Master of the Misspeak
by Eric Hananoki

Bill Richardson may not lead in the polls or fundraising, but he leads in another important indicator: gaffes.

Back in May, Bill Richardson aired the most innovative and talked-about campaign ads of the season. In one ad featuring a mock "job interview," a corporate suit reviews Richardson's extensive and impressive resume — congressman, UN ambassador, energy secretary, New Mexico governor — and, after biting a sandwich, asks Richardson what makes him think he can be president. In another, the same interviewer interrupts Richardson as he explains his success as governor, telling Richardson that "for what we're looking for, you might be a bit overqualified."

One polling firm, which consults for Republicans, no less, found the ads the best rated in the history of its surveys, scoring well with Republicans, Democrats, Independents, members of the media, and political consultants. The president of the polling firm, Chris Wilson, said that the ads were the kind "that could change a campaign."

No doubt the ads were clever. But in retrospect, the best thing about the ads may have been what they didn't do: Bill Richardson barely talked.

Politicians talk publicly for hours every day. With such a lengthy record, it's only natural that they make mistakes. Yet more than any other candidate running for president, Bill Richardson has shown an amazing ability to place his foot squarely in his mouth. From gays, to the primary calendar, to baseball, Richardson's propensity to misspeak has become a major obstacle in his climb from the Democratic backbench to the first tier of candidates occupied by Clinton, Obama and Edwards.

Here's a look at Richardson's verbal miscues.

Beat by the Press, May 27

The mistake: In an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" — required watching for Washington — Richardson was unable to defend himself from inquisitor and host Tim Russert. At one point, Richardson was asked how he can be both a Red Sox fan and a Yankees fan. Richardson's explanation? I'm both!

The damage: On the most-watched Sunday morning talk show, Richardson was unable to answer simple questions ranging from his own policies to baseball loyalties. Yes, the Sox question has no relevance to politics. Yet Richardson's convoluted response, in which he said "I'm a Red Sox fan ... end of subject," then, ten seconds later, exclaimed, "Oh, no! I'm also a Yankee fan!" capped off a horrid and confusing MTP appearance.

Reporter John Dickerson wrote in Slate that Richardson "self-destructed."

He seemed not too thoughtful, but too little prepared. When he tried to explain the contradictions, like his shift on the immigration bill from supporting it to opposing it, his responses were meandering. Sometimes, he contradicted himself within just a few breaths. After explaining why he changed positions on the assault-weapons ban, he broadly asserted, "I don't change my positions." And on one of his core pitch-points — his diplomatic sixth sense for the world and the Middle East in particular — he had to admit that on Iraq, the blockbuster of the day, his skill failed him. For a long-shot candidate with limited opportunities to break through as a fresh new face, he missed his chance wildly.

Richardson's Choice, August 9

The mistake: In a historical debate on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues hosted by the Human Rights Campaign and the Logo TV Network, Richardson was asked whether he thought homosexuality is a choice or biological. Richardson, to the shock of the audience, responded "it's a choice." Perhaps wondering if Richardson made a mistake, both Melissa Etheridge and journalist Margaret Carlson gave Richardson a chance to change his answer. He stayed the course.

After the debate, Richardson swiftly issued a press release stating that he "misunderstood the question" (the same excuse Miss South Carolina gave) and didn't believe sexual orientation or gender identity happens by choice. Later, in an interview with gay rights activist and radio talker Michelangelo Signorile, Richardson said he didn't understand the question because of jet lag.

The damage: Big. Richardson is a strong supporter of gay rights — something he wanted to emphasize in the HRC/Logo debate. Richardon's gaffe erased any positive gains from the forum.

Additionally, Richardson's explanation on why he didn't understand the question (jet lag) raises another question: shouldn't a former UN ambassador, jet-setting negotiator, and world leader aspirant be above making 180 degree policy mistakes because of jet lag?

God and the Iowa Machine, September 3, 2007

The mistake: In a speech to Iowans, Richardson said: "Iowa, for good reason, for Constitutional reasons, for reasons related to the Lord, should be the first caucus and primary."

Iowa, by virtue of its first in the nation primary status, has seen more than its fair share of pandering politicians. And Iowans can spot a phony right away. Yet if Richardson's actual words didn't already make things transparent, the governor later admitted on MSNBC that he was just trying to "score points."

The damage: The comments drew cackles from newspapers across the country, and cable news replayed the remarks. Markos Moulitsas (aka Kos), granddaddy of the liberal blogs, wrote after the comments that he's "losing respect for Richardson the longer he remains in this presidential race."

In his defense, they're both unions, September 17

The mistake: Despite their dwindling rolls, unions are critical players in Democratic politics. Not only do they bring money to campaign coffers, they also provide the foot soldiers for field and voting day operations. In mid-September, the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) held a conference in which it invited the leading Democratic candidates to address their members and ask for their endorsement. After enthusiastic speeches by Obama, Hillary, and Edwards, Richardson took the stage and thanked the SEIU by saying, "Thank You AFSCME!" This, despite the presence of several SEIU banners facing the podium.

The damage: The Nation's David Corn put it this way "As I listened, I wondered why [Richardson] has not been taken more seriously as a candidate — a smart, accomplished governor of Latino heritage. Then I found out."

Indeed, Richardson's SEIU gaffe demonstrated the central problem with his campaign. Richardson, by most accounts, gave a strong pro-union speech that appealed to working-class SEIU voters (many of whom are Hispanic). But a single gaffe overshadowed the speech's content.

Yes, none of Richardson's gaffes changes his core policies, and wealth of experience. But Democrats are just three years removed from having to defend John "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it" Kerry. Democrats want someone who isn't a liability on the stump.

BOOKMARK WITH: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon