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January 9, 2008

You Put Your Left Foot In ...

Bill Richardson's campaign appears to be doing the Presidential Hokey Pokey tonight. Two sources in his campaign told the AP that Richardson would withdraw from the race on Thursday. Not long afterwards, a spokesperson denied the claim, saying Richardson had returned to New Mexico for the start of the legislative session:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his campaign for the presidency after twin fourth-place finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire, The Associated Press reported Wednesday. But a Richardson spokeswoman told NBC News the report was wrong and Richardson was still in the contest for the Democratic nomination.

Richardson planned to announce the decision to withdraw Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision. They spoke Wednesday on a condition of anonymity in advance of the governor's announcement.

But Katie Roberts, deputy communications director for the Richardson campaign. told NBC News that as of now the governor is taking care of official business and getting ready for the legislative session in New Mexico.

Yesterday, even as New Hampshire voters continued to stream into the polling booths, a source in the campaign was telling NBC that Richardson had already decided to "suspend" the campaign. He wouldn't withdraw explicitly, but would no longer conduct any campaign events. Instead, he would remain on the ballot in case anyone had a sudden urge to vote for someone who had mostly given up on himself.

It sounds like a campaign in disarray, and an opportunity lost. Richardson went into this race with the best resume among candidates in either party, and completely disappointed those who saw him as a strong contender against Hillary Clinton. With extensive legislative, executive, and diplomatic experience, he would at least in terms of experience be the one candidate really able to take charge on Day 1.

However, Richardson never caught fire. Barack Obama's entry into the race overshadowed his own, and Richardson never recovered. Instead of showing his experience, he only gained notoriety occasionally for his gaffes. He proved that a great resume doesn't guarantee a great or even capable candidate. Why should the manner of his exit be any different?

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