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 Editorials | Issues | September 2007 
Richardson Weighs-In on Hispanic TV Debate, Troop Surge
 Charlie Brennan - MyFoxColorado.com
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| | Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, September 10, 2007. |
Denver, Colorado - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson stopped in Denver long enough Monday for a payday with fundraisers at a downtown hotel - and was still a bit peeved over what he couldn’t say at Sunday night’s Democratic debate in Miami on Spanish-language television.
“I was disappointed that the Hispanic network imposed what are called English-only rules,” said Richardson, who sees Colorado as a potentially strong source of support due to its high percentage of Hispanic voters.
“I just wanted to say a few words in Spanish. There are 48 million Hispanics in America. I'm the only Hispanic presidential candidate. I wasn't trying to make others look bad, but I was proud to be able to speak two languages.”
He noted that, with his Anglo surname, his Hispanic lineage might not be recognized by many who would perhaps otherwise gravitate toward his long-shot candidacy.
“Oh yeah, a lot of Hispanic voters don't know I'm Hispanic, because of my name, Richardson, because I come from a small state,” he said, following a fundraiser at Denver’s Hyatt Regency Denver-Convention Center. “In that sense, that (Sunday night) debate will get me more recognition, at least with a Hispanic audience that, hopefully, was watching.
“That will help me in some of the early states like Colorado, like Nevada, like California, like Arizona, that are going to be some of the early primary states.”
Colorado Democrats his summer moved their state caucus date up to Feb. 5, and the Republicans followed suit last week, making Colorado one of 24 states – at last count – holding caucuses or primaries that day, which is now being called “Tsunami Tuesday.”
Richardson admitted dismay at recently seeing former Denver Mayor Federico Pena, an icon to many Colorado Hispanics, toss his support to a rival, whose candidacy is already in much better shape – Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.
Well, I was disappointed. We served in the Clinton cabinet together,” said Richardson, who was Secretary of Energy, while Pena served as Secretary of Transportation. “I could have used a heads-up.
“But, I'm not after big-name endorsements,” he added. “I'm after the voters of Colorado, grassroots. And I've got a lot of grassroots support…It doesn't mean because he's Hispanic and I'm Hispanic, that he has to endorse me. But I could have used a heads-up.”
Speaking on the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, Richardson continued his ongoing critique of the ways in which the Bush administration responded to the catastrophic terrorist attack.
“Since 9/11 I believe we are less safe than we were four years ago,” said Richardson. “I think it's important that we not use this issue politically, as Senator (Hillary) Clinton did when she said that an attack would benefit Republicans. I think it's important that we be bipartisan, that we recognize that, since 9/11, terrorism has increased.
“And, my big concern is that our overwhelming effort in Iraq is detracting from us focusing on international terrorism. On Osama bin Laden. On the war in Afghanistan. And, on Al Qaeda.”
Richardson was in Colorado only briefly, with a flight scheduled for Monday afternoon that would take him to appearances and fundraising duties in Oakland; his campaign sees success in California as critical to his candidacy.
Colorado and California are both states in which illegal immigration, and immigration reform, are front-burner issues to many in both parties.
“My specific proposal is, number one, more border patrol, keep the National Guard there, more technology - but I'm not for the wall. That's not going to work. Secondly, those who knowingly hire illegal workers should be punished. Third, a stronger relationship with Mexico, where Mexico does more to keep their jobs on their side.”
He also backs a comprehensive citizenship legalization program.
“I'm not for amnesty. I'm not for instant citizenship,” said Richardson, who lived with his American father and Mexican mother in Mexico City until being sent to Massachusetts for high school. “I'm for a process that allows a legal path to legalization, so that they can get that and work in America. They’ve got to learn English, pay back taxes, embrace American values and pass a background check.
“But, if those conditions are satisfied, I believe that we ought to let these 12 million immigrants stay.”
Richardson’s Denver appearance coincided with General David H. Petraeus’s appearance before Congress, offering his progress report for Iraq in the wake of President Bush’s controversial troop surge earlier this year.
“They should analyze what he says, but I have serious reservations about our policy in Iraq,” said Richardson. “I don't believe there is a military solution. I think there is a political solution, and we're losing time in achieving it.”
Richardson has been advocating for a complete troop withdrawal since making his candidacy official in May.
“I'm not changing my position, which is bring the troops home within six months, no residual forces, but with a diplomatic plan,” he said. “Right now, I don't believe the surge is working. |
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