by John McCormick
Speaking in Chicago this morning, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson tried to draw a distinction between himself and other Democratic presidential candidates on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
"They would leave tens of thousands of troops in Iraq for years," he told about 1,000 labor leaders gathered at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. "That's not ending the war."
Richardson continued his pledge of bringing all troops home from Iraq within six months of their de-authorization with no residual forces.
"The Iraqis want us out of their country, and they will not make the hard choices necessary for political reconciliation until we make it clear that we are leaving for good," he said.
By pulling troops out immediately, Richardson said the nation could begin to "spend the $450 billion that we have spent in this war on health care and education for our own people."
The governor was the final Democratic presidential candidate to appear before the Laborers' International Union of North America convention. On Monday, the group heard from Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.
Richardson, who spoke for just under 30 minutes, poked fun at one of the speakers Monday who spoke for closer to an hour.
"I'm not going to try to break my great buddy Joe Biden's record yesterday," Richardson said. "He's into filibusters, but he's a great candidate and has a very important message."
The union is not expected to endorse any of the candidates for some time, but hopes instead to mobilize and educate its half million members about the issues and candidates.
Richardson touted his lengthy resume on domestic issues and foreign policy, as he proclaimed himself the most qualified in the race.
"We've got a lot of good candidates in the race," he said. "I think all of them can serve in the White House as my vice president."
Despite his second-tier status in the race, Richardson encouraged the union to look beyond the immediate polls when considering its endorsement.
"You also like to be with winners," he said. "I want you to look at the polls in New Hampshire, Iowa, Nevada and the early states. We're moving up. We've got four months to go."
Richardson said he would call for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, a proposal that would make it easier for workers to join unions, if he is elected president. "We need to make sure the global economy works for American workers," he said.
The former Secretary of Energy called for the creation of a green economy in the United States that would include the retrofitting of existing buildings to make them more energy efficient.
"The energy crisis will only be solved by the efforts of individuals like yourselves, but government has to push the effort forward," he said. "These are jobs for you."
Richardson also pledged to make health care more accessible for veterans.
"Under my plan, veterans can get their health care anywhere they want," he said. "Our men and women fought the enemy abroad. They shouldn’t have to fight the government at home."
Richardson used one of his favorite refrains near the end of his speech.
"Some of the candidates in this race bring experience," he said. "Others are voices for change. With me, you get both."
Comments
Actually, none of the Democrat speakers--including Richardson--has any idea how to "end the war".
Because "the war" is the war the terrorists are waging against the western world and the U.S.
Because this war went on for many years prior to our involvement in Iraq, including the Clinton years.
Because this war was launched by the terrorists and the states who aid and abet terrorists. These enemies will not stop their war simply because the US government doesn't resist their attack, any more than a football game stops when one side decides to quit.
Because this war will go on after our troops leave Iraq. No matter who is president.
Posted by: Bruce | September 18, 2007 1:07 PM
Thankfully he hasn't a chance at winning.
Posted by: whatnow | September 18, 2007 1:23 PM
You're wrong Bruce.
President Obama will give one of his lofty, genrality laden speeches and Al Queda will become as smitten with him as the rest of the world and immediately put down their arms.
Posted by: JD | September 18, 2007 1:28 PM
Of course Richardson can't talk as long as Biden...
Richardson has nothing to say! Except not knowing where he is and who he is talking to....
Posted by: Jill | September 18, 2007 1:33 PM
Richardson will be a great President. He is goal-oriented, assertive and confident. He has the ability to quickly evaluate a situation but is not rigid in his thinking and will modify policy when necessary. He takes a practical approach to governing, focusing on solutions to problems rather than ideology.
Richardson has been called a "force of nature." When he served in Congress, he was regarded as one of the hardest working members, respected for his intelligence and detailed knowledge of the issues. In a profile earlier this year, Democratic state Senator Mary Jane Garcia stated, "It just never stops; it’s busy, busy, busy. He’s got an agenda like you can’t believe." New Mexican Republican Representative Dan Foley added, "People shouldn’t count him out. You won’t find a person who works harder."
On Iraq, Richardson has eloquently stated: "The War in Iraq is not the disease. Iraq is a symptom. The disease is arrogance. The next President must be able to repair the damage that’s been done to our country’s reputation over the last six years. It’s why experience in foreign affairs has never been more important."
Richardson has the best plan for ending the war in Iraq. He is only major candidate that has repeatedly and unequivocally called for the complete withdrawal of ALL American forces from Iraq.
The other candidates lack the confidence to stand up to the military and political establishment and follow the will of the American people. They accept the argument that a complete withdrawal of all American forces would be "irresponsible."
As Richardson wrote wrote in a recent Op Ed, "On the contrary, the facts suggest that a rapid, complete withdrawal -- not a drawn-out, Vietnam-like process -- would be the most responsible and effective course of action."
The fundamental difference between Obama, Edwards and HRC verse Richardson on Iraq is that Richardson understands that by the U.S. remaining in Iraq, we unwittingly perpetuate the war. Our troops have become the targets in a civil war. The Iraqi government has become dependent on the U.S. for security the Iraqis should provide. "The Iraqis won't take the necessary steps toward political reconciliation until the U.S. makes it clear that it will leave the country for good," Richardson correctly observes.
Likewise, without the direct and committed action by the President of the United States, Iraq will remain in chaos. Richardson is the only candidate with a track record of foreign policy success. Richardson will lead a diplomatic offensive to bring peace and stability to the region.
Posted by: Stephen Cassidy | September 18, 2007 6:34 PM