Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life

Richardson diplomacy gets results. His often self deprecating manner is deceptive, as he is acutely aware of the conflicting considerations that influence the other party. He is not afraid to negotiate with "bad guys", aptly pointing out: "you don't negotiate with your friends." He doesn't give inappropriate ground, believing the U.S. has so much clout that other countries make concessions simply for the opportunity to have a discussion. Richardson's life and work demonstrate the opposite of G. W. Bush's apparent policymaking credo: "When Diplomacy Fails." His characteristic personal touch obtains impressive results with world leaders: nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize (this year he must win, it is long overdue) for extensive peace-work, including the following: Major nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts and accomplishments in the 1990s; 2006 negotiation of the release of Chicago Tribune journalist Paul Salopek and his driver and translator from Sudanese Rebels, and further negotiating for UN Peacemakers to be allowed into Darfur; Complex and delicate efforts in the early 1990s mediating restoration of the elected Haitian President who had been overthrown and exiled by a military dictatorship; 2007 brokerage of a cease-fire in Darfur and Khartoum at the request of the Save Darfur Coalition; release of American Evan Hunziker and the return of two US Army helicopter pilots who had been shot down in 1994 from North Korea; Remains of Corperal Clem Boody turned over to Richardson as a gesture of good will during stalemated negotiations with the Bush Administration: thus he was informally brought into a tense discussion of major consequences at the request of North Korea, where he successfully pressed North Korean leaders to observe the 60 day deadline called for in the Initial Actions agreement to shut down and seal the Yongbyon nuclear reactor and urged Kim Gye Gwan not to abandon the six-party talks, suggesting they bring in U.N. inspectors to demonstrate their commitment. Richardson's "informal" influence in this case may have averted war. Richardson, a creative, often right-brained thinker, is not bound by imaginary barriers of that which has been done before. He has also demonstrated the necessary discipline to buckle down with dogged determination and accomplish the unlikely, baffling those around him who believed it could not be done... particularly not by a Hispanic. He wrote this book shortly before announcing his quest for the presidency, and the book has been summarily dismissed by some reviewers as a transparent ploy to explain himself on the eve of his candidacy. I am appreciative of his transparency, a trait not shared by many politicians. He lost the race but gained my respect as one of the few U.S. politicians honest enough to reveal his shortcomings along with his strengths. Bill Richardson is exactly the man he represents himself to be, and through his journey we learn the real truth of wha

How very fortunate this country is at this time in our history to have someone of this magnitude and calibur seeking the Presidency. His experience and different way of thinking allow hope for a better tomorrow for the US and the world. Good luck to you, Sir. Good luck to us all that you lead us all into a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow.

This is an intriguing autobiographical account of a charismatic politician of our times. The title is very cleverly chosen; it could well describe his super role as a negotiator par excellence that has taken him to countries that are worlds apart - Castro's Cuba, Saddam Hussein's Iraq, or Kim Jong II's North Korea, amongst others. It is also an introspective description of being caught between worlds in his own multicultural heritage. Born in Pasadena, California, of an American businessman father and a Mexican mother, he grew up in Mexico City, went to a private high school at Middlesex in Massachusetts followed by college at his father's alma mater: Tufts University, outside Boston. As a child, he eventually triumphed over the struggle of being a gringo in Mexico City and a pancho in Middlesex with the power of his baseball talent. As an adult, he continues to triumph with the power of his personal charisma and political suaveness. Out of these remarkable experiences come the Richardson's rules of negotiations, and perhaps life, that are peppered in the narrative, and summarized again at the end of the book. He has served as eight-term congressman for his adopted state of New Mexico, as our ambassador to the United Nations, and in cabinet posts in the Clinton administration (as Energy Secretary). His father was a Republican, a fan and a friend of President Eisenhower, but he himself has evolved to be a star in the Democratic Party. He currently serves as the popular (Democratic) Governor of New Mexico. Mexico has awarded him with the Aztec Eagle Award, the highest award given to a foreigner and he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times. Our global world village is rapidly shrinking but often still sadly warring, only sometimes with nuclear ramifications. We will increasingly need statesmen of this caliber and this vision, and the book leaves you with the impression that Richardson certainly has the intense desire, the committed passion, the tolerant stomach, the immense energy and the demonstrated talent to build these bridges, and decipher these different ideologies - across party lines, national boundaries or continental divides. Call it handshake or bear-hug diplomacy! The book is extremely well written, and as it shuttles us across the globe on his different missions, it describes in adequate detail as to capture the purpose, the drama and the history of the event, without getting too technical or complicated. Richardson carefully avoids addressing the question of his widely rumored bid (as of December 2005) for the Presidency in 2008, as the first Hispanic-American for that office. If he decides to run, the book will certainly be ready for more chapters. But the current version of Between Worlds is already very enjoyable reading. As it takes us behind some of the headline events of our times, it provides some interesting insight into the making and thinking of a rising, fascinating and super-charged American politic

It is no secret that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is looking to run for the Democratic Presidential Nomination in 2008. When you read his memoir "Between Worlds: The Making of An American Life," you understand the drive, commitment and experience that makes this public servant a top contender for the nation's top job. The book traces the journey of the son of an American father and Mexican mother, from his childhood in Mexico to Capitol Hill, the United Nations and the Governor's mansion. There probably hasn't been a more qualified Presidential candidate since George Bush the first. The book is peppered with "Richardson's Rules" which are helpful points for negotiating. Who better to get advice from than someone who has negotiated with the likes of Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro--and came out on top? This is a worthy read from a great American. Regardless of your political ideology you'll enjoy it!

Very interesting book about a true american story...Those with multicultural backgrounds have something great to offer when it comes to writing. Bill Richardson has had an amazing and experienced life in politics from representative, energy secretary, to governor of New Mexico. Now he appears to be aiming for the Presidency or the VP spot...and he definately appears to have the experience for the job. Like Barack Obama, Richardson is a rising star in the Democratic Party.