Whatever his experience as ambassador to the UN, Richardson blunders into an exceedingly myopic demand following Bhutto's assassination. That President Bush should demand Pervez Musharraff step down.
Democratic New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, called on President Bush to force Musharraf to step down. Until then, Richardson said the U.S. must suspend military aid to the Pakistani government.
"A leader has died, but democracy must live. The United States government cannot stand by and allow Pakistan's return to democracy to be derailed or delayed by violence," Richardson said.
Yes, Bill. Amidst riots and an essential political earthquake, nothing spells stability like a near failed (and nuclear armed) state suddenly without its leadership. If the Paki military stages a coup then so be it but Richardson's politicking demand makes him sound like a fool. Democracy is rarely a bellwether for stability, it's usually quite the other way around actually.
11 years ago
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Richardson's original attraction - that he said what he thought without checking with political advisers first - has also turned me off of him, because he says so many dumb things. Hence I'm leaning Dodd now.
Biden addressed Richardson's comments yesterday.
"Observe what's been going on in Pakistan and you'll see not many candidates have spoken out," Biden said. "And those few who have spoken don't make a lot of sense."
When further pressed on the issue, Biden singled out second-tier candidate Bill Richardson as an example of a candidate putting forth simplistic responses to the Pakistani crisis. "Richardson said that [Pakistani President] Musharraf should step down and make way for a coalition government," Biden said. "But what coalition? There isn't any. What's he talking about?"
Essentially, Biden was making the point that given American foreign policy until now with regard to Pakistan, the Bhutto-Musharraf deal was the closest the country came to a coalition government, and with her demise, that was no longer a viable option.
Adrian,
It's nice to know I'm not the only one supporting a dark horse in this race.
Dodd actually impressed me the last debate I watched him in as far as foreign policy is concerned.
His quote is amazing: "... we should suspend military aid to the Pakistani government," he said in a statement. "Free and fair elections must also be held as soon as possible," added Richardson
Suspend aid to the Pak military - who have been in full-blown conflict in the Waziri regions AND call for elections that, if they were free and fair, could wind up propelling the PPP into power? A PPP without Bhutto to give it legitimacy? Great. Without a firm hand on the rudder, those jokers would quickly do what they have done in the past - turn to corruption on a wide scale, giving the more radical parties a chance to do to the PPP what Hamas did to Fatah in Gaza.
Richardson really did the Republic a service by opening his mouth - it is good to know in advance how limited his range is.
"Richardson really did the Republic a service by opening his mouth - it is good to know in advance how limited his range is."
Lol! Well said, Mike. If I remember right this guy was touted as the most "qualified" candidate due to his foreign affairs aptitude. Heh.
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