This case of embellishment ironically centers on an accomplishment that Richardson should be proud of, and that needs no further exaggeration. Richardson pushed for legislation to up New Mexico's National Guard death benefits for veterans to $250,000. It was a good measure, and Richardson should tell everyone about it on the campaign trail. But in campaign speeches, especially recently in New Hampshire, he goes further with the story by reporting that he was prompted to raise the benefit by a conversation with the mother of a son who was killed in Iraq:
Three years ago, Richardson attended a memorial service for Lance Cpl. Aaron Austin, 21, who died in April 2004. As he campaigns for the Democratic nomination, the New Mexico governor often recounts an emotional conversation with Austin's mother, saying she thanked him for the federal death benefits she had received and even showed him the government check.But he continually botches the story, and even has lied about the conversation:
In speeches in New Hampshire, Richardson has gotten Austin's name wrong at least once and age wrong at least twice. He also has called Austin the first New Mexico soldier killed in Iraq - instead of the third.The scenario is similar to another event in his life that he's long told stories about, but turned out not to be true -- his being drafted by baseball's Kansas City Athletics (Richardson was forced to retract the claim). That case, like the one reported today, is yet another example of a politician, this time Bill Richardson, lying about something that he or she didn't have to lie about to look good. Is their need for self-aggrandizement that pathological?
But that's not what bothers the Marine's mother, De'on Miller, of Lovington, who says the conversation about money never took place. "I didn't exchange words at all with the governor there except when he gave me the flag. And those few words - whatever was exchanged when he handed me the flag and the Spirit of New Mexico award - certainly had nothing to do with money," she said Thursday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.
This is just Richardson shooting himself in the foot needlessly. And it doesn't help his political aspirations at all, be they presidential or vice presidential. People uneasily view politicians as habitual liars in the first place. Leaving such a paper trail of the lies, however, is particularly unhelpful in overcoming that perception.
Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 2)
16. I have never read so many stupid racist ignorant postings from people. Go ahead and nominate a KKK Kandidate. Don't believe Wiki.
mary5252 at 2:57AM on May 23rd 2007
17. This blog could actually be the script for the typical Republican campaign ad of the last several decades. It picks a tiny detail about a recollection - the memory of a governor of a swing state who satisfies voters of both parties and was a former United Nations ambassador, against the word of a war widow who is a staunch Republican (in other words the victim who supports her victimizer).
This small detail hit piece is also typical of another classic Republican political ad technique: it says nothing about Richardson's accomplishments and carefully avoids ANY mention of anything positive that the Republicans have done for America since 2000. The reason: the Republican record contains no positives.
This type of Republican advocacy simply is not going to work in 2008. Americans have lived the Republican reality for many years now, and they personally know what its like: hell. The polls show over 70% of Americans hate hell. In 2008, we Democrats are going to do something VERY truthful: in every individual race, we are going to match the wishes of the constituency with the voting pattern of the incumbent Republican representative or senator, and show who is financially supporting the Republican.
Don't be surprised when America hits (D) on the voting machine - or, are you intending to hack it again?
Phil at 4:34PM on May 23rd 2007
18. I SOOO AGREE WITH DYHTZGLAOL. However, I might have to move to Canada if he becomes president. Not only has he created positions for his buddies.(or placed them in postions that they are clearly not qualified...) Lets add, federal funding that was granted to our state for Juvenile Justice/Children Youths and Families that was creatively re-routed towared Adult corrections. Not to mention the countless lawsuits that grew out of lost jobs and liabilty, by his moving funds around to suit his needs.
Don't be fooled people, a one time annual tax refund and other "feel good" gestures he has made are only fleeting. Wake up, New Mexicans and country! You would only be replacing Bush with another evil.
shebasraider at 8:03PM on Jun 5th 2007
19. Whether racists like Jane like it or not, this country is made up of many people who are Mexican Americans. As president, my hope is Richardson could focus on educating racists about their limited view point as well as the global problems we have inherited formn the Cheney administration. When I am reminded of narrow viewpoints like Jane's I realize why we have the administration we have that was put into power by fundamentalists who can't appreciate diversity and intelligence.
Joni at 10:07AM on Jul 3rd 2007
20. Somehow "I was drafted by the Royals" doesn't bother me as much as "there are WMD"s in Iraq"
arthur peden at 6:07AM on Jul 22nd 2007
21. Bill Richardson is the only candidate with the skill, knowledge, and fortitude to lead this diverse country. He is refreshingly up front about his short falls which distingwishes him from the other candidates.
Gabriel at 4:49PM on Jul 24th 2007