Richardson's views on Obama endorsement

Yesterday, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing Obama's speech earlier this week during which he went over and above explaining his relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Well I waited because I was just legitimately very torn. You mentioned my ties to the Clintons, my loyalties to President Clinton, my support and respect for Senator Clinton.

But, I just realized that if I was going to make a difference, at a time we need party unity, at a time when the campaign was really getting nasty and personal, at a time when Senator Obama responded, I believe, in such a courageous way to a problem in his campaign — those remarks by his own pastor — I felt that I needed to step in and say that I am backing Senator Obama because I think this man has got something very good about him, something very special.

If I had to pick a favorite running mate for either Obama or Clinton, right now, Richardson. He has an impeccable résumé and he brings a great deal to the ticket. However, I won't be a bit surprised if Richardson takes a senior cabinet position in an Obama or Clinton administration, and perhaps that is why he would refuse the VP slot if it's offered.