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Showing posts with label Bill Richardson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Richardson. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Bill Clinton Flips Out on CA Superdelegates

I wouldn't normally post this kind of stuff here but this is just too strange to not relay. Apparently, Bill Clinton went to a meeting of California superdelegates this weekend and launched into an unhinged and far-ranging tirade on Bill Richardson, who he flat-out accused of lying to him repeatedly, and the media.

This, after Bill Clinton recently called for everyone to "chill out".

Here's the full article from the San Francisco Chronicle:

The Bill Clinton who met privately with California's superdelegates at last weekend's state convention was a far cry from the congenial former president who afterward publicly urged fellow Democrats to "chill out" over the race between his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Barack Obama.

In fact, before his speech Clinton had one of his famous meltdowns Sunday, blasting away at former presidential contender Bill Richardson for having endorsed Obama, the media and the entire nomination process.

"It was one of the worst political meetings I have ever attended," one superdelegate said.

According to those at the meeting, Clinton - who flew in from Chicago with bags under his eyes - was classic old Bill at first, charming and making small talk with the 15 or so delegates who gathered in a room behind the convention stage.

But as the group moved together for the perfunctory photo, Rachel Binah, a former Richardson delegate who now supports Hillary Clinton, told Bill how "sorry" she was to have heard former Clinton campaign manager James Carville call Richardson a "Judas" for backing Obama.

It was as if someone pulled the pin from a grenade.

"Five times to my face (Richardson) said that he would never do that," a red-faced, finger-pointing Clinton erupted.

The former president then went on a tirade that ran from the media's unfair treatment of Hillary to questions about the fairness of the votes in state caucuses that voted for Obama. It ended with him asking delegates to imagine what the reaction would be if Obama was trailing by just 1 percent and people were telling him to drop out.

"It was very, very intense," said one attendee. "Not at all like the Bill of earlier campaigns."

When he finally wound down, Bill was asked what message he wanted the delegates to take away from the meeting.

At that point, a much calmer Clinton outlined his message of party unity.

"It was kind of strange later when he took the stage and told everyone to 'chill out,' " one delegate told us.

"We couldn't help but think he was also talking to himself."

When delegate Binah - still stunned from her encounter with Clinton - got home to Little River (Mendocino County) later in the day - there was a phone message waiting for her from State Party Chairman Art Torres, telling her the former president wanted him to apologize to her on his behalf for what happened.

Still, word of Clinton's blast shot all the way back to the New Mexico state Capitol, where Richardson spokesman Pahl Shipley reiterated Tuesday that his boss had never "promised or guaranteed" Bill and Hillary his endorsement.

Posted by Metavirus at 4/02/2008 10:42:00 AM 0 comments  

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Friday, March 21, 2008

Bill Richardson Endorses Obama!

Superdelegate and Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson today endorsed Barack Obama for President at a rally in my home state of Oregon. What's more, he is appearing with Obama at a series of rallies in Oregon today, which may include one in Eugene where my mom, stepdad and sisters will be! If so, I'll have tons of photos to post later today or tomorrow.

Here's the video:


Transcript

From a WaPo commentary, here are five ways the Richardson endorsement helps Obama:

The first is timing. Richardson has ridden to Obama's rescue during what has been the roughest stretch of his candidacy. It comes after the uproar over Obama's spiritual mentor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, which has knocked Obama off stride. It comes after losses in Ohio and Texas, which cost Obama the opportunity to force Clinton out of the race.

Second, Richardson sends a signal to superdelegates that they too should back Obama. This may be the most significant aspect of his decision to back Obama. Superdelegates will decide the nomination. There is no way either Clinton or Obama can get to the 2,024 votes necessary to win the nomination without the superdelegates.

Third, Richardson is close to both Clintons. He served as United Nations ambassador and later as Energy secretary in Bill Clinton's administration... Though there were reports that his conversations with the Clintons about an endorsement immediately after he left the presidential race did not go terribly well, symbolically his connections with the Clintons will raise questions as to why he decided to turn his back on the New York senator, rather than remaining neutral in the nomination battle.

Fourth, Richardson implicitly helps Obama answer questions about his readiness to be commander in chief. More than any other candidate in the Democratic race, Richardson based his campaign on his foreign policy resume. Along with Joe Biden, he has more experience in that area than any of their rivals.

Fifth, Richardson's support could help Obama improve his standing with Hispanic voters. Clearly an endorsement would have been more valuable before the Texas primary, where Clinton beat Obama by 2-1 among Hispanics. But better late than never.

Here's a great excerpt from coverage of the Richardson announcement:
A clearly emotional Mr Richardson, standing next to Mr Obama at a huge rally in Oregon, said: "Your candidacy is a one-in-a lifetime opportunity for our nation and you are a once-in-a-lifetime leader."

He praised the Clintons, but declared: 'It is time for the Democrats to stop fighting among ourselves and prepare for the tough fight against John McCain."

He also referred to Mr Obama's speech this week on race, in which he tried to defuse the controversy over the inflammatory comments of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, as the words of a "courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader".

Read More: Obama secures backing of key superdelegate Bill Richardson

Here's video of Obama accepting Richardson's endorsement:

Posted by Metavirus at 3/21/2008 01:25:00 PM 1 comments  

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