Bill Richardson ..... his gay debate gaffe was the second time, not the first. Should he go?

[Stinky The Clown]

To clarify, it wasn't the second time he made a gaffe regarding gay issues, but the second time he totally and completely blew a softball question in a primary debate. The first time was in one of the previous debates. I can't even recall what the question was, but I recall clearly groaning at how he just plain didn't get it, and that it was a softball question.

I saw his stumbling reply to the question Melissa Etheridge asked. I took from it not a man who is opposed to gay issues or uncaring about gay people in general. I took from it a man who didn't understand the question. I don't mean that to excuse what he said. I mean to imply that he seemed confused.

Like an old person with some form of dementia might react when asked a question that simply didn't register in their brain.

I fear that Bill may need to just bow out now and hope he doesn't get his ass kicked in New Mexico next go-round ...... assuming he's fit for the job.

This saddens me. I always liked him. I actually held out some hope that he'd be a front runner in the primary race.

But maybe not.

[MonkeyFunk]

1. I liked him, too

but this was so bad, not only does it ruin what small chance he had for the nomination, but I think it took him off a few people's lists of possible VP candidates.

[AnnieBW]

2. I don't think so

Granted, I'm concerned about his remark last night, but I think that most Americans won't see it as catastrophic. Let's just see how this plays out.

[msongs]

3. not mention his crude gay epithet remark on spansh language radio nt

[knowledgeispwr]

15. Was it spanish language?

I thought it was an english language station and he used the word anyway. In any case, it was a crude and vile spanish word that he used. He tried to explain it away and did a very poor job of it.

[eleny]

4. He's appeared uncomfortable with this whole process from early on

You know how it is when you watch a comedian on tv and the person is bombing - you feel embarrassed? That's been going on for me since the first debate. He may be brilliant but that could be evident in other situations.

A president has to be able to communicate flawlessly on tv as well as in person with the public all over the world. Look how we tear * apart at every turn.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. I know exactly what you mean

Embarrassed for someone. Yup. That's a perfect description.

[peacetalksforall]

6. I think he should be given a chance to 'perfect' his answer - I

have the feeling that people expect perfect (or practiced) expressions, vocabulary, and delivery to any question about the subject. He seemed to be unprepared - and I also detected a certain weariness and a feeling that he didn't think it had to be such an issue (I have no right to say that - just a feeling). I don't think he was dodging or hedging - he just messed up, probably not again. (I admit I didn't hear the context and I know nothing of his previous history, I only heard replays of what is probably only a part of it - he just doesn't strike me as a very prejudiced person, but I have no basis for saying that.) I say give him another chance.

[yardwork]

7. His vote in support of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act did it for me.

Bill Richardson is not liberal about gay rights. His record is clear - he's made a homophobic slur on radio, his answer to this question shows that he's, at best, completely out of touch with gay issues, and his vote for DOMA cements it.

[rusty fender]

16. I agree totally, yardwork, and

his DOMA vote is so hypocritical because it comes from a guy who has repeatedly broken his own marriage vows. It'd be one thing if he would drop the whole "marriage is sacred" crap, but when you cheat on your wife and continue to be against gay marriage, it is just too much BS to take!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

17. Paul Wellstone Voted For DOMA May He Rest In Peace

eom

[sampsonblk]

8. Gaffe???

More like a moment of unintended candor. The first thing he said is what he believes. Now he wants to take it back.

[OHdem10]

9. He would be smart to go for Senator Dominici's Senate

Seat if the rumors are true that Domininici might retire.

[Totally Committed]

10. He supported DOMA... he's DLC... what's to like?

It's only a "gaffe", btw, when you say it once and then apologize. Twice, and you have to believe it's a personal belief.

TC

[Colobo]

11. The guy will drop eventually. He is obviously not helping himself

with the debates. They make him look clumsy.

[LoZoccolo]

12. No. n/t

[pingzing58]

13. He doesn't appear to be adequate to the task of president of the United States of America.

[Imagevision]

14. Yes, I agree Bill should definitly bow out now as should McCain to simply

eliminate unnecessary quips and comments.