Bill Richardson at DNC Winter Meeting

"Elect a Democratic President"

After an introduction written by the wife of Paul Salopek, an American Richardson rescued from Sudan, Bill Richardson arrived on stage to address Democratic National Committee's Winter Meeting. Amidst the loud cheers from his supporters and the audience, Richardson proceeded to give quite a speech.

Richardson led with the statement "Our country would be better off with anyone serving in the White House...." much applause "...as my Vice President ."

Like Barack Obama did the day before, Richardson called on Democratic candidates for the nomination not to tear each other down.

Richardson called on all candidates to run only positive campaigns throughout the nomination process. He went so far as to call on the DNC to pass a resolution, demanding that candidates run clean campaigns.

Littered throughout Richardson's speech, were references to his record as a servant to America. He said that America needs a Democratic nominee that has brokered international agreements, fought global warming, turned an economy around and balanced budgets.

For a record, it doesn't get much better than Richardson's. Former member of Congress, Secretary of Energy, Representative to the U.N and current Governor. That gave him quite a bit to talk about, and talk about it he did. When you've got something good to say, it's better to say it - particularly to as important a gathering as the DNC.

On Iraq, Richardson said that it was a war that had gone horribly wrong. He said that Iraq is not the disease, the disease is arrogance.

Richardson said that the next President must be able to repair the damage in Iraq and the region. He said that the war in Iraq is not worth the loss of one more American life - what we said we would do, has been done and it's time for the troops to come home with honor. Joining with some of the other candidates not in Congress, Richardson called on them to pass another resolution to end the war, and bring the troops home by the end of this calender year.

He finished off by asking Democrats to "stay loose", that there is another year to go, and he would be doing his best to visit all of the states.

It was a good speech, and for those that don't know him, he gives a good background of his achievements, so it's worth watching. View it here.

Richardson In Nevada

Bill Richardson made a trip to Nevada Saturday, on his first campaign stop for the Democratic nomination.

Richardson met with Democrats in Reno and Milden, where he said that although he is an outsider, he will outwork the other candidates. He said that he believes he is the candidate with the most foreign policy experience, as former US representative to the United Nations.

Nevada is crucial as it comes just after the Iowa primary next January.

This wont be Richardson's last visit to Nevada - he has pledged to be back again and will campaign in all 17 counties. He will be returning on February 21 for a debate in Carson City and a health care forum on March 24 in Las Vegas.

Richardson spoke at a Democrat "Turn Nevada Blue" dinner on Saturday night, with other potential candidate Wes Clark.

Bill Richardson on Larry King

Bill Richardson appeared on Larry King live last night to discuss his campaign for the Democratic nomination.

Watch the video here.

Bill Richardson Is In

Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, today announced that he will be setting up an exploratory committee to consider a run for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Richardson's move was widely speculated on in recent days. But it has come in a big media week, only one day after the announcement by Clinton, and four after Obama.

Richardson said that he can bring America together and "we have to repair the damage that’s been done to our country over the last six years."

On Iraq, Richardson also urged diplomacy, saying that the regional neighbours should be engaged more and there needs to be an effort to "...set up a reconstruction effort to help Iraq achieve civil administration and build up its resources."

But he was also tough on the current policy, saying that "The next President of the United States must get our troops out of Iraq without delay."

Having a solid record on foreign policy will be one of Richardson's strengths, along with his steady hand as Governor.

Richardson should also do reasonably well on the fundraising front. Although not as good as the Clinton network, Richardson has built an impressive range of donors over the last few years.

Bill Richardson is also a former Member of Congress, Secretary of Energy in the Clinton Administration, and U.S Ambassador to the United Nations.

Watch the Richardson announcement here.

Announcement by Richardson Soon

Speculation is mounting that Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico will launch an exploratory committee to consider a run for President, perhaps as early as this weekend.

Having just returned from Sudan, where he was negotiating a peace settlement, Richardson will be keen to emphasise his credentials on foreign policy.

Given the announcements of high profile canidates Obama and Clinton this week, Richardson won't want to be left behind, particularly on the fundraising front. And while the media is focussing on the race, why not announce in the same week?

Stay tuned.

Withdraw US from Iraq this year - Richardson

Appearing in crucial early primary state South Carolina over the weekend, Bill Richardson said that the US should pull its troops out of Iraq by the end of the year. Richardson has said that the latest decision to send more troops to Iraq was not popular in America, or around the world.

As a key negotiator and former UN representative, Richardson has urged greater diplomacy in Iraq, as well as with other nations like Iran and North Korea.

In Presidential news, after listening to his announcement this morning, Richardson has apparently said that Obama is an exciting candidate.

Richardson will be looking at his options for a Presidential run over the next two weeks. On one hand it might pay to wait until the dust settles around the Obama announcement.

That is until it all starts over with the Hillary announcement, which must be coming very shortly. She certainly wont be liking the fact that Obama is taking all her media space. Particularly given she is out of the country touring the middle east and Afghanistan.

So if he is running, Richardson might just as well announce this weekend, before Clinton does. After that, he may struggle to get clear air space.

Is Richardson running for President?

Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, is yet to declare if he will be running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

As a former Member of Congress for 14 years, US Ambassador to the United Nations and US Secretary for Energy, Richardson has no shortage of experience in public service.

Richardson has said that he would be making a decision on a run in January, so an announcement is considered to be imminent.

Since late 2004, Richardson has visited crucial states Iowa twice, and New Hampshire 5 times.

In recent days, Richardson has been in Darfur, Sudan attempting to negotiate greater numbers United Nations troops for the war torn country and a peace settlement between warring factions. Richardson has issued a statement to say the trip was successful. His efforts will no doubt highlight Richardson's foreign policy credentials, which are already substantial.

But does Richardson have the capacity to secure the Democratic nomination?

He has had a good record in the past in fundraising, not only for himself, but for fellow Democrats. And as Chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention and Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, he is well known outside of New Mexico. His result of nearly 69% of the vote when he was re-elected last November should not be overlooked either.

The big question is whether Richardson can compete with the higher profile potential candidates in Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and declared candidate John Edwards.