Chuck Todd is bullish on New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) 2008 prospects, noting that he has many of the traits if you were to create the ideal Democratic presidential candidate: Western governor of a red state, foreign affairs experience, ethnic mix of Northeastern blue blood and Mexican, pro-business ideology with left-of-center tendencies and speaks fluent Spanish. In additon, he has "an incredible ambition that borders on overdrive."
Nonetheless, for some reason Richardson's "not viewed as top tier in the 2008 anti-Hillary presidential sweepstakes" among key Democratic strategists and fundraisers. Todd thinks this is a big mistake.
"Richardson bullied his way to the top of New Mexico politics and did so without ever waiting his turn, which leads us to believe he is a sure-bet to run in 2008 -- no matter how unstoppable Clinton appears. He wants the presidency as badly as any candidate we've seen in a long time... Candidate Richardson has some flaws, but barring some skeleton he's failed to reveal, they are flaws he can overcome. Dismiss his chances in 2008 at your own peril."
The Denver Post reports Richardson told guests at a Georgetown dinner, "I'm going in 2008."
Meanwhile, we should note that in his memoirs there's more than a hint of Richardson's ambtion as he recounts a conversation with Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) last year. "Near the end of our conversation, Kerry threw me an unexpected curve: 'Do you want to be president?' 'Maybe someday,' I said."
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