Bill Richardson Raises Eyebrows With Talk of James Baker
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson raised some eyebrows on Wednesday when he mentioned former Secretary of State James Baker as a possible pick for Middle East Envoy if he were elected president.
“I could see myself sending former Secretary of State James Baker if I were president,” Richardson told reporters, saying he would pursue bipartisanship.
Richardson was answering questions after speaking at a National Jewish Democrat Council forum of candidates. During his speech, Richardson said he would send envoys to trouble spots even before he was inaugurated.
For those who need reminding … running in 2004, John Kerry found himself backpedaling after mentioning Baker and former President Jimmy Carter, each of whom has been famously critical of Israel, as potential envoys.
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and the protests on college campuses.
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
Make a gift of any size and become a Forward member today. You’ll support our mission to tell the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
Join our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.