Richardson’s Meet the Press appearance: two perspectives
By Avelino Maestas on May 30, 2007 in 2008 Pres Watch, Bill Richardson
Gov. Bill Richardson was interview by Tim Russert on Meet The Press this weekend. Depending on who you ask, Richardson either “held his own” or “self destructed.”
For the local perspective, let’s check in with Heath Haussamen:
Gov. Bill Richardson took a beating on Sunday from the host of NBC’s Meet The Press, but he managed to stay calm and composed and held his own during a tough round of questioning.
All things considered, I don’t think he’ll gain in the polls as a result of the hour-long interview, but I also don’t think he’s going to lose support.
Tim Russert asked a series of questions on just about every controversy or flip flop in Richardson’s past. None appeared to catch Richardson off guard. Though many of his answers weren’t completely satisfying, under the circumstances, his performance was about as good as could be expected.
Moving on to a national observer, let’s see what Slate’s John Dickerson has to say (hat tip to Ezra):
Richardson’s many parries and contradictions might have been the work of a candidate who recognizes the world’s complexity, but they weren’t. He seemed not too thoughtful, but too little prepared. When he tried to explain the contradictions, like his shift on the immigration bill from supporting it to opposing it, his responses were meandering. Sometimes, he contradicted himself within just a few breaths. After explaining why he changed positions on the assault-weapons ban, he broadly asserted, “I don’t change my positions.” And on one of his core pitch-points—his diplomatic sixth sense for the world and the Middle East in particular—he had to admit that on Iraq, the blockbuster of the day, his skill failed him. For a long-shot candidate with limited opportunities to break through as a fresh new face, he missed his chance wildly.
Both Haussamen and Dickerson offer some solid, though differing, analysis. If you’re looking for some insight into whether Richardson will break out as a candidate, these links should give you some.
I thought Richardson did fine all in all. Richardson answered the questions honestly and directly. Some of the supposed contradictions Russert made a big deal about were nothing at all – so what if Richardson went from support to opposition on the immigration reform bill. The change occurred in two days after Richardson had a chance to read the bill itself.
It’s obviously a difficult situation. Russert tries to make the candidates look foolish. If anyone thinks Richardson did poorly, he was far better than Edwards who got bulldozed by Russert on changing views on Iraq.
If you want a fuller view of Richarson’s performance – and a chance to see him when he’s not subjected to one jabbing question after another – watch the Take 2 web only segment of the Meet the Press interview you can find on the MSN website. In it Richardson discusses his approach to diplomacy.
I also found of interest the comments by Deborah White of the Liberal Politics Blog on About.com. In a posting titled, “Richardson Shines on ‘Meet the Press,’ Presents Bold Energy Plan,” here is what she wrote:
“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.”
Stephen Cassidy | May 30, 2007 | Reply