Secretary of Character

On Wednesday, President-Elect Obama announced Bill Richardson (Secretary of Commerce). “With his breadth and depth of experience in public life, Governor Richardson is uniquely suited for this role as a leading economic diplomat for America,” said Obama. “He has seen from just about every angle what makes our economy work and what keeps it from working better. He will be an unyielding advocate for American business and American jobs, at home and around the world. I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”

From 1983-1997, Richardson was a United States Representative. From 1997-1998, he served as United Nations Ambassador. From 1998-2001, he served as Secretary of Energy. From 2003-2008, he was a Governor. “There is a vital role for the Department of Commerce in our economic recovery,” said Richardson. “The unique strengths of the department and its talented public servants make it the natural agency to serve as the programmatic nerve center in America’s struggle to rejuvenate our economy. America will once again be at the forefront of innovation, especially in the new frontier of energy independence and clean energy jobs, and we will restore our position of respect in the world.”

Richardson’s nomination is both practical and visual. He is articulate. However, his charisma is more valuable. In a crisis, performance and personality are equally vital.