CNN

wow! I'm so tired of people saying that they are not going to vote for obama because theyre mad hillary didnt win! Or how about the people out there saying that there candidate hillary lost so theyre going for mccain! Hillary and obama are not the same but hillary and mccain are certainly a heck of a lot farther a part. And as for obama is inexperienced and has bad judgement, last time I checked nothing…no matter how many years compares to the job of being a president…the only way to have experience in the field of being a president which is quite different from other jobs is to be a president. On the grounds of bad judgment, I haven't seen any yet, I have seen a lot of good in how he has run his campaign and the choices I've read about that he's made in his life though. Mccain on the other hand has went with judgments that I do not agree with as a democrat, a person, and a christian. I follow the media and pick out what I want to believe, meaning I don't care if you call Mccain Mcbush or Obama a radical, because some things are obviously not true. But it makes me mad when others get carried away with this stuff or other silly matter when really we should be looking out for the well-being of our future America. My only request is to make a logical educated decision. Make sure what you choose to believe is true. And don't vote on emotion. Because you might not have those same emotions years from now…but facts will always be facts. Democrats need to stick together…we always have…were similar….we believe in similar beliefs…. and republicans dont….thats why there republicans….

Governor Richardson is right.

It is JUST NOT the American way, to keep someone locked up forever (w/o any chance to state their case). Let's take them to trial, and let's have them executed (if deemed appropriate), but at least let us have all the evidence presented in a proper manner. Due process is one of the things that makes America so incredible!

Annie – SHAME ON YOU – I live in New York, and I was 5 blocks from the north tower when the first plane hit. How about you? Disagree with his policies, but you sound unintelligent when you sit there, making fun of his middle name.

richardson,carter and the dali-bama-surrender at ALL costs...the downfall of what was a great nation that those wusses have a need to change...change we can believe in???i beg forgiveness for paying taxes to support the madrassas that our now this counttrys education system.

sarah June 18th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

i find it interesting that the obama supporters are supposed to be the more "highly educated" voters and yet at least 75% of them cannot spell properly.

You are right Sarah I have my math degree but I cannot spell that good, but it is ok because we are talking aobut views not spelling. Try and change the subject so you do not have to address the issues. I cannot spell but my house whole income is around 175,000.00 $. Not bad for a guy that can not spell

You clinton supporters are way out in left field..., Michelle from Colorado how do you figure / justify your comments about obama stealing clinton's ideas.... I did not hear him pandering for votes over a stupid summer gas tax holiday.....

You also have to realize, if clinton's version of universal healthcare got approved, most of corporate america who offers health care plans to their employees would have thrown us tio the wolves and cancelled our health care. Because it is mandated by the government, does not make it better nor more affordable......

Brian Knoxville, TN.

Who cares what you think or the rest of your friends. You have not said one single fact on this blog. You only speak out of anger. Please review your facts and get back with me. Facts are 2+2=4

michelle from co,

i believe hillary was for the war before she was against it.

Hey Richardson ask the families of the victims of 9/11 how they feel about terrorist and what rights terrorist should have. Why don't you and hussein take a couple of them home with you and re-train them to be productive citizens. Maybe the dnc can sponser a few of them too.

Richardson – Judas go home-anything you say falls on deaf ears.
no one wants you – no one likes you-and you're not going to be VP

Lately, George Bush has been talking about presidential legacies, perhaps in an attempt to define his. Here, Bush has an opportunity to make himself look good by publicly trying the enemy combatants before January 2009. Why does the administration so adamantly refuse to prosecute?

No...it IS about solar and wind. Some of you goons don't get it. Huge percentage of energy plants and home heating is supplied by OIL.

Oil consumption therefore is not all by cars/gasoline. We need to replace oil with solar and wind.

Both parties over the past few decades didn't push hard enough to have more rigorous minimum federal mpg standards. Also not enough was done to promote R & D funding for renewables.

****************************************
GOV RICHARDSON SPEAKS HIS MIND AND I AGREE WITH HIS POSITION.

1. PROTECTING RIGHTS OF OTHERS AS WELL AS ENEMY COMBATANTS SHOULD BE UPHELD SO WE DONT TURN INTO MONSTERS LIKE THE ENEMIES WE ARE FACING AND ALSO TO PROMOTE OUR MORAL STATUS TO THE WORLD.

2. WE NEED TO SOMETHING FOR THE LONG TERM SOLUTIONS TO THE ENERGY PROBLEM, IT MAY BE DRASTIC OR SUBTLE BUT BOTTOM LINE IS WE GOT TO DO SOMETHING AND KEEP DOING IT UNTIL RESOLVE.

STOP THE MADNESS. VOTE OBAMA.

You have to love Democrats. "We need to follow the Constitution". It's a great thought except the Constitution was written to protect American citizens on American soil and was not written to protect the people of the world wherever they may be. We do have the Geneva Acord but there again none of the Middle East countries signed the Geneva Acord so once again we have a conondrum. We do however have a Supreme Court decision from 1950 that say's we can treat enemy combatents as such and do not have to allow them due process during a time of war. You people do realize don't you that if enemy combatents obtain due process they can actually claim discovery and subpoena documents directly from the White House and the Pentagon? I'm wondering if any of these "kids" have taken a government or law class? Apparently not, and Obama backers were supposed to be the educated one's.

Lets Go Dems!!! Lets take back what is ours. America deserves better.
Obama '08

Obama and Richardson a great match, they were meant for each other. You have to be a trader to win in this world, put them together and maybe they can work out an energy solution.

Don't count on it, we will be paying higher gas with Obama in office, he can't change Washington.

Richardson is about Richardson – his buttocks kissing of Obama while stabbing Clinton in the back is a reflection of his ambitious cravings. These people are all the same. Two ego maniacs.

i find it interesting that the obama supporters are supposed to be the more "highly educated" voters and yet at least 75% of them cannot spell properly.

Richardson should have kept his mouth shut after the terrorist comment. That was a good remark and I agree with him. But bringing up what the Clinton administration did to try to conserve oil and enrgy after he kicked Hillary to the curb and jumped on the Obama running on Hillary's platform bus just makes me despise him.
I wanted Hillary. Not someone who stole her ideas and now says he is just like her, so why don't you want me? Where is the man for change? You and your cronies are just a bunch of wanna be's.

Mr. Richardson you let your own state down by going for Obama, when your state voted for Hillary. For this, I have no respect for you and will not vote for Obama if he chooses you for his VP.

Richardson you are a fool and you associate with one too.
Neither one of you understand the gravity of defeating the Islamic Jihadists. These are not armed forces with a government that signed the Geneva Convention, so why should we give them that right. Give them the same treatment they give their own country men and the same trial they gave our people on 9/11.

Killers of innocent women and children in Muslim temples don't deserve protection.

On a legal note. The United States Constitution applys to the United States and it's citizens, and those within their borders. The courts reaching out to other countries, violates the sovereignty of every country and undermines our own sovereignty. Now every tom dick and harry that has a gripe against the United States can file in our courts. This is absurd and perversed logic.
Will this open the door for Mexican-Americans deprived of their lands in the Southwest to sue the Federal Government in Federal Court for
violation of their land rights? I only bring this up because of the ramifcations to your home state and mine (Texas).

When people accuse John McCain of changing a former position, I am reminded of what Pres. Lincoln once said, " I hope that such changes reflect that I am getting wiser with time."

Americans for McCain '08

I liked RIchardson. He was my first choice. He has real experience in Washington DC, foreign affairs and state government. He stabbed Clinton in the back to support Obama, the man with great vocal cords and no experience. Go figure. What the hell is wrong with you people? There isn't a corporation in the world that would hire a rookie to solve the problems George W Bush has created. Richardson would be a better President than Obama. Think people!

Lynn ...............Whenever he is on I put my remote on mute. That's what I think of him...........YOU are so Angry.......... If America wants credibility in the world when it comes to human rights, respect human rights.. simple as that..... MR McCAIN was a POW.....he has STORY TO TELL !R OSE, texas .....................who wants 2 know what this idiot has 2 say. have no repect 4 him. i'm latino and i know that he is half white and half latino and i sure would not b voting 4 this idiot if he would have made it................. THIS is NOT about RACE besides we all are AMERICANS .........YOU need to READ up on the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ...people lost their life for FREEDOM

Richardson is Pre 9-11 with terrorist, let law enforcement handle the criminals. He is also a big part of todays oil/gasoline crisis. He did not promote our own independence by allowing drilling 10 years ago and he was of the same dillusion that alternative energy sources are easy and cheap to produce. We have been trying since the 60's to create alternatives to oil and all have flopped. Oil is still the most efficient and cheapest way to move people and power our world. Richardson was against nuclear power as much as any green peace fanatic. I would not want him back in D.C.

Looks like the Carville devotees are a bit bitter. Too bad, sooooo sad.

Personal loyalty is an admirable trait. However, GOD and Country must come first. Richardson made the right choice in supporting Obama.

And FYI, of all the candidates, Richardson had the best resume. It just happens that Obama has the inspirational charisma that doesn't grace most politicians.

I think you'll find that when Obama becomes President, Hillary and Richardson will have cabinet level positions.

Change is coming.

How much faith do McCain and Bush have in our constitution? In the American ideals of Justice? They don't have enough imagination to protect us within the bounds of the law, but somehow they think they can lead our country?

I would like to know why you interrupt the people you are asking questions? i have seen you do this numerous of times. Why bother having people on when you are not interisted in their answers. I have seen this with a number of CNN reporters. I realize that you are not interrested in listening only in your opinion. It really is all about your opinion and not your guests. Interrupting people does mean that you are not listening to them.

Please...............................give me a break! He's just another bean in the chile. Next year he'll be kissing up to the Taliban and dogging Obama..........

"Richardson said he “totally” disagrees with the Bush administration’s policy of treating terrorism detainees as enemy combatants and treating them differently than defendants in typical criminal cases." - Hey Richardson, thanks for reminding me why you never really mattered in the presidential race anyways.

Secretary of Energy, Ambassador, and the next VP Obama/ Richardson '08

We are not "like them" in any way, shape or form! This statement by Mr. Richardson was way out of bounds!

If terrorists get constitutional rights under this latest Supreme Court decision, and if Obama's advisors say Bin Laden is innocent until proven guilty, why are we trying to kill terrorists? Why aren't we trying to arrest Osama Bin Laden, read him his Miranda rights, and give him a lawyer?

"Somebody ought to ask Obama: 'If we capture Bin Laden and we put him on trial, do you believe, sir, he should be presumed innocent? And if he's found not guilty in a court of law, do we just let him go after the trial?'

Nice to see Judas there with Obumus

A TAXPAYER VOTING FOR A DEMOCRAT IS LIKE
A CHICKEN VOTING FOR COLONEL SANDERS.

I just heard Richarson on CNN saying we all have basically change our ways and use less. Who is he kidding and what planet does he live on that he doesn't hear how people are hurting. Only people with a lot of money are using and not caring how much they use, The majority of people who are hurting have cut back a long time ago and are trying to cut back more and do without. This goes to show how out of touch politicians are. What a joke. He infuriates me.

Likes and dislikes aside, Bill Richardson and Obama are not soft on terrorism…. they happens to know that there are fundamental reasons and policy that set us apart from the rest of the world and eventually make us the greatest nation on this planet called 'earth'.

Juliani and all others alike on the other hand are not any tougher on terrorism than Richardson and Obama…. they just happen to think that we became the greatest nation on earth by winning the lotto….. hummmmh!

John McCain was a "self chosen prisoner of war"???
Because he forfeited his release from repeated torture and solitary confinement so as not to abandon his fellow captives? Now that I think about, it was his choice. And so I choose him to be my president.

Gary,
You are bitter? Why not you should be, gas prices are oomph, jobs phissssss, iraq in shambles and economy whew !!!

Likening how America has treated the prisoners at Guatanamo Bay to how the terrorists have treated American prisoners (torture, amputations, beheadings, booby trapping corpses, publicly abusing corpses) is WAY out of line. It's even hard to write what the terrorists have done to Americans. So please don't make that comparison, Mr. Richardson.

NObama N'08!

My question is this: How would these people who oppose the Supreme Court decision feel if they had loves held captive for YEARS without due process? They would be screaming it's unconstitutional!

In addtion to Franklin's quote, "Those who give a little bit of liberty for a little bit of security will get neither and don't deserve either (apologies to Ben Franklin for the incorrect quotation). We were set up as country of laws, and we need to stick to them."

I would add:

Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious. – Oscar Wilde

Concerning the title, yes we do, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Ask any right-winger. They don't realize that with such stupidity you get a world of blind toothless people.

Our constitutional law is very important. Wonder what the ForeFathers are thinking as they are turning over in their graves.

McCain is still bitter about him being a POW, but unlike Obama he has not majored are taught Constitutional Law.

CNN I sure would like to see some positive articles on Obama, those women with the scarves were probably Republican planters. I have worked for the Obama Campaign and the people working for him do not discriminate against people like that.

Michelle did a great job on the view today. They have invited her and Obama back on the show.

Attention Obama Supporters: keep booing Clinton so McCain wins!

Richardson is a flake. He needs to go back into his hole.

WOW gary, TAKE A BREATH. RICHARDS DID WHAT HE THINKS IS RIGHT BASED ON WHAT HE KNOWS ABOUT HISTORY, I MEAN HILLARY. DONT WORRY, OBAMA WILL LET YOU KEEP YOUR GUNS, JUST DONT BRING THEM TO SCHOOL, OR SHOPPING, OR TO SPORTING EVENTS, ECT.

First off, you have to do something very wrong to get detained. We don't just pick up innocent by-standers and detain them. I know from experience. Second, this is a slap in the face to the members of our armed forces who risk their lives to maintain the security that our nation just tosses away like so much trash.

You know, if they are just so innocent then why don't we take it a step further and just release them back into our society after they are acquitted so that they won't have to endure the hardships of Iraq? I mean, they are just innocent people, right? Better yet, all those who support this decision can set up little halfway houses in their own communities. That way they can be sure to have direct contact with these nice, good natured people.

Our nation has lost its stomach for war or anything else that is more difficult than a trip to the mall or longer than a thirty minute sitcom. You attempt to quote the words of great men, but those men would cry if they knew what has come of us. It is a sad state of affairs when the people of our nation care more about their enemies than they do their fellow citizens.

He won't get the nod, but on paper he makes a good vp choice.

The United States has a Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and laws which we uphold. Our values are not in synch with everyone, but these are the values, laws and rules of our country. Terrorists are measured by the same rules, laws and provisions in our Constitution when answering to our system. Because they have no regard for life and a moral compass that is not the same as out country's does not give us license to throw away our Constitution and stoop to their level. The best country in the world did not become the best out of convenience. It may be frustrating to extend due process to others, but it is the way we do things and for that we can hold our head higher.

Catty: Take a step back. Is it retribution you want? That is the kind of response that this administration fed into to get us into the war in the first place. We have a standard here in this country which states innocent until proven guilty. If they are guilty, let the courts sentence them. Otherwise, think about your hypothetical innocent brother in the wrong place at the wrong time who might be in a foreign jail detained and tortured because he looked like a suspect. Wouldn't you fight for a legal system that had the capacity to free and exhonerate him? You know you would! Tnank God we live in a free, even though flawed, society.

And Richardson was including himself in his analysis of what did not get done in the past. I admire him for that.

Not on the blogs yet, Obama apologizes to the Muslim community. So glad he did because in the end it will be the moderate, progressive Muslims around the world who will be the best able to speak back to the extremists. Enough of the "them" vs "us" mentality. We need to seek areas that may prove to be part of the solution. Obama, even at risk of people furthering the misnomer that you are a Muslim instead of the truth of your Christianity, you spoke out. We need you for president!

And,no, I am not Muslim. I am Catholic and white.

Richardson you are a slivery snake. You must be sniffing for the VP spot hey. Good – if you are on the ticke even more of Hillary supporters will stay home or vote McCain. Now go and spend those thirty pieces of silver. Maybe you can buy Obama to be the VP with it!!

circus. political circus. who is the clown? figure it on your own.

Shoot, in AMERICA they put men and women in prison for years before discovering that some of these same men and woment were innocent all along. AMERICA denounces how other countried treat AMERICAN citizens who are put in prison without justice and laws. So now AMERICA wants to do the same? AMERICA is better than that, yet Bush-McCain have dragged AMERICA's name into the gound!

Wait until Al Qaeda is in Richardon's backyard and he has to dodge
roadside bombs on the way to work and drive his kids to school in an armored car-then we'll see how he feels–

Richardson got it right. Americans will always be honorable!

And the clintonistas are out today!! I now know why they are willing to support mccain over obama look at their responses here, "whenever richardson is on I hit the mute button", "I turned off my tv when I heard he was going to talk" etc they alkso cannot understand that to defeat your enemy you must get to know them and what drives them to get to know them and their drivers you must talk to them. heck even Isreal has started to learn this they are talking with Hamas! but the poor moronic clintonistas cannot even LISTEN to a man who opposes their belief in the infallability of hillary. moronic clintonistas you think just like the republicans no wonder you will vote for them!!

Simple fact what richardson said is correct the Constitution asay ALL MEN it does NOT say ALL AMERICANS but hey I would not expect the RNC or the clintonistas to know that as, from I can tell, they have never read it (psst we DO NOT live in a Democracy we live in a representative republic where we select those to carry our point of view but do NOT have a direct say in our government jsut thought you would like to know the TRUTH)

Obama isnt saying treat them like American citizens, he asks that we abide by the Geneva Convention. Shouldn't we?

Bill Richardson is probably the most inept person ever to hold public office(and that's a long list of clowns). His solution is more "solar and wind energy".
Hey Bill, solar and wind isn't going to get it done. Neither is ethanol or biodiesel. Until we come up with something entirely new, such as fuel cells, we need to have good old fashion crude oil.

The majority of the Gitmo detainees have been freed already. That included from pre-teen kids to handicapped seniors. It so happened that US had put a reward on Taliban fighters (not just Al-Qaeda terrorist) and the crook Northern Alliance rounded off many innocent people and sold them to the US like kettle. That included doctors and relief workers who were in the war zone for volunteers work.

The elders of our nation ensured fair trials over mob lynching, for some valid reasons. Guilty people got away due to lack of sufficient edivence even those day, but then it ensured that no innocent person would be hanged.

Just think about it, if we take away accountability from the government, any political opponent of the government would end up in Gitmo like a third world country. Stop this before it is too late.

Wow, lots of anti-Richardson sentiment here, but no one is giving any reasons why they loathe him! I never paid much attendtion to the guy, but I like what I am hearing from him now. Would you anti-Richardson posters please tell me why I should hate him? Please be specific, I don't want to hear that you think he's a moron or a traitor or a liberal or a weakling, I want to know WHY you think he is one of those things.

The former Energy Secretary was a total failure in the job. He pushed for renewable energy, and what did we get? Not much. He pushed for fuel efficiency. We got gas guzzling SUVs. If Obama is going to rely on Richardson for advice, we'll get more of the same policy failures.

What's worse, a terrorist or a lontime friend and colleague that will tunr on you?

Some tell Richardson to stop begging for a spot.

Richardson: Pick me, pick me...

I saw BO’s grandmother once on tv . Poor Old lady kind of leaning over at the shoulders & she’s Still working as a librarian at 84 yrs old !

heard Obama on the news this morning talking about McCain “flip-flopping again” on opening up off-shore (and other?) drilling.

Will someone PLEASE explain to me why changing your mind about an issue is negatively deemed “flip-flopping”???

Think of it this way: You’ve been sunbathing all your life: you LIKE the sun, you like the color it gives to your skin, you like the Vitamin D that it provides, you like the warmth on your skin. Then it is determined to cause skin cancer. So…. you change your mind and decide sunbathing is not such a good idea.

IS THAT NOT INTELLIGENCE??

Times change; people change; situations change. If you continue belief in something, even if the situation dictates you might need to CHANGE your belief — aren’t you just being bone-headed???

I agree with Richardson. Not trying people for their crimes and just sentencing them, what kind of democracy is that?

Why all the hate rose?? What'd Bill ever do to you???

Good job.

Where will this end. Because you are American is does not make you better then someone else. I know you guys did not live in this era but black people once get the same treatment. They were not equal like whites. Women got the same treatment. They were not equal like men. Everyone should be treat equally. Rember if the shoe was on the other foot.

I don't trust Richardson, because I think he just wants to be the next Vice President, but I think he's right in this case.

Barack watch your back.

Obama 08

I agree with him but I don't trust him. He is a lot like McCain; he will say anything to advance his political ambitions. Please Obama don't appoint Richardson to anything.

Alex- New Jersey:

He's a back stabber. I wouldn't want him as a friend. I don't want him in our government!

change we can believe in

Mr. "Only a half percent". Obviously the thousands that represent that ratio aren't significant to you.

You obviously can turn on your friends, so why not the people you represent. You will be remembered – you will not be forgiven.

Peter E June 18th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Al Qaeda suspects are just that: suspects. Considering that thus far we've released hundreds of them without prosecution or trial, chances are that many of the so-called 'enemy combatants' were also nothing more than bystanders who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. So what's the harm in examining the evidence against them? If there is evidence the courts will find them guilty and lock them up. If there is no evidence, we sure aren't demonstrating the fairness of our society by locking up innocent people.
Trust the system! Let the evidence speak for itself!

Well said!

Now that we held hundreds of people in prision without trial and released them, they are NOW real terrorists. If you were held in prision for years, then told you were free to go without any proof of a crime comitted or charges you would be very mad. The GOP has no trouble doing this because they have been conducting this business from the beginning. The rest of America is finnaly calling them out on this issue. Now, McCain supports this kind of government and justifies this action in the name of national security. Oh yea this the kind of President I want.

By the same time it took me to type on this blob, over a ton of illegal drugs was smuggled into our boarders. This stuff will kill our good American citizens. Where is the GOP action in the name of national security?

This is really not a debate. The Bush administration has gotten people use to such a warped way of thinking that some people, including McCain, thinks that we should just arrest "suspects" and never formally convict them. We are acting just like the countries that we are trying to "free".

Jose' June 18th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Maybe its you who are the moron pal! Detaining people without charging them for sometimes up to six years is ridiculous. Particularly if we can not prove that the individual even commited a crime. Mr. Richardson wants the principles of our laws to be upheld and not brushed aside for convenience sake or out of fear.

Forget it Richardson!

Nor do we have to treat terrorists (now seeking nuclear power as a war tool) in a time of war as deserving of all the benefits of our legal system. Obama is scary – his ideas are delusional!

Disillusioned Democrats and Independents vote for McCain the only wise choice left for 08!

Why is torture illegal in the United States? Is it because most decent human beings believe it is barbaric and wrong? Why should human decency be withheld from our enemies?

Wasn't the wisdom of your mother, "two wrongs don't make a right"?
–Your teacher, "Kill them with kindness"?
– Your savior and mine, "turn the other cheek" and " "Love your neighbor as your love yourself".

Torture is inhumane and wrong and makes us as bad as those we fight against. It erodes our moral high ground and we must not allow it.

republicans want to turn us into a terrorist state,and have succeeded ,in some ways,it appears.AMERICANS DO NOT TORTURE!i hope those responsible for this,are prosecuted and detained ,for life,in guantanamo,themselves.let's start with bush,cheney,rumsfeld,rove,libby,and go right down the line to anyone who still supports these crooks.

We are a nation of laws and due process. The US Constitution has held strong for over two centuries now. Can you imagine the legal precedent it could have created if the decision had sided with Bush/McCain? Scary.

The Supreme Court made the correct ruling, which Obama (a constitutional scholar) understands very well.

Dem '08

Look at the picture. Gov. Richardson plans on shooting Sen. Obama in the back. He wouldn't do anything like that, would he?

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

I can't stomach this man. He as VP would indicate some sort of backroom deal with Obama. Dean got to keep his post. The only democrat I like even less is Pelosi.

Stay awake from this flake if you want my support, Obama.

President Richardson ? talks like one.

Go back and Get some rest Mr Richardson.

When you have certain people who make comments such as Obama having a "8/11" mantality it leads me to believe that 9/11 is still being used as an excuse to abuse our power. McCain and George bush both claim they hate war, yet they are both willing to wage war first and willing to stay at war as long as it takes. Basically saying diplomacy is a waste of time and shoot first ask questions later havs become our foriegn policy. Treating detainees like the lowest form of life. Abusing them behind closed doors and stripping them of any rights what so ever. Seems to me like republican policy is not far from those of china,iran and terrorists groups themselves. Like the old saying goes. "Better to be an open sinner, then a false saint"

The issue on this debate is not necessarily on whether these individuals should be treated like criminals or not. The question is how long can a president decide to hold a prisoner whether of a war or not without charging them or releasing them? If I understand correctly Obama is not advocating for these people to be given full rights as the American citizens but of the human race. Charge them with war crime give them the chance to say I did it or not. Find them guilty if you need to and give them the death penalty. That's a due process. More so, some of these people say they did it and would want to die. That says it all. They deserve to die.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ
June 18th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

"Just remember the Ben Franklin quote: Those who give a little bit of liberty for a little bit of security will get neither and don't deserve either (apologies to Ben Franklin for the incorrect quotation). We were set up as country of laws, and we need to stick to them."

Hear, hear! I wholeheartedly agree with this quote.

who wants 2 know what this idiot has 2 say. have no repect 4 him. i'm latino and i know that he is half white and half latino and i sure would not b voting 4 this idiot if he would have made it.

I strongly disagree with Bill Richardson's assertion that we are treating the terrorists the way they have treated Americans whom they have captured. Captured Americans have been tortured (dismembered, beheaded, suffered amputations, burns, removal of flesh, etc.), then killed and dragged through the streets (or hung from bridges or trees) for public display. We may have some improvements to make in how we're dealing with these people but we have HARDLY "been like them" in how we're treating detainees. I think someone of Richards' position and experience in American government ought to be much more thoughtful of the image of America he is projecting both domestically and abroad when he makes statements like this.

You are what you practice.

As a nation are we really so cowardly that we can't live up to our own ideals at the same time we tell the world that these standards are the only true path to nationa greatness.

"To thine own self be true...."

Is McCain saying that what was done to him during the time he was a self chosen prisoner of war was justifiable.

Senator Mc Flip-Flop has a credibility problem on every issue.

So why, exactly, should I care what you say, Richardson? You couldn't even keep the Mexican drug cartels out of New Mexico - maybe a little "tough" would have done it. Now go and enjoy your second 15 minutes of fame!

cnn please post:

Remember America; Barack Obama taught Constitutional Law: He will PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSITITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES SO HELP HIM GOD!
The Supreme Court said Obama was right and McCain was wrong last week.
McCain, Bush and the GOP will PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND BIG OIL AND THERE PROFITS SO HELP THEM EXXON/MOBIL!
EVEN IF IT MEANS HURTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, DESTROYING THE ENVIROMENT, AND SUPPORTING TERROIST BY BUYING THERE OIL! THE GOP AND MCWAR/BUSH WILL BE THERE FOR BIG OIL!
Obama 08/12
BECUASE I LOVE AMERICA!

Hundreds of men have been held for years without being charged. This year alone dozens have been released after years of imprisonement without ever being charged.

Following the Geneva Convention and restoring Habeus Corpus is something we would expect from other countries if they held our citizens.

Gov Richardson is right!

Imagine if China held someone with due process. We would be yelling human rights!! All humans deserve the right to due process.
The R party has created a false dichotomy. Giving captured detainees due process is not the opposite of keeping the country safe. Both can be done at once. Infact it's a job of the government to do them both together.

If America wants credibility in the world when it comes to human rights, respect human rights.. simple as that.

we don,t have to be like terrorists –

but we all are judas --

I believe everyone should have the right to publicly claim NOT GUILTY, even so-called accused terrorists. I don't think that means they should have every right afforded by our Constitution, but to proclaim one's innocence should be a human right.

We can fight terrorism many ways. I remember Bush going on and on about Americans shopping and flying after 9/11 because [and I paraphrase here] "to stop would be letting the terrorists win"

Well. To accuse without scrutiny, to suffer rendition and torture without consequences... THAT is letting the terrorists win.

Let's fight terrorism by getting out of the middle east. Let's fight it by being better than terrorists. Being fair. Being democratic. Being tolerant. Being wise. Being better humans.

We insist on giving them mercy, yet that is the last thing they offered to our citizens on the airplanes that hit the towers, the people in and around the towers and the pentagon, the soldiers in pearl harbor, daniel pearl and his family, and so forth. They should be treated like the mud and dirt that they are.

And bill, you have even less room to talk about energy independence. Even you know that you failed on that issue.

Remember America Barack Obama taught Constitutional Law: He will PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND THE CONSITITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES SO HELP HIM GOD!

The Supreme Court said Obama was right and McCain was wrong last week.

McCain, Bush and the GOP will PRESERVE, PROTECT AND DEFEND BIG OIL AND THERE PROFITS SO HELP THEM EXXON/MOBIL!

EVEN IF IT MEANS HURTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND SUPPORTING TERROIST BY BUYING THERE OIL!

Obama 08/12
BECUASE I LOVE AMERICA!

Richardson is exactly right. If you believe in human rights to such a degree that you codify them in your law, then they must extend to everyone. Otherwise you admit that they have no respectable basis.

Secretary of State in an Obama Administration –

New Mexico Governor Richardson

He brings geographic balance from a western state that the Democrats want to turn from red to blue. This former presidential candidate also has served as a cabinet secretary before under Bill Clinton and as a ambassador / diplomat. Drawing on these credentials be brings a new face, in this case, a Latino face to America’s interactions with the rest of the world and will help Mr. Obama rebuild our great country’s standing as the beacon of democracy. Given the succession rules of our country, having a former presidential candidate in this role is also warranted.

Whenever he is on I put my remote on mute. That's what I think of him.

It is absolutely amazing that Republicans come out of the woodwork with all of their negative spin when Obama or anyone else suggests spending any money that will directly benefit the American people but do not hesitate to spend with wanton abandon on the militay industrial complex to line their own pockets under the guise of protecting the American people. After all, it is tax money that is being spent. I consider myself a moderate but always end up voting for Democrats because the Republican philosopy in recent years has been disgustingly greedy, power-hungry and self-serving. The lying and fear-mongering perpetrated by the likes of them is appalling. It is blatantly obvious that John McCain is Bush #2 as far as being out of touch with regular folks and current issues. He contradicts himself before he can finish a speech.

When he came on GMA this morning I turned the tv off. I saw his name on this headline and didn't want to read it. He is an arrogant big-headed fool and I want nothing to do with him.

There's no greater way to CREATE enemies than torturing innocent suspects to coerce bogus confessions.

Richardson is spot on. We are a free, proud, civilized people that must not lose sight of who we are and what we respresent.

Put them on trial...guilty keep in prison, innocent send back home.

Shut up traitor . What do you know. You let your own state down. Judas was the right word. America gets what they ask for.

This is an issue that will show a big difference b/t the two candidates. I do not think we should treat them as criminals with right given to Americans. That is my point of view. No ones patriotism has been questioned but that is a comment that I am sure will be seen in this tread. An implied questioning if someone would have a similar view.

McCain 08

I like Richardson, he always tells it as it is.

Richardson would make a great VP pick, he really does come off as an honest man with the reasoning and sound judgment to be one heart beat away from being president.

Jerk

Few people seem to understand the Supreme Court ruling.

The Court ruling allows for detainees to REQUEST a hearing in federal courts. It does not place any restrictions on the courts to hear the cases.

CNN should research this, and publish the pertinent part(s) of the ruling so people understand what the ruling is.

And yet, my dear governor, the Obama camp has acted so undemocratically that it is no better than terrorists.

You are enabling a campaign that could not win the nomination fairly, despite the nearly limitless resoruces that it has.

And now Puma PAC is receiving threating messages from "democrat4life" and other Obamabots who understand nothing about the principles that make democracy work. This "democrat4life" has written that we can just "leave the party, because we [the undemocratic Democratic Party and its selected nominee] dont want you" and that we "are the reason this party [the undemocratic Democratic Party] is so weak at the moment." Then he threatened us.

And this is only one of the many haters who want us to shut up and get in line, to betray the principles of the Democratic Party along with the rest of you traitors.

If you people aren't terrorists, then I don't know what is.

Your hostile takeover of our Democratic Party has to be stopped.

Puma PAC

We're not, moron.

Detaining the enemy instead of killing them is not 'being like the terrorists'.

What a tool.

Agreed! Try the terrorists and convict them publicly – if you just hold them in secret no one will ever trust that we got the right people and that justice has been done.

This is Another flop flip issue for McCain. After co sponsoring a Bill to end military torture of detainees, WHY would he oppose a Bill to end CIA torture?
He could 'look' like a humanitarian, while making sure the back door on his own Bill is wide open!
While GOP's will vote Red if a 'rock' was on the slate, those who are making up their minds should Google and Wikipedia; McCain and , crashes planes, promotion to Captain – daddy Admiral, bottom 5 of class, Keating 5, King holiday

What is wrong with our constitution? Lets read and observe it. Talking and acting tough is not a sign of strength but of weakness and concealing ones inadequacies. Yes, we are better than terrorist, lets act so.

"Down with Cuba! They are holding hundreds of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay without prosecution, evidence, or trial. What? Guantanamo Bay is OUR prison? Then forget what I said. It is completely fair to hold people there for as long as we please 'just in case' they may have somekind of terrorist connection."

I agree and disagree with Gov. Richardson. I dont agree that they should be getting equal treatment like us.
First of all they are NOT AMERICAN CITIZENS!
So why should they be getting OUR benefits?
I agree we should not use intolerable acts on them, but i also think maybe we should of, i mean come on people in just one day they committed a crude and injustice act killing 3 thousand people. Why should they be treated like they did nothing?

Thank you Bill Richardson....how can we say we are different from these despicable people if we act THE SAME WAY THEY DO. We have a constitution, and we need to get a president in the White House who will uphold that very constitution....McBushes are a shame to this country! We have 3 bodies of authority in this country, the legislative, judiciary and president....but for the last 8 yrs. only the president has made the decisions and that C grade student has made life miserable for all of us...even the rich can't pay for their homes, gas prices are thru the roof, we are less safe from terrrorist, and our once impecable image abroad is so tarnished, its going to take years and lots of polish to clean!

Obama will lead us into the future....not prehistoric warmonger McBush!

If you don't give combatants the right to speak, how do you know you have the right enemy? That not the same as Americans citizens, it a matter of following international law. Look at the mess Bush has made and what McCain wants to continue.

Tell them Richard the problem with the republicans is they are not out ther for the interest of the people who needs help they stand for the rich people so to be republican you either have to be Rich and lier or a sucker.

So how about before starting a combat operation we Mirandize the opposing army (in their language) on some helicopter loudspeakers of drop some flyers. Dems will do ANYTHING to be on the opposing side of Bush no matter what the cost to our way of life and safety. I guess they will put the AG on the enemies and sue them and tax them out of existence. Stop bashing every policy and offer some REAL solutions if you don't like it. Oh and don't forget the taxpayer will pick up the bill for the lawyers too......

This country wasn't founded by people who would ignore the Constitution because they are afraid that the "bad guy" might get him. I'd rather live free than safe; die on my feet than live on my knees. How can we point to people at random and say: "You don't get a trial or due process?" Its McCarthy-ism all over again!!!

Grow a pair, America!

Al Qaeda suspects are just that: suspects. Considering that thus far we've released hundreds of them without prosecution or trial, chances are that many of the so-called 'enemy combatants' were also nothing more than bystanders who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. So what's the harm in examining the evidence against them? If there is evidence the courts will find them guilty and lock them up. If there is no evidence, we sure aren't demonstrating the fairness of our society by locking up innocent people.
Trust the system! Let the evidence speak for itself!

Governor, What have you done with your thirty pieces of silver?

Well put, Governor Richardson. Very well put! I really love the clean yet strong push from the DNC with the truth- Strong yet uncompromising. I love it!

Just remember the Ben Franklin quote: Those who give a little bit of liberty for a little bit of security will get neither and don't deserve either (apologies to Ben Franklin for the incorrect quotation). We were set up as country of laws, and we need to stick to them.

Well said. What do they think the Supreme Court stands for?

So... he criticizes the Clinton administration for its energy policies... that he himself engineered when he was the Energy Secretary... blind-sight is 0/0. But that's today's politician for you. Always finding somebody ELSE to blame instead of taking a long hard look in the mirror.

I really wouldn't terribly mind if Richardson was VP. He cares, always has and has the 'right' kind of experience not the bush/cheyney/mcwar type of experience.