Me da pena. Really, I feel bad that Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and former presidential candidate, has to defend his decision to endorse Barack Obama. But after Dem pundit and Clinton pal, James Carville decided to get all biblical and call Richardson a “Judas” for not endorsing Hillary Clinton, defend himself Richardson did, and quite publicly via a Washington Post opinion piece.

More than anything, to repair the damage done at home and abroad, we must unite as a country. I endorsed Sen. Obama because I believe he has the judgment, temperament and background to bridge our divisions as a nation and make America strong at home and respected in the world again.

This was a difficult, even painful, decision. My affection and respect for the Clintons run deep. I do indeed owe President Clinton for the extraordinary opportunities he gave me to serve him and this country. And nobody worked harder for him or served him more loyally, during some very difficult times, than I did.

Carville and others say that I owe President Clinton’s wife my endorsement because he gave me two jobs. Would someone who worked for Carville then owe his wife, Mary Matalin, similar loyalty in her professional pursuits? Do the people now attacking me recall that I ran for president, albeit unsuccessfully, against Sen. Clinton? Was that also an act of disloyalty?

This is a classic case of politicians trying to punish a politico of color for not “knowing his place”.

Read Richardson’s entire explanation.

Image Via / Radar