Richardson: 'I'm not going to stoop to Carville's level'
Richardson recently endorsed Obama despite his longstanding ties to the Clintons.
(Photo credit: AP)
(CNN) - Barack Obama supporter Gov. Bill Richardson, D-New Mexico, responded on Sunday to controversial comments by James Carville, saying that he would not "stoop to Carville's level."
Carville, a Hillary Clinton supporter and former strategist for her husband's 1992 presidential campaign, compared Richardson to the Biblical figure Judas in an interview with the New York Times last week. When later asked whether his comment was accurate, Carville made no attempt to apologize, saying that it had "the desired effect."
"I haven't gotten into the gutter on this. And you know, I'm not going to stoop to Carville's level. I barely know the guy in the first place," Richardson told Bob Scheiffer on CBS's "Face the Nation."
Carville had argued that Richardson's endorsement of the Illinois senator was an act of betrayal since the governor has a long history of political ties with her husband. Richardson disagreed.
"I think loyalty to the nation, loyalty to the party is a lot more important than personal loyalty," he said. "I owe the Clintons a lot. I served in the president's cabinet. That loyalty is to President Clinton. That doesn't mean that I'm going to for the rest of my life be in lockstep with whatever they do."
Though Richardson did not personally attack the Democratic strategist, he criticized the Clinton campaign's behavior.
"I ran against Senator Clinton. I was a presidential candidate. And what I ran against this personal venom that people like Carville and many others in the Clinton team that feel a sense of entitlement, that the presidency is theirs. "
On CNN's Late Edition, Carville acknowledged that his comment was harsh, but said that these kind of campaign spats are "powder puff stuff" compared to the general election.
"I don't think this campaign has been particularly negative. I've probably said the most negative thing in the whole campaign," he told Wolf Blitzer.
–CNN's Peter Lanier
From CNN Politics
- In 2024, Republicans may complete a historic foreign policy reversal
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Blinken subpoenaed by top Republican investigating Biden administration withdrawal from Afghanistan
- Inside the backchannel communications keeping Donald Trump in the loop on Republican investigations
- McCarthy sends letter to Biden urging more robust negotiations on the debt ceiling
- Untitled
Doesn't he mean climb to his level?
Carville is repugnant, morally, intellectually and physically. He should be playing in some horror movie, he would make a fortune.
Judas, Benedict Arnold, Bill Richardson are all examples of disloyal people. They represent the ultimate human zeroes. Wouldnt want tocount either of them as backers.
I tend to agree with Carville
Good for you Bill Richardson.
Bill who? He can never get up to James level. He is a Judas.
Gov. Bill Richardson has proved that he pays more importance to naional interest than personal interests ( which many poiliticians lack). He is a true American
This shows great character, something Carville lacks.
Well said Gov. Richardson ! That is exactly the kind of politics don't want in this election.. Go America, Make the Change !
Carville E.T. is calling you home...
Bill Richardson is a liar as everyone knows. He would have to go up to reach Carville's level not down. I am really surprised that Obama would want an endorsement from Richardson.
I agree with James Carville. I think Bill Richardson knows that what he did was an act of betrayal. I have lost so much respect for him.
Oh please Mr. Richardson, you jumped right into the gutter the moment Carville said anything. I had enormous respect for you prior to your "endorsement". Not any longer tho.
Why CNN always show all the clinton's family. We also want to see Obama's wife and Mc Cain wife.Clinton is not the only one who have spouse or child campaining. We want fairness
Sybil
Good for Richardson. By not getting in the gutter regarding Carville remarks leaves Carville in the gutter by himself.
Because you know the guy was correct. JUDAS!!
Good for you Bill! The Clinton's and their posse are divisive, negative and of the old guard. Carville needs to shut up and retire, just like Hillary and McCain!
Bravo....Bravo!!!
He would do anything to become vice-president! Hillary won his state so he should be giving his support to her.
Carville was only telling the truth and I am sure Richardson know it was the truth, keep the truth coming Carville.
This is old, old, old .... boring news.
Couldn't find anything else pro-Obama to write about today?
I dont think Obama looks to happy! Cnn would you please post that Hillarys favorable ratings are at 58, why is the media being so bias?
Richardson can not go any lower.
Or maybe he can .
We will see.
Carville called it as he knew it to be.
I am glad he did.
Richardson has zero credibilty.
Who cares about Richardson anyway. I don't see why we are giving him so much attention. Let's move on. Go Hillary!!!!
Latinos for Hillary!!!!!
Richardson is an opportunist...end of story.