The first review I’ve seen of Gov. Bill Richardson’s new book says its “strength… could boost his candidacy” for the presidency.
The book, which is scheduled to be in stores on Nov. 2, is called Leading by Example: How We Can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution. John Fout, political correspondent for TheStreet.com, read an advance copy, and was impressed. I’ve requested a review copy but have not yet received a response from Richardson’s campaign or government office.
The book lays out Richardson’s plan “to change America’s future based on a holistic energy policy,” Fout writes. The details of Richardson’s energy policy have already been released in a major speech and published on his campaign Web site:
• Reduce U.S. oil dependence by 50 percent by 2020.
• Increase efficiency and renewables in the electricity and natural-gas markets.
• Reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and 90 percent by 2050.
• Nurture and invest in science and technology.
• Lead the rest of the world by example.
Richardson has compared his energy plan to President Kennedy’s plan to put a man on the moon, saying it will require investment and sacrifice. Fout writes that Richardson’s book convincingly argues that such action will result in a better America.
“What benefits would we reap from achieving the bold changes suggested by Richardson?” he asks. “One would be stopping the huge flow of money going to countries that do not share our belief in democracy and free markets – Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.”
That money would instead be invested “right here at home,” Fout writes, stating that Richardson “strongly believes that alternative energy would be a future source of economic growth. It would create new industries and American jobs.”
That would make the United States a leader on global warming, setting the example the rest of the world would follow and restoring America’s image in the world, Richardson argues, according to Fout.
Government has to be involved, Fout says Richardson argues, because “corporations don’t exist to develop more efficient energy or solve world crises. They intend to reap profits for shareholders. … But Richardson can’t be labeled a socialist who wants to regulate markets. He prefers a variety of incentives for both businesses and consumers. He also firmly believes in free markets (he notes that we don’t have a free energy market today) and expects that corporations will lead the way on technological innovation.”
The problem for Richardson, Fout notes, is the timing of the book’s release, only weeks before the first primaries currently scheduled to be held in January. Richardson still has a climb in the polls, and the sooner the first primary arrives the less chance Richardson has of catching up.
DNC cracks down on shifting calendar
Which brings us to Florida. The Democratic National Committee decided this weekend that Florida’s primary won’t count if it’s held before Feb. 5, the Associated Press reported. Early on, the DNC came up with a calendar that included Iowa and Nevada caucuses and New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries in January, with no other state holding its presidential nominating contest before Feb. 5. A number of states immediately moved their contests to Feb. 5 to have a voice in the process.
But Florida jumped ahead, scheduling its primary for Jan. 29. Then the state’s Republicans moved their primary up even further, and the Michigan Senate voted to hold its primary on Jan. 15, though that date isn’t yet set in stone.
The DNC’s move is designed to force Florida to reschedule and also to discourage other states from moving their contests to dates earlier than Feb. 5.
It’s likely that Florida’s votes would be counted even if its primaries are held in January because the party conventions at which such votes are counted are designed to show unity. But the threat from the DNC might discourage candidates from spending as much time in Florida, which counters the goal of moving up the primary – to get more attention from the candidates.
Early primaries in Florida and Michigan, large states with massive media markets, make it harder for candidates with less money like Richardson to compete, and he knows it. Last week, the governor decried the move by the Michigan Senate.
Richardson released this statement following the DNC threat:
“I understand that (the weekend) decision (by the DNC) was not an easy one, but it was done in a democratic, orderly and fair manner,” Richardson said. “I am confident that over the next 30 days a final resolution will be agreed upon that will guarantee that everyone’s vote can count. Ultimately, I believe it is important that the Democratic nominating calendar be confirmed sooner rather than later. As Democrats it is important for us to use our voices to discuss the very serious issues facing our country and our differences with the Republicans. Over the next 6 months, I am looking forward to taking my case of experience plus change directly to the voters.”
Upcoming schedule
Richardson hasn’t spent much time in Florida, and his upcoming schedule won’t change that. He’s in Iowa today and tomorrow before taking off Wednesday. He’ll spend Thursday fundraising in New Mexico before heading on Friday to Texas to give a speech. On Saturday, he heads to New Hampshire for two days before spending Sept. 3 in Iowa and Sept. 4 and 5 in South Carolina. He plans to spend Sept. 6 and 7 fundraising in California, and will spend Sept. 8 fundraising in Nevada.
The first review I’ve seen of Gov. Bill Richardson’s new book says its “strength… could boost his candidacy” for the presidency.