In a past post, I wondered whether country-music star Toby Keith could help Democratic presidential hopeful Bill Richardson come election time in 2008. A little Web searching indicates that both men have something in common: They sure can flip-flop.
"Richardson, who went to college in Boston and pitched a season in the storied Cape Cod summer league, has long described himself as a Red Sox fan," the Albuquerque Tribune reported. "But in a recent question and answer session with the Associated Press, the two-term New Mexico governor and second-tier Democratic presidential candidate gave a surprising answer when asked for his other-than-politics dream job. Center field, he said. New York Yankees."
Meanwhile, T.K. mocked anti-war heroine Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, voted for George W. Bush, and became famous for the patriotic anthem "American Soldier" ... yet this registered Democrat doesn't like the Iraq War and pals around with Richardson.
"When you support your troops, people automatically think you're a Republican," Keith told the Rocky Mountain News last year. "When you're antiwar, people think you don't support the troops. That ain't the case, either. It's such a hard-core line these days. I'm not a very political guy. I just support the troops and I'm very patriotic."
Perhaps all this flip-flopping is a good thing. It suggests a creative mind, adaptable to changing circumstances. John Kerry was unable to persuade voters of the wisdom of "nuance," but perhaps the New Mexico governor and the Oklahoma country-music legend can do the job.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I agree with Keith.
Sandra at 9:25PM on May 29th 2007
2. This statement of 'flip flopping' as it concerns Richardson is typical of the best the anti-Richardson people have been able to do here in New Mexico. We're doomed to 'American Idol' politics as long as we stay focused on such petty issues as a candidate stating who his favorite team is and what team he would've liked to have played for. Two different questions by the way. The Yankees pay more but is 'spose to settle for less. Sounds like American politics as usual.
Bill at 10:06PM on May 29th 2007
3. I think Richardson has a great chance of winning, but my vote goes to Ron Paul.
antonio at 12:19AM on May 30th 2007
4. Because he likes more than one baseball team he is a flip-flopper? Oh, come ON. Sheesh.
Mike Poteet at 11:20AM on May 30th 2007
5. I watched last night's Democratic debate of Presedential candidates. Governor Richardson has impressed me with his positions, especially regarding immigration and health care. New Mexico is a border state with Mexico and Governor Richardson has been out front on immigration, unlike Obama and Clinton.
Voters need to be reminded that, historically, governors fair well in Presidential Primaries. If Governor Richardson can fair well in the New Hampshire primary and raise enough money to get his message out to the American people in the early multi-state primaries, he could be a challenging force against the Big 3: Hillary Clinton, Barach Obama and John Edwards.
Pete McDermott at 8:43AM on Jun 4th 2007
6. Bill Richardson has somethng no one else does. He is open to communication and diplomacy. What relationships, political or otherwise, work without communication. As a school counsleor I teach children how to communicate, do peer mediation and develop empathy. Why are politicians exempt from these skills? Bill Richardson flip flops on baseball temas? How about who flip flops on reasons for war, or who was responsible for 9-11? Media, stick to what is really news please. We have an inoportant election ahead, this is not one of the too many vote for the best entertainer shows
Joni at 9:56AM on Jul 3rd 2007
7. I hope your joking, bout the flip flopping thing.
Besides MA is not an important primary state, and I doubt MA is going to vote Republican even if the Democrat is an ex Red Sox's fan.
thequietkid10 at 1:59AM on Jul 11th 2007