Richardson Shines on "Meet the Press," Presents Bold Energy Plan

At times lately, I wonder why 2008 presidential candidates dare to appear on NBC's Meet the Press "Meet the Candidate" series.

During those hour-long interviews, moderator Tim Russert seeks not to illuminate and interview, but to embarrass, humiliate, unnerve and otherwise surprise... all to generate a headline-grabbing soundbite, I suppose. It's shock-and-awe interviewing, and it's risky for the candidates.

None of the poll-topping 2008 candidates have yet taken the bungee-jump plunge in 2007 on NBC's Meet the Press. The one Republican and three Democrats who have... McCain, Edwards, Biden and Richardson... all judged the national publicity to be worth the risk of fatal campaign humiliation. I'm not sure they were correct...

Gov. Bill Richardson appeared on NBC's Meet the Press last Sunday, May 27, and I thought he fared well in showcasing his extensive experience, and in unequivocally stating his views and plans.

I was particularly impressed with Gov. Richardson's bold energy agenda, which is thoughtful, practical and quite aggressive. Bill Richardson was U.S. Energy Secretary (1998-01) under President Bill Clinton, making him the most credible 2008 candidate on energy issues.

For your info, scan my quick-reading summary of Bill Richardson's comprehensive energy program proposal, Bill Richardson's Plan to Make America a Clean Energy Nation. But be forewarned... it's aggressive, and includes such goals as cutting oil demand by 50% by 2020.

Yankees vs. Red Sox?
In his May 27, 2007 appearance before intimidating Grand Inquisitor Russert, Gov. Bill Richardson held his own with confidence and trademark warm humor.

Of course he should, since he's a world-class diplomat. (U.S. journalism would, indeed, be in a sad state if Tim Russert was a tougher nut to crack than, say, Saddam Hussein or North Korean leaders.)

At interview's end, broadly grinning Tim Russert tried one last time to pin down a squirming Richardson when he confronted the governor on his shockingly ambiguous loyalties to both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. I loved Bill Richardson's laughing, clever political response:

"Mickey Mantle was my hero. If I weren’t running for president,... I’d (want to) play center field for the New York Yankees — I wanted to be number seven. And — but I still love the Red Sox as a team.

I mean, this is the thing about me, Tim. I can bring people together. I can unify people."

Related Reading
Bill Richardson's Bold Plan to Make America a Clean Energy Nation
Liberalism 101: Democratic Party Agenda on Energy Independence
Gov. Bill Richardson in 2008 Info Center Hub