The NRA (National Rifle Association), AKA (National Republican Association) has made a good friend in current New Mexico Governor and Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson. Out of all the presidential candidates (Democrat or Republican) the NRA’s favorite candidate is Richardson.
Bill Richardson has a long history of being in support of gun ownership, dating back to his years as a congressman. But this week, Chris Dodd’s campaign has accused Richardson of ‘flip-flopping’ on the issue of gun control.
Hari Sevugan, communication director for the Dodd campaign, sent an article from yesterday’s Albuquerque Journal that said Richardson changed his position during Monday’s debate when he said he is for “instant background checks,” including “gun sales at gun shows.” [Real Clear Politics]
Although Richardson is on my top list for presidential candidates, (I’m actually tied with him and John Edwards), I fear that Governor Richardson’s somewhat loose support for gun control will translate into his foreign policy.
Bill Richardson, D-N.M., meets Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad in July 16 1995. (Washington Post)
As a congressman and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Clinton administration, Richardson helped create many diplomatic negotiations between nations seen as enemies to the United States.
Richardson has met with Saddam Hussein formerly of Iraq, Kim Jong-il of North Korea, Fidel Castro of Cuba, and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. All visits were motivated by looking for a diplomatic approach to foreign policy. And in some cases he successfully negotiated the release of American prisoners.
This whole situation reminds me of a quote by KoKo who once said, “I’d rather have no foreign policy, than bad foreign policy.” Richardson definitely has the experience in foreign policy America needs right now. Richardson has even said that he would meet with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran.
Richardson believes guns are okay because it is an issue motivated by western culture. But, the NRA’s support for Richardson leads to an issue over a concealed handguns permit. Richardson believes that guns are also okay because they make people feel safe. But will he think that it’s okay for a country to have weapons (of any kind) because it makes them feel safe as well?
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Richardson probably wont get the nomination thats whats sad,.
Sadly, Koko’s probably right. I’m proud to support Richardson, because I believe he’s the most capable and qualified Democrat in the race, but I don’t think he possesses the “sizzle factor” of Barack Obama. Bill Richardson has done a great job as governor of New Mexico, and though he’s a longshot to win the Democratic presidential nomination, I can see him being the eventual nominee’s VP selection.
I hope he doesn’t win, considering he feels that just being born on American soil shouldn’t mean you’re an automatic citizen. But he would make a nice VP, even though he said he doesn’t want to be one.
what do you mean “considering he feels that just being born on American soil shouldn’t mean you’re an automatic citizen.” i’ve never heard that before.
Well, the NRA’s inevitable endorsement will probably do wonders for him in the southern state primaries.