The New York Times writes about the struggle Bill Richardson found himself in by choosing to endorse Barack Obama instead of the wife of his former boss. What struck me though, was this quote by James Carville, a current advisor to Hillary and a longtime member of the Clintonista inner circle.
Mr. Clinton helped elevate Mr. Richardson to the national stage by naming him his energy secretary and ambassador to the United Nations. And Mr. Clinton left no doubt that he viewed Mr. Richardson’s support as important to his wife’s campaign: He even flew to New Mexico to watch the Super Bowl with Mr. Richardson as part of the Clintons’ high-profile courtship of him.
But Mr. Richardson stopped returning Mr. Clinton’s calls days ago, Mr. Clinton’s aides said. And as of Friday, Mr. Richardson said, he had yet to pick up the phone to tell Mr. Clinton of his decision.
The reaction of some of Mr. Clinton’s allies suggests that might have been a wise decision. “An act of betrayal,” said James Carville, an adviser to Mrs. Clinton and a friend of Mr. Clinton.
“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic,” Mr. Carville said, referring to Holy Week.
Look, I’m not a Democrat. I’m no liberal (thank God), but human decency demands that I stick up for Bill Richardson here. That kind of comment from Carville is just pure crap, plain and simple, and it illustrates the selfishness fueling the Clinton campaign. Richardson, for the sake of party unity, is helping the Democrats put an end to this futile primary. Carville calling him a “Judas” is offensive, and he should be ashamed of himself. Moreover, he should apologize to Richardson personally, and publicly. Hillary should demand he does.
But of course, we know she won’t.
UPDATE: Carville stands by his comment.
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2008 Election, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Hillary Clinton, James Carville, DNC
