Bill Richardson

[[File:Bill Richardson at an event in Kensington, New Hampshire, March 18, 2006.jpg|thumb|right|165px|
Tom Bosley 
 Bill Richardson, during one of his beardless phases.]]{{uspolitics}}
'''William Blaine Richardson III''' {{lived|1947|2023}} was the governor of the state of [[New Mexico]] and was destined for even greater things in the [[Barack Obama|Obama administration]] until he withdrew under pressure of a federal investigation.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28493919/ MSNBC: Richardson withdrawal leaves cabinet gap] 6 January 2009</ref> He was known for being a big bear of a man and occasionally sporting a pretty fantastic beard. When he shaved it off, no less than the President-elect mourned it publicly during a press conference.<ref>[http://www.politicsdaily.com/2008/12/04/bill-richardson-to-beard-or-not-to-beard/ Politics Daily: Barack Obama on Bill Richardson's beard] (with photo)</ref>

Richardson worked as a hostage negotiator in the [[Bill Clinton|Clinton]] administration. He proved to be one of the few people to understand [[Iraq]]'s politics when he freed two [[America]]ns held in Iraqi custody.<ref>[http://www.cfr.org/experts/world/bill-richardson/b7908 Council on Foreign Relations: Bill Richardson]</ref> 

He was an unsuccessful candidate for President in 2008. While he was the first Hispanic to be a serious contender for the presidency, being Mexican simply isn't that impressive when you're running against a [[Hillary Clinton|woman]], a [[Barack Obama|black man]], and an [[Dennis Kucinich|elf]]. He also was [[shoehorn]]ed into the role of "the Hispanic candidate," rather than as someone representing the [[Democratic Party]].<ref>[http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x276698 "I'm not running as the Hispanic candidate."] (Democratic Underground)</ref>

It didn't help that he made many gaffes, particularly in front of key Democratic constituencies. The greatest example was when, asked by LOGO during the "gay debate" whether [[homosexuality]] was a choice, he rapidly assented and said it was, despite all evidence to the contrary and the normal stance taken by gays and gay rights groups.<ref>[http://www.gayrightswatch.com/2007/08/late-thoughts-on-bill-richardsons.html Gay Rights Watch: Late Thoughts on Bill Richardson's "Choice" Answer]</ref>

He was the founder of the Richardson Center, a nonprofit that works to release political prisoners with an emphasis on Americans imprisoned in [[North Korea]]. The group was responsible for the successful negotiation of {{wpl|Evan Hunziker||.}}

In 2024, released court documents implicated him as being connected to [[Jeffrey Epstein]], allegedly receiving massages at his residence.<ref>[https://www.koat.com/amp/article/epstein-documents-new-mexico-bill-richardson/46290469 Epstein documents show New Mexico ties], Stephanie Muñiz, ''KOAT'' 4 January 2024</ref>

==References==
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{{stub|United States politics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Richardson, Bill}}
[[Category:2008 US Presidential candidates]]
[[Category:Epsteinsphere]]
[[Category:Former United States Governors]]
[[Category:Former United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Former U.S. Cabinet Members]]
[[Category:United States politicians]]

Categories: 2008 US Presidential candidates, Epsteinsphere, Former United States Governors, Former United States Representatives, Former U.S. Cabinet Members, United States politicians