RICHARDSON. Our benevolent web dictator Sam Rosenfeld wants to know if Bill Richardson, "on the substantive merits, [is] worthy of serious consideration by liberals." I think that's setting the bar rather low: Any popular Southwestern governor with a resume like Richardson's is worth considering, the question is what liberals should, or will, conclude. My experience with Richardson is limited to a breakfast he held last summer. Speaking to a roomfull of progressives, Richardson touted his tax cuts, and his success in convincing more movie studios to film in New Mexico, and averred that he was excited by Bush's Mars proposal and believed Democrats should be "the party of space." It was an odd performance, rather devoid of moral vision or sweeping accomplishments. Richardson's legendarily kinetic bonhomie was on short supply; instead, we got an understated technocrat muttering about growth. His governance of New Mexico has been capable, though not particularly distinguished in any one area, and his record as Energy Secretary would make for some nasty negative ads. he has some notable diplomatic achievements, but that's about it. All that said, it may indeed be that Richardson has hidden depths, or deep strengths, and liberals should take notice. But there is not some conspiracy to ignore him. On some level, what's interesting is his unexpected notoriety, which has left lots of folks wondering why they don't hear more about this guy they think they should be hearing more about, though no one seems to have a clear idea of exactly what's not being publicized. Reminds me a bit of this cartoon... --Ezra Klein
