APPOINTMENTS

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 1:42 PM

Obama Selects Richardson As America's Economic Ambassador

By MARY GILBERT

Naming Bill Richardson as his pick for Commerce secretary today, President-elect Barack Obama emphasized the New Mexico governor's "breadth and depth of experience," particularly on the international front, and labeled him America's new "economic diplomat."

Richardson, who previously served in Congress, as well as state government, would be serving in his third Cabinet-level position. He was appointed ambassador to the United Nations by President Clinton in 1997 and a year later became secretary of Energy. With such varied responsibilities, "Bill has seen from just about every angle what makes our economy work and what keeps it from working better," Obama said of his nominee at a press conference in Chicago.

Obama highlighted Richardson's accomplishments in New Mexico, where under his supervision the state created 80,000 new jobs and kept unemployment to its lowest level in decades. But Obama particularly stressed Richardson's international perspective and "stature." He possesses a "deep understanding of today's global economy," Obama asserted, and understands that economic prosperity at home requires that "citizens of the world respect America's leadership" in the global economy.

Obama spoke of his former presidential rival's unique political style, joking that "during his 2002 campaign for governor, he actually broke a world record by shaking nearly 14,000 hands in just eight hours." But ultimately, Richardson is someone "who shares my values," the president-elect said, and will measure progress "the same way I do."

A newly beardless Richardson took the podium to thank his constituents and family, in both English and Spanish, and to express his appreciation of having the "great honor to serve once again a president who recognizes that America's diverse heritage is its greatest strength." He explained that the Commerce Department's mission exactly mirrors Obama's goals for his economic recovery plan -- job creation, particularly green jobs, sustainable economic growth and investment in new technologies -- and both he and Obama insisted that Commerce will play a vital role in getting the economy going again.

Diversity has been a hot topic surrounding Obama's Cabinet appointments. Asked by a reporter whether Hispanics like Richardson will play enough of a role in his Cabinet, Obama responded that when he is finished selecting both his Cabinet and his White House staff, he is confident that Americans will see "one of the most diverse administrations" in history. But he maintained that he will make individual picks based on who is most qualified for the post, noting that he sees no contradiction between diversity and excellence.

On the topics of the Troubled Assets Relief Program and auto industry bailout, Obama was non-committal, saying that his economic team is staying on top of everything that is being done by the current administration and on Capitol Hill, but that he is waiting to see more from both auto executives and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson before he makes any further decisions.