he wanted Eric Holder (the guy is a basketball player and a pragmatist, not an idealist). He'll protect Obama's back. The Treasury Sec pick was critical at this time and Geithner was the right pick. So, if Obama wanted to appoint a woman to one of the "top four" cabinet level posts (remembering his Veep is not a woman) - that leaves Defense and State.

Hillary is perhaps more qualified for Defense, but only the prestige of Sec. of State would lure her out of the Senate. There were no other logical female choices for Defense. Kerry or Richardson seemed the logical choice for State, but Hillary not only allowed Obama to pick Holder and Geithner, but helps put his party back together and disarms a former opponent by putting her on the team (and may even stuff a sock in Bill's mouth).

So Richardson loses another job due to politics (he also wins that way sometimes I'm sure)...

[sueno]

Nice perspective and great article!

[michellekraus]

Thank you it is appreciated. M

[Wiserone]

Richardson is deep, deep, deep in lobbyist's pockets and am more concerned that he has more ties that bind than even Bill Clinton. Obama would have been better off skipping over Richardson.

[michellekraus]

Come on let's get over it and get down to work. There is far too much to do.

[FessorFrink]

My inital opinion was for Richardson to be SOS as well. HRC should do fine there anyway. Obama will need competing voices in Foreign policy so that a consensus can be reached. As far as SOC I also thought that would be a step down for BR since he was already SOE under Clinton. Since you gave me much more to think about regarding his NM record of progressive public-private partnerships, I think he will be a great asset. He's too talented and smart not to be in Obama's cabinet. And he could replace HRC in case some things do change during the term or second term. Good article.

[michellekraus]

you got the message. hats off to obama as he brings the best and brightest voices together to unwind the last eight years.

[Kate4Change]

I agree!!! I've been thinking the same thing. It seemed like all the media pundits are thinking the SOS job is the plum job but actually the SOC job is even better! We are on the edge of economic catastrophe and Obama is planning a "New, New Deal" that will jumpstart our economy. If this is done right and in 2 years, we are better off financially with more jobs and the stock market stable, then the credit will go to Bill Richardson, Tim Geitner , Obama and Biden for pulling off a miracle!

This is huge! I think Bill will be perfect for this role. Another problem we have is with immigration and businesses hiring undocumented workers and paying them wages below min. wage. It is a modern day slavery and needs to be stopped immediately! Also, many of our jobs have been going oversees as agreed upon with other foreign leaders. Bill Richardson's diplomatic abilities will help with keeping jobs in America and hopefully bringing some back .

Brilliant pick!!!

[obamagirl1968]

I believe that he will build on his foreign policy experience as well as his Hispanic background to help renegotiate CAFTA and NAFTA and to negotiate new agreements, especially with Latin America. He will also use his energy experience to help plan the new domestic green economy. He can also backup the national security team on the economic impacts of foreign policy decisions. This was a brialliant move!

[LaFilleEnRose]

Wow. Thank you. I had hoped to learn something like this. I must admit I wondered about this particular appointment. And do I now feel good about it. Thanks so much for this....truly.

[roshni]

I have no doubt Richardson will be great at this job.
Richardson is an asset to Obama.

[marytny]

Can they all just start tomorrow????

[demfriend]

I knew Bill to be very well suited for work in the arena of world politics and had never known what his state was doing as a result of him. Th foreign policy was the focus he put on his run so it looks like Obama will have yet another person put where they ned to go based on their strong points! Amazing that Obama has either himself put so much thought into all of these choices he has made or he has had a very strong team helping him with the selections. Any way it probably all leads back to his own decisions as no one will be making those but Obama. I truly like the choices being made based on each person and what they can do/bring and not based on old debts owed or political choices based on who can bring what like bush and even Clinton.

[MarcelWilliams]

I'm sorry that Bill Richardson didn't get the Secretary of State job. But don't be surprised if he leads the way to opening up talks and trade with Cuba-- especially if Hillary acts too stubborn and arrogant to initially open up a dialogue with Cuba.

Marcel Williams
http://www.newpapyrusmagazine.blogspot.com/

[NotMcCain]

I think the problem is no one is thinking of "Commerce" as a top-tier Cabinet job.

It isn't a high profile job like SOS, SOD, even National Sec. Advisor or Treasury Secretary.

It even seems a step down from Richardson's old job as Sec. of Energy.

But, you make a good point. With the economy tanking, everything related to it assumes greater importance. I think Richardson will elevate the job--rather than the other way around.

[michellekraus]

Indeed, we need a game change in our thinking about our country. It is not only about our place in the world but how we rebuild the United States. So each and every Cabinet position is vital as are the major committee chairs like JK on the Committee on Foreign Relations, Dodd on Banking and Commerce, and the list goes on. We need workers and we need leadership. Obama is creating a rare mix of both with well experienced players in each camp. JK and Dodd will play major roles in each of their respective responsibilities -- both equally important.

[Jacqueass]

Richardson is perfect for Commerce. The position involves lots of negotiations with foreign nations and industry leaders. He will also be a great Secretary of State in Obama's 2nd term, after Biden decides to retire and Hillary replaces him as VP.

[marthlois]

In your dreams

[johninoregon]

Actually, that's an interesting scenario.

[roshni]

Not happening.
Biden stays.
Richardson as SOS is fine with me, but Biden is a keeper.

[Paul]

Richardson probably has the most experence of any of those appointed so far.

He would have been a solid choice for Sec of State.

He was bound to wind up in the cabinet somewhere...

[Dystopic]

I agree, Richardson is a great example of the deep bench on the dem side.