Richardson's Day: "A Leading Economic Diplomat For America"
Pres.-elect Barack Obama named NM Gov. Bill Richardson as his Commerce Secretary this morning, saying the former UN Ambassador and Energy Secretary will be the "leading economic diplomat for America."
Obama emphasized that Richardson, who is widely believed to have preferred the Secretary of State job given to Hillary Clinton, has the "international stature and a deep understanding of today's global economy" to help the nation emerge from a deepening recession. Richardson's success will be gauged, Obama said, on how he helps create jobs, grow incomes and advocates for American goods around the globe.
"Bill Richardson has been selected because he is the best person for the job," Obama said in response to a reporter's question about whether the Commerce appointment is a consolation prize for the State Department.
The only Hispanic to be named so far to Obama's Cabinet, Richardson said Obama's team does not represent a team of rivals, as some have suggested.
"Past competitors, yes, but rivals implies something harder-edged and less forgiving," Richardson said. "... You open markets and minds not with rivalry but instead with partnership and innovation and hard work."
Richardson, who gave a portion of his brief acceptance speech in Spanish, said Commerce will serve "as the programmatic nerve center" for plans to rejuvenate the nation's economy. He said he will work ensure the nation is at the forefront of innovation around the globe, especially in the areas of energy independence and new technologies.
"Boosting commerce between states and nations is not just a path to solvency and growth, it's the only path," he said.
Richardson also said he is grateful the nation has a new president "who recognizes that America's diverse heritage is its greatest strength."
Obama urged patience to those in the Hispanic community who have expressed concern that Richardson is the only Latino appointed thus far to the Cabinet. He said he has only named half of his top advisers. News reports today suggest that Rep. Xavier Becerra is in the mix, if not the leading contender, to be the nation's top trade representative.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
I thought he would get the Secretary of State job. I felt he deserved it. He was one of the first to lend his support to O'bama. Ah, Politics..
This is another great and special selection and may preclude to a "Secretary of Peace" department should that happen any time soon as it should.
Ahmmmm anyway he is a great statesman and diplomat and will contribute greatly to President Elect Obama's cabinet.