Richardson's got credentials

Phil Gallagher

Presidential campaigns in the United States are a long, expensive and arduous process. By 2008 we should have had ample opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff. The media darlings such as Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will not be able to suck all the oxygen out of the room for such a long period of time. The media will tire of the same shallow and vapid messages from people whose resumes are as thin as theirs are.

The simple fact of the matter is that there is virtually nothing in either of these two candidates resumes that would qualify them to run the biggest economy, social system, military and most extensive education system in the world. Being a senator provides a wonderful opportunity to speak on a host of issues but as far as results are concerned the senate provides a very short list of effective leaders. The primary production that comes out of the senate is just talk. The American people know this and that is the reason that historically senators fall short in the run for the white house. It is however a perfect proving ground for the uselessness of the VP position.

There is one announced candidate in the Democratic field that has genuine credentials to lead this nation. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is a former Secretary of Energy, United Nations Ambassador, and former congressman. His political credentials are quite impressive as well having served as the Democratic convention chairman as well chairman of the Democratic Governors Association to name a few.

On issues of major importance Richardson has been in the forefront. His state is affected dramatically by the immigrant issue. As a former Secretary of Energy he is quite knowledgeable on our dependence on foreign oil and the need for alternative energy sources. Foreign policy is Richardson's strong suit as he is a graduate of Tufts Fletcher School of Diplomacy and he has tremendous field experience as our ambassador to the U.N. He is no strange to the complexities of the Middle East.

Despite these credentials it has been difficult for Richardson to get media attention. An example is his appearance on Chris Matthew's Hardball show last night. In the midst of detailing his resume Matthews asked him a moronic question about Hillary's reference to having experience dealing with evil men. During Richardson's response Matthews had a small inset of the governor playing next to a much larger scene of a smiling Hillary shaking hands with supporters. What relevance the question had to Richardson's candidacy I have no idea.

In any event as the campaign grinds on, voters will get an opportunity to see Richardson in action and will compare the happy feel good talk of Obama and remember the baggage of the Clinton's. In any face to face appearances by the candidates they will be able to measure the substance of each without the filter of media bias. It is in these situations where Americans will get to see the differences in a real candidate versus the phonies.