Slog - Comments on Richardson It Is http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is At least according to you Slog readers, who on Monday and Tuesday spent four rounds of runoff voting narrowing down a big list of potential VP picks. You all believe, by a pretty strong margin, that Barack Obama should choose Bill Richardson as his running mate. If you think that's the dumbest choice in the world, well, take it up with your fellow citizens of the Slog. But if you were among the masses pushing Richardson and want to explain yourself in the comments, I'd love to hear why he's your man. Also: if you think the Richardson people are... Copyright 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:45:22 -0800 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:33:40 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Anon The poll was doomed at the start by using the "should" criterion.

]]> Anon http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108799 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108799 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:41:03 -0800 Comment by w7ngman #1, why? It's a poll of who we think he should pick. What's the problem?

]]> w7ngman http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108802 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108802 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:46:58 -0800 Comment by Jubilation T. Cornball Sam Nunn.

]]> Jubilation T. Cornball http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108807 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108807 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:53:05 -0800 Comment by John Bailo Speaking of Presidential images:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47446064@N00/2779157323/

]]> John Bailo http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108811 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108811 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:08:02 -0800 Comment by Josh He will pick none of them.

]]> Josh http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108815 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108815 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:23:19 -0800 Comment by obamatron Boo. Wes Clark ftw.

]]> obamatron http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108823 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108823 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:46:52 -0800 Comment by ru shur Two words: Skirt problems.

]]> ru shur http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108824 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108824 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:47:12 -0800 Comment by you know Surprise? ...Gregoire. It saves her from losing to Rossi. And, yes, I realize she brings nothing to the ticket. But since everyone else is spouting off dumbass guesses...

]]> you know http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108827 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108827 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:51:55 -0800 Comment by Ziggity Wow, @4. That seams appropriate.

]]> Ziggity http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108830 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108830 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:06:48 -0800 Comment by Original Monique The Slog proves again that it doesn't understand politics, or the purpose of the VP.

*le sigh*

]]> Original Monique http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108838 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108838 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:21:02 -0800 Comment by Original Monique I'd say Biden or Wesley Clark.

Of course, as stated, I'd prefer Bloomberg or Feingold.

Bah, but he'll go with someone safer. I get it.

]]> Original Monique http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108842 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108842 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:26:32 -0800 Comment by J. Whorfin On a somewhat related note, Nedra Pickler of the AP has inserted her opinion of McCain's possible picks into this story (read carefully)....

"His top contenders are said to include Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Less traditional choices mentioned include former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, an abortion-rights supporter, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential prick in 2000 who now is an independent."
]]> J. Whorfin http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108846 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108846 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:36:21 -0800 Comment by Bob Al Gore!

]]> Bob http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108848 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108848 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:42:11 -0800 Comment by Patrick Bill RIchardson? Please.

I still think he should choose Hillary for a multitude of reasons (not the least of which: I voted for her).

But I'd be happy with Joe Biden, Chris Dodd or Wes Clark.

]]> Patrick http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108863 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108863 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:26:25 -0800 Comment by Durrr, this is obvious It won't be Bill Richardson. Suck it, Slog voters!

I'll be back to wallow in shame or gloat.

]]> Durrr, this is obvious http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108880 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108880 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:12:44 -0800 Comment by RHETT ORACLE @15 word! Though rarely whispered, those "who know" such things suggest Richardson has as much of a "woman" problem as Edwards or Clinton had/have; & if Obama has not woodshedded Richardson, this would have be yet another embarrassment. So I'm going with Biden and the heavy three electoral votes he'll bring to the 270 Club. Unless it's Colin Powell.

]]> RHETT ORACLE http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108884 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108884 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:23:43 -0800 Comment by RHETT ORACLE @16 - 'would have been'

]]> RHETT ORACLE http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108885 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108885 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:25:05 -0800 Comment by clintonsarmy We don't care who da fuk NO-Bama pick we won't support him and will re-defeat him in November!!! Go Hillary 2012!!!

]]> clintonsarmy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108892 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108892 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:39:51 -0800 Comment by E. Dettmar I wish it could be Richardson--but he's said that he doesn't want it. I have him pegged for Secretary of State, myself....

]]> E. Dettmar http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108905 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108905 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:08:33 -0800 Comment by Amelia Who will McCain pick? Will it be a mere billionaire or the youngest Republican governor with piercing blue contact lenses?

]]> Amelia http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108909 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108909 2008 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:13:32 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle Sweet. Richardson was my first choice for Pres, before Obama.

Well, not counting Gore ...

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108991 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1108991 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:42:14 -0800 Comment by Mike in MO I like Richardson for a number of reasons, but let's be honest; mostly it's because he's mexican, like me!

Of course, his Foreign policy creds are great, as well as his executive and diplomatic experience. And despite his years in DC with Clinton, he's not a dreaded "Washington insider."

]]> Mike in MO http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109039 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109039 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:45:31 -0800 Comment by NaFun I like Richardson because his resume is better than anyone else's. I want him in the Executive branch so bad I can taste it. Biden is also awesome, and I'd be happy if he were the veep candidate, too. Richardson would be an awesome Sec. of State.

]]> NaFun http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109117 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109117 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:19:05 -0800 Comment by cracked Richardson because the others are such obvious bad choices it makes him the least bad, except maybe Gore. But was Gore on the list?

Whoever it is will metamorphisize into a giant Lieberman anyway...

]]> cracked http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109150 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109150 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:54:23 -0800 Comment by tsm For someone with a genuinely impressive resume, Richardson did come off as a bit of a dolt in the debates. If it's him, I hope he improves his game.

]]> tsm http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109151 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109151 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:54:30 -0800 Comment by brandon i don't know who it will be, but i know it won't be richardson. or biden. or wes clark.

i could almost see him pulling hillary out of his sleeve at the last minute, but i really, really hope not. unless bill were bound and gagged and stuffed in cheney's man-sized safe for the next 4 years. then i'd be okay with hillary.

]]> brandon http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109154 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109154 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:57:12 -0800 Comment by teve boo. Richardson FTL.

podestaaAAAAAA ftw

]]> teve http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109157 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109157 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:57:39 -0800 Comment by Mike in MO We're a mob now? Fucking cool!

]]> Mike in MO http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109166 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109166 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:01:11 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle Why?

Because it's time to stop bunting for first and hit the ball over the fence, that's why.

God, you're so wussy sometimes.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109170 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109170 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:02:19 -0800 Comment by NaFun I hate, HATE, that people are still seriously wanting Hilary Clinton as VP. It would absolutely ruin his chances, AND runs contra to his stance as the change candidate.

]]> NaFun http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109193 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109193 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:21:14 -0800 Comment by Rhizome Must admit I don't know a great deal about what Richardson has been up to since the Clinton administration but I think he would be best pick based on a few things mentioned above - foreign policy cred, executive experience - and also he would for certain help get out the hispanic vote and likely swing New Mexico to the dems. Biden is probably the second best choice. Think it would be a mistake to go with pretty much complete unknowns Bayh or Kaine but that is probably what he will do.

]]> Rhizome http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109194 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109194 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:22:08 -0800 Comment by Lose-Lose It won't be Richardson. The poll was seriously flawed. You should do another one, perhaps one potential VP per Slog post, and the mob here can rant the pros and cons in the comments section. That would make consensus, rather than meaningless, stupid poll. Stupid, stupid poll.

]]> Lose-Lose http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109199 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109199 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:27:26 -0800 Comment by robo pick Richardson and you'll alienate once and for all the old Clinton fans fo shiz.

]]> robo http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109250 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109250 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:07:01 -0800 Comment by Hillary Clinton: Quintessence of Pure Evil or merely The AntiChrist? Selecting Richardson was an inevitable result of Slog's selection process. After four rounds, the least offensive person with a recognizable name will float to the top. A similar poll whose subject is "Where should we go eat lunch?" will result in McDonald's every time. (I don't have much time. I don't have much money. I don't like spicy food. Etc.)

]]> Hillary Clinton: Quintessence of Pure Evil or merely The AntiChrist? http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109261 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109261 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:15:39 -0800 Comment by cracked ON THE OTHER HAND: there is no way Richardson would be able to relentlessly attack the weak points of a GOP
VP pick like Lieberman (yes, folks, they are sounding out his name).

It will have to be someone who can play offense-is-the-best-defense one on one in real time.

Hillary could do it - if she wanted to. Richardson would fail miserably.

]]> cracked http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109316 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109316 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:49:22 -0800 Comment by michael strangeways Natasha or Joely?

They both rock.

]]> michael strangeways http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109338 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109338 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:57:54 -0800 Comment by Reverse Polarity I don't think it will be Richardson. He might make an interesting choice, though. Consider that the Hispanic population is the fastest growing demographic. They are also a demographic that isn't solidly party faithful, like gays or African-Americans, who vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. Richardson could potentially pull a significant number of Hispanic swing voters to the D side.

I agree with Dan's assertion yesterday that Biden is a smokescreen. Why would Biden want to be Obama's VP? How would Biden being on the ticket help Obama in any way? What votes would it gain that Obama doesn't already take? It is very likely Biden will get a cabinet post out of all this, but not VP.

I don't know who it will be, but I'm guessing Obama will pull a surprise of some sort. It probably won't be anyone we've been talking about on this list.

]]> Reverse Polarity http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109449 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109449 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:46:44 -0800 Comment by Jim I didn't participate in the poll, but I loves me some Biden.

]]> Jim http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109485 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109485 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:05:09 -0800 Comment by Fnarf PS: Sally, darling, I've been using email for real one-to-one communication for more than twenty years. You don't know what you're talking about.

]]> Fnarf http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109534 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/richardson_it_is#c1109534 2008 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:33:40 -0800