The world lost a diplomatic maven, Bill Richardson, who passed away at the age of 75 on September 2, 2023. A seasoned politician, Richardson devoted his career to serving Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained in hostile countries. Born in California but deeply rooted in New Mexico, Richardson had a colorful and diverse career spanning Congress, state governance, and international diplomacy. He served as New Mexico’s governor from 2003 to 2011, following 14 years in Congress, and was also a United Nations ambassador and Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton. He was a personal hero of mine.
Early Life and Career
Born to an Anglo-American and Mexican father and a Mexican-Spanish mother, Richardson had an international upbringing that would come to shape his diplomatic career. His family lived in Mexico City, but he was born in Pasadena, California, to ensure his American citizenship—a decision that showcased his family’s foresight into his future political career. After a robust educational journey, culminating in a master’s degree in international affairs, Richardson moved to New Mexico. He first ran for Congress in 1980 and, although defeated, won two years later, serving from 1983 until 1997.
A Man of the People
A key highlight of Richardson’s career was his re-election as governor in 2006 by a 68 to 32 percent margin—a record for New Mexico. Though he briefly aimed for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, he couldn’t replicate his home-state popularity on the national stage.
The Master Negotiator
After his gubernatorial term, Richardson embarked on humanitarian missions that displayed his extraordinary diplomatic skills. He freed hostages and American servicemen from hostile countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea. His protocol for negotiation was insightful yet straightforward: carry good pens and know your non-negotiables. Richardson was often candid about his work, once admitting, “I plead guilty to photo ops and getting human beings rescued and improving the lives of human beings.”
Challenges and Legacy
While not every mission was a success—such as his failed attempt to persuade Taliban leaders to hand over Osama bin Laden—his efforts were undeniably noble and courageous. He often engaged in ‘fringe diplomacy,’ opening doors with hostile foreign parties to negotiate the release of detained individuals. This work became the enduring legacy of his rich career, as noted by the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, which he founded.
Personal Life and Contributions
Beyond diplomacy, Richardson was committed to social justice. During his time in Congress, he sponsored several bills focused on Native American rights. As Energy Secretary, his record was mixed, but he did set more efficient energy standards for appliances and oversaw the return of federal land to the Northern Ute tribe of Utah.
Richardson also had a whimsical side. During his first campaign for governor, he set a Guinness World Record by shaking 13,392 hands in eight hours at the New Mexico State Fair, a testament to his charm and the breadth of his personal engagement with people.
RIP
Bill Richardson was more than just a seasoned politician; he was a master negotiator and a champion for human rights. His enduring legacy will not merely be his political achievements but his unrelenting efforts to bring detained Americans back home. In a world fraught with tension and conflict, Richardson was a beacon of hope and practical diplomacy. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to be felt, guiding future generations in the art of negotiation and the value of human life.