Richardson: 'Biden would run' regardless of Hillary Clinton's plans
(CNN) – If former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton decides to run for president in 2016, her White House bid would clear the Democratic primary field, some pundits argue, making it difficult for any other candidates to stand a chance.
But former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson doubts that would be the case and argued that Vice President Joe Biden, another potential contender, would not defer to Clinton.
"I think he would run. Hillary Clinton would be formidable, no question about it. But I've known Biden over the years. He is somebody who's always wanted to be present," Richardson, a Democrat who ran for president in 2008, said on ABC's "This Week."
Richardson pointed to Biden's recent stops, which include a speaking engagement Friday night in South Carolina, the first-in-the-South primary state.
"I think there could be a face-off, but obviously Secretary Clinton is a formidable candidate who not only is appealing to the Democratic base but is appealing to a Republican base who acknowledges the great work she did as secretary of state," Richardson said.
Former South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, a conservative Republican who resigned from the Senate to lead The Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank, disagreed that Clinton would receive support from many Republicans.
"She represents a third term of continuing in the same direction," he said on the same program. "I think Republicans don't need to focus on who's running right now, but what are the ideas that can inspire the American people."
Two national polls last week indicated Clinton would have a strong lead in the Democratic primary – more than 60% - with Biden coming in at a distant second at around 12% to 13%. One of the polls, a Quinnipiac University poll, surveyed the field without Clinton in the picture. In such a scenario, Biden jumps up to 45%, with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at 15%.
Democratic strategist James Carville, who recently signed on to help a pro-Clinton super PAC, said he's "not seen one Democrat in the country that does not want her to run."
As for the Republican primary, Carville threw out a relatively new name in national politics: Sen. Ted Cruz, a freshman from Texas who seems to have presidential aspirations. The conservative Republican gave a speech less than 2 miles from Biden's appearance Friday night in South Carolina, stoking further 2016 speculation.
"This guy is something," Carville said. "I don't agree with him; I think he's out there. But I'm telling you, he's more talented than all of these other guys."
From CNN Politics
- Wall Street Journal: Third female former staffer accuses New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of inappropriate conduct March 7, 2021 05:22 am
- With Covid relief and stimulus checks in sight, Biden asks for faith in US democracy March 7, 2021 05:05 am
- How Democrats miscalculated Manchin and later won him back March 7, 2021 02:06 am
- Trump says he'll campaign against Murkowski in Alaska next year March 7, 2021 01:39 am
- Trump wants top Republican fundraising organizations to stop using his likeness March 7, 2021 12:10 am
- Biden administration expected to form task force to deal with Microsoft hack linked to China March 7, 2021 12:04 am
Bill Richardson is acting like an idiot–is this internal politics?? Nonsense. Four years is long way. Quit. Act like a normal man. Now this nation is on right track.
Ha Ha Ha.
Poor Biden doesn't know his place in the Dem pecking order. Get ready for the whole Mideast mess to get dumped on him. Poor sod probably doesn't even see it coming.
No thanks vote support for clinton hillary why biden was slaughter what happened about benizhina lybia
I'd support either Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton. Both are magnificent Americans! I can't see any way I'd be tempted to vote for a Republican. The GOP seems to be nothing more than intolerant bigots funded by corporate fat-cats.
Hillary will run!!!!
That's my friend is how the GOP could win.
I hope Biden and Clinton work it out before the money game starts .
Why not a Clinton / Kerry ticket and make Biden secretary of state ?
God help us.
Biden or Clinton either one is more of the same policies. That wouldn't be so bad except those policies are mostly failures. One only needs to look at the growth of the food stamp program or our unemployment rates to see how we'll these policies have worked. We are not creating enough jobs for the kids graduating school much less the millions that have been jobless for the past 4 years. So they are both steps backwards as far as policy goes.
Someone should ask James...what good does talent do ,if one is crazy and misguided!!! Carville would love to see Cruz run ....end of republicans as we know them.
I would love to see this senile buffoon run for president. The entertainment value would be priceless
Hillary Clinton is going to suffer some severe damage when all the Benghazi whistleblowers testify to her incompetence in the State Dept. that resulted in the deaths of 4 Americans, including an American ambassador. Biden is wise to stay in the race.
I personally hope Clinton will be behind bars, serving time, for accessory to murder, on 4 counts.
Hillary is getting scalped over Benghazi CNN where is your coverage?
wow I hope so – even democrats couldn't vote for that guy – he's either drunk all the time or is as clueless as Palin – either way, much easier to beat the Hilary – of course she's telling lies about Benghazi – that won't upset the liberals though.
Uncle Joe and Hillary "Benghazi" Clinton. What a ticket!
I have zero intention of listening to candidates for the next 4 yrs. , no matter who they are. One year is long enough to listen to liars...........and all of them are liars, no matter who they are.
I like joe but we need a new fresh face i think mrs clinton and mrs obama would be great