In April of 2005, I attended a conference of Radio and Television Media in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then, I was still an undergraduate student working for my college radio station schmoozing with the big wigs in the media in Sin City.
On my last day in Las Vegas, I had the privlidge to meet and talk to our keynot speaker at the conference...Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico. In the two or three minutes I spent talking to the Governor, I immediately decided he would be my first and foremost choice for President in 2008.
First off, I want to point out I have much love for my Senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and I have a deep admiration for Senator Obama and Senator Edwards. I, for one, believe they would all make excellent Presidents and if it turns out at the end that one of them is the nominee, I will support them.
However, I must admit that my top choice is Governor Richardson...here's why
I believe there are two key issues to focus on in the next two years...and they sort of go hand in hand
Foriegn Policy and Energy Policy
Richardson has an impressive resume when it comes to both.
Richardson began his career at the State Department and later worked on the staff of the Senate Foriegn Relations Committee.
In 1982, he was elected to the House of Representatives for New Mexico's newly created third district centered in Santa Fe. In his 14 years in Congress, he focused heavily on Foriegn Affairs. He visited numerous countries, and many who are not quite friendly to us, including Cuba, North Korea and the Sudan. He negotiated the release of two American hostages in Iraq in 1995.
In 1997, Richardson became Ambassador to the UN, becoming perhaps the second most widely seen diplomat in the American cabinet (after Secretary Albright). In 1998 he became Secretary of Energy, a job he held until 2001.
In 2002, he was elected Governor of New Mexico by a 59%-39% margin in a swing state. Richardson immediately got to work for New Mexico. He successfully implemented an excellent life insurance package of his state's National Guardsmen and passed a successful income tax cut.
Richardson's strongest point to me is where Bush has been exceptionally weak...diplomacy. He held talks with North Korean officials in 2003 and negotiated with Sudan over Darfur issues.
A President Richardson would provide strong diplomatic leadership in foriegn affairs...good diplomacy is something that is missing almost entirely in our foriegn policy. He will bring an experienced voice to energy policy.
Also, electorally, Richardson would provide strong geographic pick ups in the electoral college. Richardson would win his home state of New Mexico, which Kerry narrowly lost, and would make a huge dent in the Republican dominance of Texas...The Texas 23rd district, where Democrat Ciro Rodriguez defeated Henry Bonilla this year, borders New Mexico. Richardson could pull Colorado and Nevada safely into the Democratic column. He would throw Arizona in play and would play well with Florida Hispanics, most of whom are Republicans.
Personally, I like all of the Democrats who have announced their candidacy so far, but I for one, at this moment, will support Governor Bill Richardson for President.