DEM Smackdown

In this corner we have the former governor of New Mexico, former U.S. Representative, lawyer, Roman Catholic, and possessor of a MAGNIFICENT beard, William Blaine Richardson III.

And in this corner, the former presidential campaign strategist, host of CNN's now-defunct Crossfire, lover of GOP dames, the Rajun' Cajun, James Carville.

Now, why you may ask are these two men going at it? Aren't democrats supposed to be lovers, not fighters?

Richardson endorsed Obama earlier this week rather than Clinton, even though Bill

Clinton appointed him to two senior positions in his presidential cabinet. Coupled with the fact that Richardson is one of the party's more prominent Hispanics, a group that both Clinton and Obama are courting ferociously, and let's just say you might have some hurt feelings coming from the Clinton camp.

But how does 'ole Carville figure into this exactly? He is a friend of the Clinton's and the NY Times does describe him as an "advisor" to their camp (whatever that means—can I consider Clinton and Stacy from TLC's What Not to Wear as my advisors, because god knows I try to adhere to their advice to avoid a tapered pant leg.)

Carville said it was an "act of betrayal," as well as this (in reference to Holy Week):

Mr. Richardson's endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic.

Methinks Carville's media star needed a bit of a polish?

Richardson for his part credited Obama's recent speech about race for solidifying his decision. 

In other news of testiness on the Clinton front, first daughter Chelsea gave the succinct smackdown to a questioner on the campus of Butler University. The person asked about did Monica Lewinsky hurt her mother's credibility. Chelsea's reply, "I do not think that is any of your business."