Friday, March 21, 2008

Does this mean we'll have an Obama - Richardson ticket?

This morning Bill Richardson sent an email out to supporters where he endorsed Barack Obama for President. It seems that Obama's speech on race earlier this week helped win Richardson over.

Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America's international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

Richardson had been rumored as a possible VP candidate for both Clinton and Obama. Now that he has endorsed Obama, I think Richardson would be a great choice as a VP candidate for Obama. He would bring a great deal of foreign policy experience, was strongly against the war in Iraq, and would boost Obama's chances to win states like New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Montana.

6 comments:

desmoinesdem said...

Richardson was on Gore's short list and Kerry's short list, but for whatever reason wasn't picked.

I think Obama has to pick someone with foreign-policy chops. If it's not Richardson, it could be Biden.

I would like to see Richardson in a cabinet post--he would be a superlative Secretary of Transportation, as he understands the need to shift our focus away from highway construction. I don't know if he would want that job, though.

noneed4thneed said...

Richardson would help Obama win some states. I don't think Biden necessarily would do that.

Chris the Hippie said...

I agree with desmoinesdem -- I think Richardson would be terrific as Secretary of Transportation, but I think he has higher aspirations. Personally, I'd like to see him as Secretary of State -- a position that in modern times has more "oomph" than that of vice-president. And I believe Secretary of State would best suit the Governor's abilities.

Anonymous said...

Richardson and Biden have to be on the short lists for both VP and Sec. of State. Richardson probably does offer a little more in terms of general election benefits, and Biden was more impressive when speaking on foreign policy from what I saw.

Anonymous said...

To late to ask for the dream ticket?

Anonymous said...

I think the dream ticket may be the best decision we can make as far as rebuilding our party. But we have to do what it takes to win Iowa regardless!