Two former presidential candidates spar over Clinton v. Warren
(CNN) - In the hypothetical battle of Elizabeth Warren vs. Hillary Clinton in 2016, one former Clinton opponent is putting his money on the former secretary of the state, but not without caveats.
On Wednesday’s “Crossfire,” 52% of viewers who responded to the show’s fireback question said they believe Warren could beat Clinton in a Democratic primary. Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who ran against Clinton (and Obama) in 2008 in the Democratic presidential primary, disagreed.
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“I think they’re wrong. I think Hillary would win,” he said. “But (Hillary’s) biggest enemy…would be the inevitability factor. I hope she has some opposition, it can’t be a coronation.”
Richardson, who’s made clear that he’s not a member of the “Ready for Hillary” camp himself, noted that Warren has advantages over Clinton, beyond just the inevitability factor.
“If you’re contemplating a run against her, she is a centrist. So somebody like Elizabeth Warren, I don’t think she could beat her, but could mount a very strong campaign on this income inequality issue and especially in the early primaries,” Richardson said.
Still, despite his somewhat chilly relationship with the Clintons, Richardson says he thinks Hillary would be a strong candidate.
“I have had differences with Secretary Clinton because I endorsed Obama,” Richardson said. “I’m not in the suck up camp. I do recognize that she is formidable.”
Warren, a first-term senator from Massachusetts, has a large following among the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. She insists she’s not running for president but that hasn’t stopped outside groups from forming to support a potential campaign. Clinton, on the other hand, has said she will make a decision on a White House run early next year.
Former Minnesota governor and 2012 GOP presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty outlined a split among the financial community's support for a prospective Clinton or Warren candidacy and the Republican nominee.
Pawlenty, who now serves as chairman of the Financial Services Roundtable, suggested a lack of political consensus among the traditionally Republican-friendly Wall Street community, saying "If you took a poll, you'd probably have a split. Some are Republican, some are Democrat."
But, Pawlenty added, the populist Sen. Warren would not be popular among bankers.
"Probably not many with Elizabeth Warren,” he said.
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Yes, I would Warren, Hilary need to step back groom her daughter, Warren brings a bit freshness
Can you believe these two ? I can .
Aw, Humm,
I remember the contest between Goldwater and Johnson. One guy exclaimed: It is like deciding between Leprosy and Cancer. Which one do you choose. Hillary has enough Baggage to gag a Freight Train. Elizabeth has all the intelligence of a Pet Rock.
Yes we still have these two saying women cant do this or do that ? What a bad rep for a woman these days ? Its a lie 100 % and we know it lay off .
The progressive way. Lie,cheat,steal. the end justifies the means. Yikes
Elizabeth Warren would make a better president of the United States , better for the American people and not for banks and investment corporations .
Yet , 2016 is Hillary's year , she will win hands down , Clinton dynasty .
I think Hillary will grab the Democratic nomination easily – if she decides to run – but a Clinton/Warren ticket would be amazing in November 2016. Such a ticket would win easily.
The second the gop considers her a viable candidate, you'll see them attack her like a rabid dog. Just vote forthe democrat, the gop will hand your check, right back to your boss.
Pawlenty added, the populist Sen. Warren would not be popular among bankers. "Probably not many with Elizabeth Warren,” he said.
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I'd take that discontent as a sign that Warren hasn't been kissing their ring fingers, and continues to refuse to do do.
Pawlenty added, the populist Sen. Warren would not be popular among bankers. "Probably not many with Elizabeth Warren,” he said.
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All the more reason to vote for her!
Warren has a long way to go before becoming a recognizable name to most voters. There isn't much time for her to introduce and sell her populist message to centrist Democrats. Of course the same was said of Obama before the 2008 election.