Richardson: I never promised Clintons
(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.
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Hey no brain Obama supporters,
You need the Clinton's to win in November. Think of that when you're dishing out the hate.
Why vote with these hating Obama supporters?
I did not have sexual relations with that woman!
We were under sniper fire!
Five times to my face he said that!
Is it just me or is there another pattern starting here?
It's interesting how people only see the things that support their own idea's. I WILL vote for Hillary if she wins the nomination even though I'm enthusiastically backing Barack Obama.
I think the sniper fire thing was a pretty blatant lie. I would forgive that in order to have her in the White House as opposed to Bush Jr with his eye towards another 100 years in Iraq, fiscal cluelessness and inability to recognize the difference between Sunnis, Shia and Kurds.
I'm certainly not an "Obamanot" as an earlier Clinton worshipper stated, but I do recognize true character and integrity when I see it and I don't see it in her. I support the feminists, but not when they are blinded by their personal hopes and ambitions.
Bill Richardson has long been in the Clintons circle. My thinking is he knows a lot about them and probably not good things. He is probably sick of their dirty politics also. I agree with him, the Clintons need to get over it. They are not entitled to the White House as they believe. Hillary never saw Obama coming, she thought she would sail through this. I don't know about anyone else, but, I want a President who is prepared for all situations.
If Richardson's endorsement does not matter why is Bill Clinton's face turning red because of it? Why are they trying to smear him for whatever he said or did not say in private?
Hi Im Bill Richardson and I would like more t.v. time
"The Clintons should get over this."
Hey Bill, why would you be upset if he supposedly promised you five times but still pledged for Obama? You and Hillary keep telling everybody that superdelegates can pick anyone they want and still change their minds later after they're pledged. That's what you said, didn't you? "Chill Out" Bill!!
The truth will always prevail, this is a case of who holds the record of being untruthful vs the more upright – and the uprights are supporting Obama
Hey Folks, let it ride. May the best candidate win. It's a free country (last time I checked) to voice your opinions. The he said, she said has to stop in the campaign. Let's get down to the issues, what are these candidates going to do for this country and for you?
Richardson is a good dude with a cool head and demeanor. i hope Mr. Obama remembers him for a cabinet position.
Bill Richardson did the right thing. He didn't let Clinton's manipulate him like they are doing to other superdelegates and voters. He saw what Clintons are about. His endorsment was not for sale. Good for you Mr. Richardson. You did the right thing.
Kerri,
No, Obama is NOT well liked here in the Chicago area. I live in the chicago area as well as he has the reputation of a snake. He's as corrupt as Daley the major and everyone knows it. Where do you think Obama learned his tricks from???
Don't let her sour grapes get to you.
I think you are all missing the really important question. Why does Gov. Richardson have that beard? If President Clinton concreted on that he might find more answers. 🙂
What was your price, Governor??
Hi Richardson Relax ! Don’t worry !if Obama nominee in November Karl Rove will take care of it
this endorsement is not for Obama, it's for himself. he'd sell his own grandmother for his politcal career.
The Clintons do need to get over it. The Clintons need to face the fact that our country wants President OBAMA ! Not President Flip Flop.
Hillary has become a curse to the Democratic Party. Obama please save our country from four more years of the Clintons.
Who cares what Richarson says or does, we Hispanics support Senator Clinton all the way.
If Bill Clinton claims Richardson told him FIVE TIMES he would endorse Hillary, that's good enough for me. After all, Clinton is the only person who knows what the definition of "is" is . . .
I have a general question? What was Obama doing the Clinton years? Specifically what kind of experience was he gaining that would make him President of our country and leader of the World? Does anyone know for sure and factual? I really don't now the man.
. . . .Why wouldn't Bill Richardson endorse Senator Obama? If its
a favor that he's after, as some of you Hillary supporters claim, he'd
better go with Barack. Because Hillary will not be in any position to
grant favors to anyone after Obama wins.
Obama 08
Carville was right.
This guy (not man) is a spineless backstabber and was probably offered a spot in O's office. His constituents voted for Hillary. He should do his job and represent his constituents.
GET OVER YOURSELF RICHARDSON!!!!!!!!!!!