I was at an SEIU conference today, mainly to see how the leading Democratic candidates--Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards--would do in front of the influential union group. All were scheduled to speak to the unionists. Obama gave a rousing address that brought audience members to their feet many times. It was one of the best stump performances of his I've seen. Then came New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. He, too, was warmly welcomed and offered up many serious policy proposals in trying to convince the crowd that he ought to be regarded as a major player. As I listened, I wondered why he has not been taken more seriously as a candidate--a smart, accomplished governor of Latino heritage. Then I found out.

At the end of his speech--after noting all the ways he would defend the Constitution and redress global warming--he waved farewell to the crowd and shouted, "Thank you, AFSCME!"

AFSCME? Wrong union, governor. He left and the audience repeatedly shouted, "S-E-I-U!" A polite reminder.

Posted by David Corn at September 17, 2007 03:43 PM