Richardson is Hillary Clinton's Judas

An article at today's New York Times, "First a Tense Talk With Clinton, Then Richardson Backs Obama," has a juicy quote from James Carville comparing Governor Bill Richardson to Judas Iscariot.

Here's the passage from the article, which discusses Richardson's relationship to former President Bill Clinton, who elevated the New Mexico Governor's national profile:

Mr. Clinton helped elevate Mr. Richardson to the national stage by naming him his energy secretary and ambassador to the United Nations. And Mr. Clinton left no doubt that he viewed Mr. Richardson’s support as important to his wife’s campaign: He even flew to New Mexico to watch the Super Bowl with Mr. Richardson as part of the Clintons’ high-profile courtship of him.

But Mr. Richardson stopped returning Mr. Clinton’s calls days ago, Mr. Clinton’s aides said. And as of Friday, Mr. Richardson said, he had yet to pick up the phone to tell Mr. Clinton of his decision.

The reaction of some of Mr. Clinton’s allies suggests that might have been a wise decision. “An act of betrayal,” said James Carville, an adviser to Mrs. Clinton and a friend of Mr. Clinton.

“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic,” Mr. Carville said, referring to Holy Week.

Mr. Richardson said he called Mrs. Clinton late on Thursday to inform her that he would be appearing with Mr. Obama on Friday to lend his support.

“It was cordial, but a little heated,” Mr. Richardson said in an interview.

I thought Carville's Judas comparison was a little over-the-top when I first saw it this morning. So I'm not surprised Townhall's picked up on it:

James Carville is quoted in the NYT on Bill Richardson's endorsement of Barack Obama today ...

“Mr. Richardson’s endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic,” Mr. Carville said, referring to Holy Week.

Analogies are dangerous. I understand that he is comparing Richardson to Judas -- but in so doing, is he also comparing Bill Clinton to Jesus?

Regardless, I understand why the Clinton folks are angry. They helped build Richardson's career, after all, and now -- when they need him the most -- Richardson abandons them.

I'm not sure what the lesson to be learned is. It could be that people are fickle and will be loyal to you only when it serves their interest. Or it could be that both Clinton and Richardson are opportunists, and that there's no "honor among thieves."

I'm guessing Obama's sales pitch to former Clinton loyalists like Richardson is that they can either be a part of the future or a part of the past. That might be a seductive message if you are hoping to run for president in the future. ... And my guess is Bill Richardson plans on being the president some day.

The Clinton folks are naive to think that Richardson wouldn't back the likely Democratic nominee. I was unfazed when watching Richardson's endorsement yesterday. He'll get a cabinet position in an Obama administration, that is, if he's passed over for the V.P. nod.

Obama should pass him over, of course.

Of all the candidates this year, and that includes Ron Paul, Richardson was at the bottom of the barrel in sophistication and political appeal.

He's the most anguished man I've ever seen when faced with a tough question, for example, about Iran, Iraq, or the immigration crisis. He's completely indecisive - a total disaster.

It's a wonder he's ever gotten this far in politics.