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Last Updated: March 15, 2008 - 3:24 PM
Richardson’s online friends have a lot to say.
Blame Howard Dean.
It was, after all, the pugnacious former Vermont governor who harnessed the power of the Internet to transform Al Gore’s invention into The Next President’s campaign weapon.
Richardson’s MySpace buddies include all types. (Photo by Nathan Dinsdale.) |
Now everyone and their Obama is using the Web to reach out to youthful, tech-savvy voters. In a tip of the cap to the power of the Internet, all the major Democratic candidates for the 2008 presidency have their own MySpace pages.
Bill Richardson’s campaign staff launched his official page on the popular networking site soon after the governor unveiled his exploratory committee in late January. Since then, Richardson has added more than 660 “friends” (with screen names ranging from “Crazycatlady” to “Everybody’s Favorite Jew”) at press time. His tally pales in comparison with Hillary Clinton (23,000) and Barack Obama (43,000), but the governor is still outpacing the likes of Joseph Biden (515) and Christopher Dodd (170).
But the coupling of spit-polished politicians and the unwashed masses often makes for strange (and hilarious) bedfellows. For instance, one of Richardson’s Top Friends is “Querida Birthday Gurl,” whose photos include one in which a woman—presumably the birthday gurl—chugs straight from a liquor bottle.
That’s what we call sweet, sweet democracy in action. Here’s a taste of what’s on the minds of the electorate, culled directly from the comments posted on Richardson’s MySpace page:
“We’re excited to see you in the race Bill. From Pleasant Grove, UT we say: Si se puede, si se puede!” —Posted by Still Kisses With Saliva, 11:10 pm Jan. 22.
“I’ve accurately predicted the outcome of every presidential election since 1992, and if it helps, i predicted in 2003 that you would be our country’s president in 2008.” —Toddwalla, 1:55 am Jan. 23.
“Good luck from Ohio! And may the force be with you!”—Alex (whose profile photo is Darth Vader), 2:33 pm Jan. 23.
“YOU IS THE GREAT CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE USA
COMPTON CALI HAS YOUR BACK.” —!Jose!, 10:30 pm Jan. 23.
“Sir, you have my full support (and I hope you can use the ten bucks I donated as well!). I should totally be in your Top 8, though!” —Randy, 12:30 pm Jan. 24.
“Pro-Choice AND an A rating from the NRA? I like the sound of that!” —Kevin, 8:40 pm Jan. 25.
“I like you, but I usually lean toward Republican (except for Ike Skelton). I hope you can convince me you’re the right guy. Cheryl in Missouri.” —Cheryl, 4:36 pm Jan. 26.
“Im turning 18 really soon. I live in NH, And im totally voting for you. Me and all my friends think your the best choice over Obama, Clinton, Edwards and those others. You defidently got a good shot right here in NH. Can’t wait to volunteer. GOOD LUCK!” —**Destiny**, 9:58 am Jan 31.
“Are you familiar with The Wild Friends group?” —Bubba, 6:14 pm Jan. 31.
“Bill for PREZ!!!!! I’m going to spread the word like wild fire!” —I Believe in Aliens, 5:07 pm Feb. 1.
“I’m glad you made it to the George Strait concert in Las Cruces. I’d like to apologize on behalf of the city of Las Cruces for the boos you heard when they announced your presence. It was most likely the El Pasoans that are too ignorant to know that you’re on their side. Also thanks for coming to Grahams Central Station and partying it up with your Las Cruces supporters.” —Steven Joseph Torrez, 6:20 pm Feb. 3.
“What is your favorite color?” —Bread Boy, 1:03 pm Feb. 11.
© Copyright 2000-2008 by the Santa Fe Reporter
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