bill richardson

Bill Richardson

Governor of New Mexico, nominated by Barack Obama to be Secretary of the Department of Commerce. Withdrew his nomination in early January 2009 after questions arose over kickback allegations in New Mexico; was immediately thrown under the Obama bus. The withdrawal upset the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as they wanted a Latino at Commerce in order to - as they explicitly stated - influence the Census.

Richardson strongly supports illegal immigration in order to obtain race-based power. Supporter of the pan-Hispanic variety of ethnic nationalism (hear the quote). A related question for him is here.

Shilled for the Organization of American States at the same time as he was running for president of the U.S., a postion he continued to hold throughout his campaign. He may have actually been required to register with the Department of Justice as a Registered Foreign Agent, but no MSM reporters were (of course) willing to press him on that.

Supported Alberto Gonzalez simply because he's a fellow Hispanic.

Frequently lies, misleads, and plays the race card (also here, and see this disreputable performance).

Supported Elvira Arellano; even some on the left were unwilling to support a convicted felon who refused to leave the U.S. as ordered.

Supporter of amnesty ("comprehensive immigration reform").

Opponent of the border fence.

Sources say Richardson has a Daley-style patronage system in his state.

Speaking in Spanish to a crowd that almost assuredly would have understood English, he promoted immigrants learning English.

Last modified Jan 15, 2009
Discussed in (click each link for the full post):

Bill Richardson: "I don't think [Ted Cruz] should be defined as a Hispanic" - 05/06/13

The video below has former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson saying that Texas senator Ted Cruz shouldn't be a considered a real Hispanic. Transcript, bolding added:

NCLR letter for DREAM Act misleads (Richardson, Villaraigosa, Linda Chavez, Lionel Sosa) - 12/16/10

The National Council of La Raza has sent an open letter [1] to senators Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell urging them to pass the anti-American DREAM Act. That bill would let the illegal aliens covered by it take college resources from Americans: it would deprive some Americans of college educations. And, the NCLR's letter is misleading and signed by a small grab bag of very questionable people. It starts: As Latino leaders in government, business, entertainment, and sports, we urge members of Congress to support the "Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors (DREAM) Act." This modest...

Obama state dinner guests incl. Couric, Brian Williams, GE chairman, DreamWorks, NYT and WaPo reporters... - 11/24/09

A full list of those invited to tonight's White House state dinner - the one featuring arugula (no, really) - is here. In addition to a large number of Indian names that I don't recognize, here are some that seem more than a bit interesting:

New Mexico gave out over 1000 driver's licenses to illegal aliens, others with bogus documents; Arizona no longer trusts NM licenses - 06/14/09

In 2003, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson signed a law that allowed that state to give drivers licenses to illegal aliens, and when he was running for president he continued to support the bill. And, since that time over one thousand probable illegal aliens have gotten licenses from that state using bogus documents.

Bill Richardson withdraws as Commerce Secretary - 01/04/09

MSNBC and the Associated Press are reporting that Bill Richardson is withdrawing his nomination to be secretary of the Department of Commerce (link). The reason is an on-going investigation into his links to a company that did business with New Mexico: "Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact... But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process... I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value...

Bill Richardson: "Obama is an immigrant" (promotes CIR's "learn English"... in Spanish) - 12/07/08

After a Spanish-language speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado on September 1, 2008, Bill Richardson spoke to various "reporters" and apparently said this: Barack Obama is the best candidate for the Hispanic community because our community wants a united country. Obama is an immigrant. When he speaks to Latinos, he doesn’t just speak about immigration and civil rights... Video to the right. I put this more in the "stupid things ethnic nationalist hacks say" category rather than the "shocking revelation that Obama isn't a citizen" category as others do. See some...

Bill Richardson named Commerce Secretary - 12/03/08

Barack Obama has named Bill Richardson as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. From this:: [After the announcement, Richardson] addressed a news conference in Chicago in English and in Spanish, saying Obama has a vision he thinks will revitalize the American economy and restore the country's position of respect around the world. In addition, Richardson said, "It will be a great honor to serve a president that recognizes America's diversity is its greatest strength." Love that quota system: Although Richardson becomes the first Latino appointed to the Cabinet now in formation,...

Obama cabinet might include Democrat titans: Gore, Napolitano, Vilsack, Howard Dean, Caroline Kennedy... - 11/11/08

The Barack Obama cabinet might include such Democratic Party titans as Al Gore, Arizona governor Janet Napolitano, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, Caroline Kennedy, Howard Dean, Bill Richardson, John Kerry, and many more truly titanic names. This link has a "transition flowchart", a PDF showing some potential picks and all of them are truly great figures who will help the Repu... er, I mean the Democrats. While this could all be a jolly joke, who knows since the head of the transition team is John Podesta and his think tank the Center for American Progress is as much a joke as the Harding...

"Latinos push for Cabinet posts": NCLR, MALDEF, NALEO trying to embed supporters in Obama administration - 11/07/08

"Latinos" want to be named to positions in the Barack Obama administration. Actually, it appears they want a quota system. And, it's not really "Latinos" as a group, but the familiar far-left pressure groups such as the NCLR, MALDEF, and NALEO. The second has an indirect link to the Mexican government, and the last has a direct link. The ethnic boosting "reporter" Gebe Martinez of the Politico offers "Latinos push for Cabinet posts" (link). Here's the quota bit: Weeks before Barack Obama won the presidency, he met privately in Washington with his former Democratic rival, Sen. Hillary...

Ethnocentric Lionel Sosa working for John McCain (money from Mexican government?) - 07/16/08

Lionel Sosa is an extremely ethnocentric GOP advertising consultant who worked on George W Bush's presidential campaigns. Last year, he crossed over and supported Bill Richardson because, as he said at the time, "Blood runs thicker than politics".

Bill Richardson: the border is more secure; partnerships with Mexico - 05/08/08

From this: New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Wednesday that he has seen an improvement in security along the U.S.-Mexico border... Problems remain, but increased policing by state and federal authorities has significantly helped... Part of John McCain's (previous?) tactic to get amnesty involved the border being declared to be secure, something that would probably be done by border state governors like Richardson.

Eve Fairbanks misleads about Wikipedia (+Kevin Drum) - 04/15/08

If two "liberals" tell you that Wikipedia isn't biased towards the "liberal" side of things, doesn't that prove that it is biased, especially when the two "liberals" aren't exactly known for thinking things through? OK, it's not proof, but it is a strong indicator, as Kevin Drum [1] approvingly directs our attention to the post from Eve Fairbanks [2] of the New Republic (also home to Jim Kirchik and Jason Zengerle). She discusses a subscriber-only National Review article (link) called "Liberal Web" which discusses liberal bias at WP, and says: while I hadn't perceived anti-conservative bias...

SPLC's "The Year in Hate" misled about FBI hate crime statistics - 03/31/08

Earlier this month the Southern Poverty Law Center - a group indirectly linked to the Mexican government - released a report entitled "The Year in Hate", which continued their attempt to shut down debate about immigration matters. Per the AP:

Senator Bob Menendez floated as Hillary Clinton's vice presidential candidate - 01/24/08

From this: John F.X. Graham, one of Hillary Clinton's National Finance Co-Chairs, thinks that...

Huckabee, Obama: what happens when no one asks tough questions - 01/03/08

Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee have won the Iowa Caucuses. Neither are qualified for any elected office, and for the same reason: their strong support for illegal immigration.

Black and Brown debate features childish race card tricks (Richardson as Hillary's VP?) - 12/02/07

The "Iowa Brown and Black Forum" was held yesterday. Edwards gave a shout out to Obama and said he wants to raise the minimum wage to $9.50; B. Hussein Obama agreed. Then, the card games began, with Obama saying:

CNN Democratic debate November 15, 2007 - 11/15/07

Just started watching, and so far both questions CNN has gone to the audience for had major issues. First, the claim that the questioner was racially profiled is just that: a claim, not a fact.

Mel Martinez quits as RNC chairman; Peter Wallsten/LAT offers pro-illegal immigration spin - 10/21/07

As predicted and even sooner than was hoped, Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) has quit as the head of the RNC. Don't let the door hit you, etc.

"Mexico's Fox openly calls for North American Union" - 10/15/07

Calling all North American Union apologists. Please see this: In a promotional tour for his new book, "Revolution of Hope," Fox told NPR's "Talk of the Nation" audience: "That's part of my Americas dream, that we can build our future together. We are partners with United States and Canada through NAFTA.

Vicente Fox: FTAA common currency (Amero), Hillary for president, Bill Richardson, driver's licenses, lies about heathcare... - 10/11/07

On Monday's Larry King show, former Mexican president Vicente Fox: * Said that the Free Trade Agreement of the Americans (FTAA; called in Spanish ACLA) on which he worked with president Bush was to, long-term, include a common "Latin American" currency. Since that agreement would apply to the U.S., the currency would apply here as well... * Promoted immigration from Mexico, "guest" workers, and NAFTA... * Lied about U.S. citizens not paying the healthcare costs for illegal aliens... * Agreed with Felipe Calderon's claim that "Mexico does not stop at its border"... * Promoted driver'...

Tim Russert/MSNBC Democratic "debate" features journalistic incompetence - 09/26/07

The Democrats are offering yet another debate this evening, broadcast on MSNBC and featuring Tim Russert as moderator. He and a "reporter" from a Northeast TV network just asked the candidates whether they supported sanctuary cities. Then, Russert and the "reporter" just listened as the candidates blathered on. All of them supported sanctuary cities, with (of course) Kucinich and Gravel being the most extreme and the latter being the most incoherent. The only thing Russert did was press them to answer the question; he didn't call them on any of the ensuing misleading statements nor did he...

Wall Street Journal still pushing Hispanic vote chimera - 09/16/07

The Wall Street Journal offers what is probably a daily attempt to support importing cheap labor in "Hispanics and the GOP" (possible author: Stephen Moore).

Democratic Spanish-language Univision debate September 9 transcript - 09/09/07

The transcript contains some real valuable nuggets. Here's John Edwards: Just a few months ago, I was in Canton, Mississippi, as part of a poverty tour, and I met with poultry workers who worked in a poultry plant in Canton, Mississippi. And one of them was a man named Daniel who had been badly hurt on the job. And because of his injuries, he wasn't able to work.

Democratic debate September 9 (Quebec) - 09/09/07

[UPDATE: Nuggets from the transcript.] The Democratic candidates for president are currently pandering debating on Quebec TV Univision. The first immigration question I've seen was a question from crack "reporter" Maria Elana Salinas. She wanted to know whether the candidates support a "wall" (muro) on the border with Mexico, but not with Canada. The answer, of course, is obvious.

Philip Elliott/AP interviews Bill Richardson about immigration, Soviet style - 09/04/07

Philip Elliott of the Associated Press offers "AP Interview: Richardson understands immigration concerns". Tough questions like these have not been seen since the glory days of Pravda/Izvestia. In fact, the interview is very short and there are no questions that even hint at his policies, much less point out the gaping flaws in same.

Would a 42 foot ladder industry be such a bad thing? (border fence, Napolitano, Richardson, Perry) - 08/28/07

One of the more idiotic, childlike things you'll hear supporters of massive immigration say goes like the following recent quote from Texas governor Rick Perry: "But the idea that you're going to build a 1,200-mile wall ... is idiocy. It absolutely would not work. If you build a 40-foot wall, then the 42-foot ladder industry takes off."

Bill Richardson misleads on immigration (again, and again...) - 07/28/07

Not content to simply lie about the border fence or to be a shill for the OAS, on June 12, 2007 Bill Richardson made two misleading statements about immigration: 1. He offered the now-standard "false choice" between a massive legalization plan (i.e., amnesty) and mass deportations. He forgot to mention a third choice: "attrition". Under that plan we'd enforce our current laws in order to encourage many illegal aliens to return home voluntarily.

Shocker: politicians are scared of citizen questions - 07/27/07

Mitt Romney is apparently going to pull out of the next CNN/Youtube "debate" because he doesn't want to answer questions like those from snowmen. Rudy Giuliani is likewise unsure. Hugh Hewitt thinks it will turn into a chance for CNN to ask a series of leftwing questions, and is suggesting against taking part. A look at the questions for the debate submitted so far shows that they have little to fear. Unless, of course, they're afraid of asking a question from a hot dog (link).

CNN/Youtube Democratic debate: live coverage - 07/23/07

[UPDATE 5: 10/15/08 McCain/Obama coverage here.] [UPDATE 4: 10/07/08 McCain/Obama coverage here.] [UPDATE 3: 10/02/08 Palin/Biden coverage here.] [UPDATE 2: 9/26/08 McCain/Obama coverage here.] [UPDATE: If you too think the debate sucked, please

Progressives: urge Clinton, Obama, Richardson, Edwards to support Elvira Arellano's "campaign of resistance" - 07/02/07

Dear fellow progressives: Elvira Arellano - the undocumented person from Mexico currently seeking sanctuary in The Right Rev. Walter "Slim" Coleman's church in Chicago to avoid being deported and separated from her U.S.-born son - has issued a call to a "campaign of resistance". I urge all fellow progressives to not only heed the call, but to encourage the Democratic candidates to join with her in her struggle. Please go to campaign appearances by Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, and John Edwards and urge them to at least support Arellano, and perhaps even her "campaign of...

Stopped calendar: Bill Richardson wants to be frank with Mexico - 06/21/07

As long as you don't look at the year, a calendar stuck on February 31 is almost close to being on the right track every four years. Bill Richardson is a lot like that, saying yesterday at a town hall meeting in Phoenix that we should tell our friends to the south: "Hey Mexico, why don't you help your people and do something to give them jobs. Maybe we will do something with you to help create jobs at the border.

Bill Richardson Lied about the Border Fence - 05/27/07

Speaking on Meet the Press, New Mexico governor and Democratic presidential contender Bill Richardson lied about the border fence: MR. RUSSERT: The wall hasn't worked? GOV. RICHARDSON: No, it hasn't worked. MR. RUSSERT: Anywhere along the border, the fence hasn't worked. GOV. RICHARDSON: It hasn't worked. What has worked is more border patrols.

Bill Richardson still "special envoy" for Organization of American States - 05/23/07

In response to my query, Bill Richardson's communication director informs me: Governor Richardson has never "worked" for the OAS.

Bill Richardson isn't running exclusively as a Hispanic (wink, wink); would support amended Senate amnesty - 05/23/07

From "Richardson enters '08 race by letting Latinos know he's 1 of them": Democrat Bill Richardson has officially entered the presidential race with a naked appeal to Hispanics, saying in an interview that it's "rudimentary politics" to make sure the country's fastest growing voting bloc knows he's one of them. Richardson announced his candidacy in both English and Spanish from the heart of the U.S.

John Edwards is going to help stop amnesty - 05/18/07

Imagine what would happen if an amnesty supporter were forced to endure an hour-long, nationally-televised interview just about immigration matters where they were asked a series of tough questions about amnesty and forced to defend what they support. As long as the questions were tough enough, and they were asked follow-up after follow-up, their lies and misleading statements would be revealed.

Nerve hit: Bill Richardson supporters respond to his ethnic nationalistic comment - 05/15/07

In March I put a Bill Richardson video on Youtube (link) containing audio of him saying the following: "We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better - we have to be more politically minded - we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past." The audio is from

Democrats think supporting border fence is a weakness? (Bill Richardson) - 04/23/07

The usually better Stephen Dinan offers "United on immigration, Democrats divide voters": In New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina, the questions about immigration arise repeatedly -- and Democratic presidential candidates say they know they are alienating some of their strongest supporters by calling for legalization of illegal aliens. While some of the top Republican candidates have begun to change their positions to appeal to conservative voters, Democratic candidates remain firmly behin

Bill Richardson not yet supporting Alberto Gonzalez ouster... because he's Hispanic - 04/19/07

Bill Richardson has shown once again that he's completely unfit for any political office. From this: Presidential candidate and New Mexico Gov.

Joe Biden responds to question from Youtube user - 04/04/07

Jeff Jarvis from BuzzMachine has a new site called PrezVid.com. He's encouraging everyone to upload videos to Youtube asking the candidates questions.

MoveOn.org to pester Barack Obama, John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, others on April 10 - 04/02/07

Received via email: Do you mind if we invite Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton to talk with MoveOn members about Iraq in your living room? (OK, they'll be in about 1,000 other living rooms at the same time, but it's still unlike any other political gathering that's ever happened before). It's the first ever MoveOn Virtual Town Hall Meeting. Those candidates and others [1] will connect to living room around the country through an interactive webcast (or by speakerphone).

Pages