It was not the Bush administration that drew the bulk of Bill Richardson’s ire when he appeared at the Seacoast Media Building in Portsmouth last week. Nor was it Richardson’s Democratic rivals for the party nomination. Instead, the New Mexico governor aimed his sharpest rebukes at the Democratic Congress, calling it a “weak, baby, wimpy Congress.”

Appearing at the Seacoast Media Building on Thursday, Nov. 8, Richardson repeatedly scolded Congress for dragging its feet on a number of important issues, including the war in Iraq, energy efficiency and government policy regarding torture and spying. Although he was among those who campaigned hard for a Democratic majority in 2006, Richardson called Congress “inert” and accused its members of allowing the president to have his way.

Richardson, the fourth presidential candidate to visit Seacoast Media this year, had been invited to participate in an hour-long discussion about energy policy. But, the self-proclaimed underdog took advantage of the opportunity to address a variety of other issues, including the war in Iraq and the threat of war with Iran. He accepted questions long after he was advised to wrap things up, fighting for every vote in a state where he is ranked well behind the trio of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards.

“I’m at 13 percent. I’ve gotta go up,” he joked.

During a brief opening spiel, Richardson outlined his plan to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 50 percent by the year 2020. He cited three main steps toward achieving that goal, starting with increased fuel efficiency in motor vehicles. All cars and light trucks should get at least 50 miles per gallon, he said, and the manufacture of electric plug-in hybrids that can get up to 100 miles per gallon should be increased.

Richardson’s proposed second step involved getting more utility companies to use renewable resources to produce electricity. By 2020, 30 percent of the nation’s power should come from sources like solar, wind, biomass and bio-fuel, he said. Congress, he contended, has failed to push such initiatives because its members are afraid of special interests in the oil, coal and nuclear industries.

Finally, the nation must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions with strict mandates, Richardson said. One of his first actions, if elected, would be to strengthen the Kyoto Treaty and sign up the United States—then convince India and China to do the same.

“We need a dramatic reduction, by the year 2040, of 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions,” Richardson said.
The governor, who previously served as Secretary of the Department of Energy, listed a number of benefits of increasing energy efficiency and turning to renewable sources, including protecting the environment, creating jobs, reducing the trade deficit and lowering prices for home heating. About $300 billion are spent annually safeguarding transportation routes for oil carriers, he said, and current fuel prices will spell trouble for middle class people struggling to heat their homes this winter.
Richardson encouraged individuals to make personal efforts to improve energy efficiency, like using public transportation and alternative energy sources. He said the government must work with local communities to combat global warming.

“Al Gore’s been right. I just hope he stays out of this race,” Richardson quipped.

Asked about the prohibitive price of wind turbines and photovoltaic solar panels, Richardson said the federal government should create tax incentives for citizens and businesses to go green.

“There’s nothing wrong with rewarding companies that do the right thing,” he said.

At home in New Mexico, Richardson said he uses energy efficient light bulbs in the governor’s mansion and drives a hybrid car. But, he confessed that he could do more to conserve energy, noting he sometimes charters a plane to travel on the campaign trail.

“I don’t do enough. We all don’t do enough,” he said.

Asked about his stance on nuclear energy, Richardson said he is “not a fan.” Although nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases, Richardson noted that scientists still do not know how to safely dispose of the waste it produces.
“I think the future of energy in America should be toward renewable. I believe that oil, nuclear and coal have gotten too many subsidies, too many benefits,” he said. “I would shift away from the preferences it has today.”

Although the forum was focused on energy policy, several audience members had their minds on other things. At least two people asked Richardson what he would do if President Bush goes to war with Iran before his term expires.

“I would pray,” Richardson said, adding that he does not believe the Bush administration will bomb Iran. “I would do everything I can as a citizen and a candidate to stop them,” he said.

Richardson repeatedly stressed that he would use diplomacy to diffuse tensions with Iran and withdraw troops from Iraq while leaving the nation stable. Hinting at other topics, he said he would eliminate “No Child Left Behind” and reduce the nation’s stockpile of nuclear weapons.

Seacoast Media has extended an open invitation to all major presidential candidates from both parties to hold public forums at the building, although only Democrats have responded so far. Richardson’s appearance followed prior visits from Obama, Clinton and Edwards, each of whom focused on different issues.

Although he is still not considered a “front-runner,” Richardson has steadily gained steam in New Hampshire, vaulting ahead of “second tier” candidates like Joe Biden, Christopher Dodd, Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel. He noted that the 2008 election could result in the nation’s first ever African American, female or Hispanic president. (Richardson, whose mother was Mexican, admitted he has a preference.)

Proving to be a charismatic candidate, Richardson dropped several jokes during the forum, and he delivered a lighthearted self-endorsement before departing.

“New Hampshire likes underdogs, and here’s a perfect underdog,” he said.