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
- Before he represented Trump, defense attorney speculated Stormy Daniels saga was true and payment could be seen as an in-kind campaign contribution
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Untitled
- Parlatore testified to grand jury in Mar-a-Lago classified docs probe in December
- The new cold war in Americans' pockets
- Biden kicks off 'Invest in America' tour next week
Richardson is a fraud, and a failed candidate. His state voted for HIllary and yet as a super delegate he is voting for Obama. i guess the will of the people only matters if it falls on the side of t Obama. What a huge hypocrite this man is.
Hillary 08
Of course he won't...in public. You'd have to be blind to not see Richardson's true motivation for supporting Obama...the Vice-Presidency. He is so transparent.
CNN, please post my comment...you know I'm right!
That skin head guy makes me sick.
God save us from such of blind people.
James Carville a nothing but a low-down southern scumbag.
Cant wait till your next election. What is a man without his word and loyalty....i rest my case. ........HILLARY 08!!!
James Carville is an example of what's wrong with politics of today.
You should support mexicans who support Hillary,you are so messed up ,your endorsement came too late.
Richardson a/k/a Judas.
Hillary 08
Of course it doesn't mean Richardson would be in lockstep with the Clintons - or the country. Richardson will only ever be in lockstep with what will serve himself and his own political career the best...just like any other politician in America - including Obama, McCain and the Clintons.
Bill you're old news, and you will never outlive your nickname Judas.
Takes guts to think for yourself, politcally. Am I a Judas if I don't remain in the party of my parents?
I am glad I can disagree on some point with my parents while we have more love than ever.
Richardson how about loyalty to someone who put you on the map – Clintons.
richardson is such a phoney....he did this to get a job of some kind from obama if he should become the nominee!!!!!!won't he get a suprise when the nominee is hilary!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richardson betrayed the will of the people of NM by endorsing Obama! Didn't Hillary win there!?
Why is this the only time I've seen a flag pin in Obamas lapel?
Mr. Richardson would stoop on Mr. Carville's level because Mr.
Carville is more credible and straight forward. The big difference between these two men is LOYALTY!
Richardson just want to be Obama vp
In my humble openion he has stooped about as low as he can get! I sure hope he gets something pretty good to betray his friends for political purposes.
Bill Richardson should stop complaining about this. He should not bring Bill Clinton's name into this. Bill Clinton didn't say anything publicly about his endorsement. Bill Richardson is becoming very annoying.
The comment by Carville just reinforces what a lot of people already believe about the Clintons. You either march to their beat or they will trash you. They are all about retribution.
I think Gov. Richardson endorsement smacks of opportunisim. He clearly wants to be VP.
In Carville's mind is Bill or Hillary to Jesus?
He already did stoop to his level. Just like most Obama supporters. Pretend not to be doing what the other guy is. Typical.
Let's just turn the page.