(CNN) - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson on Wednesday sharply disputed Bill Clinton's reported claim that Richardson promised not to endorse Barack Obama's bid for the White House.
"I never did," Richardson told CNN. "I never saw [President Clinton] five times. I saw him when he watched the Super Bowl with me. We made it very clear to him that he shouldn't expect an endorsement after that meeting."
Bill Clinton's comments reportedly came during a recent meeting with some California superdelegates. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the former president got "red faced" when the subject of Richardson came up and said, "Five times to my face (Richardson) said that he would never do that."
In the interview Wednesday, Richardson acknowledged he was "very close to endorsing" Clinton, but decided not to after the campaign got "nasty."
"I held back. I waited. I felt the campaign got nasty. I heard Senator Obama; he would talk to me continuously," Richardson said.
"The Clintons should get over this," he added.
Richardson, a former U.N. Ambassador and Energy Secretary in the Clinton administration, endorsed Obama late last month.
Read more: Richardson denies promise to Clintons
Related: Watch Bill Richardson's interview on The Situation Room.
From CNN Politics
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Richardson should "get over it." He is not that important and neither is his endorsement!
Just let the primary system play itself out and see what happens at the end.
Where are her tax returns??? Why is the media not focusing on this???? Come on CNN.
Keep it up CNN moderators just show only comments favouring Obama.
the guys is a snake, What did Obama offer him??? Obama is offering Gore a position now I heard.... For his support too.
Obama will not win the presidency. He will never win FL or MI or OH.
Let see if he is looking to win all the red states he is winning now.
A vote for Obama is a lost vote.
who cares go away you traitor. endorsement was too late, you waited till the end to make sure you picked the one that was winning!
This is really getting silly...
Go Obama 08
Bill Clinton's angry response to Richardson's endorsement of Obama is yet another example of how the Clintons feel "entitled" to the presidency. They are not. Thank you, Governor Richardson for making the informed, RIGHT decision on who to support.
neither candidate is "entitled" to anything
Americans dont owe anybody anything except themselves to have
a great President, it will be McCain for me
In all honesty! The Clintons are saying the people votes means nothing. Good choice Richardson!
Obama '08
look up the William Safire article about Hilary in 1996. You think these issues won't come up in a general election? Hilary is unelectable.
Aww, I miss the days of journalism... back when news was news... as oppose to pop.
"The clintons should get over this"... that's perfect!
Last time I heard someone should "get over" something, it involved a kicking and screaming teenager...
Hey Holly! That's a joke, right? It was bush 41 that made the "read my lips" pledge. Probably happened before you were born, so I guess we could expect you to support the MT suit.
A vote for Hillary Clinton means never having to say you're sorry to the citizens of the United States of America.
Doesn't matter, because McCain will win 40-45 states and send Obama back to the crooked Dem machine of Chicago.
Meanwhile, Richardson gets nothing for his trouble.
. . . .The polls show that Hillary's negatives are close to George Bush's. Shes also voted the least trustworthy. Therefore I believe Bill Richardson.
The clintons have always had a problem with the truth. They have always strong armed people into getting their own way. I salute Richardson for going against the almighty clintons. N.H. already regretts backing them and by the way...Where are the clintons tax returns? They promised they would have them available this week. C'mon hillary you don't need another big lie on your list!
I used to have respect for Bill Richardson...not anymore.
CLINTON! KEEP FIGHTING ALL THE WAY! IT IS YOUR RIGHT! GOOD LUCK, CLINTON!
Bill Richardson is a snake. We can see right threw you.
Everyone knows that Richardson switched loyality, it's as simple as that.
His endorsement wasn't for sale, Ela? It went to the highest bidder!
OF COURSE, Richardson was promised something for his endorsement.
When are you people going to learn that Obama is just like any other politician?
The airport under sniper fire, proved the clintons are liers. I don't believe anything that they say. I believe Mr. Richardson when he said he made no promises he is an honorable, upstanding man.
PS Even if Richardson did say he would endorse Hillary, 5 times, 10 times, or a hundred times, why can't a superdelegate change his mind? Oh, wait! Hillary says superdelegates CAN change their minds...
clintons should get over this. If it about loyaties then other people would never be elected. This shows how low clintons are sacrifising for power. I am really sick and tired of these families that wanna dominate power in washington.
Duck and run for cover Hillary ... the Swallows are returning to Capistrono ...