Richardson on Clinton: A ‘Permanent Fissure’

By Michael Falcone
NYT

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and former President Bill Clinton used to be close. Mr. Clinton tapped him to be both ambassador to the United Nations and the secretary of energy during the former president’s second term.

And when times got tough for Mr. Clinton (see: Lewinsky, Monica and impeachment), Mr. Richardson stood by him.

That’s what friends are for.

But after Mr. Richardson decided to endorse Senator Barack Obama rather than Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton during the Democratic primary this year, the two old friends quickly became, well, “frienemies.” And in an interview on National Public Radio on Thursday, Mr. Richardson indicated that they have not been able to repair the rift.

Here’s what the New Mexico Democrat told NPR’s Renee Montagne:

“Have I heard from President Clinton? No. It could be a pretty much a permanent fissure. But that’s politics, that’s O.K. I did what I thought was best for the country. I’m still very fond of the Clintons. I’ve reconciled with her, but with him, he wants to keep a grudge, that’s fine with me. I move on. I’m governor of New Mexico, I’m happy where I am.”

Ouch.

(Continued here.)