Biden Sends Out Release Highlighting Richardson's Changing Positions On Iraq

[KittyWampus]

Legitimate criticism, IMO.

And Richardson's polling higher than Biden at this point is a mystery. Obviously Biden's camp sees a chance for some extra ink in coverage by pointing out Richardson's inconsistency.



From NBC's Mark Murray
LAS VEGAS -- The Biden camp just sent out this release:
“Once again Governor Richardson has changed his position on pulling troops out of Iraq. Fill-in-the-blank politics are not what the American people are looking for. Governor Richardson’s record on pulling out the troops is as clear as mud.”

The Biden camp's research for the claim...

NOW: Richardson Advocated 12 Month, Responsible Timeline. During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Bill Richardson said, “There is a political solution, and I believe that solution can happen. If we use the leverage of our withdrawal responsibly over a 12-month period, but push the United States diplomacy.”

July 23, 2007: Richardson Said “I’ve Been Very Clear: Six Months.” At the CNN/YouTube Debate, Gov. Richardson said, “I’ve been very clear: Six month, but no residual forces.”

August 2007: Richardson “One Point Plan” on Iraq is “Get Out.” At the YearlyKos presidential forum, Richardson said, “I have a one-point plan to deal with Iraq. Get out. Get out. Get out.”

August 2007: Richardson Said Military Experts Agree With 6 Month Timeline. At the ABC This Week debate, Richardson said. “Well, Anthony Cordesmann from ABC News, a distinguished military expert, many generals agree with me that we can complete this withdrawal within six to eight months.”

October 2007: Richardson Said Get Troops Out “Within Eight Months to a Year.” Appearing on MSNBC’s Countdown, Richardson said, “This is why I am for getting all of our troops out, every single one. No residual forces. Within eight months to a year, as rapidly as possible according to what our military believes is most effective and safe for our troops.”

[rucky]

1. I remember Biden explaining to him, like 12 debates ago...

that it is physically impossible for us to safely withdraw our troops in that short of time period.

Biden's had a workable plan for Iraq for three years, now - a "political solution" as the other candidates like to echo nowadays - and the other candidates are slowly realizing that "Joe is right".

[MethuenProgressive]

2. The fight for VP heats up!!

:rofl:

[jillan]

4. I don't know about Richardson - but Biden is NOT running for VP.

[MethuenProgressive]

6. OK... so... The fight for fouth place heats up!!

That better? :D

[KittyWampus]

5. Okay, your smartypants answer got me annoyed at first, but it's too funny not to laugh

:D

[MethuenProgressive]

7. Obawards are out of the question for VP. That leaves Biden and Richardson.

(Going on the idea that HRC will probably win the nom)
No way she'll pick a Lieberman or Edwards type. She's smarter than that!

[Think82]

8. Biden's already said no to the vp spot.

[MethuenProgressive]

9. What else would he say?

:shrug:

[jillan]

3. I am so glad Biden's campaign did that. When I was watching the debate last nite and Richardson

said that he would get the troops out within one year - my mouth hit the floor.
I couldn't believe he said that!

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

10. Playing to win... Richardson is polling 10% in Iowa, and Biden wants it

[jillan]

11. I'm sorry, I don't understand.

I like Richardson, but don't understand how he could be polling better than Biden.

It could be that I am such a devoted Bidenite that I can't see what other people see.

Maybe someone could explain it to me.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

12. He had some okay fundraising and has run some ads there