Thursday, August 09, 2007
pres-08: not too proud to admit when i'm wrong
I no longer support Bill Richardson for President.
Despite his lengthy resume and respectable public service, the man is not fit to be President of the United States.
My faith in his candidacy faltered during an early debate, when he cited Byron White as his model Supreme Court Justice. Justice White wrote a dissent in Roe v. Wade and was joined by eventual Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
One major faux pas was perhaps excusable, but tonight Bill Richardson swallowed his foot up to the knee when he repeatedly insisted on his belief that sexual orientation is a "lifestyle choice" in the Human Rights Campaign/Logo Democratic debate.
I know it's rather anathema for me to say this on a progressive blog, but domestic issues are far more important to me than ending the Iraq war. Don't misunderstand, the war has been a perilous, unwarranted folly that I believe must be brought to a swift conclusion. It's just not the issue on which I'm going to base my vote.
Healthcare, education, jobs and civil rights are all far more important to me because they impact my everyday life. I don't have friends or family members currently serving, and I don't begrudge one bit those who do and for whom the war is the #1 issue. For them, Bill Richardson might still be a viable candidate based on his UN experience and his promise to end the war the day he is inaugurated.
But for me, if you don't get issues as simple as reproductive justice or full equality, you can never have my full support. Hell, even Giuliani is better on these issues than Richardson (well, OK, not quite).
So I hereby rescind and renounce my previous endorsement of Bill Richardson for President and move myself firmly back into the Undecided column.
John Edwards is saying many of the right things (except for an awkward performance tonight), and I was willing to give Chris Dodd a closer look until he didn't show for tonight's debate.
Rest assured I will update this space with additional thoughts or an endorsement as the process moves forward, especially now that it's looking more likely that the caucuses and primaries could start as early as this December. Yikes!
Despite his lengthy resume and respectable public service, the man is not fit to be President of the United States.
My faith in his candidacy faltered during an early debate, when he cited Byron White as his model Supreme Court Justice. Justice White wrote a dissent in Roe v. Wade and was joined by eventual Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
One major faux pas was perhaps excusable, but tonight Bill Richardson swallowed his foot up to the knee when he repeatedly insisted on his belief that sexual orientation is a "lifestyle choice" in the Human Rights Campaign/Logo Democratic debate.
I know it's rather anathema for me to say this on a progressive blog, but domestic issues are far more important to me than ending the Iraq war. Don't misunderstand, the war has been a perilous, unwarranted folly that I believe must be brought to a swift conclusion. It's just not the issue on which I'm going to base my vote.
Healthcare, education, jobs and civil rights are all far more important to me because they impact my everyday life. I don't have friends or family members currently serving, and I don't begrudge one bit those who do and for whom the war is the #1 issue. For them, Bill Richardson might still be a viable candidate based on his UN experience and his promise to end the war the day he is inaugurated.
But for me, if you don't get issues as simple as reproductive justice or full equality, you can never have my full support. Hell, even Giuliani is better on these issues than Richardson (well, OK, not quite).
So I hereby rescind and renounce my previous endorsement of Bill Richardson for President and move myself firmly back into the Undecided column.
John Edwards is saying many of the right things (except for an awkward performance tonight), and I was willing to give Chris Dodd a closer look until he didn't show for tonight's debate.
Rest assured I will update this space with additional thoughts or an endorsement as the process moves forward, especially now that it's looking more likely that the caucuses and primaries could start as early as this December. Yikes!
Labels: Bill Richardson, civil rights, equality, LGBT, Pres-08, Roe, social justice
Thursday, April 12, 2007
richardson's website worries
I've touched on this on some previous posts - Bill Richardson's website for his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President. I'm supporting Richardson because I feel he's the absolute best prepared candidate (of either party) to lead this country out of the woods we've been wandering around for the past six years. It's a good thing that preparation doesn't hinge on an internet presence.
First of all, take a look at the URL's for most of the Dem candidates:
One of the first rules of having a successful web presence is having a web address that's simple and easy to remember, or one that you assume people would intuitively type into the address bar without having to Google it. When I first looked for information about Governor Richardson online, I typed in "www.billrichardson.com" into the address bar, only to get directed to an unregistered domain. "Richardsonfor president.com" is not intuitive. I had a science teacher in eighth grade who loved to remind us to KISS - keep it simple, stupid. Governor Richardson's internet team definitely missed the boat on that one.
I'd also be concerned that the campaign hasn't bought that domain name. As the Governor starts to catch fire, it will be incredibly easy for his opponents to buy the guy's domain name right out from under him and fill it with misleading or inaccurate information. I seem to remember somebody did the same thing to George W. Bush when he was running for re-election a few years ago.
I also have a problem with the website's blog, which does not allow comments. One of the reasons Howard Dean became so popular four years ago was because his campaign leveraged emerging technology to help build a sense of community and facilitate his supporters connecting with each other. Blog for America and MeetUp were key components of that campaign. The other leading Democratic candidates understand this. Why doesn't Governor Richardson?
Mark my words (I love getting dramatic like this), if Bill Richardson has any intention of moving up out of the second tier, he must leverage established and emerging internet technologies so we, his supporters, can start building the kind of grassroots communities absolutely vital to his success. I've already e-mailed the campaign with that suggestion, but never received a response.
Come on, Gov, get smart with your online campaign!
First of all, take a look at the URL's for most of the Dem candidates:
www.BarackObama.com
www.JohnEdwards.com
www.Kucinich.us
www.RichardsonForPresident.com
www.HillaryClinton.com
www.JoeBiden.com
www.ChrisDodd.com
One of the first rules of having a successful web presence is having a web address that's simple and easy to remember, or one that you assume people would intuitively type into the address bar without having to Google it. When I first looked for information about Governor Richardson online, I typed in "www.billrichardson.com" into the address bar, only to get directed to an unregistered domain. "Richardsonfor president.com" is not intuitive. I had a science teacher in eighth grade who loved to remind us to KISS - keep it simple, stupid. Governor Richardson's internet team definitely missed the boat on that one.
I'd also be concerned that the campaign hasn't bought that domain name. As the Governor starts to catch fire, it will be incredibly easy for his opponents to buy the guy's domain name right out from under him and fill it with misleading or inaccurate information. I seem to remember somebody did the same thing to George W. Bush when he was running for re-election a few years ago.
I also have a problem with the website's blog, which does not allow comments. One of the reasons Howard Dean became so popular four years ago was because his campaign leveraged emerging technology to help build a sense of community and facilitate his supporters connecting with each other. Blog for America and MeetUp were key components of that campaign. The other leading Democratic candidates understand this. Why doesn't Governor Richardson?
Mark my words (I love getting dramatic like this), if Bill Richardson has any intention of moving up out of the second tier, he must leverage established and emerging internet technologies so we, his supporters, can start building the kind of grassroots communities absolutely vital to his success. I've already e-mailed the campaign with that suggestion, but never received a response.
Come on, Gov, get smart with your online campaign!
Labels: Bill Richardson, Pres-08, social networking, success, web developers
Thursday, March 29, 2007
bill richardson on the daily show
In case you missed it last night:
This is the guy with the experience and the temperament take it all the way, repair the damage done by the current "administration" and restore America's reputation in the world. Please help spread the word.
This is the guy with the experience and the temperament take it all the way, repair the damage done by the current "administration" and restore America's reputation in the world. Please help spread the word.
Labels: Bill Richardson, Pres-08
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
does richardson want it enough?
I've been pretty up front about my support of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the Democratic nomination for President. I have concerns, however, that either he doesn't want it enough or that his advisers are totally ineffectual. I counted at least three major missed opportunities in the last 7 days alone.
First, his campaign makes the tone-deaf commitment to participate in the now-canceled Fox "news" Nevada debate, when most of the other campaigns wouldn't commit after the kerfuffle started gaining traction and Edwards said he would forgo it. Richardson did eventually reverse course and join Edwards in saying no to Fox, the only two candidates to do so, but Richardson's announcement only came hours before word of the debate's cancellation became official. Rather than using that coincidence as an opportunity to hail his decision as the final nail in the coffin of Fox's quest for legitimacy, Richardson's campaign remained silent.
Then there are the online possibilities still not capitalized on. His campaign website has a blog that is pretty sterile and not at all interactive. He could have a great opportunity to build up some strong grassroots support and to strengthen his campaign through the feedback of his ardent supporters, but instead he has only a one-way blog on which his staff post glowing (sometimes ridiculously over-the-top) stories about the Governor with no comments section at all. Building community means building grassroots support (and a strong, vibrant donor base!).
I also receive e-mails from the Edwards campaign, and for all my misgivings about a one-term Senator being qualified for the post, I admit I've been impressed with his leadership on a number of issues. Edwards was the first of the 2008 Dem field to call for Alberto Gonzales' resignation, and he sent an e-mail today about how his campaign will be "carbon-neutral" and environmentally friendly. In doing so, he called upon his opponents to do the same. These are both issues that Richardson could have and should have staked out a leadership position on instead of waiting for Edwards to claim the top berth.
Look, I believe Bill Richardson is the most qualified person to be the next President of the United States. Because I can't say it enough (and his campaign shouldn't stop saying it either), the guy is a former Member of the House of Representatives, a former U.N. Ambassador, a former Secretary of Energy (where's his carbon-neutral pledge?), and the current Governor of a Southwestern state, a position to which he was just re-elected in a landslide and a region that is likely to play a pivotal role come November 2008. This is not a time for on-the-job training; just look at the disaster that is the last guy the American people put into that office with precious little prior relevant experience (hint: he's still "serving" - not time, yet, unfortunately).
Yes, I appreciate that John Edwards is on these issues like Ann Coulter on any man who can stand to look at her even sideways, but come on. Of course he's going to get to claim "first!" on a lot of these things; it's not like he has a state to run or a Senate to vote in anymore. The guy's got a lot of free time on his hands to be a professional campaigner. That may be great for the long road to the White House, but I'm not convinced it's such great preparation for what comes once you're there.
That said, I'd be happy with any of the top or second tier candidates on the Democratic side. I'm glad I don't have to worry much about fringe candidates like Biden, Kucinich and Gravel.
So bottom line: Richardson is the right choice at the right time, but I just wish he'd start acting like he knew it. I'm waiting to donate until I see some smarter moves from his campaign.
First, his campaign makes the tone-deaf commitment to participate in the now-canceled Fox "news" Nevada debate, when most of the other campaigns wouldn't commit after the kerfuffle started gaining traction and Edwards said he would forgo it. Richardson did eventually reverse course and join Edwards in saying no to Fox, the only two candidates to do so, but Richardson's announcement only came hours before word of the debate's cancellation became official. Rather than using that coincidence as an opportunity to hail his decision as the final nail in the coffin of Fox's quest for legitimacy, Richardson's campaign remained silent.
Then there are the online possibilities still not capitalized on. His campaign website has a blog that is pretty sterile and not at all interactive. He could have a great opportunity to build up some strong grassroots support and to strengthen his campaign through the feedback of his ardent supporters, but instead he has only a one-way blog on which his staff post glowing (sometimes ridiculously over-the-top) stories about the Governor with no comments section at all. Building community means building grassroots support (and a strong, vibrant donor base!).
I also receive e-mails from the Edwards campaign, and for all my misgivings about a one-term Senator being qualified for the post, I admit I've been impressed with his leadership on a number of issues. Edwards was the first of the 2008 Dem field to call for Alberto Gonzales' resignation, and he sent an e-mail today about how his campaign will be "carbon-neutral" and environmentally friendly. In doing so, he called upon his opponents to do the same. These are both issues that Richardson could have and should have staked out a leadership position on instead of waiting for Edwards to claim the top berth.
Look, I believe Bill Richardson is the most qualified person to be the next President of the United States. Because I can't say it enough (and his campaign shouldn't stop saying it either), the guy is a former Member of the House of Representatives, a former U.N. Ambassador, a former Secretary of Energy (where's his carbon-neutral pledge?), and the current Governor of a Southwestern state, a position to which he was just re-elected in a landslide and a region that is likely to play a pivotal role come November 2008. This is not a time for on-the-job training; just look at the disaster that is the last guy the American people put into that office with precious little prior relevant experience (hint: he's still "serving" - not time, yet, unfortunately).
Yes, I appreciate that John Edwards is on these issues like Ann Coulter on any man who can stand to look at her even sideways, but come on. Of course he's going to get to claim "first!" on a lot of these things; it's not like he has a state to run or a Senate to vote in anymore. The guy's got a lot of free time on his hands to be a professional campaigner. That may be great for the long road to the White House, but I'm not convinced it's such great preparation for what comes once you're there.
That said, I'd be happy with any of the top or second tier candidates on the Democratic side. I'm glad I don't have to worry much about fringe candidates like Biden, Kucinich and Gravel.
So bottom line: Richardson is the right choice at the right time, but I just wish he'd start acting like he knew it. I'm waiting to donate until I see some smarter moves from his campaign.
Labels: Bill Richardson, Pres-08, primaries
Saturday, February 17, 2007
richardson proves he can compete
(Hat tip to Breaking Blue for the good link)
New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson raised a whopping $2 million in one night of fundraising. The guy's a former Congressman, former UN Ambassador, and former Energy Secretary. Oh, and he was just re-elected to his second term in NM. How long before the mainstream media begins inanely asking if America is ready for its first Latino President?
I mean, if Matt Santos can do it, why not Bill Richardson?
New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson raised a whopping $2 million in one night of fundraising. The guy's a former Congressman, former UN Ambassador, and former Energy Secretary. Oh, and he was just re-elected to his second term in NM. How long before the mainstream media begins inanely asking if America is ready for its first Latino President?
I mean, if Matt Santos can do it, why not Bill Richardson?
Labels: Bill Richardson, Pres-08
Saturday, February 10, 2007
open thread
Because I know you're all just clamoring to know what's on my mind and leave your own comments...
Update, 4:42 PM: I meant to mention this when I wrote the original post, but Leonard Clark, the Iraq War veteran who tried to mount a primary challenge to Jim Pederson for the Senate nomination last year, is working on filing a petition to recall Senator Double-Talk himself. Cliff Schecter's original post mentions that there's no legal mechanism for recalling an elected federal official. Based on a cursory glance at state laws, this does not appear to be true, as Arizona law does apparently provide for the recall of any elected official: see these three statutes (that last one in particular specifies that members of Congress are included among those who may be recalled). If I read the law correctly, Clark would need to get signatures from a number of registered Arizona voters equal to 25% of the number of total votes cast in last year's Senate election for all candidates for the recall to make the ballot at the next statewide consolidated election. The recall would be an almost vertical uphill battle, but it sure could put a dent in the ole Double-Talk Express.
- Everybody sing along..."When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother, 'what should I be? Should I be pretty? Should I be smart? Here's what she said to me...'"
- I may have a slight Target problem, but I can quit any time I want. Really.
- For what it's worth 10 months before a single vote will be cast, I'm supporting black horse candidate and current New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for the Democratic nomination for President. His resume is more comprehensive and impressive than any of the other candidates - former member of Congress, former Secretary of Energy, former UN Ambassador and now Governor of a rapidly growing state in the mountain west. I got behind Howard Dean five years ago because of his experience and record as Governor of Vermont.
Also, the last time a Democratic member of Congress won the Presidency, we were at the start of the Cold War and career options for women were limited to nurse, actress, teacher, model, ballet dancer and airline hostess(see item 1 above). Not a reason to vote for Richardson above the others in itself, but history can be instructive. - I can definitely feel the difference when I go to yoga class versus when I don't. I went last night and this morning and I feel better than I have most of the rest of the week when I didn't get to go. So who's joining me tomorrow or next week?
- I'm still house hunting, and very little of what's on Craig's List or in the papers meets my needs. Who wants to go riding around town with me hunting For Rent signs?
- V-Day Tucson 2007 is next Friday and Saturday at the Fox Tucson Theatre. Publicity has been less than visible this year, so please consider purchasing tickets (available through the Fox's website or at various retailers around town). It's for a good cause and some really deserving people are being recognized for their work at intermission on the 16th.
Please note, I no longer manage the V-Day Tucson website, so comments about the layout and/or outdated content can be directed to this year's organizer. - I meant to post before Progressive Lobby Day at the Arizona legislature on Tuesday but didn't get around to it. I have to say I was pretty impressed, having participated in my share of lobby days back in Albany. Giving credit where it's due, AHRF did a hell of a job herding the progressive cats. We were also graced by the presence of a number of legislators from both parties, demonstrating that our common causes may not be as hopeless as we're sometimes led to believe. Thanks to those legislators who broke bread with us, and especially Senator Aboud for introducing our group, which filled the Senate gallery, from the floor.
- Are these not the cutest shoes ever? They're totally mine come next payday.
- My dear sister wins a prize for correctly guessing (or remembering!) who Ilene Graff is, without the assistance of IMDB. I don't know just what that prize is yet, but kudos to you, Deb!
- Speaking of both my musical sibling and fellow IC alums, don't forget to tune into "Grease: You're The One That I Want" tomorrow night (NBC, 7/6c) and vote for Kevin Greene to win the role of Danny in the latest Broadway revival. I'm going to tune in despite the fact that Andrew Lloyd Webber is a guest judge.
- A childhood dream come true.
- Speaking of movies I intend to see when they come out...
- And finally, since I'm on the topic of movies, the SHORTBUS DVD comes out on March 13.
Update, 4:42 PM: I meant to mention this when I wrote the original post, but Leonard Clark, the Iraq War veteran who tried to mount a primary challenge to Jim Pederson for the Senate nomination last year, is working on filing a petition to recall Senator Double-Talk himself. Cliff Schecter's original post mentions that there's no legal mechanism for recalling an elected federal official. Based on a cursory glance at state laws, this does not appear to be true, as Arizona law does apparently provide for the recall of any elected official: see these three statutes (that last one in particular specifies that members of Congress are included among those who may be recalled). If I read the law correctly, Clark would need to get signatures from a number of registered Arizona voters equal to 25% of the number of total votes cast in last year's Senate election for all candidates for the recall to make the ballot at the next statewide consolidated election. The recall would be an almost vertical uphill battle, but it sure could put a dent in the ole Double-Talk Express.
Labels: alumni, AZ Legislature, Bill Richardson, gift giving, Ithaca College, moving, musicals, personal, Pres-08, Progressive Lobby Day, self-care, social justice, Target, V-Day, women's rights, yoga
